The Treatment Plan

For the cancer I've got there is a specific treatment plan. I do this and the odds are 90% I will never see this cancer again. Here's what will take place:
Radiation: There will be approximately 33 radiation treatments aimed at my pelvic area. They began July 5 and will conclude at approximately August 18th.
Reaction: First third: No issues. Second third: Discomfort. Final third: Increasing discomfort, culminating in 'brutal'.
Chemotherapy: There will be two courses of treatment. The first was started on July 5. The second will begin August 1st.
Reaction: First course produced nasty mouth sores, an overall sludgey feeling and 'chemo brain'. At least I know what to expect for the second course, and can make some plans.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Two Treatments Behind Me.

OK - Two treatments are behind me.
However, this morning my poor little tail seems to be dragging.
Now I'm writing for my own benefit. I need a mental/spiritual boost.
Gotta dig a little deeper to get the happy juice flowing.

Chemo:
Mercifully, I am not at all bothered by the chemo drug dripping into me.
I'm very grateful that I checked with Nurse L to see if there was an upper limit to how much water I can be drinking during chemo - my concern being that too much water would dilute the drug. Her answer - No!! Water won't do that! Drink all you want! This is wonderful news to me, because I find that I want A LOT of water! I'm thinking lots of water is a significant contributor to good tolerance for chemo.

Radiation:
After Rad. Treatment #2 I did one errand, came home, made a yummy dinner (Ate too much?? See, friends, It takes more than chemo, etc. to keep me from loving food!) and flopped on the couch.
Alternatively napped and read stuff.
Could feel much of my energy going into the radiated area - pelvis - working to do damage control.
At bedtime, I noticed radiation burn - already - ugh. Put on aloe.

General:
Slept well, and slept in an extra hour.
See, everyone - I am taking good care of myself.
Took a walk, although it was a relatively slow-pokey one.
I am not at work. I am home, blogging.
I think now I can fix a breakfast and head for the office for awhile.
And see what the day brings. Yeah, Rad treatment #3. woohoo

Ah - I'm wearing a bit of a happy face again. Nothing like laughing at your own jokes.
Hee hee, ha ha, chortle, giggle, etc.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the Lord, you his saints. for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:8-10

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