In my last post I mentioned how I had breathing problems during my first treatment of this new immunotherapy and that the nurses decided that next time to prevent that from happening I would need to take some pre-meds...no problem. Well the next time I went to my appointment, I was all prepared, didn't even seem anxious about the last time...I just wanted to get in and out that day. They hooked me up, and after dealing with staff problems and blood test result problems, they started me on my pre-med followed by my treatment and then BAM!!!
Last time it was a slow progression of not being able to breathe...this time it was quick and sudden. I felt like I was being strangled from my chest...I would breathe but no air would go into my lungs. I've never had issues with drowning but I guess that's what it feels like. As the nurses rushed over to stop my treatment, give me an emergency shot of steroids, and put an oxygen mask on, I started seeing stars. It was weirdly fascinating actually...my only thought (besides "I can't breathe") was "so this is what the paparazzi look like"...weird I know.
Eventually the nurses got my vitals back to normal and I could breathe easily on my own about 2 minutes later. We started the treatment again and then...no problems. It turns out the reason for my breathing problems was because they were administering it too quickly, and my body wasn't capable of adjusting to the drugs fast enough.
As they say, third times the charm...my next treatment came around and the nurses adjusted my infusion time so I am there for 2 hours COMPLETELY doped up on benadryl and other pre-meds just for precaution. It was smooth sailing and I never stopped breathing...instead I just slept through it. I'm just happy they didn't discontinue this treatment due to my body's reaction. It's not just the breathing problems now...I have MAJOR headaches the day after...so bad I can hardly move without feeling like my head will explode...thankfully that goes away after a day or so.
I've also noticed that my legs are feeling very fatigued due to my being anemic. I can't walk for very long without needing to sit down and take a breather...staircases are the death of me sometimes. Thankfully handicap parking comes in handy for those rough days where I just want to get in and out of the doctors office instead of hiking across an entire parking lot. It also comes in handy on days like Black Friday shopping...which my sister and I experimented on today. We had a lovely spot just waiting by the entrance to the mall, where so many other people were driving in circles to find a spot. Who knew cancer had perks? Haha!
Speaking of Thanksgiving, to be honest, I didn't really look forward to it. After Halloween, it's just been a crazy ride of bad news, unnecessary drama, and raised emotions. But the thing that really set me off was hearing some people complain about petty things the day before Thanksgiving...it really got under my skin this time.
Most people use this day to reflect on what they should be thankful for...but most people don't even realize the enormity of it all. Hell, I don't even need a single holiday every year to know how thankful I am to still be alive! I remind myself everyday and thank God for modern medicines and doctors. A lot of people like me would never make it this far in other countries. So many children go without food, drinkable water, medicine, and even proper education! And to hear people I love complain over something like sweet potatoes or point fingers at others and complain...that just really upsets me. I mean.....
So with Thanksgiving in the past, I urge you all to keep reminding yourselves how lucky you really are. I mean, you are simply lucky to even have internet access and read this silly post!! I'm not saying we all live plentiful lives...I know we all face our own trials and struggles...but there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. And with that being said, thank you to everyone who has supported me through EVERYTHING...I love you all and I hope you had a happy holiday.
