infusion #4 - no sushi no knives

I might wear a different shirt next time?
#cancerfashion

This round, my pre-infusion labs came back with key data on the bottom ends of acceptable ranges, indicating my immune system is taking more time to recover. The Oncologist was on holiday, so the Oncologist-on-call gave a hesitant green light to the infusion with caveats. She reduced the dose of the two main chemo drugs (Taxotere and Carboplatin) by 10% and suggested a 4-week interval between the next infusion as needed to recover my system. The dose reduction also reduced the pre-meds accordingly. 

New rules

With a struggling immune system, I am instructed to get more rest and to avoid raw foods, injuries (cuts, bruises, burns), direct contact with organic matter, and exposure to illnesses. So I'm essentially banned from the kitchen. To be fair, I'm quite infamous for cutting my fingers in the kitchen; potato-chopping is the first most-frequent challenger to my dermal barrier. Hot oven racks are second.

Becca took over solely in the kitchen for the week, and there's no sushi on the menu anytime soon. Rick kicked off the weekend with an 11-hour smoked brisket, which I'm told was all kinds of heavenly. My taster remains on chemo-poisoned strike. 

Post-infusion Goalz

Our highest objective was to stay out of the Emergency Room this time. It avoids unknown exposure and allows for more rest, since every ER visit requires at least 8 hours of bouncing around from plastic chairs to hallways, dodging those who appear most compromised and/or least-inclined to mask up. From the end of Day 10 from Infusion, I call this one a win. 

This time, the Oncologist-on-call ordered IV Fluids for Day-5 and Day-7 (counted from Infusion as Day-1 on Friday 9/8). Because I have to go into the Infusion center for those five daily Granix shots (to boost white blood cell regeneration), I could be triaged each day, given my shot, and also given IV fluids if needed. I took fluids on Tuesday and Thursday. Historically, that ER visit has occurred on Tuesday or Wednesday nights in previous rounds.

Tuesday morning I had another hypotension "event," where my blood pressure dropped suddenly under duress. This time I was able to curb my panic, calm my breathing, get my feet up, etc. that prevented a full-on BP crash. Becca and I were able to calmly (Becca was calm) get to the Infusion Center where they started IV fluids in a very orderly, non-emergency way. ER averted. 

That dratted bone pain also came back early on Thursday morning (3am), and I was grateful to be able to recognize the same pattern of pain and treat it accordingly without an ER intervention. Whew.

As for the rest of the symptoms, they all came roaring back, just as challenging as ever. Overall, it's been a rough week but successful. (Knock on all the woods....)

Mindful baking

Today (Day 10) since Becca isn't here to make brownies for Rick, I ventured into the kitchen with intent. The recipe is my most familiar. However, the moment I said that my goal was "mindful baking," I flipped red cocoa powder across the front of me, the countertop, and floor. So much for mindfulness. Even after a rocky start, I did get out of the kitchen without any cuts, bruises or burns. Success! 

Traditional Birthday Brownies

Mix:

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 C plus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 C cocoa powder
• 1 egg, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla

Sift dry ingredients into cocoa mix and stir until just combined:

• 3/4 C unbleached flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Fold in liquid:

• 1/2 C milk, room temp

Bake in 8x8 at 350 F degrees for 20-25 mins.

Frosting for cooled brownie:

• 4 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 C boiling water
• 2 1/2 C powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 C cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Shout Outs

Thanks to everyone who called or messaged me this week. Thanks also for the gifts of love and some lovely flowers. I won't apologize for not responding in the moment, but I will thank each of you for every kind word, voicemail, email, and message of encouragement. There were a few days at the start of this week when I could only sleep, drink water, and watch Deadpool (I & II). 

Your words and support carried me through those hard days. Know that I appreciated each attempt to reach me in whatever form and that I saw your efforts and categorized them optimistically rather than thinking I owed you something, and you were calling to collect (you weren't, were you?)

What's Next

Infusion #5 is currently scheduled for Friday, 9/29/23. A delay won't be determined until after my labs are completed the day before. I'll try to post a delay notice if it occurs. 

It's a Gettin' Closer

Almost over the worst of the symptoms today-tomorrow, and for what it's worth, my soundtrack is Buddy Holly:  Every day seems a little longer, every way, love's a little stronger, come what may...

Thanks for taking the time to read my words.

Onward!

Sherri