On Friday, February 7, 2013, I had my second round of AC. I woke up feeling good that day, and I figured I, naturally, would feel almost human the day I'm headed to get more poison pumped into my veins. My gracious escort to treatment was Amber Herald this week. I'm very appreciative of her efforts to take me to treatment as she has her own health issues to be concerned about.
After my first experience with AC, I was very leery to get this treatment. The last thing I wanted was to be throwing up and miserable like I was after the previous treatment. My doctors wanted me to switch to the steroid injections along with my treatment, but I'm stubborn, and I REALLY don't want the steroid injections. I truly hate how they make me feel. Plus the idea of packing on weight in addition to everything else I'm facing doesn't sit well with me. The last thing I need is for my but to expand five sizes. At any rate, I asked them to give me one more treatment without steroids to see how I responded. If I got that sick again, I would give in and use the steroid injections for the final two treatments.
In addition to this treatment, they added an IV bag injection of something (I can't remember the name) that prevents nausea and vomiting within the first two to three days. I must say I feel this did help as I didn't feel nearly as loopy or "drunk" when I left the treatment center. I'm not sure why that isn't given as a standard injection with this treatment. While receiving treatment, Amber went to the cafe on the first floor and ordered us both some sandwiches. During my first treatment, I help off eating until after treatment was complete, and I also believe that contributed to how I felt--I simply had gone too long without eating. I stuffed my face with a BLT while receiving AC treatments, and I definitely felt better just because I ate!
My veins are definitely seeing some wear from all these infusions. While getting my IV this week, my veins were tender to the touch when the nurse was looking for a vein to pick on. Thank goodness I only have two more treatments left as I'm not certain my veins could withstand anymore. I can definitely tell AC is much harder on them than Taxol as well. My arm is always a bit sore for days after my treatment. I still stand behind my decision to not get a port. My nurses told me a mont or so after chemo is done, and my veins will be back to their normal self and healed up.
When we were finally set free from treatment (and we were literally there all day long), we stopped by the gift shop in the lobby and purchased these bracelets to each ear. Amber is a survivor of Cervical Cancer, so we are each wearing bracelets for one another.
I am so grateful to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to make sure I get to treatments safely. It's a long, tiring day; and many people have sacrificed their time to ensure I get to treatment and home safely.
Since my treatment, I've felt very tired this week. I've had several days where the acid reflux (common with AC) is almost unbearable; but the Nexium I'm not on helps a lot. Ask about this before you begin AC treatments. This week, I made sure my bowels were moving loosely before and on the day of treatment. I did NOT want a repeat of the constipation I had with my previous treatment. For those wondering how to manage this, I took 2 Senekot every night the week prior to treatment so by the time Friday arrived, constipation definitely was not an issue. I've continued taking this dosage after treatment, and I must say things have been much better in that particular area.
I've battled some nausea and upset stomach, but I have not thrown up. The worst was on a day in which I had to take my daughter to an appointment, so I couldn't take any of the anti nausea meds. As long as I'm able to take them, it's bearable.
For anyone going through this treatment, hang in there. It truly does SUCK.
God Bless!
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