1st cycle of second chemotherapy - Feeling familiar

Once we entered the new infusion center, several familiar faces greeted us.  Shelly, one of the infusion nurses who helped us last year, carrying a big smile, gave us a warm hug, and said  'Mr. Jain.  Don't worry, this time we are going to use a missile and blast off the cancer".  That was an uplifting start!

It felt good that we were put in one of the large infusion rooms. The 150 sq ft room was painted in calming blue and beige, and has a brand new plush recliner chair and warm blankets.  As soon we sat down, we were offered coffee and tea, and a snack bar.  One could easier think we are in a massage parlor.  

The cocktail drugs consist of Vinorelbine, Gemzar and Cyramza, and together with four other medicines that were used to control the side effects, will take 5 hours to infuse.  We have learned from past experience, the slower the infusion, the better.  So we are in no hurry.  

Our infusion nurse strongly recommended that we put in a mediport for future chemo cycles.  She told us that Vinorelbine burns and fractured vessels near the injection site for almost all patients.  The vessels may never recover, not to mention the constant pain and permanent ugly bruises the damage will cause.  

I researched online and learned horror stories reported among the cancer patients community.  It seems that everyone eventually surgically put in a mediport either before or after the first cycle of Vinorelbine.  Hence we decided to put one in.  Hopefully, we can get an appointment with a surgeon next week before the next cycle starts on July 7.

The NP Katie advised that Gwohann will feel the most fatigue and weaknesses four days after the infusion, and he will start feeling better after one week.  He may have fever and insomnia on the first day.  He may experience mouth sores, nausea, diarrhea and constipation (yes, at the same time) on any day.  

We will just take one day at a time, and be grateful for each 'bonus' day.  


- Jacqueline