One Week After Chemo

It has been a very bumpy week! I left work 30 minutes early last Wednesday because of "chemo pain" and had to call in sick Thursday and Friday. My whole body was in agony. It was, and is neuropathy. The doctor told me to start taking Claritin and after 48 hours my pain had gone from a 9.5 to 5. Big change.  I am also going to try taking glucosamine powder to help with the joint pain and the neuropathy.  She also said to take vitamin B6 and Aleve, but I stopped the Aleve because it was irritating my stomach.

I'm already battling nausea. Still taking anti-nausea meds. My appetite is still isn't back, but I don't mind that. I know I am losing weight too fast, but I don't care. What I need to do is get more fruit and vegetables in my diet. My taste buds are all messed up. Certain flavors and textures are repulsive. Even my favorite flavor, chocolate, tastes muted and dull. Plus, I don't crave sweets like I used to, not a bad thing. This is where the mental/emotional and physical compete. I want comfort foods, but they don't taste good. Maybe it's a good thing I also have chemo fog, I forget that I want something sweet and take a nap.

So far, I have avoided the mouth sores by oil pulling.  I have done oil pulling in the past but I was watching videos of other cancer patients and how they dealt with side effects and one British lady mentioned it to prevent mouth sores. I use coconut oil. I use about a tablespoon and swish it around for 10 minutes or so. I could do it longer, but I get tired of hearing the noise. LOL! After I'm done, I spit the oil into an old disposable water bottle and then brush my teeth. It should be done in the morning on an empty stomach. I highly recommend it.

My scalp has itchy bumps all over and I have a feeling the hair will be coming out soon. I still don't have a wig. I'm not sure we'll be able to afford one. I did go to Roses over the weekend and I got 4 beanies and a hat. I have 3 chemo turbans ordered and they should arrive in the next week.

I've got other side effects going on, but it's boring me to talk about it.

I am at work today and hopefully will be able to work until my next chemo treatment in November. Each day gets a little easier. Pain level right now is at a 2. My fingers and feet are tingly like they need to wake up but can't.

I wish I could communicate with other cancer patients in my situation. I know they are out there. I'm also worried about Joe. He is under stress from me, his mom, work, adult children, etc. and I want the best for him. He has been doing so much! I love him so much!

Peace to you for reading, and yes, I dream of camping.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Making Soaked Flour Buttermilk Biscuits

Image
Soaking Flour As one of my goals for January, I have been reading the book, “Nourishing Traditions,” by Sally Fallon Morrell . Soaking, fermenting, sprouting were all so foreign to me until I started this journey to healthy, homemade living. Sally writes about soaking flours to reduce anti-nutrients such as phytic acid. This improves the digestibility and absorption of minerals considerably. Helpful link: https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/video-thursday-how-to-soak-flour-for/ So over the weekend I decided to make Sally Fallon Morrell’s recipe on page 484 of Nourishing Traditions, Buttermilk Biscuits. The recipe calls for 3 ½ cups of freshly ground spelt flour. As of this date, I don’t have a grinder for grains. I do have a coffee grinder that I can use for softer grinds like sprouted/dehydrated buckwheat and oat groats. But when I tried to grind spouted/dehydrated wheat berries, the little coffee grinder just wasn’t up to the task. A grain grinder is on my wish list.
Read more

A Moment of Confession-NOT homemade Entertaining

This weekend was exciting! My youngest son has moved down to this area over  the weekend with his girlfriend. They drove from Boston, Ma to here in South Carolina all in one day! That's young people for you!  Guilt warning: We took them, along with my daughter who already lives in the area to dinner Sunday evening. I wish I could have had them all over to our home for a meal But alas, our abode is too small and over-furnished. So we ate at the local Chinese buffet. Next time we get together for a meal, even if we have to set up the camp shelter, we're eating at home. It's more fun to eat at home and the cost difference is incredible. Plus having control of the ingredients served means healthier food.  Yesterday, a Monday, I took Mom shopping then picked up my son and his girl so they could spend time with each other. Went to Tropical Smoothie Cafe and everyone got a smoothie, then got one to take to Joe at his work.  So there's my sin. I ate dinner out
Read more

Homemade Coleslaw and a Haircut

Image
Last Sunday, before I took Mom out, I made homemade coleslaw for this week. I tend to make too much, so we eat on it for 3 or 4 days. Last night it went with steamed uncured beef hot dogs and tonight it will go with grilled fish. When I was making the coleslaw, I tried to film it. You'd think I would have dusted off the tripod and digital camera, but no! I thought I would just use my phone...Dropped it twice, once into the coleslaw mix! Good thing the food was intended for our consumption only! The coleslaw I made: 1/2 head of a big cabbage, organic 3 carrots, organic 1/2 onion, organic 1 cup or so mayonnaise 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 tablespoons raw sugar, organic 1/2 teaspoon dill weed, organic 1/4 teaspoon parsley, organic 1/2 teaspoon pink salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, organic 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder organic, optional Wash and pat dry veggies. I don't peel carrots anymore. Too much waste, so I just rub the carrots against each other under water to
Read more