Update After Infusion #2

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've updated on here! I find that time moves very quickly, and also extremely slow through this process. I buzzed my hair off with a small group of friends on Saturday 4/11. Everyone got a chance to cut part of my hair, we laughed and enjoyed bubbly together. (Sparkling apple juice for me!) It was a lovely little ceremony to say goodbye to my hair and take control before the chemo caused alopecia starts. It did my soul some good to enjoy sunshine with friends and I have enjoyed experiencing a buzz cut. I'm also thankful that my head isn't odd shaped. (Thanks mom and dad!)

My infusion itself on 4/8 went well, however the steroids did not amp me up as much as they did the first time, and the dip was a hard hitter and lasted longer. I had some chest pains, which caused my anxiety to skyrocket. I communicated with my oncologist who suggested the issue sounded more like musculoskeletal issues as opposed to cardiac issues, but my anxious brain had a hard time relaxing. I saw my oncologist on Monday 4/20 for an exam and to talk through it. He still thinks it was musculoskeletal and bone pain in my rib cage. I wasn't experiencing any other symptoms that would indicate cardiac issues. The immunotherapy can cause bone and muscle pain as a side effect. I have had some joint pains as well, so this does make sense. Knowing this now, I hope I can manage it better if it happens again during "the dip" and the peak of side effects.

I had a really great weekend and am feeling better just in time for my next infusion. This is starting up my 2nd Cycle, and 3rd infusion. Checking them off!

(Special shout out to my mom for coming to visit and help me out with "the dip" and take some pressure off of Nicholas for a few days. They both helped me navigate my anxiety and held me when I needed extra love. I am so blessed.)

Treat people with kindness 

- Hannah