My First Infusion, May 19th

It was like the first day of school. Anticipation, trepidation, the new experience, how would I feel, and would this day be the first introduction to being a cancer patient. Ew. I haven't felt that way so far, and have been anticipating a pile of rocks to make a strong, emotional impact, and it just hasn't. I am just going to go with that feeling as long as possible.

I will be taking my sword into this fight with as much might, strength and resilience as one can possess!

My corner suite treatment room

Infusion bags delivering medication , and my tall skinny boyfriend for the day. There will be goofy antics, and behaving is over rated.

The facility I am being treated is appartently one of the largest in NorCal, with 48 chairs, its huge. Everyone with their own seperate area, 16 treatment nurses, and then there's more with the management nurses, nurses assistants, and support staff. It was a busy place!

Some areas like mine with walls and others just with curtain partitions. I somehow got the elevated corner suite with windows, a TV which I didn't even have time to turn on, a rolling desk, and I was profoundly grateful I wasn't by the restrooms or the areas without natural light. I'm keeping keeping note of these nicer room areas! I had the chair that had a foot rest, back tilt, and flattens, and even a seat warmer. I brought a light blanket, my computer, and loaded with protein snacks to help stave off the nausea even on a regular day....stupid tumor, it's eviction notice has been served. 1 down, 15 more to go!

This chair was quite comfortable... at first. But after 7 hours, less so. I am thankfully able to unplug, and go for a spin, stand up and stretch, and at least I don't have to tap the shoulders of 2 more passengers to try to make it to the restroom and back like on a plane.

The nurses were very kind and positive, thorough as well. They answered my questions along the way, and let me know what each step was. I got a port installed on my upper right chest, so all the treatments are directed right into my Vena Cava, nothing burned or was uncomfortable. Between hydration bags, and the two chemo's administered, and an immune-therapy, followed by more hydration, it was 5 bags of back to back baggie infusions. When one infusion bag emptied the beeper went off, and within just a couple minutes, a new one swapped and was pumping away. Time was not lost!

Relaxing home environment for post-infusion rest

I Was Not Alone, I was not bored.

A dear friend long time came and brought Panera for lunch, it was nice to have a visitor, and have a distraction to break up the day. She has previously worked as a phlebonomist in a cancer center, so she helped with understanding what I could ask for or tips of things to be aware of. Very helpful! Some of the treatments were given slowly, and some that pump was on hyper-drive, and was honestly un-nerving. She definitely was positive with the nurses, generous and fun!

I also had a nutritionalist come see me for an hour, the expert kind with a masters and speciality, lots of the good syllables after her name that I look for. Qualify your sources right?! We reviewed the advisements, recipes, recommendations and even myths and unregulated online culture. Ultimately, a healthy good diet, good sleep, loads of quality food sourced protein, anti-inflammatory and non-processed foods, hydration, and small frequent meals are profoundly important to positioning your body for more favorable outcomes and managing symptoms.

Post Treatment Toddler

My brother works just 2 miles from the cancer center, so I had parked my car at his house and Ubered the 8 miles over in the morning. I got there at 10 a.m., and didn't leave until 5 p.m. when I initially thought it would be 3 p.m. With my visitors, it hardly felt like 7 hours but are now more prepared for that next time! Some cycles will be shorter with one less infusion and knowing what to expect and getting started with the program more quickly in the future.

I am so glad I had brother pick me up, I wasn't dizzy or nauseas, but had a strong wave of feeling like I was on a boat in rough seas, woozy maybe? Just not fit to drive, at all. (Did you know you can get a DUI even under the influence of prescriptions).

We had a nice dinner and some vanilla ice-cream and fresh berries for desert. I'm so grateful for all the help and care. My coordination right after treatment is a bit like a toddler, I will spill, make messes, and not to be trusted with sharp objects. Like someone on a boat in rough seas. They certainly administered A LOT. (I'm so glad someone wondered who the toddler might be, haha! wink ;)

This morning I am feeling a bit more clear but not 100%, but will take a trial stroll in the neighborhood before climbing behind the wheel! Tomorrow is not promised, but certainly not going to tempt fate!

I was glad to be feeling as good as I was, was able to eat, and have a little desert and pour myself into bed. I would call some of the side effects minimal so far.... but they say it might be the Days 3, 4, 5 post infusion which may get rough with nausea and fatigue, but we'll see. I'm not counting on it, but preparing for it. I have lot of prescription level anti-nausea and a little steroid to take just the couple days post treatment. I now prepare go back next Tuesday.

I will call the first day an absolute positive success and will keep my prayers and fingers crossed for as much normalcy and capability as possible.

With much love and resilience, candor and humor.... Me.