November 25, 2024
My first chemotherapy session was an experience I will never forget. It was a day filled with fear, uncertainty, and a twinge of courage I didn’t know I possessed. I arrived at the Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center with my husband by my side, both of us trying to navigate this new chapter in our lives.
The fourth floor, where chemotherapy was administered, was foreign territory to me. I had been to this building many times before but never for this purpose. As I stepped off the elevator, I noticed the two distinct waiting areas. One was for patients visiting their oncologists or nurse practitioners, with people sitting in the open waiting room, expressions of nervousness and exhaustion etched on their faces. The other was beyond a set of doors—a separate wing for chemotherapy patients.
The waiting room beyond those doors had a different energy. Some patients sat alone, looking weary yet determined, while others were accompanied by loved ones. Some appeared seasoned in this routine, ready to squeeze in their treatment before heading to work. And then there was me: a newbie, trying to process the enormity of what was about to happen.
A Journey Begins
At the check-in desk, the staff greeted me warmly with smiles that felt sincere. I could sense the empathy in their voices, perhaps because they witness the fragility of life daily. After completing some paperwork, I entered the chemotherapy wing, where I noticed thoughtful items like port pillows, head coverings, and inspirational note cards. I picked one up, read the encouraging words, and discreetly tucked it into my purse. That simple message gave me the boost I needed to keep moving forward.
When my name was called, my heart pounded, but my husband’s presence reassured me. I had the option to receive chemotherapy in a chair or a bed and chose the latter, wanting to feel as relaxed as possible. I was scheduled for 12 weekly rounds of chemotherapy, starting with the medications Carboplatin and Paclitaxel (Taxol).
The Chemotherapy Medications
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Taxol is a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat breast cancer. It works by stopping cancer cells from dividing and spreading. However, it can come with side effects, including fatigue, hair loss, and neuropathy (tingling or numbness in the hands and feet). (Source: BreastCancer.org)
During my first dose of Taxol, my body reacted adversely. My heart raced, and I felt pressure in my chest. The medical team responded immediately, slowing the drip rate of the medication, which made my sessions longer but allowed my body to tolerate the treatment better.
Carboplatin
After finishing the Taxol, I received my second medication, Carboplatin, which took about 30 minutes to administer.
Carboplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from replicating. Unlike Taxol, it tends to cause fewer allergic reactions but can have other side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and low blood cell counts, which increase the risk of infection.
Why Carboplatin Is Used
Carboplatin is often added to treatment regimens for patients with triple-negative breast cancer because research has shown it can improve outcomes, particularly in aggressive cases. (Source: American Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK)
To Port or Not to Port
I was also given a choice: receive chemotherapy intravenously or through a port, a small device surgically placed under the skin to make the process easier. A port can reduce the need for weekly needle sticks and is ideal for patients with fragile veins. However, it requires surgery, which I wasn’t ready for at the time. I opted for intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, knowing this meant being poked every week.
Pros and Cons of a Port vs. IV
- Port Pros: Fewer needle sticks, less vein damage, long-term use
- Port Cons: Requires surgery, risk of infection
- IV Pros: No surgery, immediate treatment
- IV Cons: Weekly needle sticks, potential vein irritation
(Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Cancer Society)
Potential Adverse Reactions to Chemotherapy
Patients receiving chemotherapy may experience side effects such as:
- Allergic reactions (flushing, itching, difficulty breathing)
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Neuropathy
- Low blood cell counts (increased risk of infection)
It’s essential to report any symptoms immediately to your medical team. (Source: National Cancer Institute)
Finding Comfort and Support
As I settled into the bed with a blanket, I reminded myself why I was there: to fight for my life, for my family, and for the future I still wanted to build. I had my husband’s unwavering support, but I also realized the importance of finding additional resources for this journey.
Resources for Chemotherapy Patients
Local Resources:
- Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center (Columbus, OH) – Patient support and educational materials
- American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – Free lodging for patients undergoing treatment
National Resources:
- CancerCare (www.cancercare.org) – Counseling and support
- The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org) – Education and advocacy
- Susan G. Komen Helpline (1-877-465-6636) – Information and support
Closing Thoughts
Walking into my first chemotherapy session, I was terrified of the unknown. But by the end of that day, I learned that fear is a natural part of the process, and courage often appears when you need it most. For anyone facing this journey, know that you are not alone. Rely on your support system, communicate with your medical team, and take it one day at a time.
Thank you for following my journey. I hope my story provides insight and encouragement to those navigating similar paths.
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