Dear Diary #25 - Moving Along

 Hey Friends,

Not much to write about today, but thought I'd offer an update for those following along.

In my last post I talked about being able to do my final round of chemo without Lapelga. Well, it seems to have worked!! 

Chemo is still hard, and my body knows this, but it this round has been sooo much better than the rounds 2 and 3. I've still had some small side effects but definitely nothing unbearable at all. A bit of stomach upset, a bit of fatigue on and off, and some continuing bone pain seems to sum up my first week of this round. I've added in something new the last couple of days with some pretty wicked heartburn, but this too shall pass. 

I am just entering into what (in my head) I am calling my Death Valley phase, lol. This is the period, seems to be 10 to 12 days where chemo tries really hard to eat me alive from the inside out. Every cell seems to get a little bit dryer by the day. As dry as the desert in Death Valley, haha. So I am back in full force of lubricating, ointmenting, moisturizing, and all the good things. Taste buds are on a temporary vacation in the desert also. But again, this too shall pass. 

AND THIS IS THE LAST TIME!!!! 

Oh man, I can't tell you how many times a day I remind myself of this. This IS the last time!! 

I haven't really been able to put into words, yet, how strange it feels to be done chemo. I'm maybe going to save that for a post when I am done treatment all together. But it is some sort of strange and bittersweet feeling. It's not all about the joy of being done, although that is definitely part of it. I'll keep thinking on it. 

Today, I am waiting. Again. Waiting to find out if radiation will be required. I'll see the radiation oncologist in a few weeks, and go from there. Again, it is just another detail that we just wish we knew, but get to hurry up and wait for. 

After a good winter storm this week to remind of what spring is really like in Alberta I am ready for some warmer temps. I am ready to get out into the yard, and the sun, on a regular basis. Without the Lapelga this round I am being extra cautious to avoid people as I will have no help to rebuild my white cell count and am more susceptible to infection. So I am pretty much just hanging out at home, working and being bored. It's weird to think that another Covid holiday is about to come around again. Easter will, again, be quiet at our house. It's so hard to think we started here last Easter with just Darrin and I for dinner. Our house normally has 20 or more people for holiday dinners, and I miss each and every one of you sooo much!! 

I try to get out to walk most days, but even at that I need to start doing better. It is amazing how much weaker I am just from the last 3 months of chemo. Even walking takes some effort, and I need to kick my own ass into doing better. I'll soon be starting on hormone treatment drugs, ugggh, and those will NOT help at all in the exercise department so I need to get moving! Feel free to send gentle reminders, haha, or maybe not so gentle. 

Hoping that you all are well, that better weather is to come, and that you all keep cheering for just a little while longer.

Peace and love

Barb

Comments

  1. RoKoMarch 30, 2021 at 9:13 PM

    Thank you for another inspirational post my friend!!!! You are my super hero!
    ❤❤❤❤

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarilynMarch 31, 2021 at 5:13 PM

    💞💞💞

    ReplyDelete
  3. Umbridge ShenanigansMarch 31, 2021 at 9:46 PM

    Still cheering for you! Keep up the good fight. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. sallythewelshgirlApril 16, 2021 at 2:58 AM

    Dont be too hard on yourself - chemo is bloody gruelling and cumulative - but it is DONE! Radiotherapy is a walk in the park in comparison trust me!

    It is a bit scary when its over though - I can totally get that - your mind plays tricks on you making you feel vulnerable. But the worst is over believe me - the weather is improving so enjoy your walks but don't push yourself too hard - big big hugs XXX

    ReplyDelete

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