Perpetual Ruminations

Round Three and I'm Still in The Lead

I did my third infusion on Monday, then left the cancer center around two in the afternoon with a portable pump that infuses the last dose over a twenty-four-hour period. Things went well at the hospital, even though they increased my dosage to the full 100%. The worst part is the portable pump I have to carry around.

The increased dosage did have all the pesky side effects starting sooner, my cold sensitivity seems a bit worse, and of course, I'm feeling more fatigued. But that's only because it wipes out the white and red blood cells, as well as lowers platelets. In all, however, I'm feeling pretty good, and with an iron and protein-rich diet, I'll have my blood counts up in a few days.

In two weeks and I have my fourth infusion and meet with my oncologist to see if I'm able to do two more before my surgery. My labs are good, all my counts are within normal range. The P.A. was impressed with how well I'm doing, the dietitian asked what types of foods I'm eating that are keeping my labs up so well, and both were impressed with my positive mood and lightheartedness. All in all, I think the oncologist will let me take the six infusions before I do surgery.

I'm all for it. It's a little rough the first week; Wednesday is just a rest day, Thursday I'm doing a little more but still tire easily. By the weekend, I'm feeling pretty good and able to do quite a bit without tiring, and in the second week, I feel much like I did before any of this even started. But with each infusion, the effects last a bit longer and are a bit worse. So my thinking is, if I can push through six sessions before my surgery, I'll only have to have two more after I heal up. And, after a nice six-week break from chemo, two infusions will be a walk in the park.

By November/December, I'll be ringing that bell!