So I am learning. Learning what life will be like and learning how my body will react to these drugs that heal and kill all at the same time.
Monday morning I had my treatment. Monday evening I had my bags packed and was ready for another stay in the hospital. My chills and fever were back and I was not feeling well at all. A couple calls to the doctor and we managed to make it through the night at home. Tuesday morning I was back at the doctors and they did blood work and we talked about what was going on. I was feeling much better by then and we are coming to understand that I have a reaction to one of the many drugs I am on. They are super careful and do not like the fever and chills but can find no reason for it other than a reaction to one of the drugs. It sounds like they have it narrowed down and we might adjust the next treatment to find out for sure if what I am experiencing each time is a drug reaction. All in all it is a small price to pay for the opportunity for healing. It will be good to have a better understanding so we do not feel compelled to rush to the hospital whenever my fever breaks their thresholds.
Tuesday evening I was feeling much better and Nancy and I went to a picnic at one of the church bible studies. We showed up late…left early, but we were able to be present and be with friends. Looking at it realistically I keep telling Nanc that if I can go through this treatment season in the same way I have been so far I will count myself very lucky.
Wednesday morning I slept late. Once I was up and moving I felt great and was able to take care of a few things around the house. My nurse was scheduled to show up around 12:30 and remove my chemo. Due to the storms in the area she did not arrive until after 2pm. It was nice to finally be free of the little pump I have to carry Mon – Wed on the treatment weeks. It is like I get a new lease on life once that thing comes off.
Wednesday evening Nanc and I went to the gym. I talked with one of the people there about what type of activity I could do to help restore some of my strength. I feel as if I am walking and moving like an “old man”…please do not take offense at that statement…it is just descriptive of how slow and deliberate I feel like I am moving.
Today I will be heading into the office early in the morning. I hope to be there most of the day and I plan to be there again on Friday.
I have doctors appointments on Thursday and Friday. One to get a shot to help raise my white blood cell count and the other to follow up and check blood levels and make sure I am doing well. I cannot say enough about the quality of care I am getting from the doctors, nurses and staff at the cancer center. This past week I have been in the office every day but Wednesday…I thought of just stopping by today so that I could say I was there every day of the week, but decided to use my energy on other things. 🙂
All in all this treatment has been good.
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