Cancer & the COVID-19 pandemic

I am writing this while in self-quarantine. Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced a statewide order for 40 million California residents to "stay at home." It’s certainly a strange time in our nation. We cautiously keep our distances from each other. We nod or elbow bump for our "hellos" instead of the traditional handshake or hug. The streets are eerily quiet. Parks are empty. The grocery shelves are bare. We are living during a pandemic.

Shortly after my cancer diagnosis this past January, there was a rumbling in Wuhan, China about a virus that was spreading quickly in a country that was not prepared. As a healthcare worker, I followed the news closely. In a short period, we learned that the Coronavirus disease(COVID-19) impact was massive and deadly. Each week, the number infected exponentially rose and sadly the deaths as well. I took note of the strain on the overseas hospital systems and saw the financial and social devastation in the communities impacted. COVID-19 has reached America and it is now part of our reality.

For California, the number of COVID-19 cases is currently over 1000 and the societal impact is evident. Local schools and universities have closed for the school year. Social gatherings that include more than ten people have been banned. No Weddings? Even funeral memorials? Nope. Our senior high school students will likely not get to experience prom or even graduation in the traditional sense. Restaurants and cafes have closed their dining rooms. Life is so different and it is hard for me to fathom that this will be our new normal indefinitely.

We are told to stay home and leave only for essentials. We've been asked to practice the term “social distancing” in hopes of curbing the rapid spike in COVID-19 infections so the burden on our medical system will be decreased. By looking at other countries, the projections reveal that our current system is not fully equipped to handle the large influx of medical complications due to COVID-19. The hope is that by decreasing community spread, it'll give time for emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICU), medical-surgical floors and all the health care providers time to recuperate, replenish necessary supplies and free up hospital beds. It is supposed to give us a fighting chance against something that has caused devastation in countries like China and Italy. We are heeding their warnings and advice. It is vital that we do.

The big questions I get asked:

“How does this affect you and your cancer treatment?”

I am receiving chemotherapy therefore, I am included in the high risk “immunosuppressed" group that will benefit from everyone abiding by socially distancing themselves and performing proper hygiene. Staying home and following the CDC guidelines during this time can save our lives!

Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells and also other rapidly growing cells in the body like hair follicles and white blood cells (WBC). These cells play a big role in our immune system. WBCs help fight infections by attacking bacteria and viruses that invade the body. My WBCs can be dangerously reduced as a result of my chemotherapy. This makes me vulnerable to everyday infections that a healthy person can easily manage but can be deadly for me because of my weakened immune system. I have to be mindful of what I expose myself to, who I see, where I go, what I touch and what I eat or drink--which is pretty much what we are all doing at this point to avoid COVID-19.

Even with all that is happening, my chemotherapy treatment will continue as planned. My next treatment infusion is this coming Thursday (3/26/2020.) I will be receiving my third dose of the Adriamycin/Cytoxan drug combination. I’m nervous about my next treatment. It seems with each chemo infusion, I feel worse and the effects linger longer. This last one was tough. The side effects: fatigue, dry mouth, dry eyes, mouth sores, and gastrointestinal issues are still lingering. I get nauseous at the thought of my next appointment.

As for the family, thankfully they are all healthy and well. We are making the most of our time together indoors. The rainy weather we've had recently has kept us inside without complaining. We are all catching up on much-needed rest. We are having our meals together and having great conversations. We now have the time to do things in the home that we didn't have time to do before. I thought the kids would be on their electronic devices more but they aren't! I'm hearing music! Guitar strumming, singing and piano playing. Music to my ears! Of course, there are things that I miss from the pre-cancer, pre-quarantine days. I miss worshipping at church on Sunday with my gigantic church family. I miss meeting with friends and family regularly (and hugging them without hesitation.) I miss my walks around the neighborhood. I miss the fresh air and the California sunshine.

Despite what seems like a sad situation, I also know by experience that stormy days are eventually followed by sunshine and gorgeous blooms. The dark days don't last forever, right? On this first day of spring, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that this major shift in the way we "do life" in the coming weeks will give us all a new perspective. We can't waste this whole difficult experience without learning a few important lessons.

Life is valuable.

Our health is valuable.

Sacrificing for the sake of others is a beautiful act of love.

My prayer for you is that you find comfort in these uncertain times. That you find joy and peace in seeing all the little blessings around you. I am so thankful to those that continue to do the necessary hard work outside the home to keep us safe, comfortable and healthy. If you are stuck at home, use this time to be still and practice self-care. Find unique ways to love on others in your family and your community. We are all in this together and our actions and choices have an impact. Much love to you all.