On the books: Infusion #9

Bun practicing Paschimottanasana, seated forward bend

I had my infusion today. Clocking in at around two hours, this doctor visit was one of the easiest. I experienced:

• No excessive waiting

• A painless blood draw for lab work

• No heavy handed Aetna interference

• No issues with the IV

• Minimal reactions to the drug

Here’s the Nivolumab IV drip. In soft focus it looks almost magical.

Truly magical would be if everything would wrap up this month. And scans would show the cancer in full remission. For the rest of my natural life.

Instead, standard of care says 12 months of infusions. My first infusion was June 10, 2022. Since the frequency is every four weeks, and I missed the month of December, I’ll receive the last infusion this coming June. Of course, noting the dates here does not make the future so. Unexpected scan results or blood tests can quickly change the treatment plan.

This illness has been quite the opportunity for me to practice being patient. During the topsy turvy months in Spring 2022, physical trauma required fortitude and a certain type of patience. These days are not as active, and I’m finding that I need even more patience plus the will to get on with living even though my treatment is neither complete nor settled.