Second round (Part 2)

12.03.26

All went well. No hell broke loose.

Here are the things that were different. I was in a room with three dividers, with two other people having treatment. The room had windows to the outside, which despite the continued windy rainy weather brought some solace.

The treatment started with the Phesgo injection, this time on the other thigh. The nurse explained that they alternate each time. This time it didn't burn as long as the first time. The dose was also smaller. I also liked how skilled this nurse was with needles. 

Then the nurse set the catheter on the other arm, mid-arm instead of the hand, as was done the first time.

The medicine to prevent any reaction is called Dexchlorpheniramine (not what I said in my last post).

This (according to Google's AI) is a potent first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. It works by inhibiting H1 receptors, a class of G protein-coupled receptors found throughout the body that primarily mediate allergic reactions and inflammatory processes. Common side effects include sedation, dry mouth, and dizziness.

The doctor who saw me yesterday told me that this medicine would make me drowsy during and after treatment. The nurse also warned me that I would be tired. She then asked me if I were concerned that I may have a reaction this time too. I assured her that I trusted that the medicine would do its job and that they (medical staff) knew what they were doing. She informed me that she would start the treatment slowly, as she set the chemo bag.

And it did make me drowsy almost immediately. I dozed off a couple of times during the treatment. They (a second nurse took over while the first one went on lunch break, and a doctor came by from time to time) measured my blood pressure regularly. I peeked, and it was around 134/95. In my case (I am on blood pressure medicine), not bad.

After the treatment, I picked up the immunity-boosting injection at the pharmacy. I'm going back to take it tomorrow at 14:30.

I was then picked up and dropped off at home by a member of the network of love. The network is very present and insists on being present in concrete ways, not just in words.

The Vardesenteret, one of the resources available to cancer patients, has a phrase in its pamphlet: "Ingen skal møte kreft alene" (No one should face cancer alone).

I shall not. Apparently, I am not allowed. My network won't let me. And for this I am immensely grateful. I feel loved, and it helps me face and process this moment in deep and meaningful ways. It also gives me serenity.