I'm a little behind in getting this posted, but you might have heard I've felt better. I've kind of figured out my body's response to (TCH, chemo). I'm pretty much fine on Thursday, except that I've spent 1/2 my day at Utah Cancer Specialist. I take my steroids on Wednesday before chemo, Thursday, day of chemo and Friday following chemo. They are supposed to help cut down on nausea. The thing is that in the middle of the night on both Thursdays following chemo, I have woken up ready to throw up. I am instantly sick and wake up Travis to get me medicine to help calm my stomach. I might try some pepcid AC this Thursday to see if stopping the acid production might help. I'm just looking for something to make it through the night. Anyways, I think I truly understand what fatigue is now. I have always loved walking with my friends at 9:00 daily, and have tried to continue doing this since I have begun chemo. The difference now is that I am wasted when I come home. Every Friday I now spend the day napping or doing very little since my energy seems zapped. Saturday is kind of the same. Lots of resting and arm chair quarterbacking the house. My house still gets cleaned, I just watch it get done instead of doing it. It has been great feeling good enough to go to church. The first week I went the entire block and this past week I just left a little early so that I didn't nod off, it would have been fine to nap in sunday school, but you never see ladies sleeping in relief society. From Monday to the next chemo I feel almost normal. I still try and catch a small nap after lunch, but I really feel quite good. I hope this trend continues. I've been able to work on Tuesdays and just get my house in order on Wednesday.
On the 19th, I met with my doctor before I received chemo to discuss tumor markers, blood tests, my list of questions that I had. One of my big questions that I wanted to know was about citrus. I've heard many opinions about avoiding citrus or not avoiding it. The reason it concerns me is that Hot Dog on a Stick Lemonade is my favorite. My doctor said lemonade was fine and that sometimes grapefruit is a concern, but didn't forbid it. I was thrilled. It is great to be able to find something that tastes delicious all the time. It is crazy how taste buds can be affected. Following my appointment, Charity Lighten accompanied me to chemo. It was so nice to have a "buddy". Travis is going to try and come once a month, but has obligations on Thursday at work. Charity asked me a while ago if she could come and I gladly accepted. We had such a nice time. It was great to catch up with her and find out how things were for her and her family since they had moved to Riverton. I brought cards and rules to play canasta, but we never lacked for conversation. It was awesome! The three 1/2 hours just flew by. We were both shocked when the nurse came to pull the needle out of my port and sent us on our way. Thanks Charity for making a bad thing good.
Thanks again for all your well wishes and prayers!
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5 comments:
Jules,
I was forwarded your blog by Marie and I am so glad you have decided to share your experience with us who only know you from a distance. I hope all is well (or as well as it can be) through this round and that your body is blessed with strength beyond reason to help you through this. I know you don't know me but I just wanted to add my voice to the others and let you know, you and your family are in my prayers.
All the best-Lula Mae
I would like to link your blog to mine. Is that okay? The address is aforceforgood.blogspot.com
Julie,
I was so glad you could make it Thursday. It was great fun! I hope that your chemo continues on a predictable path. I am sure it helps to know what day you will begin feeling better.
Jules,
I've been wondering how you are feeling, so I was glad to read your post and see that you still have some days during the week when you almost feel normal. Good luck with tomorrow's treatment. I hope the pepcid AC works, and you can make it through the night. As always, you are in my prayers.
Hey Julie,
I talked to Allison yesterday, she said Chemo went well. I think about you all the time, especially on Thursdays. I am so glad you could come play last Thursday. And totally win even though you were tired!! You're awesome. Love ya tons, hope you are getting lots of rest today. :)
Julie,
I have learned of your news through my parents and want you to know that we think of you and pray for you always. Your family is a part of mine and I hope that things go well for you. You know you have the love of the Carlson's and we will be here for whatever you need. Love you!! Feel Good!
Jen Wolken-Carlson (Burgess)
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