Here we are, back at Kaiser for an oncology follow up and hydration for the AC aftermath. This is my big doin’s since I’ve been pretty much sleeping since chemo yesterday. The oncology appointment went well. I get to stop my blood thinner injections on March 10th. Yay!! Overall, I’m feeling ok. Suuuuuper tired and a little nauseous but ok. 

Since my diagnosis, I have seen the looks I get from people. Mostly pity looks but also shocked looks. And when I have the boys with me, the looks get more concerning. Yeah, I may be young. Yeah, I have two young kids. But I’m not the only one who finds themselves in this situation. I wish I had time to sit with each one of these people to explain that. And to answer any questions they may have, at least answer them to the best of my ability- from my experience. 

So, a reminder. I am an open book. I have never tried to sugarcoat any of this. I also don’t try to dramatize any of it. Ask me anything. Anything you may be curious about. Usually the first question I get is “did you find the lump on your own?” Yes, yes I did. Thankfully I did self breast exams often, as anyone should. So go for it, don’t be shy. 🤗

And…

I should have completed this post before the drugs kicked in but I didn’t. So I hope you can follow. If you are wondering what the drugs make me feel like… have you ever finished a bottle of wine to yourself? No? Oh, yeah, me neither 😜…. but I hear you feel a little giddy and dizzy. And sleeeeeeepy. That’s sorta how I feel.  

Today was my third AC. Like usual, we started with that damn Red Devil. I get queasy just thinking about it. It gives me a weird taste in the back of my throat so I tried mints as well as ice chips today while the nurse pushed it. Ehhh it helped. Then we moved on to the Cytoxan. That shit is a bitch! That’s where I begin to get a little loopy. But it’s also where my sinuses go fucking nuts. My nose starts to run and then suddenly it feels like I jumped into a pool without plugging my nose and the chlorine gave my face a little enema. That feeling lasts the whole hour and a half but starts to disappear once I’m back on just saline. I have been a little nasueated since I’ve been home but managing staying on top of my meds and fluids and the pot when I need it. 

I learned something a little fun today. When talking to a nurse about a wedding I’m in post surgery, we got on the subject of prosthetics. Apparently, Kaiser works with Nordstrom to supply prosthetics and bras and it’s covered under my Durable Medical Equipment coverage. I’m pretty pumped to have the option of a chest if I want it. The authorization is in the works but I will wait to get fitted until after surgery. 

Another thing that pumped me up today. This big ass bottle of Kombucha that Krissy brought home today. I had no idea they made large bottles, it’s life changing💜 I also came home to one rad dude with a rad new haircut. Thank goodness Aunt Krissy took him because he was looking like a rag-a-muffin. (That’s what my mom used to call me when I didn’t want to comb my hair as a kid  😄)

Per my oncologist, Friday’s exam looked good. Turns out though, my white blood cell count was a bit low with my last blood draw but she didn’t want to hold chemo off another week. So this means lots of exhaustion is to be expected this time around. I also need to monitor my temperature in case of a fever or infection due to the low counts. I am still on the Zarxio shots to raise my white blood counts but now I also have to go in Wednesday and Friday for blood draws to make sure they are keeping the numbers up. Usually, I just take the shots and trust that it’s working. 

Other than the additional shots, I don’t have too much to report. Thank goodness!! I went in for hydration on Friday evening which was planned. I’ve also been staying on top of my nausea meds and fluid intake much better than last time. I’m definitely tired and I feeldizzy at times but not like the last round. Honestly, if it had been as bad as last time, well, I don’t know. It would have been really bad. I’m not in the clear yet. Mouth sores showed up later in the week last time so that’s still a possibility. But generally speaking, I’m feeling pretty OK. I’ve been hesitant to even post this because I didn’t want to jinx myself. Even my month long cold is nearly gone. And my croup kid is feeling better too.  

Val has been a huge help here with the kiddos, allowing me to rest up.  We’re even hoping to get a Target trip in and an aquarium visit in this week as long as I stay feeling fine. 

Tuesday, I have another appointment with my surgeon now that I am half way through the final chunk of chemo. I don’t know if we will decide on a date or what will be discussed but, of course, I’ll let you all know. 

And if you have been curious as to what 26 eyebrow hairs look like. Here you go.