hipgrandma's Cancer Blog
November 16, 2006
| midway through cycle 2 | Views: 115 |
It’s been 9 days since chemo 2, and I haven’t written much. I’m now realizing that the reason for this is that I got a bit (to use an overused word) depressed after this last chemo, and I’m just starting to feel better. I started to feel overwhelmed and wondered (and doubted) how I would make it through.
Don’t worry, I’m now all over that negative frame of mind. There are a few reasons—first and foremost that I have such a wonderful family/support network. Also that I only have SIX radiation treatments to go (thank goddess!). And that I’m much physically recovered from the chemo/onslaught.
The physical stuff was actually so much better this time. I did NOT have the painful neuropathies, so that was a major relief. I only had acid reflux for one evening, and not very severe. Those two things were so much more debilitating after chemo #1. Dan worked on lots of strategies to deal with the worst of my side effects from the first chemo and his efforts were very successful.
One physical complaint was worse—much worse. I got a severe scalp rash that was very painful. Over the weekend I suffered a lot from this rash and nothing seemed to provide relief for very long. I couldn’t even get out of the house because putting on a scarf or hat was excruciatingly out of the question and only bearable for a few minutes. Going out with a bald, bald head is one thing—having it covered with an ugly rash is another. You’ll be glad to know that after treatments of burn cream and finally breaking down and getting an rx for antibiotics, I’m feeling much better.
Gosh, this chemo stuff is not for wimps, that’s for sure! I’m not much for war metaphors, but this is some fight. I’m glad to report that I feel positive I will make it through.
01.09.07 - 
Thanks for your support -
hi mom..
have i told you recently that you are my best friend? it saddens me greatly to see you go thru so much pain…but i will always be here for you just as you have always been there for me. thanks for teaching me to live a life that is so rich and full of all the good stuff! you’ll make it thru all of this crap and life will be all the sweeter. i love you . ariella
kai says;
my grandma rocks!
Littlest darlin’ Cuzz: We’re going through this thing together, like two survivors of a shipwreck clinging to the same flotsam, keeping each other afloat. My side effects are so trivial by comparison, and reading your blog helps me keep things in perspective. See you in the spring?—Bucky
Jane, you help to hold me up. You’re strong, and I just want you to know that you’ve helped me, and I look up to you. Through the fog, dust, and debris, we will overcome this and see the light at the end of the tunnel. And then we’ll hand out flashlights to those who are just starting!
Jane, I’m thinking of you. But like a dummy, I’ve misplaced your email address…next time you’re online, send it to me? I’m happy to hear you’ve got less than one week of rads to go. What a relief it will be not to have to do that everyday! I’m sure that in itself will lift your spirits. Stay the course, you’re doing great! xoxo