Round 2 in the Rearview Mirror (Post #26)

Frost on the lawn!

Today is Day 11 of my second TCH chemo infusion, which means it was given on Monday, September 12. I was warned that some of the side effects can be cumulative, and given my nasty reaction to the first infusion, I admit to feeling some trepidation. The infusion itself went very smoothly, though I'd prefer they find a different vein. (I can't help it that my cephalic vein was quite literally winking at the nurse, "Pick me! Pick me!  Please...no one ever wants to use me!" 🙋)

Some of the side effects are exactly as anticipated, though perhaps better managed this time around. 

• The muscle spasms and pain, in particular, were much more tolerable, provided I took my medication (morphine, Robaxin, and Extra Strength Tylenol) as prescribed, something not as easily achieved as one would think. I've taken to setting an alarm for every. single. medication. dosage. Sad...when I think of the academic honors I received in school...😁 Honestly, these days I could play a competitive game of Memory against myself and still lose! (Surely you remember the picture card matching game from Kindergarten?) 

• Brain fog is certainly one of the more persistent side effects. At a recent  appointment, for example, I couldn't remember if I had already relayed certain information to the doctor, or whether I'd only discussed it with her nurse. 😬 Oh well, this too shall pass. I hope. Or maybe I'll just forget that I ever had a pretty decent memory, albeit many years ago. 😊 One way I gauge my "mental proficiency" is by playing Scrabble against the "Droid" on my phone. If I don't beat it by at least 100 points, I'm not having a good day. There are also days when I'm not even willing to attempt playing, for fear of ruining my record. Actually, if you've ever had the misfortune of taking a sleeping pill too soon, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. On those days I just longed for the oblivion of sleep, which isn't always an option.

• The facial flushing was immediately back, which, incidentally, is only intermittent. I still have to wear blush some days! 

• My mouth/throat sores are not as bad this time, I haven't had to use Dr. Akabutu's numbing mouthwash as often as anticipated. That's not to say that my mucous membranes have been unaffected, I wish! One day I was craving takeout BBQ and Memphis Blues in particular. Unfortunately, I thought they'd dipped everything in siracha sauce and couldn't even finish my plate. (Well, who does? The portions are American-sized! 😋) Meanwhile, my family was thoroughly enjoying their supper...even the "the-only-Indian-food-I-eat-is-mild-Butter-Chicken" member, so it was obviously me. My taste buds are even more affected this time. Food can actually taste so disgusting that it triggers my gag reflex. Oh, joy. Everything tastes like a variation of dirt. I'm a country girl who has always had a garden; do not question my farm girl palate. 

• Not surprisingly, my nausea is worse, though still manageable. I've only had 2 bouts of "talking on the Big White Telephone," this round.  Maybe one of these times I'll remember to weigh myself before and after. Or not. Probably not. 🤢 Okay, this next statement is definitely TMI (too much information) so, hang on a moment while I shrink the text to a whisper...you actually get a warning when you're about to throw up when receiving chemo, well, at least I do. I start to drool like a dog with rabies! It's absolutely disgusting! But I must admit to appreciating the warning. I then have time to run, and I mean flat-out run to the bathroom in time. 

• I did have random swelling in my left arm, which makes absolutely no sense, as my blood work and IV were taken from my right, but it was rather pudgy and without veins for a couple of days. Just long enough for hubby to get all nervous, but not long enough to convince me to actually do anything about it. 😁 Who knows if it's even related to chemo!

• My nails have begun flaking in the most French-pastry-like manner. 🥐 Honestly, if I was in a contest trying to emulate laminated pastry like a croissant, I'd be winning!  Hence, leaving my nails bare is no longer an option. They must always have some type of lacquer on them, however, getting them done is also not an option, as the risk of infection is too high. 

• I did have a rather exciting incident, of course, on the night Ken was in Hinton. (I was smarter and stayed home while he took his parents along as company on the drive.) I was feeling distinctly unwell, and as someone who has had low blood pressure most of my life, thought that perhaps chemo had caused it to tank. Marigan grabbed her BP cuff and stethoscope and proceeded to measure it for me. I wish I had been filming her facial expression as she pumped up the cuff...only to pump it up a bit more...then a bit more...her eyeballs were nigh popping out by the time she said in her best nurse's voice "176...! over...82. What?!? 😳" Huh. Turns out that chemo usually causes high blood pressure, so it's nice to know that I'm normal...well, in this way, at least. I immediately asked for prayer from my sisters and Ken prayed with his parents and after a warm bath, it was down to 156/82 and then down to 136/82. Who knows what actually caused that blood pressure aberration. 🤷🏻‍♀️

And so I look forward to feeling better as the days progress. Unfortunately, at times I find myself feeling a bit better and am so excited to be thus that I work until I no longer am. 🥴 I have an appointment with my oncologist following my blood tests on the 29th, so here's hoping and praying that all is well and I'm able to commence with the third infusion on October 3. Until then, I covet your prayers and support and continue to trust that God will carry me through anything I may encounter. (Enjoy this oldie but goodie, "He Will Carry You" by Scott Wesley Brown.)