Round 4 of chemo, and this time my “breast buddy” Tacoma was the star of the show. She picked me up right on time, and since Hurricane Milton had just made its grand exit from Florida, the roads were practically empty—less traffic, more chill vibes. We arrived, and of course, I had to take my obligatory “buddy selfie.” Gotta document these special chemo days, right?
Now, Tacoma came prepared. She’d done her research and knew these chemo rooms could double as walk-in freezers. She was bundled up like she was headed to a ski lodge, and I was impressed with her scarf-and-blanket combo. Girl was ready!
New nurses today, but they were pros as always. Tacoma took charge of movie selections, but the technology gods were not on our side. Corner Office? Buffering. Fall Guy? More error messages than plotlines. We finally gave up and switched to a Halloween baking show. Now that’s my kind of entertainment! Watching those people whip up spooky, edible creations was oddly satisfying.
Once the show got rolling, so did the premeds, with my old friend Benadryl leading the charge. I gave Tacoma a heads-up that I’d soon be out of commission in the conversation department. Judging by her comfy cocoon of scarf and blanket, she didn’t mind one bit. I peeked over a few times, and sure enough, she was napping away. Benadryl: 1, Tacoma and Zandra: 0.
Of course, just when I was getting into the nap groove, it was time for the dreaded ice mittens and socks. Ugh, hands and feet on ice again. I hate it, but anything to avoid neuropathy later on. I’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means feeling like I’m plunging into the Arctic every week. Today’s session was a little longer since my nurse ordered extra hydration. Apparently, being a coffee lover who hates water doesn’t exactly keep you hydrated—who knew? I do cut back on coffee on treatment days (because I’m responsible like that), but extra hydration never hurts, right?
While I was getting my ice-on, we were also trying to coordinate getting the kids to Sweet Pete’s for a candy-making class. Let’s just say it took some serious mom-brain teamwork, but we got it done. After treatment, we headed over to Sweet Pete’s, where I hopped into the car with my mom, and Tacoma took on kid-duty like the rockstar she is. Honestly, she’s such a sweetheart, and I’m so lucky to have her by my side.
Even though I still had energy after treatment (thank you, hydration!), I decided to take it easy. That didn’t stop me from enjoying a surprise visit from Karen, who brought over food for the family. Apparently, Chief John was behind this thoughtful gesture. I’m grateful for the support—it’s moments like these that keep me going. Later that evening, Vanessa came over for our “Happy Hour.” Now, I’m always down for a Happy Hour! Since chemo drugs and cocktails aren’t exactly best friends, I opted for a mocktail—Ginger Peach Iced Tea, because why not?
Now, let’s rewind a bit to earlier in the week. I had some big conversations with my friends Kim and Mickey, who I finally told about my cancer. They’re now planning a trip to visit in November, and we’re even thinking about throwing a joint birthday bash for Mickey and my mom that weekend. It’ll be great to have them here—good friends and good vibes are the best medicine.
I also decided it was time to make my cancer diagnosis public and raise awareness for breast cancer during October. Just as I expected, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming in the best way possible. It’s moments like these that remind me I’ve got an amazing community behind me.
With the weekend here, I’m prepping for the usual post-chemo symptoms. I’ve got stomach issues to look forward to (yay), plus I’ll be starting my self-injections on Sunday. Nurse Tiffany gave me the pro tip to start taking Claritin before the bone pain hits, so I’m on that plan—Claritin the day before, day of, and day after. Hopefully, that’ll make things a bit easier.
Here’s to another round done, more good memories with great people, and hoping the side effects are a little kinder this time around. Mocktails, naps, and Halloween baking shows? I’ll take it!
