Wednesday, January 29 (Chemo #2)

Chemo #2 in the books! 1/3 of the way through my chemotherapy journey. We met with one of my doctor's PAs at 7:40 this morning, as well as the clinical study coordinator. I was able to ask a lot of my questions, such as what happens to my treatment if all these funding freezes happen. The study coordinator said my treatment would be uninterrupted since I'm in the "standard of care arm," but that he'd probably lose his job. (Happily, a few hours later, Andrew and I read in the Times that that insane memo was rescinded. A huge relief.)

I also asked about my CA-125 number, which has been giving me a lot of anxiety. (That number is called a "tumor marker," and an elevated number indicates the existence of cancer. Once a surgery and treatment are underway, that number should decrease.) I get my CA-125 tested every three weeks as part of my pre-chemo bloodwork. At first I thought I just wouldn't ever look at the test results and trust the doctor to tell me if something was alarming. This of course was unrealistic, and last night I decided to just go ahead and look at the results from my blood work from yesterday morning. I got mentally prepared...and then all the results were in EXCEPT the CA-125. Today, the PA told me it takes at least a day longer for those results to come in. And they actually came in during my treatment. She messaged me to tell me that my number was 42 points lower than three weeks ago, exactly what they're looking for: a steady decrease. Whew. As long as it keeps going down, they're happy. A big relief.

She also confirmed that the nodule I felt underneath one of my side-incisions was indeed scar tissue, not a giant new growth. 

These were not fun questions to carry around leading up to the appointment. I'll be better about just messaging the care team in the future. There is no reason to stress over something that likely has a non-alarming answer.

That was just the first half hour of the day. No wonder Andrew and I are dead on our feet tonight. It was an emotionally taxing day.

The treatment itself went fine. The nurse got my IV in with one try. I had no allergic reactions to the taxol. I iced my scalp, hands, and feet. Andrew and I watched three episodes of Prime Target, a new show where mysterious people are terrified of out-of-the-box research into prime numbers and kill anyone who gets too close to....something. Unclear, but also fun to watch people scribble nonsense equations on tablecloths.

Beth came down from her office and spent an hour or so with me so Andrew could get a break to walk around outside (and bring me back a Panera smoothie and cookie). At one point once Andrew came back we were all laughing about something, feeling like we were breaking the rules somehow.

My treatment and extra scalp cooling time ended at 3:30 today, so we were able to get home and relax for a while. Mom and Dad had arrived in the afternoon to pick up kids and make dinner and hang out. We looked through the two new Snapfish photo books that arrived today. 

And now--the wait for potential side effects. I've taken 40 mg of steroids in the past 24 hours, and I'll take 8 more mgs tomorrow and Friday. I got anti-nausea drugs in my pre-meds that last for three days, plus a large dose of Benedryl, and lots of fluids. So I expect to feel okay for a few days. Fingers crossed for manageable side effects whatever they may be. 

So glad this day is over. Ready for the upcoming days of intense hydration, protein consumption, and bowel movement obsession. (That's TMI but it's my blog and it's a big focus after treatment, which causes constipation, which, if not resolved, can lead to hideous issues. A regimen of coffee+Miralax, the dreaded prune juice, fruit, taking at least one walk, and a glamorous Miralax+hot tea cocktail at night has worked for me so far.)