Wow, and what a few days they were. The last few days of the chemo kicked my a**! I had all kinds of good ideas for writing and some decent stories, but now I have bubkus! I think days 5-7 and the ensuing 1st day of recovery wiped my brain blank. So instead of trying to humor myself (and you) tonight, I'll just give an update on those last few days.
At least all the fantasy football drafts are complete now and I don't have to worry about ER, chemo and me falling asleep getting in the way of football.
I'm not sure how I would describe the chemo process, things just kind of creep up on you while going through the process. Some people get some of the side effects, and some people get others. It feels like I've had a fever issue pre chemo, during chemo, and a little bit post chemo. They have had to treat some of the fever with antibiotics as well as with just Tylenol. As I mentioned in earlier posts, you try to get rest, but it just doesn't add up really well. I think the most I've slept in one continuous sleep is probably 4 hours. Most of the sleep you get is because you can't do anything else and your worn out from medication or breaking a fever.
My body showed a reaction to one of the medication (not the chemo) and I've developed a rash all over. The good news is that it doesn't itch very much. Trying to nail down the cause has involved the infectious disease team as well as the dermatologist. The problem is that they can't just stop some of the antibiotics cold because of other repercussions. Over the past few days, it doesn't appear to be getting worse... so that's nice.
I guess the side effect that I have found the worst is the mouth developing sores (everywhere), and while it makes talking painful, they make eating a task you wouldn't wish on anyone. I haven't been answering the phone because isn't worth it right now, my apologies.
I guess it was milestone to complete the 7+3 induction chemo, but for the last day or so and the first afterward, I had zero energy to answer email or do anything other than break fevers, order a bed change, or take a shower. And I had really gotten used to the daily 1/2 hour break from chemo to take a hot shower. I even developed some naked exercises/stretching to stay in the shower longer.
Of course the mood varies, but I am not discouraged. It's more of a hunker down mode. So Lynn, Mom, JR, and Dad, I'm fighting with you guys while you are here and when you aren't. Same goes to everyone contacting me with well wishes. It's still early and we'll take it day by day.... and today was good.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Down is Up, Up is Down
I thought I was pretty sure, and it was confirmed for my by a couple of the nurses, a hospital is not a place to count on getting any rest.
By 2:00 pm today, I will be through day 4 for the chemo. It started Friday afternoon and there were no significant changes for 24 hours or so. But, then it somewhat kicks in that the destruction of the blood cells are making me tired quite a bit, causing a few elevated temperatures and absolutely destroying my urge to eat. As my parents and Lynn can attest, the visits have become more about watching me sleep at times. If they wanted to have some fun they should bet on the time I will fall asleep.
By Sunday, there wasn't much I was interested in on TV, the computer, books, or anything. The good news is that there has been no real issue with nausea. The bad news is that I get minimal amount of sleep, Our bodies love to play tricks on us and make sure that anything which needs tending to takes place between midnight - 3 AM, so there is no chance any decent rest takes place.
What has become a theme is not being able to concentrate on anything for very long. I might fall asleep, I might change channels, etc... so of course I missed the 2 best finishes of the college football this weekend. I must be sick!
Got a couple pints of blood on Monday, so I am in the "post getting blood feel pretty good zone" this morning. I know they were worried about my platelet counts, but they haven't seen them significantly drop off yet, which is good. The transfusions are there to get my hemoglobin levels back up where the doctors don't have to worry.
I just read where the "math" makes it almost impossible for the Reds not to make the playoffs... really? Ask Detroit Tiger fans about 2009, I believe the same article was printed in Detroit and guess what, they didn't make it. Ask San Diego, the math they are doing is 0-10 and lost their lead in 14 days.
Anyway, the hospital is a very benign existence. There is so much time, but not really. And you think you can get so much accomplished, but not really. It just feels like everything in a hospital works against itself, most notably that this is where all the germs are, the place we get sent to get better... Maybe more later, and I somehow have to make it for a fantasy football draft tonight (there is no chance I can hold my concentration for that long).
By 2:00 pm today, I will be through day 4 for the chemo. It started Friday afternoon and there were no significant changes for 24 hours or so. But, then it somewhat kicks in that the destruction of the blood cells are making me tired quite a bit, causing a few elevated temperatures and absolutely destroying my urge to eat. As my parents and Lynn can attest, the visits have become more about watching me sleep at times. If they wanted to have some fun they should bet on the time I will fall asleep.
By Sunday, there wasn't much I was interested in on TV, the computer, books, or anything. The good news is that there has been no real issue with nausea. The bad news is that I get minimal amount of sleep, Our bodies love to play tricks on us and make sure that anything which needs tending to takes place between midnight - 3 AM, so there is no chance any decent rest takes place.
What has become a theme is not being able to concentrate on anything for very long. I might fall asleep, I might change channels, etc... so of course I missed the 2 best finishes of the college football this weekend. I must be sick!
Got a couple pints of blood on Monday, so I am in the "post getting blood feel pretty good zone" this morning. I know they were worried about my platelet counts, but they haven't seen them significantly drop off yet, which is good. The transfusions are there to get my hemoglobin levels back up where the doctors don't have to worry.
I just read where the "math" makes it almost impossible for the Reds not to make the playoffs... really? Ask Detroit Tiger fans about 2009, I believe the same article was printed in Detroit and guess what, they didn't make it. Ask San Diego, the math they are doing is 0-10 and lost their lead in 14 days.
Anyway, the hospital is a very benign existence. There is so much time, but not really. And you think you can get so much accomplished, but not really. It just feels like everything in a hospital works against itself, most notably that this is where all the germs are, the place we get sent to get better... Maybe more later, and I somehow have to make it for a fantasy football draft tonight (there is no chance I can hold my concentration for that long).
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