Saturday, June 28, 2014

Episode 21: Mid-Cycle 4

In my last episode, I believe I had mentioned that Cycle 4 would be a different chemo-drug and that hopefully it would be easier to manage. Well, dash my hopes to bits. It was almost like Cycle 1 all over again. Blech, blech, blech, blech, blech. It's been almost two weeks and I'm still not quite perked up yet. Down can be really down and I have been warned that it only gets more exhausting until it's over. Oh, well, only two to go.

I'd like to address this episode especially to people who might be reading this, experiencing or contemplating chemo, and wondering if they can do it. PLEASE, follow the advice of your health-care team! Everyone is different and has different reactions. Cancers are different. Treatments are different. And, there are so many variables unique to each person that every situation is different. We are blessed here in Canada to have amazing services and care that I don't want anyone to think, "Oh, I can't do this. I have to stop." Don't stop. Don't give up. The nurses are great. They come to the house almost everyday. They talk me through the tough times on the telephone night or day. And they know how to say just the right things to lift my spirits. The other day one of my nurses was here and she told me that she has worked with patients who don't react much to chemo at all and have few side effects. That's not good. The fact that I'm going through all the tough stuff means that the chemo is working and that I'm receiving exactly the right treatment so "stay the course"! This is do-able!

Doctor: I have two pieces of bad news for you.
Patient: What's the first?
Doctor: You have cancer.
Patient: What's the second?
Doctor: You have Alzheimer's.
Patient: Thank goodness, I don't have cancer.

Sunday, June 01, 2014

Episode 20: Mid-Cycle 3

Three down, three to go.

Hello,

I really don't have much to report. I'm not blogging much because I am constantly tired except for the occasional high burst of energy. So, every now and then, I do something really amazing like paint the house for an hour (or plant some flowers) which is great if you don't mind a house exterior that's got about three different colours on it.

Next time I go in for a treatment is Monday, June 16th. We've postponed it from Thursday to Monday because I want to feel good on the weekend. My daughter is performing in a community theatre production and I am very excited to see it. She's Flute in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. That is a play I have enjoyed many times and am looking forward to this version. Cycle 4 will consist of a new chemo-drug. I am very, very curious to find out the new side effects. They say the nausea is much diminished (please, please, please!) but the trade is to water retention and muscle aches. And, of course, still the constant fatigue.

Thank you for the continued encouragement and prayers. You are so much appreciated. Oh, I remember what I was going to tell you! As I am sure you can imagine, I have heard numerous stories in the past few months of people going through similar circumstances but without the care for their feelings. I can't go into details because the stories have been told in confidence but I am shocked at how callous some people can be and constantly feel so blessed by my circle. For example, the other day I went to the mall with my two daughters. It was so hot that I decided to ditch the scarf and rock the bald look. I asked my daughter if that was okay. She said to me, "Are you comfortable?". "Yes." "Then it's the perfect look." Can you believe that? No wonder I love my kids.

Night all.