NURSE LAURA: TREATMENT BEGINS

June 17, 2024

Today was my appointment with nurse Laura, a nurse practitioner in Dr. Z’s office. Per their request, I bought all the meds in, cancer and nausea and vomiting meds. Upon first entering, my blood pressure was a little high. I reminded them that last week’s was normal, and that I’m usually normal, but kinda anxious and agitated about cancer. They took the pressure again at the end of the appointment, and it was back in normal ranges. I need to dig out my talking blood pressure machine, because high blood pressure is a potential side effect of the meds, so I need to keep an eye on it.

Laura went over things in great detail. I was happy she gave me such parameters, so I can tell if something is beyond what could be considered normal. She said things such as:

“If you’re tired and take a nap and feel better, that’s fine. But if you are so exhausted you feel you can’t get out of bed, call us immediately.”

She talked a lot about mouth sores, warning me not to use any mouth wash that has alcohol, which many name brands do. She actually recommended mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drinking that to help the mouth sores and to keep my mouth hydrated.

She also talked about the hand and foot side effect, something that can cause pain and redness in both. Apparently, it can become quite serious, so she recommends moisturizing the hell out of both hands and feet at least twice a day.

She talked and gave recs for vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, but I’ll spare you all the details on that. I have meds for nausea and vomiting, and she recommended what to take for the other two.

It’s important to know that these pills are basically chemotherapy pills. They are formulated differently from typical chemo IV meds, and this does work on kidney cancer. However, it does attack fast growing cells, and it can and does attack good cells along with bad cells. So, as with traditional chemo, I have to be careful about infection. She recommended masking up when I go out and frequent hand washing while at home. Also, due to the ingredients in the meds, she said to flush the toilet twice after I relieve myself and to use a bleach/disinfectant wipe on the seat and lid.

I tend to have stomach pain not quite frequently, but often enough, due to what I eat or drink, and I did mention this to Laura. She just said that I know my body, my baseline of how I generally feel, and if anything feels worse, or just not right, call them.

The oncology office had a direct line during normal office hours, so if I am concerned about something happening with these meds, a side effect that worries me, not feeling well, whatever associated with taking these chemo meds, I don’t have to go through the main call center, but I can reach Dr. Z’s office right away. This was a huge comfort. I mean, if you’re feeling ill, it’s no fun to wait on hold for a long time, or wait for call backs. Of course, if it’s after normal office hours, I still get the call center.

I had to have labs before starting the meds. Everything was within normal ranges except one kidney function test. However, considering I have only one kidney, that’s probably to be expected. If I don’t hear from anyone in the office today, I will start the meds tomorrow morning.

I will have a video appointment with nurse Laura a week from tomorrow, and then I have an in-person appointment with Dr. Z two weeks from tomorrow. It was a huge relief to know they are monitoring and following up so much, particularly during this first month. I will have to have labs again when the first month is over, and eventually CT scans and continued labs and follow up.

I meant to ask Laura about mental health support. I’ve been feeling fine, emotionally, since my venting last week. However, I expect there will be ups and downs ahead, particularly if the meds leave me feeling ill. It might be good to find online peer support or something. I’ll just have to see.

So, that’s the scoop. I start my chemo pills tomorrow. For better or for worse, Here I go.!