In It to WIN It!
We did it! We completed the first round of treatment!!
I started writing, “we made it through” and I quickly caught myself as it sounded pretty negative. We didn’t just “make it through” this first round, but we did it with strength and grace and a lot of team effort. You have all been instrumental already in this fight, sending encouraging messages, thoughtful gifts, and checking in on me. I am fully aware that everyone else has life happening as well, and I am grateful every day for each of you and your support!
Previously, I mentioned that the Oxaliplatin infusion gave me a few troubles and we ended up stopping just over halfway through that infusion. Darek and I met with an oncologist, Dr. K., at the clinic on Wednesday (as Dr. L. is on vacation). He was great as well, and we both walked out of that appointment encouraged once again. A common theme at this clinic which is very different from my experience two years ago, is the desire to CURE me from this cancer. I have mentioned before that a cure on this side of Heaven is not always on the horizon for some of us. While I fully trust that my healing is God given, I also take comfort in knowing that there are people here on Earth working diligently to aid in that healing process through modern medicine.
That being said, I continue to eat a plant based diet without added sugar (aside from local Honey and Maple Syrup). Dr. L. encouraged me to continue this as it will aid in my healing. I believe that my diet is certainly helping me feel better physically than some people do. I have noticed a few changes, such as the need to eat frequent, small meals instead of three meals per day. I am sure this is helping me fight off the nausea that commonly occurs alongside chemo. Also, drinking plenty of water throughout the day really does help. My appetite has not been strong, but I am forcing myself to stay true to my usual regimen so I keep my weight up and my body strong to continue fighting.
Okay, for the Wednesday update:
Dr. K. went through my experience from Monday with me and explained to Darek and I that what I experienced was a “reaction” to the Oxaliplatin, not a “side effect.” He likened it to an allergic reaction to penicillin. When a reaction occurs during the infusion it is the body saying it cannot handle or will not tolerate this particular medicine. If it is forced, severe reactions can occur, and with this medicine specifically, tightening of airways. This is what we are trying to avoid. He explained that everybody has side effects from Oxaliplatin, commonly tingling in the hands and feet, extreme sensitivity to all things colder than room temperature, and neuropathy. Booo! This is normal and to be expected as we go along, but with a shorter course of treatment the hope is that they will not become long term side effects. Again, when symptoms manifest during the infusion, that is when it is considered a reaction and can become very dangerous. Okay, that was your science lesson for today! Haha!
Dr. K. proceeded to explain that the combination of Oxaliplatin and 5FU are the best option for curing me, and that is their ultimate goal, which is why we are going to try a different method to accomplish this. (Oh, and side note: He stated that the 5FU infusion is the most important of the two, so it is great that I am tolerating that well.) On Monday, May 23rd, I will go in for round 2. This time it will be a bit different. I will check in at 7:30AM (because I’m a morning person - HAHAHAHA!) and they will give me “pre-meds” before the infusion begins. These pre-meds will likely be the same as last time; Benadryl and Pepcid. I believe I have to let them sit for 20-30 minutes and then the infusion will begin. It will be a very slow infusion over the course of SEVEN hours. The nursing staff will monitor me and stop part way through to give me more pre-meds so we can administer the full treatment. This process is known as desensitization. As long as I do not experience any of the reactions, we will continue this course of treatment all the way through. Once that is completed I will go home with “Bruno” again until Wednesday.
On Wednesday of that week a home health nurse will come to our house and unhook everything from my port. I was told to expect that first visit to take 1-1.5 hours. WOW! I’m not sure if I’m supposed to make them lunch or what, but that seems excessive. We shall see. I know there is always a lot of paperwork involved in the medical field, so that is probably a lot of what we will be doing.
I have been feeling pretty good overall. Tuesday was great, but yesterday was a little rough. I couldn’t seem to break out of the mental fog I was in. I felt too tired to do much at all, but not tired enough to sleep. Mornings are a little slow for me, bordering on feeling tired and a little queasy. I drink water right away when I wake up and proceed to make my morning breakfast (or Darek does this for me). It takes me about two hours to eat my toast and finish my morning tea. Sheesh! Slow and steady wins the race, right. I’m okay with that.
I’m in it to WIN it!
