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Surviving first round of Chemotherapy

 


On the 22/02/2022 (lucky date) I had my first round of Chemotherapy. I was feeling nervous about beginning this journey and what would come over the next two weeks. I was prepared to the best of my ability, but feeling anxious about the unknown. 

My treatment was placed into my port that I had surgery for five days earlier. They tested the port and it was in good working order and caused me no discomfort so that was a relief. 

So what is my treatment for chemo? I am having treatment every two weeks for four cycles and then I will have an ultrasound to hopefully find the cancer has reacted to the drugs and started to shrink and if that is the case, I will then have a different drug weekly for twelve cycles. 

The first part of my treatment is called AC dose dense which involves the drugs Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Adriamycin) and Cyclophosamide. Doxorubicin is known as the red devil as it is red in colour and turns your urine red. It is also the devil that causes side effects of hair loss, myelosuppresion, nausea and vomiting, and mouth sores. I also have to give myself a needle in my tummy on day two called Pegfilgrastim. This drug is used to stimulate my white blood cells. 

My first day was smooth. I struggled to sleep which is expected as the medication to combat some of the side effects keeps you awake. Day two through to about seven was up and down and a bit of a struggle. My biggest side effect was acid reflux in my chest and it felt like it was burning in my stomach. I got on to some Nexium which helped heaps. I felt sick and at times like I was not in my own body, which was a really weird feeling. I didn’t vomit so that was a small win. 

Come day six fatigue set in big time. I barely left the couch and slept throughout the day. I couldn’t even hold my own body weight sitting up. I have never felt that sort of fatigue before. I was asleep by 8pm and woke up at 7am the next day. It completely wiped me out.

On day eight I felt the beginning of a urinary tract infection so I made an appointment at the doctors to get some antibiotics and it was here I experienced my first ever panic attack. Day 7-10 is when my immune system is at it’s lowest and I am immune compromised. Sitting in the waiting room surrounded by sick people scared the life out of me. The more people that came in the worst I felt and it got too overwhelming that I had to leave and go and get some fresh air outside. I have a real fear of getting Covid and having nothing to be able to fight it with. 

Day 10-13 I finally got my energy back and felt some what like my normal self. My head feels clear and I can focus on tasks and get them completed. It has helped me feel strong knowing I will hopefully get five good days in the fortnight. 

At about day 11 my head was really sensitive and it felt like it was sunburnt. My hair had already started to fall out but only in small amounts. It felt like straw so I grabbed the scissors and cut it. Just a little bit, but it made it feel lighter and healthier.



Being through the first round has helped me as it has given me an idea of what to expect each time. I definitely had my ups and downs, but have survived my first round of chemo. In a couple of days round two will begin. I am so thankful for my daughters, partner and mum for supporting me through the good and bad days. 

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