Some folks have been reaching to me with concern after my last post. I’m ok! Slept very well last night, and I’m at work this week. Looking forward to this, an off week — a blessed break before infusion #3, which will be happening Mon the 19th.

I was able to connect with a nurse at Fred Hutch earlier today and talked through all of the “weirdness” I struggled with last week. That was an incredibly helpful call. First, just in validating that I’m not alone in this struggle to even articulate what the heck is going on. the nurse confirmed for me, this is a normal struggle for chemo patients. Also, she provided some tips on what I should actually be worried about. Because that’s always my question, with any new symptom or sensation – do I dismiss this, or look into it further? The numb lips, she said, is normal with oxaliplatin. With the port, yeah, I’m going to feel it; it’s ok (the main thing with a port is to look at the skin area for signs of infection — there are none). And she gave some other practical advice as well, for which I’m very grateful.

Also, I think hair loss has started for me .. just a bit. Yesterday I put product on my hair (just to get it out of my eyes) and then I noticed that there was a lot of hair stuck to my hands .. the product is sticky, but that’s never happened to me before. This morning, I’m noticing more of my hairs .. on my phone, in random places. I’m assuming this is the beginning of chemo hair loss, so I’ll probably shave my head at some point this week. This isn’t really concerning for me; I’ve shaved my head many times in the past. Just something I’m noticing.

Thank you, all, for your concern and support! 🙂