Monday, July 23, 2012

Chemo #2 (Day 7)

I haven't felt that great the last few days and I've found that when I have a good one or two hours of "feeling okay" I have to take advantage and do something that really needs to be done.  Like, clean up the house, preserve tomatoes or do some laundry.  Otherwise, I won't have the strength for it later.  I haven't even wanted to blog or check Facebook.  So, that should tell you something.  lol!  I don't know how people watch TV all the time....there is nothing on.  I am sooooo bored.  I cannot read right now as my eyesight is not that good for some reason and I even have a hard time following a movie since my brain is so fried.  I can't wait until the chemo treatments are over and I can get my brain back.

I am grateful that I was able to go to church yesterday.  It was a little hard going to both service and Sunday School, but I'm glad I went.  In my last post I mentioned how I had about 100 tomatoes to preserve.  I took it little by little and was able to skin, core and freeze 8 quarts of tomatoes for sauce, soup or stew later this year.  Yesterday, I finished up the rest and made two quarts of salsa.  I just sat at the table most of the time so I wasn't using so much energy standing and took lots of breaks.  I am so blessed that even though Kevan and I decided we couldn't do a garden this year (because of my diagnosis) we have had friends and family give us their leftover veggies.  I have several quarts of beans, tomatoes and okra that we can enjoy later when I'm up to eating them again.  I would've rather canned them, but freezing was the best alternative for how I feel and I'm so glad we have them.

Anyway, I am still having a lot of problems concentrating.  My body and mind feel numb.  My throat was on fire Saturday and Sunday, but after my nightly Chamomile tea last night I haven't had any throat pain.  I had a low fever last night, but it has since subsided.  Yay!  I am still extremely tired and I can't call myself a morning person right now.  Normally, I am, but lately I struggle with getting up in the morning.  Today has been a day of intestinal issues.  I have so much more respect for people that have problems in this area (constipation, diarrhea, pain) on a regular basis.  Really, I've never experienced issues in this area prior to chemo.  It is awful.  A lot of moaning, laying on the floor in the bathroom in pain and just lots of prayer that it will get better.  I pray that the Lord provides me with a good "system" again after chemo and I am so sorry for those that suffer with it on a normal basis.  I know....TMI, but it is a part of chemo so I wanted to mention it.

We've had some friends from church bring us meals the last few days.  It has been so great.  I don't have to worry that Kevan needs to eat and each time they've brought something that I've been able to eat too.  Whether it is just mashed potatoes, cornbread or not so spicy meat...I am very thankful.  Kevan was able to get some good chili, roast pork, carrots, corn, etc too.  So, we are both grateful.

This is the week I ended up in the hospital during the last chemo treatment so I'm a little scared this week.  I wore a mask when I went to my PT appointment today since one of the ladies son had been sick over the weekend.  I sure don't want to end up in the hospital again.  It was awful last time.  Thank you all for your prayers.  I still have a few posts I want to do when I'm up to it to talk about some free cancer organizations/classes and also a top 10 list of why it is nice to be bald.  :o)  But, I haven't had the mind to pull it together yet.  I'm fuzzy.

A few of the other side effects I want to remember for next time are:  very painful fingernails, eyesight issues, nausea still, back pain and some joint pain.  Chemo brain fog and tiredness.  Lack of concentration.  Tongue/gums is starting to feel better again.

2 comments:

  1. I sent you a link to a fun You Tube video I thought you might enjoy. It's an hour and a half of 50 of the best scenes from HP. :)

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  2. Dear sweet Jayde,
    I want to cry when I read this- because I hurt for you. Aching that we are so far away, unable to physically help, but more because you have to withstand all of the pain and discomfort. We pray for you faithfully and thank God for the faithful husband and your family (church and biological)
    Remember to take one day at a time and be kind and gentle to yourself so that you can heal and build up the strength you need for the fight ahead.
    We love you and are behind you in prayer all the way! xoxN

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