Reunions and Infusions

Since my last post I have attended my 35th college reunion and gone for my first immunotherapy-only infusion session. 

I am so glad I was able to make it to my 35th! When I first got my diagnosis and started treatment, I was not at all sure I would make it to reunions; even as late as the previous night I was afraid I wouldn't be up to traveling. But I did manage it, with the help of some extra anti-nausea medication. 

It was very good to see old friends at the 35th and even make some new ones. For those reading this who were also there: I'm so glad I got to see you! Thanks for all the hugs and good wishes. If I gave you a card but didn't get a chance to chat, do flip the card over and read the back, which briefly describes my diagnosis and research fundraising page. (There seems to be a problem with the page accepting cards from people who are not in the US. I've submitted an inquiry about this.)

At various points during reunions weekend I chose the less physically demanding option for a given activity, and I was very glad I did. I brought a lightweight camp chair to sit on during the P-Rade (not a typo, that's what it's called), and I rode a golf cart when it was my turn to join in. All three of us carried signs in support of research and higher education (pictured). I returned home Sunday tired but triumphant.

At the P-Rade, standing up for higher education (photo by Gita)

Then on Tuesday I went for my oncologist's appointment and immunotherapy. My oncologist says I'm "looking wonderful." That's always nice to hear (and too rare!), but in the current context it is particularly reassuring. 

The immunotherapy infusion went smoothly and very quickly compared to the multi-hour ordeal of chemotherapy. Now I can expect to be very tired for several days, but hopefully after that things will be better. As I continue on the immunotherapy, I may get an autoimmune disease or lose thyroid function as a side effect; but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Strangely, side effects with immunotherapy are correlated with good outcomes in terms of the cancer. It's another sign of how disruptive this cancer has been to think that an autoimmune disease would be good news! I'm holding out hope for a good response without autoimmunity, though—as well as for making it to my 40th reunion.