Update On How My First Infusion Went
Hi everyone! It's been a while since I posted on here. I wanted to provide an update on how my first infusion went. On the day of chemo they give me pre-meds of anti-nausea medication and steroids which help me tolerate the chemo and immunotherapy drugs. I am thankful for this because it makes the infusion more tolerable! I then take 3 days of oral steroids and anti-nausea meds as needed.
This is my first time ever taking steroids, and they made me feel really amped up and constantly hungry. I felt like my brain was bouncing around, plus jitters. The steroids sustained me through the days following chemo, and on the first day without them, I started to crash emotionally and physically. (Sunday 5/29) I had a strange numbness in my left leg, so the nurse triage line encouraged me to go to the ER to ensure it wasn't anything serious. Nicholas and I spent about 5 hours in the hospital while they did some bloodwork and a physical exam, and they cleared me to go home at about 1am.
That was a rough start to the week I won't lie. It didn't help my mental state and coming down from the steroids. I've had quite a bit of anxiety anticipating what is "normal" and when the other shoe will drop regarding side effects. I'm sure as time goes on I'll get the hang of what to expect. They say the first couple of times are the hardest regarding anxiety. On Monday, 5/30 I felt very fatigued, anxious and sad. On Tuesday 5/31, I started to feel a bit more normal, but still fatigued, a little anxious and sad. By Wednesday 4/1, I was back to my self and have felt pretty great since!
This summary might sound like it didn't go so well, but I think that all things considered, it went pretty smoothly! I'll always err on the side of caution with side effects, and am happy I went to the ER to ensure it wasn't anything serious. I am also proud of myself for working through sadness and high anxiety. There are good days, and there are bad days. And sometimes, there are just good moments, and bad moments. It's all waves in the ocean.
Nicholas has been with me every step of the way, providing emotional support and amazing meals to ensure I'm eating. He also gives really good hugs when I just need to cry. I'm also thankful for friends who come to sit with me on the couch to just be with me. I'm very lucky to have the support I have.
I'm getting motivated to take on my second infusion on 4/8 and end my first official cycle of treatment! It's just one step, but it's a step! And it's worth celebrating!
Treat people with kindness.
- Hannah
