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

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The Organ with a Mind of Its Own

What DO I do with this thing? It is not exhibiting anything resembling consistent behavior.

On Thursday Doc. S, my primary, said, 'Don't eat fat, not even olive oil.' OK, I did my best, ate almost no fat, and passed a rather awful night. Found my heating pad, and extra strength Tylenol and put them to work at around midnight. The pain subsided to a dull roar, but I did not get to sleep until 4AM. And no, I did NOT play with any electronics. I just lay there thinking my thoughts and praying my prayers.

The next day I had no energy for much of anything, due, I assume to lack of sleep. Daytime pain was minimal, but as bedtime neared, things began going south. Got pretty scared. Dug out the morphine, praying and praying I wouldn't have to take it. First I took the evening Aleve pill. Then I carried the morphine and the freshly charged heating pad to the bedroom. I lay down with the heating pad, and , , , before getting to the tylenol, never mind the morphine, I fell asleep!

Yesterday I awoke feeling almost perky, and went to the office for two hours (sitting in the office chair is still something of a problem) and then hung out with family until mid-evening. Ate some contraband - low fat sour cream, avocado, cheese, tortilla chips. Figured I would have to pay for it. Not. Not a peep from the organ. Went to bed without the heating pad, even.

Today has been lovely. Nearly normal! When I woke up the sky was gray and the wind was blowing and it had been raining. Ikky day? NO! I felt energized! Could not resist having a gallbladder unfriendly half cup of coffee. Then I put cheese in my egg and butter on my toast. Participated in all church activities and went to community care group in the early evening. I availed myself of more opportunities to eat gb unfriendly food.

Bed time is now approaching, and still not a peep out of the organ. So, will it pull a fast one, or let me sleep tonight? I am clueless.

Stay tuned . . .

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6

No comments:

Post a Comment