When I started this treatment, I was expecting to make one blog post for each cycle, but I couldn't. The side effects of the chemotherapy are cumulative and make me weaker each time. Therefore, I used what little energy I had for the most important things: spiritual activities, secular work and family.
Writing a post in this blog takes around 30 minutes, but I didn't have enough motivation and energy to do so. The good thing is, if I'm writing today, it's because I'm feeling a bit better after the 5th cycle on Thursday the 10th (5 days ago).
3rd cycle of K-GEMOX
I don't quite remember it now, but in general I was feeling mentally and emotionally tired. One night I went to the ER because of a headache and dizziness that wouldn't go away. Another day, I got a notification on my smartwatch that it had detected a possible pattern of hypertension, so I went to the oncologist and was referred to a cardio-oncologist.
4th cycle of K-GEMOX
So far, this was the worst cycle. I had severe pain in my upper left leg. It started one night, and the pain was so intense it woke me up and I couldn't fall back asleep. I endured the following 4-5 days taking painkillers in tablet and gel form. It helped. Then the day came when we visited the cardio-oncologist. We brought some test results, and I got confirmation that I have hypertension (non-dipper). On the other hand, the oncologist mentioned that we should watch closely if that pain happens again (she mentioned that some patients get thrombosis). Also, the blood tests show that I have signs of being pre-diabetic.
5th cycle of K-GEMOX
That cycle was unreal. The day of the infusion was long, but peaceful, and I've been feeling much better since then compared to the 3rd and 4th cycles. I've been taking hypertension medicine for about two weeks now, and my smartwatch confirmed that my heart rate has lowered.
Some very good news
A few days before the 3rd cycle, I got approval from the high-cost medical program to cover the full cost of the immunotherapy — ~11,600-12,300 USD total per dose (one dose is 2 vials of Keytruda), every 21 days! That was completely unexpected for Mimi and me. I thought they would eventually approve it, but not that fast. We are very grateful to Jehovah, to my mom, family and that program.
You will safeguard those who fully lean on you;
You will give them continuous peace,
Because it is in you that they trust.