Today was long. We got to Magee at 9:30 am and returned home at 3:30 pm! Upon finishing up, I went to grab my jacket. Aaron stopped me and said it was in the mid-60s outside. And a week ago it was in single digits. Crazy!

First up was an echo, which I got in September before starting the A/C. It’s repeated upon finishing to make sure nothing has changed. Today was the earliest appointment I could get.

Since this was a Keytruda day, I met with someone from the care team. Today it was Alexa; she was great. For example, when I mentioned the stomach pain, she said chemo affects that because the full GI tract is impacted. Basically any mucosal surfaces are affected, which explains the nosebleeds. She said to use a saline spray in the morning and evening, which should help.

As for the bad taste in my mouth, Alexa said a lot of people notice it with water. I can put packets in it (like Gatorade) to flavor it. No thanks!

Since I’m basically starting menopause due to the chemo, I’ve been getting hot flashes multiple times a day. I asked how long chemo-induced menopausal hot flashes last. Alexa said it’s usually the most aggressive the first six months, but sometimes lasts longer. Adding Vitamin E might help (I’m going to need a bucket for all these pills!). I’ll also mention it to the acupuncturist. If nothing changes after 3-4 weeks, there are medications that can be prescribed to help me get through the chemo period.

Since I have yet to experience neuropathy, I asked if this means I’m in the clear or if it could still potentially occur. Alexa said I might still get it; she’s seen it arrive in the last two treatments. But current success is good and will hopefully continue. I was able to keep the mittens and booties on for the full hour, but I have a suspicion that was partly due to the fact that it had been several hours since I took them out of the freezer (even though they were in a cooler pack).

Alexa asked about the steroid, so I told her it caused insomnia. She said we could lower the dose. Hopefully that means I’ll get some sleep tonight!

In the waiting room, I saw several men wearing black t-shirts with a pink ribbon as part of the design. One said on the back, “Her fight is my fight,” with boxing gloves underneath. Loved seeing these partners being active supporters and not afraid to wear these t-shirts!

A woman I’ve seen most Fridays always wears something pink. Today she was decked out in a pink top, pants, and heels to match. Turns out it was her last chemo, so she got to ring the bell. She obviously wanted to go out in style!

A couple of my labs took a while to come back, so there was more waiting than usual. Before I was sent for treatment, Alexa called us back into the exam room. She said my liver numbers are creeping up. To rule out anything acute, she asked that I get an ultrasound.

Since I don’t like eating when I’m there (since it makes me feel sick and I can no longer eat whatever I was eating), and I hadn’t had anything since breakfast, I was anxious to finish up. My next two appointments will be earlier than today’s, so I’ll get home for a (possibly late) lunch – much better!

So I am officially done with chemo for 2022. Hopefully 2023 will be a better year – it’s the year I’ll finish treatment instead of start. It’s the year I’ll see my hair grow back instead of fall out. It’s the year I will hopefully be able to say the cancer is gone and I’m a survivor.

May 2023 be a good year for all of us! Happy New Year!