This past week leading up to Round 3 wasn’t too bad, all things considered. Of course, my hands, feet, and skin are still demanding VIP treatment, so I’ve been paying extra attention to them. The neuropathy in my hands and feet isn’t throwing a farewell party anytime soon, but I’ve introduced a new guest into my life—Nervive cream. It’s supposed to help with nerve pain, tingling, and numbness. Is it working? Let’s just say it’s more of a “slow burn” than a quick fix, but hey, minor relief is better than no relief.
The colder weather has also decided to join the fun, turning my skin into a desert landscape. I’m hoping that all this care and moisturizing will tackle the hyperpigmentation on my face and maybe bring some overall moisture back to my body. Fingers crossed.
Treatment Day Shenanigans
Round 3 was supposed to be another marathon day, but I managed to snag an earlier infusion time. Shoutout to Melissa, my “breast buddy,” for chauffeuring me through the morning traffic. We made it to the infusion center on time, and after labs confirmed I was good to go, it was game on.
During my nurse visit, we went over the usual suspects: side effects, new possibilities, and the treatment plan ahead. Here’s the kicker: while I knew I had more Keytruda sessions after chemo, I didn’t realize those sessions would stretch all the way to August. Translation? This chemo port in my chest isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. That’s a bummer because I was ready to kick this thing to the curb.
Naturally, I did some extra Googling about Keytruda (because what else am I going to do with my free time?) and found out that many of its side effects overlap with chemo’s. Joy. I’ve been getting Keytruda alongside chemo, so now I’m left wondering—will I still have these side effects when it’s just Keytruda? Let’s hope not, because I was looking forward to renewing everything this battle has taken from me.
The Infusion Routine
After the nurse visit, Melissa and I headed to the beautiful Mangurian building to wait for my turn. The staff, as always, were phenomenal. By now, the process feels pretty routine: pre-meds for nausea and allergic reactions, followed by the main event. First up was Hi-C Fruit Punch (okay, it’s not Hi-C, but that’s what I call it), then Cytoxan.
While chatting with the nurse, I learned that you can ring the bell multiple times during your cancer journey—for milestones like finishing chemo, radiation, etc. That’s great, but I’m planning for one ring and one ring only. Mark your calendars: January 23.
Life After Round 3
The first two days post-infusion weren’t too bad. I had enough energy to hang out with family and tackle some errands. But now, on Day 3, fatigue has started sneaking in. Even after a good night’s sleep, I feel like I’m being pulled back into Lala Land. Fighting it is a losing battle, so I’m letting it run its course. If my body says, “Relax or sleep,” who am I to argue?
Closing Thoughts
Round 3 is in the books, and I’m one step closer to that January 23 bell ring. In the meantime, I’ll keep slathering on creams, bundling up against the cold, and dreaming of the day when this chemo port becomes a thing of the past.
Stay tuned for the next chapter, where I’ll continue to navigate this journey with a mix of hope, humor, and a whole lot of moisturizer.
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