This week marks my first week of infusion for Folfiri + Avastin for my Stage IV Colon Cancer treatment. My port (Port-a-Cath), lovingly named Herbert Birdsfoot after a beloved Sesame Street character from my childhood, is surgically embedded in my chest and the infusion is administered through the port.
This is my fifth round of chemotherapy, the second that is infusion-based. In addition to previous chemo-only rounds, I had one round of chemotherapy with radiation.
This latest diagnosis came as a devastating emotional blow, as I had been in remission (on a "treatment vacation") for almost two full years. I found myself in a very dark place, almost incapacitated by fear and difficult to find positive ground to grasp.
A couple of inspirations mentioned in this video came to me in the form of:
a video I watched as Maya Angelou discussed being a "Rainbow in (Someone's) Clouds" from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nYXFletWH4
and a video sent to me from a dear nephew by an English indie pop band by the name of Bastille. The song is "Intros and Narrators" on the album "&" or "Ampersand":
https://youtu.be/-oyOHAew3Bc?si=fnA4mEs4Mb5hs8Mg
Please like this video to push the message that we can do this together - be it fighting the fight, sharing positivity, or helping to prevent this disease from claiming more lives.
Statistics shared regarding estimated 2025 colorectal cancer rates in the U.S.A. were found on the American Cancer Society's page:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=The%20American%20Cancer%20Society%27s%20estimates,men%20and%2019%2C000%20in%20women)
Affiliate Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigvalleyliving
Products Michelle Uses During Treatment:
Pink Toothbrush: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078D75HMM?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbigvalle-20&creativeASIN=B078D75HMM&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.OLT5953I00XT&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
Biotene Toothpaste: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D14X7FNR?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbigvalle-20&creativeASIN=B0D14X7FNR&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.OLT5953I00XT&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
Package of 10 Cotton Gloves: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NB72PRT?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbigvalle-20&creativeASIN=B08NB72PRT&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.OLT5953I00XT&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
Toto Washlet (the bidet I love): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S4646QQ?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbigvalle-20&creativeASIN=B08S4646QQ&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.OLT5953I00XT&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin&th=1
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:28 - Colorectal Cancer Rates 2025 U.S.
02:07 - Overview
02:36 - Haircut Explained
03:44 - En Route to First Treatment
05:07 - Vitals Before Treatment
06:26 - Timeline of Infusion Day
09:13 - Disclaimer
09:50 - Past Experience with 5-FU Ball
11:32 - Administration of Meds - How I Felt
14:54 - Smoothie Recipe and Personal Nutrition Notes
17:19 - Household Help
18:43 - Sleep Update Night 2 Infusion
20:14 - 5-FU Ball Nearing Empty (overlays)
20:51 - Future Video Planned Content
25:01 - Maya Angelou Rainbows
26:12 - Bonus Footage on the Way
26:29 - Bonus Footage First Moments in Infusion
27:39 - Bonus Footage Post-Nausea Meds
29:41 - Bonus Footage DISCONNECTION DAY
Items used around our home to help keep us healthy and save money, along with some discounts for you:
Avid Armor: https://avidarmor.com/?aff=125
Use code BigValleyLiving10 for 10% off
Harvest Right Freeze Dryers: https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1997.html
ForJars - https://forjars.co/bigvalley
Enter BigValley10 for 10% off
Vegega Garden Beds - BigValleyLiving 10% off: https://www.vegega.com/discount/BIGVALLEYLIVING?ref=cQcEHzz9
TrueLeaf Market: Microgreen Seeds
https://www.pntrs.com/t/SENKTEZHTUlDSEpJR0tJQ0dLSUdOSw
Souper Cubes: https://www.soupercubes.com?ref=92
Truly Taylor Designs on ETSY:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrulyTaylorDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect