What It's Like To Go Through Chemo: Side Effects Update (Infusion 2 of 12)

Foolishly, I thought I could fly under the radar, that my experience with the first infusion would be similar to that of the subsequent ones, and unfortunately I couldn't be more wrong.  The side effects this time hit me like truck, leaving me without energy, feeling extremely weak, and feeling sensitivities the doctors described which I had hoped I would be immune to because of my age and general health.

Similar to the last side effects discussion, let's go through each individually to help describe what it's like to go through chemo:

Fatigue: Oh wow, this was definitely the worst side effect this time.  Wednesday the steroids were still kicking in, so I felt fine.  On Thursday, I foolishly thought I could make it into the office, and while driving in and attending the meeting was fine, the drive home was terrible.  I was falling asleep and couldn't focus, and really should not have driven.  On Friday, I spent probably 20 hours in bed, and was still exhausted.  Saturday was slightly better, thanks to the help of coffee, an exciting wedding to attend, and good friends.  Today is better yet, so it seems like the 3-4 days following the infusion are the days I should plan on being out of commission.

Cramping: I had some new cramping in my hands on the Wednesday after the infusion where my hands would tense up outside of my control.  I find it's also more difficult to type, and that my hands are much more shaky now.

Sensitivities: I'm just going to clump sensitivities together now because there's so many this time.  Cold sensitivity has increased, and when I touch colder things, it feels like I'm holding onto sharp needles.  When I bite into cold items, my jaw tenses up.  I also find that it's more difficult for me to stay warm, and need to go to bed wearing a few extra layers at times.  I am also more sensitive to the sunlight, loud noises, and find myself getting nauseated at some smells.  I also found general tingling sensations in the tips of my fingers and toes, but those went away within a few days after the infusion.

Hair Loss: I was hoping to avoid this one, again similarly through my experience with the first infusion that my hair wouldn't be affected, but sadly, it's starting to fall out in major clumps.  Sam gave me a regular haircut a few days ago and trimmed my hair up top which is normally left long, so that if I do go full Vin Diesel, that it'll be less of a transition.  See below for a picture of what was in my hand after just running my wet hands through my hair.

Stomach Issues: This is one of the primary side effects from the chemo based on other patients, but I think I've found the right rhythm and cadence to each of my medications, so this one seems to be much better controlled at this point (yay).  

Despite all the new and more intense side effects, I continue to remain optimistic and keep focusing on the CEA number decreasing.  Lance Armstrong in his book It's Not About The Bike noted that each side effect, each time he got sick, his body was getting rid of the cancer, and I hold the same views; that although it's difficult to go through the side effects, my body continues to rid itself of the cancer, and each tingling, nauseated, exhausted day is a step closer to winning.