Inside the Chemo Room

My first two treatments

I was nervous about starting chemo. We arrived on time, found parking (which is a chore while they are repaving part of it), checked in, and headed up to the third floor at the cancer centre in Abbotsford. You have to sit in a waiting area by the pharmacy and several people were there already waiting.

The nurse assigned to give me my treatment for that day came out and got me. She was very friendly and cheerful. She must be used to the looks on the faces of the newbies. She showed me to my chair and hubby and I sat down. She came back with some paperwork and began to ask me a bunch of questions. Then she hung the drugs, carefully explaining what each one was and what it would do. Steroids, anti-nausea, benedryl for allergies, and saline for flushing in between drugs. My first appointment was supposed to be 6 hours and it was close.

As the process went on I became more curious about everything and asked a lot of questions. The nurse was gracious and answered them with patience. I need knowledge. The more I know about something the better I can cope with it. Some people don’t want to know and I respect that, but for me, more knowledge creates more calm.

Here’s a look at my first chemo treatment.

I did not feel the same after that first day. Everything is different. I wonder if other people with cancer have the before/after feeling. I’m sure they feel a version of it. I am scared of what the immunotherapy and chemotherapy will do to me. Will it permanently damage me in some way? When I think about the younger women who get breast cancer and how it will affect their reproductive organs. Scary.

My family doctor calls me every time I do my labs. He is carefully checking my kidney levels (eGFR). I think he just wants to follow up and see how I am. I am blessed to have such a caring doctor. Adding these drugs to chronic kidney disease is scary. My levels go up and down between 45 - 55 indicating I am hovering around early stage 3. No one is sure how it happened. I have a metabolic issue - too much insulin - which could have slowly caused it. I took anti-inflammatory meds for arthritis for a couple of years and got an ulcer and lower kidney levels. If I even take an ibuprofen, my kidney levels will drop. I can tell when it drops. My hair will shed in handfuls, my ankles will swell, and I become fatigued easily. I’ll look down and say to myself and anyone listening, “What did I eat? What is causing this?” And then it takes a minute for me to realize it’s the kidneys.

I had some mild symptoms after the first chemo treatment. I must take dexamethasone first. It has some weird side effects. Agitation. I got all bent out of shape over something so easily! I did not realize I was venting, or even that the subject would make me vent! My friends at camp all looked at me and were like, whoa. I laughed at myself. It also gives me insomnia the first night. I have to take it at home at night and then day 2 and 3 between treatments. I got a terrible flush on my face, neck and upper chest. I’m told it’s chemo flush. The nurse said it could be the paclitaxel or the dexamethasone. I had one night of terrible bone pain, mild nose bleeds, and a bone weary fatigue a few times.

In anticipation of losing my hair, I had it cut short.

Me enjoying birthday boy, my youngest grandson, Max, at his party. Short hair for the first time in 32 years.

Week one done.

Week two…

Week two and I had to come in from camp early. They need blood tests done within 24 hours of my treatment. I asked where I was going to get lab work done on a Sunday. Apparently they open the lab in Abbotsford for an hour for Monday cancer patients. It means less time at my happy place… Camp Sunrise

It’s so peaceful here. I feel the presence of God here more than anywhere else. The trees are as tall as several story buildings, the ocean - Howe Sound - sparkles in the sunlight early in the morning. I can hear the birds in the trees, the kids playing in the playground, and the distant squeals of kids in the programs in upper camp. I feel calm and rested here. When I travel over on the ferry it’s like someone with a magic wand takes the stress out of your head and tosses it over the rails to be swept away in the wake of the ferry. Gone. Gone. Just like that.

Chemo day two videos:

And then the drugs kick in…

Now I’m back at camp with the dog and cat for company. They’re sticking by my side and keeping me company. I have to walk the dog a few times a day so that is keeping me moving. Another flushed face, neck and chest. A bit tired, but not like last week. The peachfuzz is starting to peel off my face. I thought it was fluff from the towel, but there isn’t any on it. My scalp is tingling and I’m told that is the beginning of hair loss. Today, I forgot if I had eaten breakfast. The steroids make me hungry so I went in and there was the plate and tea cup I used in the morning.

I can’t seem to find just the right colour pink wig. I have some benefits coverage for it so I will see what I can find. There is a place in North Van that can dye human hair wigs the colour you want. Interesting… will I really dare?

Hubby is joining me after work today. It will be nice to spend time away together until Sunday, when we head back and do it all over again. What would I do without him. This is when I get emotional. The Lord has blessed me with so many wonderful people in my life. I feel the prayers, the support, the encouragement, and love the funny memes and videos sent my way. Keep them coming.

Happy are those who trust in the Lord,
    who rely on the Lord.
They will be like trees planted by the streams,
    whose roots reach down to the water.
They won’t fear drought when it comes;
    their leaves will remain green.
They won’t be stressed in the time of drought
    or fail to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Grace & Peace,

Kathie