I was nervous for the first treatment. We needed to be there by 7:45 a.m. so we stayed in a hotel in Everett to eliminate any uncertainty with the ferry.
They pre-medicated me to prevent some of the potential chemotherapy side effects. This included Benadryl to avoid an allergic reaction. Closing my eyes for a few moments was necessary as a result. Next they administered the immunotherapy, Keytruda, and slowly titrated up the dose. Then the chemo drugs, carboplatin or paclitaxel, were added, one then the next; I’ve forgotten the order.
Funny in retrospect, the hardest part was some intestinal discomfort after the immunotherapy. The nurse said that was not expected. It dawned on me that I’d eaten a nutrition bar with too much protein packed into its small size. That’s my hypothesis. The next immunotherapy will be in three weeks for me to test it.
We got home in time for Monday T’ai Chi practice and I felt good enough to join! I took a preventative anti nausea pill that night and have been good these past two days.
My tumors remind me of their existence which makes me think they ate the therapy for lunch. I’m confident they’ll sour on that taste soon! I suppose that means I will too but know it’s part of the process.
Thank you for the love and support! 💕 I am honored and grateful.
Love,
D’Arcy
So glad to hear that they have medicines to help with the side effects. I think you told me that the immunotherapy is more likely to have side effects than chemo.. You must be doing well to be able to do T’ai Chi the same day as the treatment. We have a lot of snow and I am staying home.
Let’s talk, when you feel up to it. Love Mom
I cut my hair today. Now we are twins 👯♂️. I should have waited until it wasn’t below freezing out though. Love, Linda
Cool! I know what you mean. Hats have been my friend for that reason lately. So far my hair is still on my head. 😁
I’m glad you felt well enough to do T’ai Chi after your treatment and that the side effects continue to be not too bad. I like the new haircut! Much love to you and Matt
🥰 Thank you, Karen.
Just now reading all this! Fascinating! Sounds like things are proceeding apace with no big issues so far.was horrified at the delay regarding insurance, but so glad they got it worked out! Will be following along now that my birthday doings are done, and our gig at Ogres is done (last Friday). Hoping for smooth sailing from here on out!
Happy belated birthday, Ellen! 🎉 🍰 🎉
My thoughts are with you today. Hoping your 2nd treatment is as easy or even easier than the first one. Much love Mom.
Hi Mom, thank you. I got a chance to read this quickly before the treatment. Then the Benadryl kicked in and has stuck with me all day. 🥱
Marc and I are keeping you and Matt in our thoughts. Thanks for sharing this with us all.
🥰 Thank you, Bill. You two are also in my thoughts and in my heart. Take good care and may we all be healthy!