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Geez... Where did that week go?!?

3/25/2013

8 Comments

 
Sometimes the days go by so fast, a week passes by and here we are! And if I don't keep track of my journey here, I will surely forget the events of yesterday, let alone a week ago!
I had my second chemo treatment last Tuesday, March 19, and feel like I kind lost a few days somewhere in there! This last infusion hit me a little harder than the first one. During the taxotere infusion, I had a slight side effect of dizziness and heaviness on my chest. It lasted less than 5 minutes, so I told the nurse after the fact. She described what the possible side effects can be, and I said, "yep, that was it!"
The following day I felt a little puny. Not much energy, and not much appetite.
Then Thursday and Friday it felt like I had the flu. The nausea wasn't all that bad ( thank God!) but I just felt achy all over, slept quite a bit, and ran a bit of a fever. Friday afternoon it kind of peaked, then broke. I tell you, you sure don't feel like doing anything feeling that way!
I had no appetite either. I hate that. I felt a little hungry, but the actual thought of eating something was very unappealing.
Luckily by Saturday morning my appetite was back, and I made a good breakfast! Mmmm bacon!
I also switched nausea meds after I had complained to the oncology nurse on Wednesday of a continual headache. That's when I found out about the headache side effect of the Zofran nausea med. It seemed to help. I have been headache free for about three days now! Yay!
The chemo meds must be doing their thing. I have had so many other little side effects that let me know this to be true. From the continued hair loss everywhere, (still have eyebrows, eyelashes so far!) to bloody nose, watery eyes, drippy nose, itchy areas, constipation, chapped lips, forgetfulness, and... Hmmm... Can't remember what else! Ya, that's what this stuff does to you! But you know what, I'm am half way through the bad treatments now and KNOW without a doubt I can get through it all!
I have decided, with Scott's encouragement, that it would be best to just take the whole year off while I am on chemotherapy. Between the risks of working with the patients I do, and the constant state if illness in the clinic (ie other employees), not to mention the tiredness and side effects, and the traveling we have to do for all these appointments, I don't feel like I can be a very effective RDH right now! I know many of you have done it, and I truly admire you! Just got to do what feels right for me!
Well, I guess that's all for right now. My next chemo is April 9.
Hope everyone has a very BLESSED Holy Week, and remembers the sacrifice made on our behalf so long ago. God has been so good to me through this journey showing me that all that really matters is the love in our lives and our relationships.
Thank you all for your outpouring and reminding me how rich I am with family, friends, and love!
8 Comments
Kari Finnigan
3/27/2013 06:52:36 am

Great update Lois! Make sure to carry kleenex with you everywhere. Those darn bloody noses would come out of nowhere for me and to this day my nose runs every time I eat. Good decision on taking the year off from work, you gotta do what you gotta do!! Great attitude you've got and I continue to send you positive energy. love and hugs

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Lou
3/27/2013 11:16:22 am

Scott is right! Getting well is your job right now and you are kicking it old school:)
Xxoxoxoxoxoxo

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betty germano
3/28/2013 02:40:53 am

I am so very proud of you and I know a lot of others who would agree with me. I think the year off is a very good idea. Your attitude is wonderful "Little Cherokee" You have my love and prayers.

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Debbie Senter
4/4/2013 12:01:02 am

As usual, you're amazing. Thank you for sharing your journey... must be wonderful therapy for you but also valuable information for anyone facing something like this! I've been repinning some of your favorite recipes. Noticed that many are Paleo... gluten-free, is that the recommended diet for recovery or just overall healthier eating? Enjoy your day.. and the rain, great for morels, so looking forward to the hunt!! Glad to hear you're feeling better! <3

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Margie
4/16/2013 01:01:09 am

Thank you for sharing your journey with us Lois. I read everything this morning and just feel so amazed and inspired by you. What a wonderful person you are and truly blessed with a loving and supportive husband, family and friends. This will help others....thank you for that.

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Lois Welch
4/16/2013 02:34:20 am

OMGosh, Margie! You read it all this morning?!? I was going to tell you to wait until you had a sleepless night- it would probably put you right to sleep! Haha!! I tend to make this much longer than it probably needs to be!
Anyway, thank you for your kind words. Through all of this, I have always felt like my actions and attitude are no different than anyone else who might have to walk this path. We just do what we gotta do! It usually works a little better to try and do it with a smile on your face!

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Lois Welch
4/16/2013 02:37:41 am

Oh, and Yes- I am blessed like crazy with my husband, family and friends. THAT's the REAL key to getting through this journey! And makes it all worthwhile!!!

Jeanne
4/17/2013 02:16:02 pm

Been thinking of you lately and just wanted to say hello. Keep that positive attitude. You just got to do what you got to do is right....but you are doing it so well. Love you lots!

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