Wishing I had posted during the journey over the past couple of weeks, but instead will catch up now. I'm just a few days from round 2 of chemo and feeling good so I'm finding the energy to write.
All in all, the first round was uneventful and pretty much as expected. That's not to say that as I was going through the worst of the pain on days 3, 4, and 5 that I was feeling good by any stretch. It's just to say that all of the side effects were normal and the duration was normal. The worst was day 4 (the day I receive the chemo is considered day 1) and there were times when I honestly thought I might never feel good ever again. It was all pain related but no real nausea. The only nausea I felt was because the pain was so bad on day 4. My oncology nurse pleaded with me to take my prescription pain meds during these days the next time around when I told her I had only taken Tylenol and some edibles this time. I have to admit, I agree.
My most lingering side effects are constant dry-mouth and some pain in my feet, likely neuropathy. I'm managing both just fine for now. My energy is good in the morning and then falls fast in the late afternoon and evening. I take naps if I can. I always struggle with anemia and chemo makes this even more difficult. Eating well becomes difficult when your mouth and everything you put in it tastes like metal for days. Taking iron supplements isn't an option because it causes constipation and most of the other meds I have to take do too, so you don't want to make that even worse. No-sir-ee.
My hair started falling out a bit on day 15 just as the nurse predicted. It then started coming out in clumps late on day 17. Thank the universe that Deidra was by my side when that happened. My hairdresser was out of town for the weekend, so Dan went and got clippers and Deidra shaved my head as close as possible on the morning of day 18. I can't tell you how much better I felt emotionally once that was done. I'll post the video here in the next entry.
My next treatment is this coming Thursday, Oct. 17th. It is likely that many of the side effects will compound over time and treatments, so each time will be a new experience. I've been focusing on gathering my strength in preparation by eating well, getting exercise every day (walking mostly, but I hope to start doing some light yoga soon) and resting as much as I can.
So, here we go again. A little wiser and more prepared. My dear friend Kelly reminded me that after this next treatment I'll be 33% of the way done! What a great way to look at it. Here are some photos from the last couple of weeks:
Pre-chemo check up with the oncology nurse. Feeling sassy.
Just before the Benadryl kicked in. Chemo day 1.
Day 3. In bed with all of my supplies nearby. Sugar free hard candies to combat the awful taste in my mouth. Plenty of water. Essential oils. Lip balm. Body lotion. Tylenol. TV remote.
Day 15. Goodbye hair party complete with Veuve and my better half.
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