Chemo Kick-Off!

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The day has finally arrived .... Yeaaaaa Chemo Day!  I’m beyond excited and nervous to officially officially start this journey. Today is one day closer to finishing! Speaking of finishing ... if all goes as scheduled, I will finish in April.  Happy 40th Birthday to me! Total rager I’m having for sure. 

I haven’t blogged in a week or so now so here are some updates (just waiting for my “chemo cocktail” ... it’s 5 o’clock somewhere right?). The Italian noodle biopsy came back reconfirming Classic Hodgkins Lymphoma. All great news! Nothing funky showed up. The week of steroids was rough. I mean 50mg!?? And with no taper!  Let’s just say I had a rough week or so with a major come down... it wasn’t easy and like I noted earlier, steroids are my arch nemesis. 

Now onto the fun stuff.  What is a “Chemo Cocktail?”  It may sound refreshing or some what citrusy but it’s not. My official cocktail is called ABVT. Educational documentation below ☺️ A lot of side effects but happy to know there are so many ways to help holistically (lots of fresh, organic juices and shakes) and with preventative medications prescribed from the doctor. The care team is ready!

Bleomycin | Adult Medication
Dacarbazine | Pediatric Medication
Doxorubicin (Conventional) | Adult Medication
Ondansetron | Adult Medication
Vinblastine | Adult Medication

There will be four months of treatment. Two treatments in each month for about two hours each visit. Oh and don’t forget about the blood work prior to each visit. 

Well I’m officially hooked up and ready to go.  I managed to score a window seat so I can stalk the deer outside (my dad and brother would be so proud) and warm blankets are on tap. The deer and the nurses are here to support me... and my girlfriend Maureen is outside in her car watching Covid testing and enjoying Starbucks. Sadly no guests due to Covid ... let’s hope and pray things change soon so I can sit with the ones I love during each treatment.  

Day 1 / Cycle 1!! — Let’s go! 


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