1.31.23
Surprise! We did my chemo a day early. At my last appointment I asked my oncologist if we could move my chemo appointments to Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays. Wednesdays were getting a little hectic. I tend to want to take a nap after them (thanks to the Benadryl) so by the time I get home and rest a little it gets tight on time to get supper ready and be on time for church… So hopefully this will solve that.
They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Today’s appointment went really well. I got to bring a friend along this time, so that was fun!! 😃 It’s also kind of nice I don’t need to meet with my oncologist at every appointment. I touch base with him every other week. So today, I had labs, had to wait 45 minute for the results. After that they took me back to the infusion room. If I need to meet with the oncologist I’ll do that after my labs during the 45 minute wait, but it is usually after they have gotten the results back so he can talk over any concerns there might be. I learned today that the two pre-meds they give me by a syringe (Famotidine and Benadryl) are supposed to be administered over two minutes. My nurse today said she likes to dilute the meds with the saline and then slowly push it in to me over the two minutes. She said diluting it just helps her to consistently push it in over that two minute time. So that was fun to learn. After I get those two pre-meds I get a bag of dexamethasone. Once that’s administered I have a 30 minute wait. Then they give me my chemo, Taxol, and that takes about an hour to empty. I wear my icepacks the whole time. And then once I’m done with the Taxol I can go home. So today’s appointment was about three hours start to finish… Not too bad… especially when some people are there for 8 hours!
Oh! And guess what!! Today’s appointment marked my half way point with rounds of chemo! I will have a total of 16 rounds and today was round 8!!
WAHOO!!!
On Thursday we went sledding with some friends from church. I didn’t get many pictures. I was a little cold. I kind of forgot my winter coat when we were up north. 🤣 I was so focused on getting all the kids’ stuff I left mine hanging on the hook! Haha! (I did have a coat with- just not super warm!)
Thanks for the update Cassie, I was just asking your parents how you were doing yesterday. Bummer about the dry skin, probably another side effect–but I’m not hearing anything about neuropathy, so that’s wonderful. The sledding looks like fun, it has been COLD out, so maybe we don’t need to read too much into that (especially without your warm coat). It was nice of your friend to go with you, what a sweetie!
Congratulations on reaching the halfway point, 8 more weeks to go. This will hopefully be over before your birthday! I am continually impressed by how active you are and by your positive attitude. I believe it is a reflection of your trust in and reliance on the Lord. He will never leave you nor forsake you! Much love and prayers always
Thanks Kim!
Yes! If everything stays on track my last chemo will be the end of March! So, I’m excited about that!
We’re still watching for neuropathy signs. I’ve woken up a few times at night with my hands asleep, not sure if its chemo related or how I was sleeping. But nothing like that first time where my hands were hurting.
The chemo definitely dries things out.. I even notice it in my eyes. At the moment I have cracks on half my fingers
Cassie, doing so good! So happy for you that this part will soon be over. What a great friend you have there. Your poor hands, hopefully next week they will look better.
I talked to Barb tonight, your Grandma and she is so proud of you. You are one strong gal and you continue to amaze us.
Continue prayers my friend, Julie
Thank you Julie! Me too! Looking forward to having this step behind me!
I’m hoping it doesn’t get too much worse… currently half of my fingers are cracked or have some kind of cut/split. Chemo definitely dries you out though.. I can even feel it in my eyes!