Chemo 2

Here for chemo number 2 today. It feels weird that it's been 2 weeks since I was here last. For a while there Brian and I were at a doctor or hospital almost every day, then going to 2 weeks of nothing feels strange. But just since 10am I've seen a genetic counselor, labs, the oncologist, her nurse, the dietician, and the infusion nurse. So, when I do come here they make great use of my time. 

The first chemo went well. I felt fine after it. I never got sick but Brian and I had PDQ for lunch right after my treatment and just the thought of a chicken strip at this point makes me want to vomit. So chicken strips are officially DEAD.TO.ME. Also dead to me is chocolate/caramel candy. Had one of those during treatment. Thinking about it now makes me want to barf. Weird to have food aversions now even though they didn't make me sick at the time. 

I had a Neulasta shot 3 days after chemo and exactly 24 hours after that shot I got a migraine that lasted for 4 and a half days. But if it takes a migraine to kill the cancer, fine by me. 

My hair started falling out on day 13 after chemo. Lots of strands. Day 14 was even worse, so I put my hair in a ponytail and made Brian cut it off so I can donate it. Then he gave me a buzz cut. Serious role reversal since I used to cut his hair all the time. It's still falling out but I'm not noticing it as much now that it's so short. I wore my pet wig out this weekend. I'm having to train that pet wig to stay out of my face. I also accidentally shut it in the car door at one point this weekend. So, I'm not the best pet owner. 😬

My genetic testing all came back negative. The genetic counselor sent off to have 2 more genes tested but hopefully those will be negative too. It will be a few weeks before I hear on those. 

I asked to see the dietician because I've been reading about changes in diet helping with treating triple negative cancer. She gave me some info on a plant-based, low-methionine (basically vegan) diet that they have researched with triple negative breast cancer, so I will start that too. Good thing it does not include chicken strips. 😝 Bleh!

The doctor and I both noticed that the tumor has gotten smaller and the lymph node that was quite large is practically gone, so that's great after just 1 treatment. The goal of chemo is to kill all cancer cells in my body and hopefully it will cause all lymph nodes to shrink back to normal and the mass in my breast to go completely away. 

I see the surgeon tomorrow for a follow-up and to talk about the surgical stuff. I also give myself my Neulasta shot tomorrow. First time giving it to myself but I'm sure it will be fine. It's a very small needle. 

Next treatment will be February 15. So 2 down and 14 to go. Two more of this drug combination and then 12 of 2 different drugs. Bring it on!

#shiplap