Infusion number two of DS-1062a went off yesterday with only a minor hitch. Due to the profusion of side effects post one (my hair starting falling out a few days ago as well) it was determined that going down in dose was probably a good choice. In addition, I took 40 mg of dexamethasone the evening before and morning of and 20 mg more just prior to infusion, plus 1080 MG of fexofenadine HCL. Infusion was slowed down to three hours and half way through I was given an infusion of Benadryl–50 mg.
My throat got a little bit sore but did not swell up and I had no rash. The only issue was the over the top restless leg/crawlies from the Benadryl–I thought it would drive me out of my mind. JesY Wittebort had sent me some nifty leg compressors to help with the restless leg, but they just moved the sensation up to my arms. Hopefully I will be able to forgo Benadryl entirely next time–I wonder if I am part of the population who experiences paradoxical excitation. Whatever it is, I don’t want to feel that way again.
However, given the lack of an infusion reaction the day was ruled a success. Now I am at home resting, both out of necessity and also out of avoidance. I was thinking of going to the movies tonight but Alice and I spoke by phone and she feels it prudent that I keep myself out of harm’s way (crowds) as much as possible over the coming weeks. Introversion is not my nature but I really do not want to be exposed to COVID-19, a potential devastation for someone with compromised lung and immune function. I have a tall stack of unread books and my sons are getting me hooked up with Netflix so that I have diversion. And Diane continues to reach out to make certain I don’t need anything–from the store or otherwise. So I am in good hands.
Spring, clearer breather, making of art—these are the things I am focusing on now. I did get to the studio the day prior to infusion and I made myself walk the five flights up rather than taking the freight elevator. Up, it’s only up from here.
xo
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 