On April 26-27, I received the second of six cycles of chemotherapy.  Thus far, I know my experience is still “mild,” and I am thankful.

The Good

I am continually grateful for our decision to get a second opinion and go with the second oncologist, as the facility is bright and my nurse (Nikki) is a true blessing.  This is one of the most important lessons that I would share with any cancer patient: be sure that you are truly comfortable with your medical team.  For cancer #1, I went to three surgeons before finding the right one.  I knew as soon as I started talking to the third one that she was the right one.  The same happened this time.  I initially tried to go with the first oncology office that I visited, and I went to them for about a month.  During that month, I was increasingly uncomfortable and uncertain about the path forward.  I finally decided to try a second oncologist and, once again, during my first appointment I immediately knew I needed to switch.  If you have cancer (or any other serious illness, for that matter), trust yourself and look around if you are uncomfortable.  This is not a time when you want to be uncertain.

I am also very happy to be off of Prednisone!  Before each cycle of chemotherapy, they test my blood to see how I am progressing and make sure it is safe to administer the next cycle.  After the first cycle, my blood counts had improved, meaning that the hemolytic anemia had been addressed.  Therefore, I no longer need Prednisone and have been able to taper off it.  Since it has a lot of side effects, I am very glad for that, as well as the improvements in my blood counts and other organ functions that were affected by the hemolytic anemia.  They warned me that, since chemotherapy can cause anemia, my blood counts may go down again in the future.  For now, though, the chemotherapy is doing its job.  (We will know more about how it is affecting the problematic lymph node in a couple of months, as they usually wait until after the fourth cycle to do any imaging.)

The (Somewhat) Bad

As with last month, I have been experiencing fatigue, some nausea, and “chemo brain.”  Also as with last month, the chemo brain affects me the most, as it affects my ability to do pretty much everything, including work.  Unlike last month, though, the fatigue and chemo brain have been with me most days since the infusion.  The doctor said this is probably to be expected, for a couple of reasons.  First, the Prednisone was probably giving me a “boost” that I am no longer experiencing.  Second, the chemotherapy usually has a “cumulative” effect, as you have more of the drugs in your body after each infusion.

Also unlike last month, I am experiencing some hair loss/thinning.  After my diagnosis, I initially was preparing myself to lose my hair . . . until they said I should not with this particular chemotherapy.  When I noticed the hair coming out this month, it was unexpected and caused a little anxiety.  As with my other side effects, though, I know this will pass and am thankful for the healing that I am already experiencing.

The Blessings

In addition to the healing, I am also continuing to count my blessings.  Of course, my husband has continued to be a great support, as have so many friends and loved ones.  On the days I feel particularly bad, my wonderful kitty seems to sense it and becomes an even more steadfast companion.

And the emerging beauty of Spring is a constant reminder of rejuvenation.  I only have to look out a window or take a quick walk in our yard to be reminded of the new growth and beauty that can come after a hard winter.