The cancer cells are now officially under attack!

We showed up early for my 9 am appointment. First, they took my vitals and confirmed that I’m actually 5’1 3/4”(my estimate of 5’1” was pretty accurate!). Then, the nurse practitioners did a quick exam. They confirmed that my ECHO was normal and that my thyroid numbers were normal, save for one that was a bit low. They’d like me to start with an endocrinologist so my thyroid numbers can be tracked as Keytruda can cause hyperthyroid issues.

Rosanne was my chemo nurse today. I met her at the first visit and she’s really nice. She and the NPs all wore clear masks. I was in the infusion room with windows. There are four chairs, each with a curtain and a frosted glass window in between.

Because my port installation couldn’t be scheduled any earlier than 10/6, today’s infusion was done with an IV. First she took some blood and then started me on fluids. She had to push two big vials of Keytruda – which is red. So my urine was red the first few times I went after. I also got A/C (two different chemo drugs) and two different anti-nausea medications that are supposed to last three and five days.

Around 11, someone came around with sandwiches, drinks, chips, and fruit cups. I also got a short, complimentary foot massage with aromatherapy from Melody, a licensed masseuse. Not bad for my first treatment!

Those of you who know me know my bladder is the size of a pea. So I had to bring along the IV a few times to use the bathroom. And today I’m supposed to drink 6-8 glasses of water – and do the same for the next day or two! Should I get an airbed for the bathroom‽

Rosanne’s husband is Canadian, so we talked about Buffalo/Canada for a bit. She’s been doing this for 41 years! In fact, she’s been around so long she was even part of the Remicade clinical trials (that’s the monthly infusion Samara gets for her ulcerative colitis). I also got a hug goodbye!

My discharge instructions are to eat lightly for 48 hours. If I develop a fever of 100 or higher at any time during chemo, I’m supposed to call and may need to go to the hospital because it could be a sign of infection. Rosanne said to be on the lookout 7-10 days after chemo, since that’s when my white blood cells are lowest.

I have to stop using my electric toothbrush and use a toothbrush with soft bristles, use alcohol free toothpaste, and stop flossing as well. Mouth ulcers can be a side effect of chemo, so I should go easy on my gums.

I’m also supposed to avoid direct sunlight because chemo can make my skin more sensitive to the sun. One of my migraine medications already does that, plus I have fair skin. So I guess if I stand in the sun, I’ll combust!

Nail salons are to be avoided because of the infection risk. Constipation can be a side effect (fun!). Chemo drugs stay in the body for 3-7 days, so I have to be careful with secretions for the next week.

We finished around 1 pm. Four hours isn’t bad, especially since they told us to block the day just in case.

How do I feel? Like I got pumped full of chemicals! I also have a headache, but I think I had a slight one going in. I do feel a little woozy, so I’ll probably rest after this. Though fatigue is the most common side effect of chemo, sleep isn’t restorative. Chemo is also cumulative, so Rosanne said this week will be a good indicator of how I’ll do on chemo. She said how I’m feeling now is normal, and I’ll likely start feeling other side effects as the weekend finishes.

Will the anti-nausea med they gave me today be enough? I hope so. If not, I have two anti-nausea drugs I can take; one of them I’m not allowed to take for 72 hours after chemo. I was also given steroids, and have to take more tonight and the next few days. I was warned they could cause insomnia. Are you jealous yet?

My next treatment was moved to October 6, following my port installation. The two treatments after that will be on Fridays. I think she said they will be 2-2.5 hours each time. The Taxol regimen after this phase will be a little longer, maybe 3 hours.

Next Friday is the genetics appointment.

Die, cancer cells, DIE!