When I think about all the chemicals my body has been subjected to in the past 3 and a half years, it is scary. There are people that will tell me the chemicals are the problem, but without them, I wouldn't be here. So those of you, you know who you are...keep your opinion to yourself.
I have had Carboplatin, Paxitaxol, Cisplatin, Avastin, Atezolizumab and Niraparib (Zejula), plus a lot of other prescription meds. Yes, it kills the cancer but does a lot other damage too. Blood pressure is affected, liver and kidneys are taking a beating, all kinds of side effects that last a long time, even after treatment ends. Six weeks ago I had to get a blood transfusion because the Zejula was killing cancer cells and red blood cells too.
I have had low hemoglobin and RBC since then, but not as low. I am treating myself to a steak every 3 weeks and liver & bacon too. So far that seems to be helping.
What is a bit upsetting for me is that my eyebrows and eyelashes are not as full as they used to be. Good thing I have learned how to put fake lashes on and pencil in brows. And currently due to covid concerns, masks are required at work, so I don't really bother with make up.
I was chatting with another OC fighter, Stacy, and we were commenting on how we are learning medical terminology we never even heard of. Stacy said she never thought 5 years ago she would be dealing with what she is now. I told her, I really hadn't heard of Ovarian cancer until I was diagnosed. As awful as it may sound, and I don't mean it in a bad way, but I am glad I will have someone else who is dealing with this too. We will be comparing notes on side effects long after we are done with treatment.
Tomorrow is another day of infusion. I have labs at 7am to check the blood and then at 7:30 I get hooked up to Avastin. I have my snacks, my fleece blanket, I will be ready!
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