May 23, 2023
Treatment two was a different experience completely. There would be no PA visit as that happens every other visit. We arrived at the infusion clinic, waited a little less than before, then came port draw, vitals, and settle into semi-private suite.
Our nurse this time was L, a gentle and warm woman who demonstrated generosity beyond what the job description requires. This time, I felt a bit more at ease, I knew what to expect and hoped everything would be as smooth as it was the first time. David and I settled into watching the local TV station, did some online shopping, and I answered some work texts. Another late afternoon appointment turned into a late infusion and we watched the clinic empty out and become comfortably quiet. As my infusion came to an end and it was time to hook up Herbie, my hands began to cramp, intensely. My face began to twitch and as I talked to my nurse about what was happening, my voice quivered so much that it disappeared. And without warning, breakdown number 2 ensued.
I felt the tears well up in my eyes and along with it came an overwhelming stinging and burning across my entire forehead, behind my eyes, and into my sinuses. I let out a strained “ouch” and both L and David sat down next to me as I sobbed. She took my hand and reassured me that everything was okay as through tears I exclaimed “I can’t believe this is happening to me, I can’t believe this is my life.”
I couldn’t stop crying even though I felt like I needed to wrap it up; we were the last patients on the floor and I didn’t want to hold everyone up. My nurse told me to take all the time I needed and did not let me leave until she knew I was ready. Emotionally spent, David, Herbie and I headed for home.
Over the next two days, I alternated between typing gloves and compression gloves. I could barely hold anything thanks to the intense cramping. My husband had to do everything for me that required the use of my hands. Talk to text on my phone was worthless as my voice did not recover until 48 hours later. I noticed that while watching TV, my eyes were shifty and couldn’t focus well.
Vlela Copper Arthritis Compression Gloves: I wore these gloves anytime I was not driving or typing. I often wore them to bed. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a paid link. https://amzn.to/3ID3K6R
Solbari UPF 50+ Sun Protective Driving Gloves were a must when my hands were feeling crampy and sore. I could grip the steering wheel well, still be able to use my devices, and get the added benefit of sun protection. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a paid link. https://amzn.to/3MQWpCZ
Once I was unhooked from Herbie and back home after my infusion of fluids, my stomach felt a little raw, so I took prochlorperazine all weekend. Prochlorperazine can make one sleepy, and did it make me tired. Which was fine- all I had to do all weekend was lay on the couch anyway. But when Monday rolled around and I had to go to work and my tummy still felt icky, I took a Zofran instead. Word to the wise: Zofran can make you constipated. One Zofran blocked me up for days. I was beyond uncomfortable.
My cold sensitivity lasted for a few more days than treatment one. I had to wear gloves constantly, even to bed, as my hands were cramping and felt cold. Yet another cue to everyone at work that I had cancer and another little detail that threw people off balance and I had to act like was no big deal.
My hair started to fall out. Only about 6% of people on this chemo regimen experiencing hair thinning and I got to be part of that group. My hair would come out in small clumps in the shower and during brushing and styling. I tried to think positive and hope that it would stop eventually.
And…. enter nose bleeds. Every time I blew my nose, blood. My nose would drip blood under my mask when I was out at work. Side note - because my immune system became compromised from both radiation and chemo, I chose to wear a mask every time I left the house. I did not want COVID, the flu, or even a simple cold to derail my treatments. A drippy, runny, bloody nose became so constant that I ordered a packet of old school handkerchiefs to carry with me. We bought a humidifier that we ran at night in the bedroom, hoping to curb the nasal dryness.
At my PA appointment prior to treatment 3, we discussed the side effects from treatment 2. My IV dose was lowered and my anti-nausea cocktail was increased. This treatment yielded similar results to my first treatment and I felt myself deeply exhale when we left the infusion clinic without any major events. The next day was Thanksgiving and I was already giving thanks.
For the next 14 days, I did not need any anti-nausea medication. I felt fine. I ate Thanksgiving leftovers with gusto until they were gone. I still had to wear gloves… those would be a staple for the next several treatment rounds. My voice stopped shaking. My eyes were steady. But I began to experience a raw feeling, in my mouth and down my throat to my stomach. Suddenly, room temperature water FELT uncomfortable to drink. And so I became addicted to sparkling water, Liquid Death Sparkling Water (https://amzn.to/46l0WoJ) to be exact. It seems counter intuitive to the raw feeling I was experiencing, but it was more soothing than still water.
I had a check in with my naturopath to discuss the side effects of my IV chemo treatments. At her suggestion and with the clearance of my oncologist, I began to have Myers Cocktail IVs on the alternating week to my chemo treatments. This infusion contains Vitamin C, B complex, B12, magnesium, zinc, and glutathione. These treatments did leave me feeling more energetic and hydrated.
I also started taking edibles for better sleep. I noticed that I was feeling a bit anxious at bedtime and I needed just a little something to help me drift off. My edible of choice was Incredible’s Snoozzzeberry chocolate bar (https://iloveincredibles.com/our-edibles/bar/snoozzzeberry/#top). I would break off a little piece every evening and 20 minutes later I was slipping off to dream land.
I had my first, two hour long nose bleed. The humidifier wasn’t getting it done on its own, and at the suggestion of my PA, I applied mupirocin to the inside of my nose twice a day. After a few days of this, the nosebleeds subsided. I continued to apply the ointment to my nose every night for the duration of my treatments.
I also experienced 24 hours of diarrhea that occurred about one week after treatment. This would also become routine for the next few treatments.
After treatment three, I felt like I could handle anything that would come my way. I felt that I quickly became a pro in all things chemotherapy related and I set my sights on a bell ringing just 5 more sessions away.
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