I was supposed to get my infusion last week, but I was running a fever. After just getting over a two-week long battle with a cold, I woke up with yet another sore throat on Friday. The doctor said I needed to wait for chemo. The Nurse Practitioner gave me some antibiotics and steroid medicine to clear up my head. That was some powerful medicine; I had trouble sleeping one night because of it. Not to mention things were a little hectic over the weekend with our family. Drama…That’s all I’m going to say about that.
There was drama on the highway this morning as well. Cars came to a screeching stop, and Tim had to veer onto the shoulder. Crazy traffic! That started us off behind schedule. Drama in the vein highway followed. Once again the nurse had some trouble getting good blood return. This has happened a few times over the past year or so. She put in a TPA which lasted about 30 minutes, and then it was fine. I was happy not to be stuck in the arm with a needle, as she was willing to wait to see if we could use the port. Once the familiar sounds of the machine started whirring while pumping chemo into my port, I was relieved to get back on track. My radar elevates whenever that crops up. If something happens to my port, they won’t let me leave until it is resolved (which could mean surgically removing it). One of the many possible inconveniences with this disease that I have learned to accept.
I did get stuck with a needle after all, a small injection in the belly. The stars aligned and I was able to get it on the same day as chemo. Xgeva keeps my bones from breaking, so I gladly receive it. I have read some horror stories by women in my MBC support group. I feel like I am one of the “lucky” ones, as mine is currently stable and under control. The cancer is in places that have not yet caused me to lose my ability to walk, run, ride the motorcycle, dance (Zumba!) and simply enjoy life. Yes, I have back pain that nags me throughout the day, and yes, I have to go to treatment more often than I would like, but I have so many things to be grateful for.
What are you grateful for today?
Á la prochaine…until next time.