Day 5 not so great

When you get Wasabi your immune system becomes suppressed so any fever is a big deal. Before I even started, my oncologist told me to buy a thermometer and if my temperature went above 38C I had to call him.

Calling him led us to the emergency room at the hospital.

Five hours and some crossword puzzles later, my doctor told us that I did indeed have an infection and I needed antibiotics.

So now we’re back home. I feel like I have the flu but the infection should be under control and I’m on Tylenol and amoxicillon.

It wasn’t the best day but I didn’t have to stay at the hospital so I consider that a win.

Day 4 a little worse than day 3.

I’m doing fine but tired and nauseous. Sven and I hung out by the pool while Jeff swam laps.

Jeff offered to carry my new hat down to the pool for me, on his head. I’m thinking he definitely needs a big hat.

There are really good meds for nauseous now which are helping. And weirdly being sick to my stomach is not affecting my appetite.

Our friend Samuel brought over home made arrepas which were amazing.

Sven is a Panamanian sloth, but also enjoys Venezuelan food.

Day 3 the steroids have worn off.

The steroids wore off as expected today so I’m a bit nauseous and tired.

They told me the Wasabi would make me sun sensitive and they weren’t kidding. I was covered up yesterday except for my neck. I had spf of 55 on but still got burnt. So I bought this hat.

Even a bit sick to my stomach I haven’t lost my appetite. Jeff made me this delicious breakfast. Jeff makes me breakfast every morning. But it tasted even better today. ❤

Sven is also at the ready in case I need anything.

I saw this in instagram today and it’s so so true.

This could not be more true. While I feel sort of under the weather, the people of Ukraine are fighting for their county and their lives. 🇺🇦🇺🇦.

I’m fully aware and grateful of how extremely lucky I am. That’s not even some cancer lesson, that’s just the thought I think we all have when hearing the news about Ukraine.

Day 2 great thanks to steroids

It’s a good thing my friends Shannon and Wendy explained how this works, because otherwise I would think Wasabi gave me super powers.

The first drug they gave me now code named schnitzel (thank you Sara) is a steroid that works as a antinausea drug. That drug is the shit. I woke up feeling great, we went for a 2 mile walk and now I’m ready to go out to lunch.

Unfortunately it will wear off by tomorrow but I may challenge Jeff to arm wrestling first.

First dose too spicy

Within minutes of getting the first chemo drug I had an allergic reaction. I got super hot, dizzy and must have looked crazy because they took a photo of me. They said it was to send to the doctor but it might have just been funny.

Three nurses worked quickly switching me back to saline, took my blood pressure etc. After I was back to normal and they talked to my doctor they started it again but mixed with I assume saline. Now I’m fine.

My ice socks and ice packs for my hands are getting mixed reactions.

One nurse thought it was funny, one super interesting and one just rolled her eyes.

Wasabi #1

My code name for chemo is Wasabi. I hate saying chemo or treatment.

It starts at 9:00 and while saying I’m excited would be incorrect, I am happy to be starting because the sooner it starts the sooner it ends.

The entire thing should be about fours hours from start to finish. I’m packing my backpack as if I’m going for days.

Sven my support sloth is coming, along with Jeff, snacks, books, phone games, downloaded true crime docuseries, and most important an ice cooler!

My biggest concern is neurathapy which is nerve problems to your hands and feet. One thing that is supposed to help is icing your hands and feet. This infusion place doesn’t offer this so I have to bring my own.

Jeff and I were joking that we should put some Bud Lights in the cooler and tell people that as Americans we don’t go anywhere without beer.