Chemo dates
I just got test results from yesterday’s oncology appointment. Numbers are up again, indicating that there is growth and that (as suspected) the surgeons were not able to remove all disease during the December 29 surgery. That really makes the decision to pursue chemo that much easier as Lupron is not working for me.
A number of things have been happening since January, but I have been slow to share publicly because experience has shown that just about the time I think we have a plan, plans change.
I can say with certainty, however, that I am not starting chemo on March 13 at Duke. Instead, the plan is for me to start chemo March 16 here in Wilmington, under the care of Dr. Robinson.
Further, I have decided to have a port inserted, and that surgery is planned for March 12. I can have the port removed at a later date if I find that it’s not for me, but weighing the pros and cons of having one, I decided it was worth trying.
Another “worth trying” decision that has been made is the choice to cold cap with Penguin Cold Caps. I am fairly low maintenance when it comes to a beauty routine, and cold capping comes with a long list of rules, so if it is something I find too cumbersome or it does not yield the desired results, I can stop at any time.
Yesterday I met with Dr. Robinson, and we established infusion dates. Infusions will be in two parts that last, in total, about 5 hours. I will also have labs and an office visit with each appointment, so it looks like, in total, I’ll be at the Zimmer Cancer Center 7+ hours on infusion day. (This was a big factor in deciding to do chemo locally versus going to Duke and adding 5 hours of travel time to an already incredibly long day).
The current plan for infusion dates is:
3/16/2026
4/6/2026
4/27/2026
5/18/2026
6/08/2026
6/29/2026
This can change, however, depending on how my body responds to each round of chemo, particularly in relation to my white blood cell count (which is already on the low side of normal).
I have an appointment Friday morning for “Chemo Ed,” and I hope to walk away with an even greater understanding of what to expect on infusion days.
Recently a song came up on my playlist that I haven’t heard in quite a while, and I have listened to it daily since then. I believe it will be my anthem in the days ahead.
“You’ve walked me through fires
Pulled me from flames
If You’re in this with me
I won’t be afraid
When the smoke billows higher, oh and higher
And it feels like I can barely breathe
I’ll walk through these fires
’Cause You’re walking with me”
