Twinkie Tries Cocktail 1

Chemotherapy Infusion #1

The first infusion was May 2nd, 2025. For 1 week the body aches, the headaches, and the muscle tension kept me hunkered down and sunk into the couch. I could barely stand up and instead of walking I hobbled around the apartment and between my place and my parents’ (depending on the next infusion, I might need a cane).

For a handful of days I could hardly eat. The first obstacle was constipation. When that passed I experienced diarrhea immediately after I ate, so instead I drank broth, teas, and water. Then there were a couple of days that my mouth was inflamed and even drinking water hurt my teeth. So 1-week after the first chemotherapy infusion and FINALLY I could consume food and drink without side effects. It seemed like the wave of symptoms ended! 

Oh how silly of me to be hopeful. My sinuses dried up and I experienced insane nose bleeds out of nowhere. I had to shoot up from the couch or the bed and race to the bathroom to toss my face into the sink. It was a miracle I managed to catch the daily nose bleeds before blood spatted onto floors and furniture. That routine went on for 5-days, with the last day being the worst because the bleeding went on for 10-minutes. 

Then POOF! The next day the nose bleeds stopped. I was grateful. Since then my nose has been wet and runny. I must carry tissues in all pockets and bags, yet I can deal with it.

Now let’s talk hair, shall we? A little over 2-weeks from the first chemotherapy infusion and my hair started washing off my head in the shower. Already I rocked a pixie haircut because I knew of hair loss. I thought the shorter my hair the better! I would be ahead of pulling out clumps and the loss wouldn’t feel extreme. Oh how hopeful of me! It didn’t matter. There was still hair and it washed off in clumps. However, I wasn’t quite ready to buzz my head.

Although the wind gusts had a different plan. I ventured outside and the wind snatched my hair, whipping it around my head and face. The yanking felt like tiny shock waves or needles poking my scalp. It was painful. So I flicked off the wind and called my Hairstylist sister to buzz my head in the garage. ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH.

The process has been challenging. Going through the side effects of chemotherapy sucks. Yet I am a Tough Twinkie.