Healing and Hustling with Zandra

Whew. So, I’m about to start another round of chemotherapy—this time in pill form—and I’ve gotta be honest, I’m not exactly thrilled.

The name of the game this time is Capecitabine, a.k.a. Xeloda, a.k.a. “Let’s see what else we can throw at her.” And y’all, I’ve been feeling real uneasy about it. The past few weeks I’ve been doing what most of us do when we’re nervous: searching the internet for stories from people who’ve taken this stuff, hoping I can learn from their experience, or at least brace myself.

🧤 Hand-Foot What Now?

At the top of every article and discussion: Hand-Foot Syndrome. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Nope—it’s very real. It causes pain, peeling, cracking, and redness in your hands and feet. And let me remind you… I’m still dealing with neuropathy from IV chemo. Now I might add burning skin on top of the numbness and tingling?

I had a call with my nurse this week who gave me all the info and her recommended list of products to help prevent it. And of course, I ran straight to Amazon like it was Black Friday:

• Voltaren gel ✅
• Udderly Smooth Cream ✅
• Moisturizing gloves and socks ✅
• A hopeful attitude? …working on it.

I’ve been feeling good—walking, gardening, even typing again—and now there’s a chance I may have to slow all that down. Because if your hands and feet get bad enough, you can’t walk far, open jars, or even hold things properly. Cue internal screaming.

💩 Oh, And Let’s Talk About Digestion…

Then my nurse drops another bomb: “You may also experience nausea and diarrhea.”

Now hold on. I dodged nausea during IV chemo like a pro, but diarrhea? That one chased me through the streets. Even with just my Keytruda infusions every 21 days, I’m still dealing with stomach issues. So now we’re doing Keytruda and Capecitabine on the same schedule?

Tell me how this is my life again.

Oh—and did I mention that I’ll be traveling when I start this new chemo pill? Yep. Train ride north, trying to be a happy tourist while potentially running to every public restroom from here to Connecticut.

One nurse reminded me I’ll be immunocompromised, so mask up, wipe down everything, wash my hands like it’s 2020 again. Basically, I’ll be sightseeing with my mini disinfectant wipes and my new chemo emergency kit—which is really just a pencil box covered in Animal Crossing characters. It holds my creams, meds, socks, gloves, masks, and every “just in case” item imaginable. For the next 6 months, it’s going wherever I go.

🔥 Radiation Aftermath

On to the good (ish) news: Radiation is DONE. But the side effects? Still hanging around like that friend who doesn’t know when to leave.

My radiated side is noticeably darker, with splotches and serious underarm discoloration (I’m not saying it’s blue-black, but I’m not not saying it). It’s also starting to peel, which is apparently normal. No pain, so I’ll take the win. I’m still moisturizing like it’s my second job.

Oh—and scar tissue has taken up residence in the spot where they removed the tumor. I’ve started massaging it more firmly, trying to break it up so it doesn’t sneakily disguise anything in the future. That part still makes me uneasy.

💅 Hair, Nails & the Case of the Vanishing Eyebrows

Let’s talk beauty updates:

• Hair: Yes, it’s growing. No, I don’t know what to do with it. It’s straight, soft, and doing whatever it wants on top of my head.
• Eyebrows: Still playing hide and seek.
• Nails: They’re coming back! Slowly, but I can see the old chemo-damaged nail being pushed out. I keep them polished because otherwise… yikes.

🎯 What’s Coming Up?

This week: another Keytruda infusion. And of course… drum roll… the start of Capecitabine.

Am I nervous? Absolutely. But I’m also ready.

God’s driving this bus. My ointments and nausea meds are in the front seat. Strength, grace, and a whole lot of sarcasm are riding in the back. Let’s do this.

Until next time, keep your skin moisturized, your snacks ready, and your spirit strong.