My cancer saga started when I was diagnosed at 38 with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I have a twisted sense of humor and have tried to continue with laughter and optimism on my journey...

Triple dose... Neulasta shot #3

Episode XXII: Gotta Get Up and Try Try Try


I got my toxic butt out of bed and made my way to my afternoon appointment. With only a consistent mildly nauseated stomach, I headed out for my 3rd Neulasta shot. The one great thing about the appointment was how fast it was. I basically walk in, sign in, take a pass, walk to short-term treatment, and pick out a seat. Super fast and involves no blood work or payment. One positive about that treatment.



Hit me with your best shot... Pat Benatar song


So, I did my normal shot procedure... I sat and waited briefly. Then I pulled down the top of my shorts and got a shot in the tummy. Each time was a different side. The shot doesn't hurt or at least it doesn't hurt me. However, I do not mind shots.


Coolest trash can that was right near my seat!


I recommended that they gave out cool goody-bags that had the toxic or bio-hazardous labels on them. While not all patients would appreciate them, I thought how cool it would be to have something like the trash can or toxic bag they bring the medicines out in.

After my idea was turned down, I headed home. Of course I have chemo brain and yes its a real term... click here if you need to proof. I drove halfway home with my car brake on... I am an idiot. While the shot doesn't kick in immediately it does cause some bone pain.

By the evening... Making trips to the bathroom seem like mile walks. Eating a small meal turns into a few hour event. Often it makes any human contact painful... don't touch me or I will... well, I won't do anything cause I can't lift my arm to do anything. I feel like I have tiny T-Rex arms that were just keeping things out of reach.


Me and my bald head doing a horizontal nothing.


I did make my way outside once and it was funny. My son was throwing ball with my mother and accidentally threw it my way. Thank goodness a chair was in front of me to block the impact. However, I couldn't move so I just tensed up ready to take the hit. My mother was surprised at how slow my reaction was because normally I would just catch and throw it back at him. Instead, I just reacted ready for pain. I think my legs barely raised off the ground and my arms pulled in a few inches. I closed my eyes in case it was going to hit my face. It was really funny and kinda pathetic. However, that tiny jolt made me decide to move back inside... I have officially become a weenie!!


In my head...


The shot was like the cherry on a sundae. It adds the final touch to my chemo treatments, however it was a nasty rotten cherry! And the sundae was made of rotten bananas and moldy ice cream. But it was my sundae and I have to eat it!

The more AC chemo I have the more it compounds the side effects. The more I take the longer I take to recover. My fatigue has increased. My constipation has increased. My other side effects have increased. While I can still laugh, sometimes it was harder to do... I think I am too tired or too dense to get the joke some times.

"I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am."
-Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar


Episode Reference: Try Pink song

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About happihare

Amy Brock is a cancer fighter and survivor. Diagnosed with Infiltrating Breast Cancer at 38 she has gone through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, and other procedures since 2013. Post treatment she has been diagnosed with lymphedema, chemo-induced neuropathy and bone degeneration in her back, as well as other issues including dysphagia, bilateral hearing loss, and arthritis. From being completely healthy, to having a variety of issues, Amy began blogging about her experiences as a way to help others. Read more about finding humor in the craziness of cancer at her blog www.tatawarrior.com Amy is the mother of two children and has worked for various non-profit agencies. In addition, she is a fine artist creating works in multiple mediums which can be seen at www.amybrock.com

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