Navigating cancer treatment is rarely a straight line, and these past couple of days reminded me just how unpredictable this journey can be. Between managing severe body aches and unexpected treatment curve balls—like shedding a few overwhelmed tears in the doctor’s office—to finding unexpected joy in sharing Scripture calendars with my infusion nurses, it’s been a whirlwind of physical trials and spiritual grace.
While the pain and side effects have tested my limits, I am continually sustained by quiet moments of relief, the laughter and support of my family working together at the church parsonage, and the reminder to reach out and encourage others walking this same path. Grab a cup of tea as I share a look back at February 3rd and 4th—the hard moments, the small victories, and the blessings that keep me going.
February 3
7:30 taking a full benadryl knocks me out for longer, but I know I cannot take it too long or my nose will bleed. Need to get more Zyrtec. Woke once in night to use restroom. Small patch on left arm still itched during night. I wonder if I missed that area. Thankful for periods of relief which helps ease my mind. I need to seriously pray about next step. Need to weigh pros and cons.
Morning & Appointment Prep
Have next immune therapy treatment today. I’m a bit hesitant. Praying all goes well. I’m in so much pain. I hurt from head to toes. It hurts to move or lay still.
Scripture: Psalms 50:16
Need to get up to get ready for my appointment.
Dr Appointment & Blood Work
Dr appointment – informed that they added a doctor’s visit. Frustrated because I didn’t know. Thought appointment was only going to be about half hour. Ugh.
Blood work. BP 132/93 pulse 75 weight 163
Visit with Dr. Broke down crying before he entered room. I tried to be strong but just couldn’t. Bring thrown off about having a doctor appointment too overwhelmed me too much. I couldn’t reserve myself anymore. I had to admit to the doctor that I wasn’t emotionally stable at the moment.
Explained what was going on with rash, thrush, more pain lately and being perplexed about when to take the pain rx because I didn’t want to become addicted.
He was glad to hear the “c” ointment was helping with the itchy skin. Suggested that I increase the dose for the thrush and can have another prescription called in if needed. Explained that the increase in pain could be from the Kadcyla (something about maybe settling in my joints and bones?)
Instructed that I shouldn’t wait to take the pain rx until I’m in tears because it almost defeats the way it could help and to take the stronger pain rx as needed. Informed us that the tramadol is not habit forming and should be taken daily to keep pain at bay. (P.S. I don’t believe that)
Asked him to explain the isolated tumor cells because my brain is stuck in that and I’m not comprehending the radiation treatment at all that goes with that. I guess I’m a fact person and things aren’t adding up in my mind. I’m not emotional stable enough to make a life decision so I won’t.
He explained isolated tumor cells, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation. While I understood some of it, I’m still not comprehending it all. Joe says he understands better and will explain more to me later once we’re back home.
Infusion:
Nurses happy to see me. Nurses are Jada and Tiffany today. Tiffany excited to hear that I had the next Scripture Journaling Calendar. She happily accepted and began passing them out. She said they love getting the devotional and calendar each month. This pleases my heart knowing this pleases my Savior as well.
Given zofran (30 minutes) first. Kadcyla (30 minutes). Shortly after starting Kadcyla, I start feeling a tingling chilly sensation in and around center of my abdomen. Weird?
Done. I’m feeling a bit nauseous but that’s to be expected. Sucking on ginger chews to help.
Side effects of Kadcyla
https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/kadcyla-side-effects#mild-side-effects
Scripture: Exodus 16-18
Took nap. Joe had Dezirae wake me for dinner. I’m so exhausted and feel weak.
Ate a little meat, but filled up on veggies. I’m so tired, but enjoy spending time with family.
February 4
Up several times in the night. Left shoulder throbbing. Whole body aches.
Scripture: Psalm 18:1-3; Exodus 19-21; John 14:18-19
Muscles randomly spasming throughout body. Random hiccups. Eyes watery. My mind is raring to get things done, but my body is lacking the energy to follow.
Morning exercises. Stretching hurts my left arm a bit. Joe is in a kiss-y mood today. Ears ringing.
Posted update on my page. Challenged friends to reach out to loved ones affected by cancer this week. I checked my my cancer buddies.
Family went together to work on church parsonage. Prepping walls for painting, painting walls, changing out outlets, fixing outlets, measuring floor for installation in kitchen. Didn’t get as much done as we hoped, but we made progress. Joe uncertain of color we chose, but I think it’s due to needing a second coat. My arms are throbbing and I’m exhausted. Need to rest a bit.
I forgot about dinner. Family ended up fending for ourselves. I ate salad because I wasn’t really hungry.
Joe helped me get a shower. I started to loose my balance getting into shower, but helped steady me so I would not fall.
I’m beginning to feel itchy all over. I’m now wondering if I’m allergic to the Kadcyla. Stomach hurts periodically, but I’m also very constipated presently. Periodic bouts of nausea. Hiccup. Tired. Periodic muscle spasms randomly in body. Loss of balance. No appetite. Body aches.
Thankful for
1. Progress made in parsonage
2. Family serving the Lord together
3. Learned today was National Cancer Day so I reached out to my cancer buddies to be an encouragement to them
New Here?
If you’re just joining my journey, you can read how it all began — from the lightning strike to breast cancer and the faith lessons God carried me through along the way.
👉 Start at the beginning here:
Hello world! – Charitymaeprosper