A Chemo Survival Tip

August 30, 2012- Chemo Round #1

Don't take a laxative!!!!

Chemo can either constipate you or give you diarrhea...I had both, which of course, was my own fault.  Of course, if I drank the recommended 3 liters of water I might feel better but who can do that???

I have had a few other issues.  One is I can be kind of, shall we say, obstinate when it comes to taking medications.  I'm not really a fan.  I have two different types of anti-nausea meds and just have not figured out which ones to take when.  For two days I didn't want to take either because I thought they make me tired but then I feel a little queasy and have raging heartburn (I was not told this was a side effect so I'm going to ask because maybe it's in my head???)  So, either be so tired you're almost comatose or feel kind of like you're in your first trimester....what would you prefer???

Another issue is that Chemo can kick start menopause.  Guess what, THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.  Some may remember my body works like a clock!


In all reality though I did survive and it has now been seven days since the first treatment.  Joel had us prepared with 2 movies loaded on the iPad for the infusion.  We didn't even make it through one.  I swear they told us it would take 4-5 hours.  It lasted about 1 1/2 for the actual infusion!  After that, we went home and I felt just fine.  I even was able to take care of our favorite little neighbor Ava!.

On Friday after school we left for a weekend at our friends Patti and Loren Skinner's beautiful log cabin on Long Lake in Willow.  Let's just say it was very restful.  I slept...a lot!  To be honest there wasn't much else to do because it also rained....a lot!  Fall is here in AK, and though I'm trying to appreciate it, I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

I even managed to work almost two entire shifts leaving a tad early on Tuesday.  Now have a three day weekend!

So today, Day 7, I'm feeling better and I still have hair (my dad does not & he's posted great pictures on his website http://www.carepages.com/carepages/Riversdream).

And guess what....at this moment, THE SUN IS SHINING! God is Gracious!