Chemotherapy Round 3 so far hitting harder than the last two

I had round 3 of 4 chemo infusions this past Wednesday.  I was told this day that I am very anemic and although my blood pressure was good, my pulse was pretty high.  Went from 66 before 1st chemo to 89 at this one.  I typically don't feel the effects of the chemo for a day or two after the infusion, but this one hit me pretty hard the very next day.  I put in a full day yesterday with Thanksgiving festivities and all (which turned out to be an awesome day with my husband and kids), but today I am completely exhausted, nauseous and spent and will likely not be getting out of bed for most of the day.  My body is putting out the orders for today.

I was told early on that the fatigue compounds with each infusion and I am seeing that effect clearly now.  The neulasta shot to induce the bone marrow to produce white blood cells will take place Monday and the next wave of pain and other symptoms will come on a bit later than usual which will prolong this cycle a tad.  I'm am focusing on keeping my eye on the prize and getting through this cycle as there will only be one more to go.  Hard stuff, but doable and I will be much better off when this is said and done.

When I was in for the infusion on Wednesday, I had the pleasure to meet a woman who was there for her very first time.  She has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and was, as I remember at that time, reeling from all of the bad news and new information that she was receiving.  It felt really good to me to be able to talk her through some of her worries, answer questions for her and provide her with some information on resources that she can look into and use to help ease her mind and the process.  You get an overwhelming sense of panic and worry when you are first diagnosed and I really feel for those that ever have to go through this horrible process.  If I have a message to anyone out there, just know that the medical community has come such a far way with diagnosis and treatments and the rates of survivorship go up all of the time.  There are plenty of resources to help us through the process and most importantly positive thoughts, good spirits and surrounding yourselves with love and support are the best things that you can do.  You cannot and should not try to do it alone and should not be afraid to ask for assistance.  Be aware of good nutrition and exercise - with or without cancer it is necessary.  Good foods can fight and deter cancer and cancer cells don't thrive well with oxygen so exercise is essential.

My hope is that everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and will continue on with good health and happiness.  Keep your families and friends close and stay away from negative energy.

Health and hugs to all!