Well, as I told you, the Neulasta shot did it again. That’s why I haven’t written lately. Although I have to admit even the chemo this time had me fatigued. But that f’in shot drove it home. Even after sleeping for eight hours, I slept for most of Friday, and Saturday I was in bed all day. Sunday was better but I still took a two-hour nap during the day. I got a good tip from a fellow chemoer who recommended ginger Altoids for the bad taste you get in your mouth from chemo that never goes away. It really helps. Taking my medication also helps me to feel better but on Friday I felt awful and sleeping was a welcome escape. At least I’m not nauseous and puking my brains out (although I have medication for that if it should occur). The cold is really getting to me. I can’t breath outside anymore without going into a huge sneezing fit. I need to filter the air and heat it up before it gets to my throat. I’ll be getting something for that soon.
Something Good
After my whole vasospasm thing I was in for a session and overheard a nurse telling a patient that what I had as a reaction was a possibility (she even pointed me out as someone that had actually happened to). This is progress. I wish I had been told the same thing when I had my first session. But if through their experience with me they’ve updated their procedures to include discussing it, that’s great. I’ve found that doctor’s are reluctant to tell patients what all the side effects or reactions may be for fear they will somehow manifest them psychosomatically or get overly anxious about it. This to me is treating adults like children. Of course if they are treating another doctor, they’ll talk about all of it. So I was happy to see the change.
Back on the Chemo Train
Well, I feel much different today. More like crap than not. My symptoms are increasing in severity and some new ones are cropping up. My feet feel like they are asleep all the time making it difficult to walk. My hair is still coming out. I might need to shave and wear a hat. I’m having nose bleeds and I was super sensitive to the cold and rain today but then it was really cold, about 39 when I was released. I saw my primary physician today and he agreed that we still need to watch for spasms as the chemo accumulates in my body but we will respond reactively instead of proactively meaning if I have a spasm, then they will up my meds. Which is probably OK because if I do have another spasm now, it should be manageable and not severe like previous ones. The accumulation is gradual so it should be fine. I just took an ativan to help me sleep, to put myself out of my misery. So probably won’t be saying much more. Will try to work tomorrow. The bad days seem to be Thursday after disconnect, which will be 1:30 for me, and Friday is the worst. I’ll keep you updated. Maybe I can just dance the side effects away. We wish you nothing but: LOVE, PEACE AND SOUL! It’s the SOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUL TRAIN!
Dropped a Glass at Busy Bee
Last Thursday after I was unplugged from the pump Christina and I decided to go to Busy Bee for lunch. It’s close to the hospital, has really good food, and a nice atmosphere, so, a small celebration for completing the first session at home. Have you ever had their appetizer of portobello steak fries - yum! We had a great time but in what has become a string of new-found problems stemming from my chemotherapy, in an inattentive moment, I lost my grip on my glass and watched helplessly as it smashed to bits on the tabletop. Another tangible sign that chemotherapy is a bitch. It’s a combination of my sensitivity to cold in my extremities that makes my hands feel like the are asleep, plus the involuntary contortions my hands sometimes decide to make, and some tiredness, lightheadedness, and maybe a little fatigue thrown in. If I didn’t know it before, I know it now - this is for real - and I can only image it’s going to get worse.
Side Effects From First Chemo
Some of what I felt during my first session of chemotherapy:
- Sensitivity to cold in my mouth
- phlegm and coughing while at infusion room (maybe from lunch but exaggerated)
- pain in jaw when chewing at first
- momentary pain in sides when I got up from treatment
- tingling in fingers
- muscle spasms in hands
- Feeling physically and mentally strong from steroids
- post nasal drip
- sneezing
- hungry
