Ups and Downs of Chemotherapy Infusions

Cycle #1 DONE!!!

This is a little late in writing because last week was a “down” week and I really didn’t have the energy to post anything or update anyone. I have come to terms that I will have weeks like this as my treatment continues.

Update on Cycle 1

I felt like a superstar as I managed the first 10 days of the chemotherapy treatments since I really didn't have any additional symptoms or side effects from how I've been feeling over the last 6 months. Then, Memorial Day Weekend (day #10), Sport and I went downtown to the UoM Minneapolis Cancer Center for my chemotherapy infusion. This treatment hit me like a truck. I was under the weather for 2 days, feeling lethargic and just completely exhausted. By Tuesday, I was feeling better and looking forward to the last infusion scheduled for Thursday to complete the Cycle #1 of chemotherapy and appreciate the next 7 days of no chemotherapy.

Well.. that’s when the “down” week continued its course and decided to throw me for a loop —— Sarah took me to my infusion appointment Thursday morning but I failed my laboratory tests and now have a minor complication of thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count. This means my blood isn't clotting as well as it should, and I need to be extra cautious to avoid bruises and cuts. I also have some minor petechiae bumps which are created when your capillaries break open and blood can leak into your skin creating further reactions.

What does this mean…. what is the current prognosis… simply do nothing, rest, hydrate and take care of yourself. The next 7 days without chemotherapy will be a much-needed break, and I’m hopeful that my body will bounce back and be ready for the next cycle. I am exhausted everyday but this journey is teaching me a lot about resilience and self-care. I'm staying positive and focusing on the fact that I am still a SUPERSTAR since I did complete the first cycle - HUGE CELEBRATION!!!!

Even with the hiccups and a minor setback, each day brings new lessons and small victories, and I'm focusing on those to keep my spirits up. It's a learning process, and I'm finding ways to listen to my body and give it the rest it needs. I am taking breaks when I need to so I can stay strong, navigate this journey and look forward to better days ahead!!

Cycle #2 - Starts Friday, June 7 (Cross your fingers)

Cycle #2 starts Friday so please say a prayer that my body bounces back this week and the lab/bloodwork comes back within the guidelines of the treatment protocol so we don’t have to determine other treatment options with my healthcare team.

Assistance and Support Needed

I couldn’t do this without all the support from my friends and family and I will be seeking assistance to help manage the day-to-day activities for us in the short term as I now know this is going to be a marathon as we navigate the treatments and how much lack of energy the treatments are impacting my daily energy levels. I will send out something this week to help prepare for the June treatments.

One day at a time…

With Love from MN

Andrea