Cancer does not shut down for holidays. Darn. There's no free ride or festive break. Christmas was rough. In fact, I can honestly say there's not much I remember from Christmas because I pretty much slept for four or five days, waking only to watch a movie here and there. I do remember parts of 'The Shack' and 'Sweet Home Alabama'. Merry Christmas!
Standing up was nearly impossible. It felt very much like having a bad flu where you about crawl to the bathroom and then back into bed. I at least made myself stay in the recliner, but even that was the pits. Only other time I felt so overwhelmed with 'sick' was years ago when I had a ten day bout with vertigo.
Now there was another curve thrown our way. My twelve year old black and white cat - named JIB for Jack in the Box - long story - decided this was the week for him to die. While we were trying to manage my strange physical and emotional state, JIB was deteriorating rapidly. Again my wonderful husband stepped up to the plate and got JIB into the SPCA for a ceremonial ending. We both felt sad and yet were very aware - along with our dog, Claire - that all was not right with the world.
I went for my treatment this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both days, I was given a shot for those white platelets and sent home. Now I go back again tomorrow - Thursday - hopefully for an actual chemo infusion. Apparently, over Christmas my platelets hit rock bottom and needed a holiday boost.
Let me tell you what else I have learned. WATER IS MORE THAN IMPORTANT. If I am not drinking enough water - and this is true for anyone in chemotherapy - the drugs coat the inside of your internal organs - kidneys, lungs, liver and more - and they can build up. Flushing them is vital to surviving chemotherapy in style. I have learned that I must drink much more than I originally thought necessary so I do not get into a stupor like my long Christmas nap.
And I have to share that in my doctor's appointment today, I was told that the doctor can no longer feel the tumor. He said my examination felt like a normal breast exam. Do you think I am celebrating? You better believe it! Color me dancing!!! Woot! Woot! Still, I was not told that chemotherapy could be curtailed. It seems to be continuing until March unless something dramatically changes. We do not want this cancer coming back to haunt me forever and ever!
So as the New Year approaches us, I am waving goodbye to 2021 and looking ahead with positive thoughts and prayers that in 2022 there may be beautiful sunrises and sunsets, good health news, lots of my beloved quilts, and eventually, maybe hair! Happy New Year to you all, and remember to drink water, even as your health is good.
Drinking 60 ounces of water minimum each day, The quilting cancer girl
Eileen, I was wondering about you when there were no posts from you over the holidays. I am rejoicing in that your doctor could no longer feel the tumor. I had the surgery but had chemo for six months after. I still go back to the clinic but to keep track of my red platelet count which seems to vary. I know what you mean about drinking more water than usual as I had to do that to flush out my kidneys after having a CAT scan with contrast. My recovery from the brain surgery I had in August is still taking a while to wake up the nerve to somewhat normal, hence my right side of my face is still droopy but in some ways looks a little better. I am not a real patient person though and thought it would be perfect by now. They did tell me it can take up to a year to a year and a half to heal completely. I hope not that long though. I would rather get back to doing things normally without blurred vision (like sewing and knitting). I am praying for you to get through all of the treatments.
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