April 28, 2025 night

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Last weekend was not good for Kira. Emotional breakdown. Pretty sure I had all the emotions anyone could ever have, and probably made up some new ones. Not a normal thing for me so I am really struggling with my total breakdown tonight. I am typically a person that takes things in, contemplates, rationalizes, and deals with whatever. Emotions stay in. Be strong. Don't show weakness. That's me. 

That being said, I started looking up more detailed side effects of these drugs I'm being literally pumped full of. I know the typical side effects...  tiredness, nausea, vomiting, sore mouth, weakened immune system, lack of energy, constipation or diarrhea, hair loss, numbness in extremities, problems with memory or concentration....

Since none of those are currently happening, thankfully, I decided to start looking further into each drug to see what could be triggering the emotional instability and all the negative self talk that was RAGING in my head. 

Diphenhydramine: aka Benadryl - used to treat allergic reactions

    Common side effects:  headache, dizziness, tiredness, confusion, restlessness, excitement, nervousness, irritability, difficulty falling asleep, vision changes, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficulty urinating. ringing in ears, dry mouth, coordination problems, uncontrollable shaking of a body part

    Less common, more serious side effects - rash, hives, chills, chest tightness, wheezing, seizures

Famotidine: aka Pepcid - treats conditions that cause too much stomach acid

    Common side effects: headache, diarrhea, dizziness, constipation

Palonosetron: aka Aloxi - used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medications

    Common side effects: blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, fever, slow or irregular heartbeat, sweating, unusual tiredness or weakness

 Paraplatin: aka Carboplatin - cancer medication that interferes with the division of rapidly multiplying cells, particularly cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body. 

    Common side effects: low blood cell counts, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness or tingly feeling, hair loss, pain in hands or feet.

     Less common, more serious side effects: severe or ongoing nausea and vomiting, vision problems, hearing problems, ringing in ears, signs of infection, liver problems, signs of an electrolyte imbalance.

Paclitaxel: aka Taxol - interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected, other unwanted effects will also occur.

Decadron: aka Dexamethasone - a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Used to treat conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, etc.

    Common side effects: fluid retention, increased appetite, mood changes, trouble sleeping, skin rash, acne, headache, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach. 

    Less common, more serious side effects: muscle tightness or weakness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, severe depression, seizure, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, change in heart rate, lower potassium levels, pancreatitis, increased blood pressure. 

Severe depression. Noted.

Since I don't recall ever having to take any type of steroid medications, I'm gonna chalk it up to that. 

Stupid Drugs. 

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