Chemo day! I’m now 1/3 of the way through. So far, I’m feeling fine, just tired.
I’m thankful today for the cookie delivery from my in-laws, a long chat with my daughter, and that my cough is much better.
March 24, 2021
Category Archives: cancer
March 23, 2021
I texted this to Patrick today. After two days of listening to my constant coughing (probably his least favorite thing ever), I figured he needed a reminder.
I was able to get into my Oncologist’s office today and get my cough checked out, and thankfully, my lungs are clear. The doctor gave me some different options to help with it like changing up my sinus meds. We think it may be too much sinus drainage. Never underestimate your nose hair. Lack of it can also be problematic. I’m never quite sure what over the counter stuff to take while on chemo, so I appreciated getting the feedback.
We also talked about the pain I’ve been experiencing. It’s not an uncommon side effect, so we talked about pain management options. She called in a prescription pain killer for me to try with this next round. If it doesn’t work or I don’t like the effects, she suggested different combinations of Tylenol I could take instead. Now I feel a little better prepared for tomorrow’s treatment and its after effects.
I’m grateful for my nurses and doctors who listen. I’m also grateful for when Patrick tries to tune me out. (Cough. Cough)
March 22, 2021
After several days of being in constant pain, I was exhausted today. I was also still somewhat sore. Enough so that I spent most of my work day sitting with a heating pad. I have new empathy with people who deal with pain on a constant basis. I have least have the expectation that it will subside, if not before my next treatment, then at least when chemo is over.
Probably needless to say, I was beginning to feel crabby. I knew I needed a distraction, so after dinner we went out driving around. And while Patrick made a quick run into a store, I sat in the car and looked up funny memes. And laughed. It felt good.
When we got home, I found this in the mail from my mom.
And this from my sister.
My family for the win! It’s like they knew it was going to be a bad day. I’m so thankful for their continued checking in and reaching out. My day has definitely ended better than it began.
March 20, 2021
I miss my hair. Not because it was good hair (although it was) but I miss what it did for me. Helped regulate my body temperature and protect my head from hurting so much when leaning up against something. Those were good times.
I’ve had swings between chills and sweats today, which has also been annoying. But at least the Tylenol that didn’t help my aches yesterday has helped some today. So did a long soak in the tub. I’m thankful for that.
I’m also thankful for a long drive around town and a quick run through a store looking for spring stuff. It still feels weird being inside places, so I think we were inside maybe 15 mins. Maybe one day, I’ll get used to it. Finally, I’m grateful that Patrick has been so helpful while I’ve been sore. He hasn’t minded bringing me water or driving me around or listening to me moan like I’m 105 years old. New good times. Haha.
March 18, 2021
I was busy today. After work, I took a walk, made some cookies, and spent time chatting with my daughter about wedding details, which was fun. She’s decided to make her wedding dress because she can’t find exactly what she wants within her budget. I fully believe in her talent for doing so, but I can’t believe she wants to do it within her compressed timeframe. It makes me wish I was better at sewing so I could help her. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t want her wedding dress to look homemade. But it was fun helping her figure out some material to use.
By 7:00 pm, I kind of hit a wall. I got tired and my legs started aching. Typical day after chemo stuff, just like my bright face rash. However, I’m thankful I got stuff done and I’m not feeling too bad.
March 17, 2021
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’d sure love to be sitting at my favorite pub having a beer. Sigh. Hopefully next year.
Even though I woke up at 4 am with a headache that made it nearly impossible to get back to sleep, I wanted to look lively for chemo today. I didn’t have a green wig, but I think my pink one worked with the fun scarf a friend gave me.
The upside to getting a major dose of Benadryl along with a steroid prior to the chemo drip is that it cured my headache. However, I was so tired afterwards that I fell asleep for a couple hours once we got home. But at least I’m still having no adverse reactions, so I’m grateful.
Patrick’s parents offered to get us dinner today. I’m thankful for their generosity and that I felt well enough to get a delicious chicken crepe from a favorite restaurant. Mmm. And Patrick picked up a fancy chocolate cake for a special treat. It’s not typical fare for this holiday, but it sure was good.
March 16, 2021
Today I met with a new plastic surgeon. My old surgeon is leaving the area. I was pretty disappointed since I liked him and I thought we already had a plan. But the new doctor seems equally as competent and nice. She has some slight differences in what she’s suggesting for me and gave me some things to think about. However, it was a better meeting than I was expecting, so I’m thankful for that. I’m also thankful that she was given all the notes and pictures from my meeting with the previous surgeon, so I didn’t have to endure another photo shoot or body markings.
I also saw my oncologist this morning and after a discussion about side effects and low blood counts, I asked him how careful I need to continue being with quarantining. While he says I should continue working from home for now, I’m ok to go into a store when I want as long as I double mask. Obviously, I’ll still need to be careful to avoid peak times and crowded stores, but I’ll be so happy to get out periodically. Freedom!
March 13, 2021
Much like last weekend, I’ve had some body aches and slight nausea again. It must be how my body is getting used to the chemo. It’s not terrible, and I hope it gets a bit better as I go on.
Even so, I did it. I spent most of my day in my craft room and got 2 new up-cycled shirts…almost done. I ended up having to tear one apart and resew it because I didn’t realize I had folded it on itself. Grrr. Next I’ll add some paint. Even though I didn’t finish, it felt good to get them going since I’ve had them planned for a while now.
I’m thankful for being productive. I’m grateful we’ve had another day of sunshine. I’m happy that tomorrow I can work on them again.
March 10, 2021
Only 10 more chemo treatments left! Today’s treatment went along with no issues. Yay! I’m now just tired again, but I’m very thankful that I’ve had no major reactions.
I’m also thankful for chats with old friends, flower deliveries, and chocolate mint candy.
March 7, 2021
One of the hardest things for me in all of this has been not being able to do as much as I normally would. I’m used to jumping into physical projects and not thinking twice about it. Today I wanted to finish some cleaning that I started yesterday. After vacuuming the floors, I took all the sofa cushions off our sectional so I could vacuum everything and flip them over. I had to stop periodically because I got winded. And then the rest of the day, my legs ached.
I’m blaming chemo, even though I know I’m out of shape. It’s frustrating to feel this way, but I remind myself often that it’s temporary and manageable. I need to do what I can now and let it go. I also think that maybe it’s a good time to incorporate yoga into my routine to help build some strength.
Although I was moving slower than normal, I did get more done today and that helped my peace of mind. I’m thankful for that. I’m also thankful for a couple of new spring touches that make me smile.
melissagratitude 