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nothing a nap can't fix

Emily

I have received my first round of immunotherapy drugs! After a whirlwind of a workday crammed into the morning on Wednesday we got down to the Cancer Center where I got my blood drawn and discussed nature with the phlebotomist (specifically we talked about bugs, caterpillars, butterflies, and the impact of droughts on milkweed). After a little bit of a wait we were brought into see a nurse who went over my case with me again, checked if we had any questions, and told us that my bloodwork looked fine for treatment. Yay!


We got moved into the big gorgeous treatment room and I got a little lounger chair by the window, which means I had a nice view of the flowers in the Healing Garden. One of the things I learned was that they don't necessarily do the infusion through the normal vein in the crook of the elbow. The nurse mentioned that they do it on the flatter part of the forearm since you're there for so long, and it gives you more opportunity for movement. This is great, and next time I'll bring one of my sewing projects!

The overall process took about 3 hours -- I got the 30 minutes of Opdivo (Nivolumab), then the 90 minutes of Yervoy (ipilimumab -- I figure if I keep typing these out one day I'll be able to pronounce them). To be honest, I didn't really notice that I was receiving an infusion. Other than the cool feeling of it entering my arm, and a very slight metallic taste in my mouth (and, of course the BEEP BEEP BEEP of all the machinery), I didn't really notice anything unusual. I'm not sure what I expected but it was all so very normal.


(see photo on the right where I'm reading my work
messages even though I should have been relaxing)

After leaving the Cancer Center we drove home and I yawned about 58 times -- a foreshadowing of the sleepiness I would have on Thursday. I ended up sleeping in and taking naps intermittently all day yesterday. Beyond that I haven't felt particularly sick, just a hint of nausea around lunchtime both yesterday and today. (Nausea, of course, is one of those "you're gonna get this and you're gonna have to live with it, here's a pill that should help" side effects, I have not yet taken any pills).


An important thing to note is that both Isaac and Murray have been tremendously helpful: Isaac in keeping me company and making sure I am fed and comfortable, and Murray in taking catnaps on my lap and purring (see left)


The biggest relief is knowing that I can both work and sing the way I feel right now. Especially having taken yesterday to get ahead of any sleepiness, I feel like this bodes well for the rest of my treatment. If I can get ahead of it, then hopefully I can keep myself in working order.


I won't say I feel completely fine, but at worst I would say I feel just a little off. But frankly, this is a huge relief for me. From what I've heard immunotherapy can get a little worse over time, so if my starting point is here, then I should be able to handle whatever it throws at me!


I'll likely update as things happen (whether they be side effects, other things that are going on in my life, hilarious medical bills, etc) so feel free to keep checking. But the reality of the situation is that we know what's going on and we're gonna control it. I'm feeling very confident and again I appreciate everyone who's reached out (I've been meaning to reply to all but I am definitely behind in things) -- the support everyone has given me has unquestionably helped me remain strong through this whole thing.


Onward and upward!




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5 Comments


canarydoor
Sep 24, 2021

Thinking of you every day and sending love and good vibes. So glad the side effects are handle-able so far! Very glad you have Isaac and Murray supporting you. Cats, in particular, are renowned altruists. 😉

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brettrandalljohnson
Sep 24, 2021

Thank you for taking the time and energy to keep us updated, Emily. Dave and I (and, it seems, everyone who knows and loves you!) are praying and walking with you. You've got this; God's got you. We love you, Brett & Dave

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Emily
Emily
Sep 24, 2021
Replying to

You guys are the best ❤️ can’t wait to see you both again!

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fanlmatz
Sep 24, 2021

And is that a Halloween quilt I see keeping you warm and safe? Always good to hear good news!

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Emily
Emily
Sep 24, 2021
Replying to

It sure is!

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