Wednesday, September 8, 2021

   When we would camp at Long Beach (Tofino), we would spend the whole day down at the beautiful beach, climbing rocks, exploring sea life. The campsite was at the top of a cliff, with a 1 km trail down to the beach. Heading back with my 'fibromyalgia' tested to the max was a huge challenge.  I kept my head down, with my eyes on the step ahead of me.  I NEVER looked up ahead. Nearing the top, the temptation was always great to see 'how far' I had to go, but I wouldn't do it… and it got me there.

  Having had my 1st of 3 chemo treatments in this 2nd round of my 'sandwich' therapies, I'm looking toward getting on with life after the last treatment, and it's not helpful. One step in front of the other. Carpe dium! 

   The doctor is phoning for my pre-chemo consult in the morning (Sept 9). I give her details of how I've been doing. She asks a lot of questions, especially about side effects. With this information, she tweaks my chemo recipe to hopefully prevent them from happening. 

  Each 1st week following my hemotherapy is when the side-effects rear their head. Bit by bit, each time is a little better, or at least different than the one before. Here's how the first week after chemo treatments has gone:

Chemo #1 (Apr. 29) Peripheral neuropathy (severe foot & leg pain); kidney pain (911); nausea (occasional).

Chemo #2 (May 20) Peripheral neuropathy (not as severe); nausea (occasional)

Chemo #3 (June 10) No leg pain; very low blood pressure, dizziness & feeling faint

July 8 - Aug. 13: Radiation -25 sessions: 'urgent' need to pee & diarrhea NOW (not fun)

Chemo # 4 (Aug. 26) Red flushed face, neck & chest; excess edema; overall feeling good other than very fatigued.

Chemo # 5 (Sept. 16) Chemo #6 ( Oct. 7)

After my first 3 chemos, the 1st week was pretty much spent on the couch, occasionally sipping chicken soup. After this last one, I was cooking the next day. Not feeling social, between the fatigue and the irritation of the burning face & feet. But certainly not miserable.

  Through this whole thing, I seem to have 2 hours in me on good days, for an outing or socializing. After that, I'm done. If I overdo it, the next day is spent quiet at home. I've sent Larry fishing a few times, as heaven knows, he needs that getaway!

  So that's how I've been doing, when I say "I'm doing well!" It definitely has not been horrible, as one might have imagined. I've never hugged a toilet once, which I'm so grateful for. The nausea has never even gotten near that far.

 Maybe now that I've shared my inventory of side effects, you can rest at ease If you've had concerns. We've been blessed to have many, many good days, and look forward to many, many more. Larry & I have always taken time to smell the roses, and even more so these days. We'll try to savour it, one day at a time!

  The love and prayers of family and friends, and kind folks we hardly know has been a great source of comfort and strength.

God bless each one. May the abundance of grace that we receive daily, radiate out to you!

xoxoo