Chemo Round 4-August 4, 2021

Posted on by admin

Wednesday, August 4 at 8:30 am

Today is the first time I haven’t wanted to go to the hospital. I was dreading the increase in the intensity of the side effects, especially the cold-induced neuropathy. But, if I’m being honest, I’m just tired. Chemo every 14 days takes a lot out of you. Later in the day, my labs will show that my iron is even lower which also contributes to being tired.

I also think it’s hard to adjust to being “sick Angela” when on the days that I’m feeling good, I am trying to live my best life. Between the last round and this one, we went out to dinner, saw friends, celebrated Andy’s birthday in Key West, spent time with our granddaughter. So switching gears from trying to be “normal” to going back to the hospital for more treatment is a bit of a roller coaster, and is frankly, exhausting.

The side effect I dread the most is cold-induced neuropathy caused by one of the chemo drugs, oxaliplatin. With this side effect, anything I touch that is cold sends lightening through my finger tips and tingling and numbness in my toes. If there is too much A/C blowing on my face, then my mouth and chin tighten up. When I drink anything cold and it feels as like I’m drinking shards of glass. Needless to say, you simply avoid these things at all costs. Even in the dead of South Florida summer when you desperately want ice cubes in your drink!! Thank God for hot chocolate and warm cookies! 🙂

Regardless of the side effects, back to the hospital I must go. Not going is not optional. Not fighting is not an option. My mom picked me up and planned to stay for the day. Thank goodness for mom. 

First off, I met with Dr Brandt, my medical oncologist, who examines me and writes final orders before the pharmacy will prepare my chemo meds in the main hospital and send them over to the Anderson Cancer Center across the parking lot. It’s a timely process. She thinks I should have another scan. I share with her that I am already scheduled for one at Moffitt on August 16th and will see my medical oncologist there and meet their liver surgeon all in the same day. I’m glad both doctors are thinking the same way. There is some relief knowing they agree on my treatment so far.

Commence Chemo IV
IV Palooza….
Fluids
Prevacid
Steroids
Nausea med
Oxilaplatin
Atropine
Benadryl
Irinotecan
Leucovorin
**insert continued reaction, muscle spasms intermittently all over. This time tightening and tingling around mouth and chin.
More Ativan, continue chemo
5FU packed in pump for home injection over 46 hours carry pump everywhere

Once again, I’m set free until Friday at 11:30 for more IV fun! (I say this, but not really set free as I have to carry around the pump with the 5FU everywhere I go between Wednesday and Friday) Fluids, Iron, 5FU pump d/c, Neulasta shot. This is the same as the week before and takes until 3:30. Again mom is with me.

I’m putting one foot in front of the other and getting thru it. I’m still working and trying to keep my life as normal as possible. I appreciate everyone who has reached out, sent things/cards, and who is praying for me. I need all the positive energy and prayers I can get! It ALL helps!

I’m excited and nervous about my upcoming scan on August 16. Please prayer that the Cancer is GONE!!!

Love,
Angela

38 thoughts on “Chemo Round 4-August 4, 2021”

  1. I’ll be praying hard between now and 8/16 for good news. You are so admirable throughout this awful situation and I know your Mom by your side is such a huge help!!! You have a lot of people praying for your health!!! Keep fighting…. kick cancer’s ass!!!!

    Reply

  2. Angela- I admire your tenacity and I know it will serve you well. You are teaching all of us the fight for our best life. Sending prayers and hugs and will await good news from the scan. 🙏🙏🙏

    Reply

  8. We will be praying between now and the 16th. Keep fighting. I am amazed by your tenacity and determination.

    Reply

  9. Angie you got this. It’s not easy looking fabulous and always feeling it. So take time for you too. Get a spa massage . The Mani /pedi days. The little things matter. A happy spirit is a positive one.

    Reply

  10. You’re a fighter and your spirit shines through. So glad your mom is there with you. ❤️ Thinking of you and praying for great news on 8.16.

    Reply

  12. You look so amazing. You still have a sparkle in your eyes! You have a great mom! I am so proud of you for fighting and still being able to enjoy your life. You were always a sparkle of sunshine in high school and it appears you are still sparkling. My prayers will include you tonight. Thank you so much for the update. Hopefully good news will come on your next scan. You are beautiful inside and out!

    Reply

  16. Thinking of you with many positive thoughts and prayers. Your fight with in you and your will and so many things will get you thru this. One step at a time you are doing amazing.. That med with the cold neuropathy is a tough one .. I’m sorry u you are going thru that side effect ! Lots of hot chocolate. Knowing the physicians are on the same page with your care is comforting and reassuring.. Big hugs and more prayers your way for a positive scan report ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Reply

  17. Lots of prayers 🙏 this is a journey and knowing is there for you is so important cause we are. 😊

    Reply

  18. Thank you for sharing your story. Your strength and humor are appreciated and must make it somewhat bearable. Sending lots of prayers and well wishes, for a clear scan, continued healing, and strength and compassion for your family. ❤️

    Reply

  19. Angela, your beautiful smile and positive attitude in these times your going through is so encouraging for every woman going through this. I love your positive spirit and your love for life. I’ve been praying and continue to pray for you. Stay strong and we will all stay tuned for the “cancer free” results from your scan ♥️♥️🙏🙏♥️♥️

    Reply

  21. Angela. Sending lots of love and prayers! It’s good to know you are a fighter. You got this!!! 💕🙏

    Reply

  26. Saying lots of prayers for you! God is the great physician. He is with you every step of the way.

    Reply

  27. My Thoughts and prayers are with you. Your positive attitude is to be admired Angela. Thank you for taking the time keeping us informed.

    Reply

  29. Hi Angela, sending love ❤️ & positive thoughts. Praying for good results on your scan 8-16! You are in our daily prayers. So proud of you ! Keep up the good work. Linda Vannatta

    Reply

  32. You’re the strongest woman I know, Angela, and you have an army of friends behind you! Will keep you in my prayers and hope for great results on your scan on 8/16! 💝

    Reply

  34. Angela, you are often in my thoughts and always in my prayers. You are an AMAZING person & I am proud to know you.
    I would love to keep you company during any of your treatments, be your chauffeur, or just grab a hot chocolate and bring you some home made muffins.
    I will reach out this week ❤️😘
    Keep up the fight…You Will Win! ❌⭕️❌

    Reply

  35. I’ve been thinking about you since I started back line dancing, thinking where is my partner? No doubt with your attitude and outlook on life you got this. If I can tag along or provide a ride or support for any treatments let me know. We have a lot of catching up to do. God speed and all my prayers are with you. I’ll keep dancing with you in my thoughts.

    Reply

  36. Angela,
    You are stronger than you know! God will carry you “footprints”🤗 and your mom being there is wonderful ! Keeping you in my prayers beautiful you got this and 8/16 scan will be perfect! 🙏🏻❤️😘🥰 Love ya sweetie!

    Reply

  37. I can’t even imagine… but you e got this with an entire team of support! Thinking of you and sending positive energy and happy vibes your way! So happy you are still living your best life… so proud of you and how strong you are 💕

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *