Chemo #4 (second try)

Nov 25, 2025

Hello everyone. I had a great week, except when the Steelers lost to the Bears (SHHHH cousins). Regardless, I felt so much more like myself, which urged me to do cookie trays this holiday season. My energy was back. Steps were still tough but getting better. My platelets rebounded to an acceptable level, and I was able to have my infusion today. It went well with no issues. For some reason I look forward to Benadryl, but it wasn't the same. I only felt a little drunk this time. It was kind of disappointing. 😂

The nurse told me she had my "patch" ready. I said "ok" because I thought this was some kind of bandage that does something nice. NO. This is a box, attached to my arm. It will give me an injection 27 hours after completing chemo. WHAT? So, I have to wear this blinking green light box in anticipation of a needle injecting me with medicine sometime between 430-and 5pm, at least that's what I calculated. When the light stops blinking and is a steady green, I can take it off. Oh, the anxiety. The nurse said it's like getting hit with a gumband, that’s rubber band for you non Yinzers. Are we talking about a thick gumband or a thin gumband? And the reward for enduring this randomly timed, thick or thin gumband-like shot is additional bone pain, joint pain, and muscle pain because it’s supposed to cause my bone marrow to make white blood cells. Such joy, especially since I have these problems already. I just have to continue to be positive, and I will. It’s not forever. But with my port under my skin and this blinking box attached, I’m almost full-on Bionic Woman.

Tomorrow is salty day. Usually the day after chemo, everything tastes like salt. I expect the fatigue and pain to start sometime on Wednesday evening. It’s all good, though. I’ll be OK. Anyway, I hope everyone who celebrates has a great Thanksgiving. Stay safe. Thank you for all the well wishes and prayers. HUGS!

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