Taxol Treatment 2

Today, I had my second taxol treatment, and it went smoothly! Labs came back fast, vitals were good (initially my temperature was high but that was because I had just eaten a ginger candy! We retook it about 20 minutes later and it was totally within the normal range), premeds went without incident, and I was out of there in about two hours. It was the easiest chemo treatment I've had so far. I continue to worry about neuropathy (particularly in a couple of fingers that already have some problems thanks to playing too much Animal Crossing in the second year of the pandemic) but it seems to be going well so far. Icing my hands and my feet is uncomfortable in the moment but I am hoping it will prevent nerve issues in the future so it's absolutely worth it.

I cannot say enough about the staff at the infusion center. They are unfailingly friendly and kind and I look forward to seeing them every week even though I do not really "look forward" to chemo in the traditional sense. I told them this today. As a person who has done customer-facing work, it's very hard to maintain that energy and that kindness, even when the stakes are incredibly low. And the stakes at the infusion center are sky high. They are remarkable people and I am very lucky.

Afterwards, Ben picked me up, I napped for a couple of hours at his house, and then we got dinner at a great Thai bbq place on the patio with another friend who has dealt with some health challenges and approaches the world very carefully. 

I have noticed that taxol impacts my sleep. It's late, and I'm not tired at all. I got a little work done, and now I'm sitting with cats and watching cooking shows. It's a nice night, and I'll go to bed in a bit. For days after chemo day, I am more deliberate about bedtimes and making sure that even if I'm not feeling tired, I'm still doing my nighttime routines and going to be at a reasonable hour. I am very aware that things can get very out of control with sleep cycles with chemo, so I allow myself one night of "staying up a little too late" but that's it.