ROUND 1 DONE

-

 

Happy to turn this baby in 
So nice to see people who donate to the cancer ward.  They restocked the hats a woman from Canada sent down. 

Beautiful view from my chair.  


Day 5.  Cycle 1. Last day of chemo 


How do I feel today?  

I have to say it’s not bad bad as I expected.  There has been some fatigue and a bit of nausea but I am keeping everything down and making my fluid goals.   Of course I say that before the afternoon shows it’s eyes and I am a wet noodle.  Accepted a ride in to MGH and Declan brought me hone.  Needed some IV fluids as planned but luckily got to leave the pump at MGH.  ROUND 1- DONE! 


I expect a few tired days ahead then I can start building up for the next dose.  Will take a medication to increase white blood cells to help me fight germs and an antibiotic to prevent infection but otherwise expect time for the cells to die and get some of this cancer out of my body.  



I have some mild discomfort in my jaw but i think it’s because the numbness is lessening. I tell myself the tumor is retreating. Shrinking off the nerve and out of my nose. I visualize it leaving my body in any way possible.  It’s not pretty but body functions are the only way our bodies get rid of toxins so with every breath, every ounce of sweat, pee, poop and spit it is leaving my body.   And it will continue to do so for the next 16 weeks until it is gone and I am stronger.  


What has worked for the symptoms

Faith

Fluids - hard to get down but lemonade and cold fluids helped lots 

Asked them to give me some extra too. 

Fresh cool air really helps

Avoid constipation

Alternatively taking zofran, phenergan, Ativan and tums and omeprazole. 

Tylenol/Motrin for the achy feelings 

Friends



Thank you all for your cards and good wishes.  It’s what will get me through! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Radiation Journal

-
Image
 11/23 Had a nice thanksgiving dinner last night.  Figured we would do it early because my food aversions will be back on Thursday and poultry hasn’t cut it before so I wasn’t expecting it to be any better for thanksgiving.  Tried Nothing Bundt Cakes and it was a big hit. Liz brought over quebrada treats too and kate made an apple crisp.  It’s all about deserts right?  This morning I got up and put on my new “absolutely radiant” shirt from Jen.  Love it!   Perfect for my first day.   I’m not feeling nervous - just really want to get it overwith.  I get in and the machine is an hour behind already.  There goes the whole “in and out in fifteen minutes” thing.    So I was in for about a half hour it was very spaceage  big white machine moving all around  Q 11/24 2 down 33 to go.  4 chemo cycles down and 6 to go.   Took some Ativan today before my appointment.  Made it a lot faster and less stressful.  Problem is I fell asleep in the waiting room waiting to see Dr Chan and they all wondere
Read more

9 month scan

-
Image
  October 19 2021 It’s been over a year since the adventure with cancer began. And I’m in for my visit. It’s been 9 months since my last radiation.    And while I have definitely been improving.    It is certain that no treatment comes without a price.     I have neuropathy in my feet.    Raynaud like fingers.    Left shoulder and right hip pain and worst of all is the trouble swallowing.    Some foods just don’t want to go down    But everything comes with a price and I would take those things over dying of cancer.  While looking for a place to document in notes I found the eulogy I wrote a year ago to save my family from writing one.    I am so grateful we did not need to use it. So unbelievably grateful.   I haven’t felt well this past week and had a few days of fevers but my COVID negative test helped me to rally for my appointment with Dr Worth.    Psyching myself up for the scope up the nose to see if there are any lesions.                   this may be the quote of the week Dr W
Read more

Two month scan

-
Image
3/23 I’m walking on sunshine and it’s time to feel good.  https://youtu.be/CKh0dLIuIu8 I’m all over the place this morning.    Dropped kate at the bus at 6.    Took a shower (something I usually don’t do it there isn’t an hour to rest after)  Have early appointments with Dr Chan and Dr Wirth.     Waiting to hear the results of my two month scans.     Yes.    It’s been two months since I was treated with chemo and radiation.    It’s been the hardest two months outside of the times when declan had open heart surgery and my dad was at the brigham.      I struggle with appetite and fatigue and am the only person I know who doesn’t want to lose weight.     I now weigh less than I did when I got married at 22. And to be honest I have plenty to lose. But in the right way.    I look in the mirror and don’t recognize myself sometimes.     The buzz cut with the crazy cowlicks and huge bald spot from the radiation.   At the same time I feel like I am gaining.    I made it ten hours at the brigham
Read more