Time to continue walking towards the summit. I got the second dose of the same three drugs today. Cycle 2 of 6 has started. After talking to the oncologist yesterday he found no need to reduce the dose since the side effects were, not unmentionable, but manageable last time. I am being treated aggressively so I need to be monitored closely. My white blood cell (WBC) count was slightly below normal range, but nothing concerning. However, I need to be extra cautious about not getting infected by anything. (Somewhat worrisome in the midst of a pandemic – but we are taking precautions). The super duper good result today was – besides from that all other tests were normal except the WBC – the CA-125 and CEA cancer markers are now within normal range and on the low side. From that I am interpreting that the cancer is not growing and establishing another tumor someplace – and is under control I would say. Happy about that result naturally.

As mentioned in the last post I have had two low calorie days in the run-up for today. As said before, this is to possibly lessen the side effects (the neuropathy in particular), to make the cancer cells more susceptible to the drugs (by pushing them into stress mode), and to increase the chances of protecting precursor white blood cells. Hard to say of it is working, but it is always a possibility. Worth a try and manageable.

While I was prepped with anti nausea medications, saline and glucose I wrapped my self in my purple blanket and got out my audiobook, ready to sit put for 3-4 hours with James by my side. (I can unplug the machine and drag it with me over to the bathroom.) I did decide to not use the Scopalamine patch for nausea this time due to the side effects – fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision. I am now only on Zofran – a pill every eight hours. I am crossing my fingers that the nausea will still be manageable. If not – Scopalamine next time.

From a tip from David, we wanted to try something different when getting the Oxaliplatin today. There has been a study where cancer patients were eating ice cubes while getting the chemo. This is thought to reduce the uptake of the oxaliplatin in the mouth and mucous membranes (where there is no cancer) and prevent cold sensitivity, while also reducing the impact on changing taste. The nurse was skeptical since prior training states there was a risk of spasms in the throat (causing difficulty in breathing). However, she got the oncologist – who read the study – and he agreed that I would be his first patient to try it. (He had actually previously worked with one of the authors – small world.)

With watchful worried nurses eyes on me – ready to save me if I got throat spasms – I sucked on ice cubes for two hours. And I did not get any spasms. However I got a pretty cold thick tongue and had a problem talking and saying “th” and “s” before my tongue warmed up a bit. Pretty funny actually – at least it was funny after I realized my tongue hadn’t gotten neuropathy. At the very end of the two hours – when there were only a few drops left in the bag I felt an instant cold shock in my mouth. The cold sensation got super intense for about 30 sec – and then it let go – and I continued to eat a few more ice cubes just for kicks.

Hard to say if the ice cubes helped to reduce the foul flavor in my mouth as that happened about a day after the administration last time. I will find that out in a couple of days. However I am noticeably less cold sensitive in my throat (thank you David). I can drink room temperature fluids – slowly though – too fast makes my throat feel funny. Interestingly it seems like my hands have gotten less cold sensitive as well – coincidence – I don’t know. I risked testing it when I came home, and I could wash my hands in water that had not gotten warm. I hope that continues over the next few days. I did not notice the tinnitus before I got home today. How about that! It is not worse than yesterday – good. (Oxaliplatin is one of the platinum based chemos that is not supposed to cause tinnitus or hearing loss – could be stress induced.)  

Even if I might be less cold sensitive, my neuropathy has a different pattern and is stronger some places. I have the same odd light cramp feeling in my hands as last time (flipping the bird uncontrollably occasionally again…). The neuropathy is much more prone in my legs. The front and back of my calves are numb, cramp’ish like. I also again have a faint occasional twitch in my eyelids. But my incision is not hurting – yet at least. And my abdomen is not hurting – yet. I do have a much more intense lockjaw. Two weeks ago it lasted only for one chew. Now it lasts for three to four chews and is – well – rather painful this time – but its just pain – and it goes away – I can work with that. Another weird side effect is that it hurts to cry – man – really – getting punished from crying – seriously! My sinuses experience small explosions all over. And I cry from everything these days – mostly because I’m so touched by all the warmth from people. I hope that lasts only for a couple of days as it did last time (crying that is – touched by what people share with me will luckily stay with me always).

Chelsie and Jeremy brought over dinner this afternoon. A very nice salad with fresh and crunchy fruit and vegetables and a tasty salmon teriyaki – yum. Chelsie also brought lab glasses for me to wear when I go for a walk so I don’t get the cold twitchy eyelids (my neighbors will get a good laugh – or think it is the latest in fashion). Thank you so much! I wish Chelsie and Jeremy could have stayed and talked for a bit, but that is one of the precautions we all are taking now – less contact with others. Sad – very sad!  

I was planning on taking a short walk around the block tonight – with my new glasses – and Chess – but it is raining cats and dogs at the moment so – no. I’m in reasonably good shape now, but I’m slowly getting more and more tired by the hour and that will probably continue for the next two days. Last time we learned that I need fresh crunchy produce as in-between meals and I need to drink a lot more water (also to help my kidneys), which will be much easier now that I can drink room temperature water. Learning as we go.