Healing and Hustling with Zandra

It’s been three days since I began Phase 2 of my chemotherapy journey, and let me tell you—it’s a whole new world. This phase introduces me to Adriamycin and Cytoxan, often referred to as AC. If you’ve heard of Adriamycin’s infamous nickname, “the red devil,” you’ll understand why I decided to rebrand it as something less intimidating. Let’s call it Hi-C Fruit Punch. It’s all about finding ways to keep the experience a little lighter.

Treatment Day: A Tense Start

The day began as usual, with my trusty breast buddy, Karen, chauffeuring me safely to Mayo. After the standard labs and nurse visit, things got a little tense. My White Blood Cell (WBC) count was teetering just above the threshold to proceed with treatment. The nurse hesitated and considered postponing my session to allow more recovery time.

While the idea of a break sounded nice in theory, I was firm—I didn’t want to delay. The finish line is visible, and I’m determined to stay on track. After a quick consultation with my oncologist, we got the green light to move forward.

The Long Wait and the Hi-C Fruit Punch

The day was much longer than I anticipated. After pre-meds, I was hooked up to a bag of potassium that seemed to drip for an eternity—two hours, to be exact. Finally, the Hi-C Fruit Punch (Adriamycin) and Cytoxan made their debut.

As I sat there, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of nerves and curiosity. What new side effects might AC bring? Would it be as grueling as its reputation suggested? Only time would tell.

The Days After: Waiting for the Unknown

Now, three days post-treatment, I’ve been hyper-aware of my body, waiting for the “unknown” to show up. So far, here’s how it’s been:

• Symptoms: The biggest change has been shortness of breath. Walking feels harder, and there are moments when I feel like I might pass out. It’s a stark reminder of how much this process takes out of you.
• Appetite: Food still tastes bland, which makes eating feel more like a chore than a pleasure. As a result, my weight has dropped a bit. I’m trying to stick to nutrient-rich foods, but it’s a challenge when nothing excites your taste buds.
• Medication & Supplements: I’ve been diligent about taking all the prescribed meds and supplements. At this point, it feels like a part-time job keeping up with the regimen!

Reflecting on the Journey

While this phase has just begun, I’m already learning to adapt. I know each phase comes with its own challenges, but I also know that I’ve conquered 12 rounds of chemotherapy already.

Phase 2 might be uncharted territory, but with each day, I’m one step closer to the end. And that’s what keeps me going—knowing that this isn’t forever, that every treatment session is another battle won in the larger war.

For now, I’ll keep taking it day by day, appreciating the moments of strength and resilience, and leaning on my amazing support system when things feel heavy. Here’s to navigating Phase 2 and keeping my eyes firmly fixed on the finish line!