I sat down in the infusion suite yesterday still anxious that this wasn’t actually going to happen. But my infusion nurse hooked my IV up to the infusion machine and off I went. 30 min drip time, with a 60 min observation period. It happened. I got my first immunotherapy infusion! I also started taking my oral meds during the infusion.
Right, afterward I felt a little foggy but relieved. We had to wait around Boston for 8hrs post infusion to get a final blood draw. Andrew found us a pizza place to eat at. I felt a little nauseous, but I forced myself to eat. I am glad I did, that place was yummy! We also decided to kill a few hours at the movies. We saw Crazy Rich Asians. It made us laugh, made me cry, and was just the perfect way to pass the time. Eight hours later I was back in infusion, and I got my blood draw, and Andrew drove us home. What a LONG day.
I just want to give a shout out to my mother in law. This day was LONG for all of us, but knowing my kids were in her good hands this day made it possible for me to focus on what was right in front of me.
Today I feel pretty decent. I have had a little nausea all day, but I think that it’s due to the oral meds and not the immunotherapy. It’s manageable and not terrible.
Hannah in CancerLand 
Thank you for sharing this blog publicly and having the bandwidth to invite us along the way. You are so loved.
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Wish I had more bandwidth! Love you Heidi!
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I so appreciate your honesty, Hannah! What a great writer you are! My thoughts, love and wishes are with you every step of the way! – Lindsay
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Thanks Linds! XO
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Hugs from your cousins in MN! I’ve read some really promising articles on immunotherapy and I’m so glad you’re in the trial. As has already been said – you’re a great writer!
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Glad you have been reading up on it. I really do feel like it’s the future of cancer care. I wish breast cancer wasn’t so far behind the time, but I hope that my experience can contribute to the body of research currently being built. Thanks for the hugs! XO
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Hannah, I will pray for God’s comfort for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your perspective through all this! You are a tough gal!
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Xo
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Hannah,
Cancer has brought us together if just for a short time at Kesem drop off. Our beginning stories are very similar and I am so so sorry you pulled a card from the 30%. Listen, I am well versed in the juggle/balancing act, I live and work a handlful of miles from DFCI, and I have fellow Kesem buddies for your babes. If it ever makes sense/it easier to bring your kids, drop them with us and/or come hang at our house to pass the 8 hours PLEASE just call or text. I am dead ass serious. Much love to all four of you. 781-354-0144 xoMargie
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Thanks so much for the generous offer Margie! I would love to see you and have our kiddos hang together too. I will let you know when I have some more appointments down in Boston. Xo
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Hi Hannah, I think we met at your MIL’s house many years ago to celebrate your marriage…not sure. Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I feel very hopeful that this immune therapy stuff is a game changer for those of us with cancer. I finished my 6th of 12 treatments of Nivolumab (Opdiva) on 11/7 for metastatic melanoma. I am also on tamoxifen for breast cancer. Juggling appointments is hard for me and I am retired with grown children; you are loved and admired by many and doing a great job with the work that no one chooses to voluntarily take on…just know you are not alone and keep moving forward! I believe a cure is just around the corner and in the interim, we are all in your corner! Xxoo
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Thanks so much for your thoughtful response Kathlene! I hope that Nivolumab works wonders for you. It’s definitely a challenge to fit cancer care into an already busy life. I appreciate your well wishes and the reminder that I am not alone. Keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing with treatment. XO
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Don’t tell you enough how proud I am of you and the adventure you are on. I don’t say much for I have to hold back some tears. You are my biggest hero, and I only wish I was closer to you. I am so glad I will be in the neighborhood to see you and especially hug you! Keep the course, and the fight! Love you so much. Mom says hi!
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