A Path Through

March 7, 2022 and we were back for chemo 2.0. Yup, figured I would come back and try again (this is me thinking I have options in this situation). Main goal with session two…make it less exciting than session one, and I have to say…..we succeeded!

We arrived already knowing that this should be a shorter session as we were just dealing with my arch nemesis, Paclitaxel this session. Given the excitement of last week, I had already started to prime my body with steroids 12 and 6 hours prior to my treatment, so was feeling cautiously optimistic. My husband on the other hand looked as if he needed a valium with a whiskey chaser, so saying he was tense would be an understatement.

As we waited for the nurse who would guide us through this week’s session, we found that we both became amazed by the level of activity that was all around us. The people watching was incredible. Clinicians moving in and out, patients coming and going, doors opening and closing, constant activity, and all of it was associated with one common denominator, cancer. Every few minutes, my husband would turn to me and comment on how overwhelming it was to see the sheer numbers of people impacted by this disease, not just those fighting it, but their families and supporters and the clinicians who are focused on making a difference. It has been so simple to focus on my little breast cancer world, however watching what was happening around me was almost comforting as it reminded me that I am not alone, there are thousands of warriors out there, each fighting their own battles.

Our time watching the hive of activity came to an end as Joe came to gather us. I know that we are only two weeks into this journey, however I have to say that Joe was just as incredible as Jacine and I am confident that this will be our experience with each visit. Seriously, these people are wonderful, caring, compassionate, and freaking hilarious!

So, through the “Not an Exit” chemo room doors we went, the clerical team got my cancer ID card, and moments later I was settled into the comfy recliner labeled 4A.

Joe did the health check to compare against last week and I passed (yeah me!) and with that, we were ready for the second poke on the chemo journey; and win # 1 as we snagged a vein on the first try.

Joe was on a positive run as he then shared an additional nugget with us. With the 2nd and 3rd treatments in my 3 week chemo cycle, I only receive Paclitaxel. Why is this a positive after what happened last week? Well, with this drug there is no need to manage nausea as the side effects are limited to rashes and nerve issues. So pins and needles, bumps and itches, but NO nausea! Another WIN (yeah, I know…the bar is low).

With the positives flowing, it was time to get the pre-meds started with Benadryl first on tap, followed by a big bag of steroids. At this point I should probably share that there are a few interesting side effects with the steroids. The first, you want to eat, like all the time. You wouldn’t know it from looking at my hips, but I am a meal a day kind of girl. However, yesterday after having a huge bowl of fruit and yoghurt for breakfast (the pregame chemo meal), I wanted a BIG sandwich while I sat and dripped. When my husband suggested waiting until I was done, I seriously considered googling divorce lawyers as part of my rebuttal. The “Hangry” monster that got in the car to go home was not a pretty sight, not proud to admit it. However, lets just say a certain someone will be rethinking his response after I offered him $20 to get me a muffin! On a side note, I am packing snacks for next weeks’ appointment and I am not sharing them with him (never said maturity was one of the side effects!)

The second side effect is the energy level. Last week I struggled to make sentences on one day due to the fatigue and now, well it has been over 36 hours since I have slept. After chemo I got home, worked until 9, got into bed….and laid there, did my WORDLE at 2:00 am and then finally got back up at 2:30 am, showered and went back to work. As much as it is great to feel normal again, I am also assuming that this is a wee bit extreme and we will be looking to see how we can manage this little bonus when I meet with my Oncologist next Monday.

So, with the pre-meds just about complete, Joe shared that we would be doing a slow start of the chemo meds to assure that everything went to plan. Again, another positive note for me however my chemo buddy husband still had a look of pending doom on his face as he prepared for the storm clouds to gather and soak my positivity parade.

With the Paclitaxel on deck, I was tested on my name and birthday, the information was confirmed by Joe and verified by the ever lovely Leslie, my mask came off, and the lines were opened up and everyone sat and looked at me; and nothing happened. That’s right…not a even a hint of a reaction and with every increase of the meds, my little steroid filled body laughed off any idea of giving in. Within 20 minutes we were at full dose and an hour later my second chemo session was in the books.

So there you have it, we are down to 14 more chemo sessions and next week is my first follow up with my Oncologist to see how things are progressing. The little positive nuggets from yesterday were much needed after the struggles of week one. For a short period, it appears that the bumps on the path through have smoothed out and even if it is only a temporary reprieve until I need to climb the next hill, I will take it. But one thing is for certain, I will be bringing snacks with me next time!