Thursday was the first cycle of phase 2, which was causing me much anxiety over how it would affect me. For the most part, phase 1 was easy. Other than the first night not feeling very well, and some minor temporary neuropathy, and being tired, chemo has been very easy on me.
My first infusion was scheduled for 10 AM, even though subsequent infusions are all scheduled later as this should go faster than phase 1 infusions. Because there is the possibility of adverse reaction to the Taxol in the beginning of the infusion process the first cycle is scheduled early so they have time to deal with possible reactions.
Pre-meds taken the night before and morning of infusion are Histamine-2 blocker (Zantac), steroid (Dexamethasone); Benadryl and Tylenol. The only one used to help prevent nausea is the steroid. It actually has double duty, prevent the adverse allergic reaction to the Taxol and prevent nausea.
I had my bag packed and temporary tattoo, I was ready for this. I was taken back into infusion room 2, and set myself up in a window seat. I love the view from the windows. I get to look west over Redondo Beach and see the ocean. This day there was a layer of smoke over the ocean, and the air smelled of the fires burning throughout Southern California.
There was a question on my medical records, the nurses were not sure if I should be administered any anti-nausea drugs prior to infusion of the Taxol and then the Carboplatin. They reached out to the NP that did our chemo teaching appointment – Deborah, and while we waited for her availability, they set up the access through my port, flushed the port and did a blood draw to submit to the study I agreed to be a part of that is researching a blood test to detect breast cancers, and set me up on a slow drip of saline. Mark (one of the infusion nurses), came and asked me what we had been told to take prior to infusion and if Deborah had said anything about administering any drugs prior to infusion through the port.
The nurses had questions about my temporary tattoo, what did it mean? This week it was “-cullis” for “Portcullis”. I explained the word and told them they have the Google, they should look it up. There was much fun and laughter that ensued as they scrambled to be the first to look up the word Portcullis.
It as decided to give me an additional infusion of Dexamethasone (steroid) while we waited on Deborah, prior to the start of Taxol. Deborah arrived shortly after that and we reviewed my meds prior to infusion, and it was agreed we would continue with the infusion of the steroid and this would happen every treatment, to supplement what I take at home, and then the Taxol and Carboplatin would be administered.
First up, Taxol, because of the possibility of severe reaction, the first infusion is done slowly and I am watched like a hawk for any signs of reaction so other drugs can be administered to counteract right away. Normally it would take about an 45 minutes to an hour to administer the Taxol, the first time takes almost two hours. No reactions to the Taxol, so after the first 45 minutes, I was finally on the full drip strength.
I watched Outlander and worked on my knitting, while this new drug dripped slowly through my port into my system. When the Taxol was done, they set me up with the Carboplatin. This would take 40 to 45 minutes to administer. I continued to watch Outlander and knit while this drug completed it’s drip into my system.
I was finally done and my port was unhooked from the IV’s, I packed up my bag and away I went. I wasn’t sure how I felt, no Neulasta this time, so nothing to finalize my treatment. I was mentally checking my body, how did my tummy feel, the gut, my heart?
Hubby was waiting for me and away we went. He wanted Del Taco, so we stopped there for some lunch before we headed home. My tastebuds were still not back from my last cycle of chemo, so I added two hot sauces to my basic tacos in hopes I would be able to taste them.
I had some slight nausea/indigestion most of the afternoon and evening. I could not eat anymore as my lunch remained in what felt like my throat forever. It was bed time so off to bed we went. I could not sleep. I tried, I meditated, I read, I went through my relaxation techniques several times, nothing was working. I finally fell asleep sometime after 12:30 as that was the last time I looked at the clock.
I was wide awake at 4:30 Friday morning. Hot flash and chemo gut had me awake. I tried again to get back to sleep. Less than four hours of shut eye I knew was not enough. Again, I went through my relaxation techniques, meditation and then finally resorted to reading. Three hours later when Hubby was getting up I was still reading hoping to fall back to sleep. I gave up. I got up and got ready to feed the Toothless Wonder Cat. I was hungry! I made a fried egg and cheese sandwich, but could not finish it. That was a good sign, I guess.
I fed the cat and fell asleep for a few minutes. Guess a catnap is better than no nap. Hubby had an appointment with our favorite Chiropractor/NP for a follow up on his tennis elbow. I showered and got dressed while he was gone as we had plans to work on some holiday shopping after he was done.
I had the first batch of holiday letters to go out so we stopped at the post office so I could get those in the mail, before we headed to look for a few holiday gifts. I also needed some more ink for my printer and labels. I picked myself up a new iPad case as I had dropped the last one and a couple of the corner casings that hold the iPad in the case had broken and my iPad kept slipping out.
We finished our few stops and headed to Burger City Grill for some lunch. I was not very hungry so only ordered a burger. I could barely taste it. When you can’t taste your food I find I am not inclined to eat much.
I didn’t have to take any anti-nausea drugs on Friday, and had no other adverse symptoms from my infusion on Thursday. Maybe I will get through the next 11 weeks with minimal issues. One can hope.
I tried napping several times, but to no avail. I was exhausted, and wanted to sleep. I think it was all the steroids.
Finally about 8:40 PM Friday I felt like if I closed my eyes I would be able to fall asleep. I quickly readied myself for bed, and hit the sack. I was out in minutes.
Life is enjoying a good nights sleep