My chemo effects kicked in later today. I got so tired I fell asleep for a couple of hours this afternoon. Maybe it was the hour I spent outside working in the yard—too much fresh air and sunshine. And physical activity for someone who hasn’t been doing much. Or maybe just chemo fatigue.
I’m thankful though for not being too sore. I’m thankful for being able to take the afternoon off work to relax a bit. And I’m thankful for a surprise ice cream treat that served as most of my dinner.
The countdown continues…five treatments left after today! I wore my spotty shoes in celebration.
Today’s treatment was a little longer than usual because my nurse had trouble getting the needle in my port correctly. She’s worked with me only once before and had the same trouble. Both previously and today, she had to get another nurse to do it for her.
While it’s uncomfortable for me (I end up getting poked numerous times), I felt bad for her. She’s not a new nurse, but she is newer to oncology and must not have a lot of experience with ports. I could tell she was a bit frustrated and maybe embarrassed that she wasn’t successful. It’s all practice, but it’s kind of crazy that the practice can only happen in real time. The pressure of that must be awful.
I tried not to show it, but I was glad she didn’t keep trying on her own because I’m sure it will be sore later. However, today I’m thankful for her and all the nurses who take on this work with its pressures and crazy learning curves. It’s intense work and not something I’d want to do, but I’m grateful others have to courage.
Ok, I’m glad not every day is like yesterday. Today was better.
I saw one of my doctors today and asked about some of issues I’m having with eating. She thinks I maybe a little dehydrated which is causing too much thick drainage in the back of my throat. Gah. So besides drinking more water (even though I’ve been drinking more than any other time in my life!) she suggested sucking on lemon candy to help my dry mouth produce more saliva. Go figure. Patrick says only I would have a doctor who prescribes me candy. I don’t choose this luck. It finds me.
Today I’m thankful for better days. I’m thankful for a FaceTime chat catching up with a friend. I’m thankful for a bit of sunshine.
Every once in a while, I have a day where I’m tired of living with chemo side effects: the sinus issues and nosebleeds, the tiredness, the indigestion that causes a cough, the strange dry yet slimy feeling in my mouth, the sore muscles, the inability to regulate my body temperature. I know things could be worse, and I’m truly grateful they’re not. But today, I was tired of cancer. And chemo. I’m thankful I have Patrick who hugs me when I cry.
My in-laws still give us something every week as a chemo pick-me-up. This week it was some pampering treats and a super soft blanket that I had to fight Chance for when I opened it.
On this rainy day, it seemed like a good day for a spa. I took a hot bath, did a couple of facial items hoping to soothe my face rash, and used some of the moisturizing products sent this week. I then shared my blanket with Chance.
I’m thankful my in-laws still want to make chemo week easier. I so appreciate them.
I’m halfway done with chemo!
I dressed for comfort and put on bright colors because I didn’t feel like it. I woke up feeling kinda lousy and crabby.
Work frustration made it worse, so by the time I had chemo at 3:30, I was NOT into it. But it’s not like I had a choice. Thankfully, it went fine and went quickly.
We got home to find a friend had put some cute items in the yard that made me smile and made it hard to stay crabby. I’m thankful for that.
Today I’m thankful for this. Patrick mowing the yard. It reminds me of the sunny, warm days ahead when chemo will be done. Today was a good glimpse into a bright future.
So…while I was not pain free today, my muscle aches were manageable. I only needed one Tylenol a couple of times today to take the edge off. I’m calling the reduction in chemo a success for that. I’m so thankful and hopeful tomorrow will be the same or better.
Since I took the day off work, I ran some errands in the morning and then spent the rest of my day like this. I’m not sorry about it.
Seven more to go…
My chemo session was later than normal today—3 pm instead of the morning. It is always interesting to me to see the different faces of folks when I go. Most are older, and they tend to watch tv loud enough for others to hear. Or they sleep. Most have a support person with them who appears to be a spouse. Sometimes a child. I’m always dismayed by those there alone, considering we are allowed one support person. It makes me wonder if they’re home alone too.
The treatment center I go to is attached to a hospital, so not everyone there is getting chemo. They also do other infusions as well, although they’re not usually in the same wing. It’s lucky that the hospital is right down the hall because tonight was filled with a little drama. The lady next to me was admitted to the hospital because her blood sugar level was ridiculously high and they couldn’t get it reduced. I have no idea what her infusion was for. Another woman had a severe reaction to her medication and began crying loudly, wailing about her pain. Good thing for her, they got things resolved quickly.
It’s impressive how calm the nurses and doctors are in this center. None of them got ruffled this afternoon. They calmly helped everyone, explained what was going on and what they needed to do to resolve things.
I’m thankful for the staff today. I’m also thankful that my doctor adjusted my chemo dose, hoping that it will help lessen my pain side effects. Fingers crossed that it works!
I read this in one of my daily readers and it seems to fit today. Even yesterday was still off but today is better. It’s bad one day; it’s good the next. Today was more normal. Three days ago, terrible. That’s the way life works, I guess. I’m thankful today for this simple reminder to keep hanging in there.
melissagratitude 