Sunday Outing ... then a nap.

We’ve had over an inch of rain in the last 24 hours with more on the way today and tonight. It’s quite the welcome change from our usual desert-like climate. Jim and I had planned to visit a botanical garden in Woodlake of all places. On waking, we thought that maybe we should postpone due to the inclement weather, but after our coffee we were ready to Carpe Diem! Woodlake or bust!







While cancer will definitely get you in the end without treatment, with advancements, treatments are becoming ever more effective, but their side effects are what take the toll on one’s body. Antibiotics attack a virus and make one feel better within a day or two. Unlike them, in order to kill cancer cells, chemotherapy attacks all newly developing cells in the body usually making one feel much worse than they felt prior to the treatment. 

The last few days my chemo effects have manifested much as expected. Tuesday was exactly as the oncologist predicted: I was dreadfully fatigued. Jim brought me a cup of coffee first thing that morning (bless him!). I was so tired that I looked at it and went back to sleep. He eventually took it back downstairs and I warmed it up an hour later. The irony here? Every day in the hospital I had to wait until almost 9:00 for coffee delivery. I kept asking myself: Why does the coffee come so late?!? Tuesday, I imposed that timeline on myself. 

I had to go to the oncology office for an injection that day. I honestly don’t remember what it was (something to do with white blood cells). Jim had convinced me to ask my mom to drive me. Thank goodness she did. I don’t think I would have med it on my own. I know she chatted with me on the way home, but I don’t know about what. Sorry, Mom. All I wanted was to crawl back into bed, which I promptly did as soon as we got back here. I slept for the rest of the day. 

Wednesday saw much of the same lack of energy. I just stayed home and in bed most of the day. I really wanted to attend Emma’s Scholarship Night event that night. Trying to keep life as “normal” (ha! I’m not sure ours is actually ever that) as possible is important to me. I thought I would have to force my eyes closed. Nope, my body did it for me. I slept until it was time to get ready for the evening. I’m glad I did - the event ran over 2 1/2 hours! I’m glad I went though - I love celebrating the accomplishments of hard working young people!

Thursday again saw improvement. I was able to get up in the morning and stay awake until 1:00! I really needed to feel productive so I created a little nest on the couch with my quilt (I’ve been really cold this week), my computer and a mug of hot tea. I stayed there all morning and did some virtual work for my department. It felt great to accomplish something after the last few days of extreme lethargy. Jim and a couple friends took me out for lunch which was nice. It got me out of the house and I didn’t have to make myself something. It also ended up being the straw that sent me up for a nap though. 😊. That’s okay. I figured I had earned the rest at that point. I guess I was more tired than I thought though. I also fell asleep on the couch in and the middle of a conversation with Cecelia in the evening. Sorry, Buster. 😔

Friday’s visit to the oncologist went smoothly. My blood counts seem okay, with the exception of really low iron. I’m on a ton of iron supplements and will probably receive an iron infusion next week as well. He said all of my fatigue is normal and to expect my hair to fall out soon. He seemed a little surprised that it’s hanging on so long. 

Even with the chemo effects, I do know that I am very blessed. I have an amazing husband and family. I’m receiving treatments that will beat the lymphoma (imagine what this could have been like 100 years ago), and I have all of your prayers and well wishes. The list could go on and on ...  Oh, but I should add, as I started, that I’m home and get my daily coffee at a decent time of morning!!!

Comments

  1. Uncle JackMay 19, 2019 at 3:19 PM

    We are all praying for you and know that you are going through a terrible time. Just keep doing what you've been doing as it seems to be working.
    Love you and will continue praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MulliganMay 20, 2019 at 1:12 AM

      Thank you. While the diagnosis was frightening, and chemo effects are unpleasant, I still feel quite blessed. There is always something to learn as we tried life’s path, and hopefully my experience can support and sustain someone else’s journey.

      Delete
    2. MulliganMay 20, 2019 at 1:23 AM

      Tred life’s path... Typos SMH!!

      Delete

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