Most people have certain days that they do not look forward to. Tomorrow is one of mine. Tomorrow I begin chemotherapy again. I have felt great off of chemo for almost a month! I need 3 more treatments since my cancer is still there. (It has shrunk which is wonderful!). To prevent adverse affects, my Oncologist has told me to bring at least 64 ounces every day. I focus on this, the most on the day of chemo and several days after.

Usually the day of chemotherapy is not that bad. They check your vital signs, (blood pressure, temperature and pulse) weight and lab results before they administer any chemo drugs. My health care provider, this time my PA, (physician’s assistant) will ask how I am doing. Medications are ordered to minimize/prevent adverse side effects like nausea and allergic reaction. The challenging time is a few days after chemo. This year it is 2-3 days after chemo. The fatigue, severe acid reflux and sometimes “brain fog” sets in. After a day or two, the side effects decrease slowly.

Then my labs usually start moving in the wrong direction. My hemoglobin, neutrophils and platelets all drop gradually becoming the lowest around 2 weeks after chemo. (NADIR varies from one person to another and can be 8-14 days after their treatment) NADIR is the point where your labs are the worst and they should go up some after that point. I have developed severe anemia requiring blood transfusions during each round of chemotherapy. We are stopping the Carboplatin so I am hoping my side effects and lab results will be improved but we won’t know until I receive it. I am hopeful but still dreading what is coming.

The fatigue can be severe. Grocery shopping, taking out my trash and even cooking a homemade dinner can become difficult or not possible. Of course, cooking is not a real issue because I usually lose my ability to taste food. Most food and drinks are bland and my appetite decreases. Drive thru fast food has been my life saver. I look for the Health Department rating and aim for 95% or greater. Usually I come close.

I need to thank a good friend and neighbor named Bambi for taking me to chemo from Spring through Fall. She has been a real lifesaver.