My third chemo cycle went pretty well and my sister was here for the journey. She too is a nurse so I always know she is watching everyone like a hawk and I can take a bit of a break. I must say that this chemo was a bit unnerving as my nurse didn't have the best practises like she should. She didn't always wipe down my IV line hubs with alcohol prior to connecting a new line to it and that poor habit can introduce bacteria, which leaves me very vulnerable to all sorts of things. I felt a bit better knowing that as Lisa witnessed the same things I did, her first response was to pray for protection for me while I was busy going through all the "what ifs." It was a good reminder that God is ultimately in control. I will say however, that next time I WILL say something to prevent this from ever happening again. I'll be that paranoid nurse patient if I need to be! Each cycle I learn something new and this time around I learned to drink two water bottles of water while chemo is running....and definitely before the carboplantin as that's when the taste of water changes instantly. I'm very sensitive to salt and always gain about 5-6lbs with each chemo strictly from the saline fluids they give me. By drinking so much water while chemo is running, I avoid the fluid retention and it's great for my kidneys and liver too.
I've completed 3 rounds of chemo and therefore done with the first part of the "sandwich method." I have to say that I am SO happy to get a break from chemo for a bit. My blood counts fall with each chemo and while I'm still in the "normal" range (thanks to Neulasta), I'm not sure they would have hung in there for 3 more cycles. And I'm hoping this break allows me to keep some eyelashes and eyebrows too. I am happy for the break but will miss the predictability of chemo as I know when to expect bad days and how long they will last. I meet with the radiation oncologists tomorrow to find out my schedule and I've got a TON of questions. I do not want to do radiation but the prognosis without it is quite poor, so I don't have much choice really. This is where my faith is truly tested as only God can provide me peace of mind about what I'm about to walk through. Only God can protect me from the negative side effects and only He can protect the areas that don't need radiation. I know I shouldn't be nervous about placing this part of treatment into His hands because that's the best place to be, but my heart hasn't caught up with my head on this matter. I'm very afraid of what God will allow to happen in this portion of treatment...and I feel badly saying that because look at how much He has helped me through chemo, why would radiation be any different? My sister and I talked a lot about how cancer for me is a spiritual battle more than a physical battle. If God is for me, who can be against me? Why do I struggle with this on a heart level so much??
I did find out that my cancer is estrogen receptor negative meaning that in theory, estrogen should NOT feed my cancer. However, I'm still not allowed HRT therapy for years and I don't fully understand all of this. I think because my cancer has two different cell types (uterine cancer and papillary) no one wants to risk giving me something on the off chance it will feed the uterine cancer cells. I understand that part of it but it's disappointing.
Dr P took a look at my port and yes, the suture had surfaced and was quite uncomfortable at times. When he told me this had never happened to any of his patients before, I was not surprised because I've been telling him all along that I'm the exception to the rule. Gotta love that! After some brief discussion, it was decided he would do a mini-procedure in the office to cut open the skin and cut off the "tail" part of the suture. The procedure went very well and I'm so much more comfortable, thank you Dr P! I can now say that I have officially been in EVERY room of his practise.
I'm feeling pretty well today, very tired and my body is very sore. Every time I get that neulasta shot I swear the claritin is not working but it does, I need to be patient. By day six I should feel more like myself again and my tastes should return to normal.
On the wig-front, I've gotten another blonde wig as I'm still trying to find something that I'm 100% comfortable with. Lisa thinks my new one is a Meg Ryan type of look and more current in style than my other 80's looks. I've got to name my wigs as I'm starting to get a collection. :) I'm glad Lisa was here to help sort some of them out, it reminded me of our college days when we lived together and shared hair/make-up tips.
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