Chemo Round 5 and 6

Oct 11th 2019 - If you recall the last 2 rounds of treatment were with the "sister" drug carboplatin. The one where the CT results didn't come back the greatest.

This time we changed it up again.

Before each chemo treatment I visit with the oncologist to make sure all is going well and if i have any side effect concerns this is where I voice them.

This time we used this appointment to talk about treatment stragety.

My oncologist asked if I wanted to go back to the harsher chemo drug cisplatin? Hands down, no questions asked my answer was yes, I didn't even have to think about my answer. My parents I think were shocked at how quick I responded to the question. I know they weren't thrilled at the idea that I was so willing to jump back on the bandwagon that made me sick enough to admit me at Bluewater Health - but I truly felt like I had no choice, the answer was clear. I was willing to risk it. I felt this time I knew what to expect with the side effects and I was going to be strong enough to handle them.

My oncologist was on the ball (as per usual) and he gave a solution that would ease both sides; myself and my parents. He offered that we reduce the amount the treatment by 20% and split the cisplatin drug between day 1 and day 8 for the next two rounds.

This sounds all and well.... but I sure you understand how much my stress level went up - thinking of the same "what ifs" again. Not again.

And guess who is stuck making the overall decision.... this girl. My nightmare has returned.

After some solid facts stated by my oncologist and both my parents thinking this was the best idea, I agreed to lower the dosage. It didn't matter how I received the drug whether it was 1 day, 2 days or a week - I was worried about the amount used to battle this bitch of a disease.

After a year of treatments the chemo suite has pretty much become a second home to me. I nurses are wonderful and friendly and make you feel so comfortable, despite the obvious reason why you are there. They make it so much more easier to sit there all day while your body is taking in all the "poison".

Rounds 5 and 6 fly by; 4 days in total sitting about 6 hours each day. I make sure I bring a lot reading materials and a phone charger!

Of course I am never alone; I manage to get visits from friends and family. And mom and dad are never to far away to come keep my company, I'm forever grateful for those two.

Knowing that these rounds are to be the last at Bluewater Health I have the change to hit the gong again, but no way not this time, I know why journey isn't done yet and I'm not going to jinx it anymore.

On top of everything going on, I received some not so happy news that my oncologist would be leaving Bluewater Health for a position in Oakville - devastated. But I know I'll be left in good hands with whomever he chooses and it looks like London at the London Regonial Cancer Centre is high on his radar.

Positive Note: We were able to come to a decision together that will help me with the side effects of the chemotherapy drug and hopefully will avoid any hospital visits.