If there is one thing that I learned about cancer, after staying with Sara for almost 1 1/2 weeks, is that cancer does not take a vacation. Managing the chemo treatments, their side effects, the medications, the supplements and other doctors’ visits really is a full time job. Sara estimated that she takes about 16 medications and supplements per day, and each has its own schedule, i.e. before meals, during meals, on an empty stomach, on chemo days only, etc. So she has come up with a color-coded schedule and system to try to manage it all (and to aid her “helpers” in knowing what she needs to take). She is experienced now in dealing with the colostomy, but a nurse still comes a few times during the week to help with a complete changeover of the system.

During the rest of the week following the chemo treatments, Sara still had to deal with continuing side effects from the newest drug, Centuximab, such as a rapidly worsening acne-type rash and nausea. Initially Sara was happy to see the rash develop, as it can indicate a good immune response, but the rash also developed on her scalp, along with painful swelling. As instructed by her doctor, she started taking an antibiotic to keep the acne development in check, but after a few days of no relief she then had to double the dose. Her oncologist however is pretty happy with the rash!

I think that one of the most frustrating aspects for Sara is the inability to plan far in advance, as she can be feeling fine one hour and then have debilitating pain or nausea the next. Still, she has a very strong fighting spirit and most of the time she would just keep trucking along; after taking her medicine and taking time for a little meditation when she was able to.

Another thing I learned from staying with her is what she doesn’t need (not that she doesn’t appreciate all of the cards and gifts!) – she now has plenty of soft socks, hats, blankets, ginger (tea, candy, chews, etc) and gloves. The “Meal Train” has been highly appreciated by the whole family, gift cards are great, and donations to her GoFundMe site are a big comfort. Speaking of the GoFundMe account, most of what is raised is being saved for times of financial tightening, such as when Sara’s disability payments run out, or towards alternatives therapies which are not covered by insurance. Examples of the alternative therapies include massages and acupuncture sessions at a facility which is very familiar with cancer patients. While these therapies may not fight the cancer directly, they do promote Sara’s health and well-being. The massage therapy helps address tight muscles from having to sleep partially sitting up and sitting for long periods, such as during chemo treatment, and the acupuncture is oriented towards helping to reduce nausea.

I was very happy to be able to stay with Sara and her family and to help them out with basically whatever needed to be done (though my special talent was exercising her son’s horse several times during the week!). The stay also gave me a much better understanding and appreciation of what she is going through. It was hard to leave, but eventually I had to go back to my own kids and job, though I hope to visit as often as possible. Next big step – Sara starts chemo round # 3 on Monday, this time with all 3 chemo drugs/combinations. So please think good thoughts for her!

Sara and childhood friend Jen Jackson, who flew out from the East Coast with her mom to visit!

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