Infusion #4: Finally Feeling It

For the first time, I find myself nauseated, days before my infusion.  Every time I talk to someone about chemotherapy, the wave of nausea flows through my body, producing putrid smells, a jumpy stomach and a dizzy, warm feeling extending from head to toe.  I know those of you who’ve been through a cancer journey of your own, understand this feeling.  For me, it dissipates as I get busier or if I go for a walk or run.  Unfortunately, the fatigue has thwarted my running efforts once again, but I still feel blessed to have the longer days and sunshine to lift my soul.  The vacation away from the Seattle rain was a vital distraction.  

Upon awakening for today’s infusion, I experienced that familiar nauseated feeling once again.   I dragged myself out of bed in hopes to complete a 3 mile run, but cut it short at 2 miles at a fairly slow pace, with 1 walking stop in the middle. It helped my appetite enough to eat a half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Chris and I headed to the infusion center and the usual smells started stirring unpleasant sensations again.  Thankfully, the labs returned quickly and were stable enough to proceed and with that first infusion of anti-nausea medication, I felt profound relief.  Yes, I increased my Decadron (steroid) dose back to 10 mg to reduce the nausea further.   Dry, crisp Utz pretzels from Pennsylvania (from our dear friends in Maryland), eased the stomach pain without provoking further nausea.   The Decadron is predictably providing the energy (i.e. insomnia) for me to blog again and hopefully will result in completing some of the organization and housekeeping projects I’ve started.  My list is still 4 pages long. 

Receiving my Adriamycin

My numbers (aka blood test results) are stable.  In fact, my absolute neutrophil count was slightly higher (at 1000 instead of 600).  It is still less than half of normal, so I’ll still avoid ill contacts and take appropriate precautions (in case any of my providers are reading this!)  My liver and kidney function remain normal and my sedimentation rate (an inflammatory measure) went from 4 times the upper limit of normal back into the normal range.  While I remain cautiously optimistic, the true revelation will be my PET scan on Monday, March 7^th.  Regardless of the results, there are always other effective treatment options.   Thanks again for all of you who are cheering me on through prayers and well wishes.  Don’t stop now, we’re still only a third of the way done with this marathon.  

Energy and persistence conquers all things.  ~ Ben Franklin

The road can be brutal.  It often kicks your butt.  Sometimes it scares you and beats you up.  But there comes a day when you realize that you’re not just a runner, you’re a survivor!  You’re tougher than anything it throws your way.  You are…a road warrior.  ~ author unknown

The journey can be exhausting for the support provider too.