Eternal Hippies A Year Homemade and Beyond

Last Saturday I woke up to a terrible pain in the left big toe. It got worse as the day went on so that by 2pm I couldn't walk on it at all. Thinking it was  just my neuropathy, we went to a new CBD dispensary to get some cream to rub on it. It helped a little, but putting the foot up and applying cold packs helped more. Here is a little video I did that Saturday. The next day my toe felt a little better, but I still couldn't walk around much. Monday morning I called and got a doctor's appointment. I found out that I have gout. He prescribed some medicine and put me on bed rest for two days. By Thursday, I was able to put on shoes and go to work. In doing some research, I found out that gout can be a side effect of chemo. Chemotherapy is the gift that just keeps on giving....UGH! Peace to you!

Last Wednesday started very early, 4:30am. I had a ct scan at 7am in Wilmington, then on to my blood work, doctor's appointment and finally chemo treatment. We left Wilmington around 5pm, but didn't get home until 7pm. Traffic was a bear. It took 8 tries to get blood work done and start my I.V. My arms are very bruised up from all of the attempts. The ct scan didn't show any changes, just the same swollen lymph node. The doctor lowered the dosage of chemo. But I still am experiencing the same side effects. I missed last Wednesday, Friday and Tuesday from work. I just couldn't get myself together. I am here at work today, but I am not feeling well. I've been sleeping a good bit of the time. I just feel worn out. Some of the side effects of chemo are worse than last time and I think it has to do with the build up from everything, including the radiation treatments. I just don't feel like doing anything, just sleeping. I did make it to work today, with great ef...

I found out Friday that I will be getting 3 more rounds of chemotherapy. I am not looking forward to this, in fact, I am outright dreading it. My hair is coming back nicely, that will go as well as the following side effects: changes in taste, loss of appetite, nausea, extreme pain in joints, digestive issues, possible mouth sores ( I was able to not have that last time because of oil pulling), soft nails, extreme fatigue, neuropathy, and my favorite...chemo brain. Our little garden is all set up and we have started seeds indoors in trays. Bush beans, tomatoes, peppers, lavender, sage, and basil are just some of what we will be growing this year. Our sweet potato slips are coming along nicely. Last Saturday evening we did have a firepit. I did two short videos. Peace to you for reading.

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/e...