Chemotherapy

Jackie Francke

As a young girl I did not participate in the coming of age ceremony, Kinaalda. However, in recent years a number of my nieces have participated in their own ceremony.  As a result, I have learned about its significance in teaching and transitioning a girl into a young woman.

The ceremony teaches important lessons in overcoming life's challenges and provides insight into the young woman's strength, kindness and potential as she runs, works, and learns through challenging times. For a young woman it begins with the tying of the hair.

I was on my way to the cancer center for my first chemotherapy treatment when I received the message about the Kinaalda. It was two weeks since my first visit with the oncologist.

After listening to the doctor's recommendation, further research on my part, and much contemplation, I decided to continue my fight with Stage IIA breast cancer by agreeing to undergo a series of six chemotherapy treatments.

I agreed to take on the probable extreme fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and all the other common side effects of chemotherapy. I agreed to subject my body to chemicals that will demolish the cancer cells that are harming me as well as the white blood cells needed to maintain my body. I agreed to enter into a new phase of treatment uncertain of what the side effects might bring.

My husband and I arrive at the cancer center. As a new cancer patient, the receptionist patiently informs us on the process. First some lab work, followed by a three-hour chemo infusion, and then a booster injection the next day.

I moved through the lab work and enter the Infusion Room. I keep to myself, remain quiet, and settle into one of the recliners. The nurse walks toward me with a bag of clear liquids in each hand.

She explains the content of each bag, assures me everything will be fine, and instructs me to relax. She connects me to the pump by a clear plastic tube that attaches to a mediport located near my collarbone. As I embark on my first chemotherapy treatment, I close my eyes and attempt to relax.

The next day, I make my way down my usual running path with the sun peering out to the east. I feel cautiously confident that I made it through the night without any side effects. I focus my attention on how I am feeling physically as I go through my morning prayers followed by the first few tentative strides. It feels like a normal morning as I move through my routine. I don't feel any differently. Things are going well.

Three days later and two days since the booster injection, I attempt to get out of bed, but my body does not seem to respond as it aches with an unexplainable, overwhelming soreness. My head pounds from an intense headache, my tongue is sore and tasteless as if burned with hot coffee, and my stomach feels uncomfortable with nausea.

The extreme fatigue consumes me as I return to bed. I succumb to the fatigue and attempt to position myself comfortably without success.

Two weeks since my first chemotherapy treatment, I move slowly down my running path enjoying the cool crisp morning, reflecting on how I managed to bounce back from the side effects by keeping my normal routine, staying positive, and acknowledging and embracing the side effects without resistance.

In the midst of my first chemotherapy treatment my niece has participated in her Kinaalda. My energy is renewed by thoughts of her journey. This is her last morning to run and I run with her in spirit. I finish my run with thoughts of corn cake flowing through my head.

I walk in the door rejoicing in my body's ability to move through another morning run and energized by my niece's recent journey.

I remove my cap and in the process a handful of hair falls to the floor. Preparation for life's challenges has been initiated by the tying of her hair as the side effect of chemotherapy results in the loss of mine.

I am prepared for the next chemotherapy treatment with strength from my family, friends, and running at my side.

Francke  grew up in the Shiprock area and currently lives in Longmont, Colo. Her maternal clan is the Black Streak People Clan and paternal clan is the One Who Walks Around One Clan. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, engineer, and business owner.