In Anticipation of Chemo Day Seven

Lots of anxiety today about tomorrow's treatment.  It's a long day, with all three drugs being infused, and I have a meeting with my oncologist's NP.  I have a LONG list of questions, including the latest development, a cyst.

I've actually had this cyst for years (over a decade?).  On my left shoulder area, it reared it's ugliness years ago. I scheduled an appointment to have it cut out, and by the time the appointment rolled around, it had dissipated, so I cancelled the appointment.  And so it's sat, unremarkable for years.  Until chemo, and it's decided that now is the time to get huge.  I've been back and forth with my team today and have scheduled an appointment at my dermatologist for Friday.  I do know that a needle aspiration can't happen much less an incision because of the risk of infection.  What do I do with that?  Topical ointment?  Warm compresses?

Also, I did have another body-on-fire episode on Sunday night, but recognized it early enough to take a shot of Benadryl which put me to sleep.  Wondering if I can get a prescription of steroids to take in the event this happens over Thanksgiving.  In the same category, I have a low rumble of electrical pluses that run under my skin and I'm wondering about neuropathy.   I now carry a shot of Benadryl around with me:

I plan to confirm the list of meds I need to take to Jamaica as well as ask some sillier things like when can I book a real manicure and when can I get a dental cleaning?  No sharp objects allowed around me right now.  I can't wait to see the dentist.

I have more serious questions too - Like when do I start booking radiation?  And even more serious, the micro mets (tiny cancer cells - like 1 or 2) that were found in my sentinel lymph node guided my treatment course.  I am confident that I'm doing all I can to rid my body of cancer.  But what else do I need to do to make sure this cancer doesn't metastasize around my body?

All of these thoughts are tumbling around my head, in addition to my hope that my blood counts allow me to be good to go for treatment itself.  

What is working?  This amazing mocktail called "Pale September" that I had last week at one of our favorite spots, Thistle & Leek.  It's apple shrub, apple vinegar, ginger, with soda water (I'm sure I butchered that) and it temporarily gets rid of the metal taste in my mouth so I can actually taste food.  I met a friend there for lunch today, and was presented with this gem:


Definitely making one before dinner tonight.  After that, it might have to be an Ativan evening; I don't know if I'll be able to sleep easily.  Wish me luck tomorrow; big day.  xo J

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