I am now in my third full day after my first Chemo treatment, and I am very happy to report that I am still feeling very well!  Side effects have continued to be very mild, and getting milder by the day. And I’m even getting some good sleep.

I was worried that a few days after treatment would be the worst – when the steroids wear off. And I had read some blogs that mentioned many side effects don’t set in for a few days. So I’m cautiously optimistic about these side effects – knowing that I’m obviously not entirely out of the woods, yet.

 

SIDE EFFECTS

Acid Reflux – This continues to be the one I’ve tussled with the most this week. It’s not as pronounced as it was on the first day after treatment, but it’s still present at most times. So far, the only thing I’ve done to combat it is use Tums and stay away from known trigger foods. Actually, I’ve stayed away from most solid foods, but I’m making progress there.  I may ask them about a stronger remedy for acid reflux when I see them next, unless things get more severe sooner.

Tiredness & Sleep – The main tiredness I was feeling closer to the treatment date was clearly a lack of good sleep. But actually, I’ve strung together two nights in a row of good sleep. Two nights ago I slept for 8 hours. And last night, I actually slept for 12 hours!  I guess my body needed that.  I’ve found that the anti-nausea medication Phenergan really knocks me out. So I’ve been taking it early in the evening. Last night I took it at 8pm, and I was out cold by 8:30 – and I slept through until about 8:30 this morning!

In terms of sleep and fatigue, I think that’s a pretty good trade off. I’ll happily sleep for 12 hours a night if it means that I feel as refreshed, energized and productive as I feel today for 12 hours. That’s got to be better than feeling fatigued and lethargic when getting an average night’s rest, or less.  Still, I don’t really have an apples to apples comparison – I wonder how I would feel on an average day after treatment with a normal 8 hours.  So far, I’ve not felt fatigued or tired after a normal night’s sleep.

Dry Skin – I can feel this one creeping up on my a bit. Mostly in my hands, which are getting very dry. This could be somewhat self-inflicted. I have been doing a lot of hand washing, and as a shortcut I have sometimes used the waterless hand sanitizers. I know that these dry out my hands. So for now, I’ve discontinued use of those sanitizers and only am washing with soap and water. And I am also starting to use lotion on my hands (which I hate doing because it just feels slimy to me).  But, if it helps to keep my hands from being so dry, it’s a favorable trade off.  So far, I haven’t had dry skin elsewhere, but I am keeping watch.

 

DIET

Food – I have more or less stayed away from most solid food the last three days, but I am starting to get more adventurous. I have relied heavily on my juicer, and Luis’s sage juice making skills. I’ve have some concoctions whose ingredients might make you wince, but that actually don’t taste bad. Especially when the thought of different types of food that I know I like don’t sound very appetizing anymore.

Here are some of the staples of my diet the past few days:

• Juicer juices
• Applesauce
• Cottage Cheese
• Pudding
• Mac & Cheese
• Fruits (mostly pears and oranges)

Also last night, I had some white rice with almonds and pine nuts. Easily my most adventurous meal yet – and it went down very easy. Probably because it was delicious, excellently prepared by my chef of a husband.

Tonight I plan on trying some casserole that Jerry & Martha brought over this afternoon. It’s has rice & chicken, with a cheese sauce and some mild spices.  They also brought over some Banana Pudding with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers. One of my favorites!

Liquid – I’ve been hyper conscious about making sure I’m getting enough liquid, and I am 100% sure that I am hitting my goals.

• Water – I am drinking 1 full gallon of water every day, as measured by a gallon that I keep in the fridge and refill with tap water. I do remember reading that Louisville has the best tap water in the country, so there’s an advantage I have. I usually start drinking water after coffee, so by mid-morning I am fully over to water.
• Juice – I am drinking 2-3 full glasses of juice from the juicer every day, usually for lunch.
• Coffee – I drink as much coffee in the morning as my acid reflux will allow. On Day 1, that was only one cup. But today, I was able to have a few. I’m still not fully back to my full-blown coffee addiction, but I’m making strides.  I was worried that the huge reduction in caffeine would lead to headaches, which commonly happens when I forget to drink coffee in the morning; so far, this has not been a problem.
• Coconut Water – I’m still not a fan of the taste, but I have been putting one of these Vita-Coco pure coconut water packs away for the last three days. Supposedly, they are super healthy. They’re also expensive, so these may be on the chopping block.
• Alcohol – NONE! And not missing it.

 

Work

So far, the side effects of Chemo have had minimal effect on work. I’ve been able to work full, uninterrupted days, every day since treatment.

I do keep reading about “Chemo-Brain” and how chemo patients have trouble concentrating or struggle with memory. I hope my colleagues will be tender in pointing out any signs of chemo brain.

I am also fully optimistic of making both work travel trips over the next two weeks. Next week to Daytona Beach, and the following week to Las Vegas. Of course, both will need to be doctor approved! But if I’m feeling fine for Daytona, it’s a go. Vegas will depend on my blood counts taking in January 24.

 

Support Packages

We have received a number of excellent support packages from friends and colleagues this week! The amount of time and thought that goes into these really has Luis and I thinking how blessed we are to have such amazing people in our lives, in our corner, that love us so much.

Amazon has made a ton of deliveries this week. Here are a couple of support packages we’ve gotten:

BetAmerica sent over this wide variety of chemo crushing gadgets!  While I hope I don’t have to ever use the vomit bags – it’s nice to know they are there! The chess set is definitely more portable than the one I have, so it will certainly be coming with me on my next treatment on the 24^th. The tote makes for a great chemo-case to carry everything we need on treatment day. And I love the adult coloring book – I’ll be sure to share some of my masterpieces.

Thanks so much to all my friends and colleagues at BetAmerica for sending over this extremely useful gift basket!  So lucky to work for such a fantastic company full of so many wonderful people!

 

My BFF Erin, one of my groomsmaids from my wedding, sent over this lovely package of goodies. I love the scarf especially! We’re big into scarves, and this one is one of my instant favorites. Also of note, my favorite ‘feeling sick’ remedy – the cheap can of Campbell’s chicken noodle soup! There’s just nothing better for feeling better – good memory, Erin! Love you!!

 

I also want to be sure to thank everyone who has sent financial support either by way of cash or gift cards. I feel strange posting about it on the blog, but we’ve spoken on the phone and you know that our gratitude is sincere and immense during the time. So – thank you so much. You know who you are.

And as always, the Get Well Cards, the texts, Facebook comments, random phone calls – all so appreciated! Keeps me going strong every day. I think that this journey has been, while not easy, perhaps easier than I feared going in. I think a lot of that has to do with a positive attitude. And I think the positive attitude comes from knowing what a great support system we have, and the constant amount of support we get from everyone, every single day.

 

Sincerely, much love to everyone who is keeping up with us on the journey! More than I can express!

-Merv