Friday, February 24, 2023

Just a few more days until my next treatment. Although it won’t necessarily be the same as it was the last time, I’m dreading that first week and all the various side effects I went through. I am better prepared this time though; I know more or less what to expect and I have ways to mitigate some of the issues.

I’ve had a couple of really good weeks; this past week I’ve felt as close to “normal” as I have since this whole process started. I’ve done some sewing – with the neuropathy in my fingers it is difficult to nest seams but I haven’t lost too many points. I’ve also been working on the border of one of my Peppermint Purple projects; if I have a sleepless night as I did after my last treatment it will be done.

I have a sewing day arranged with Stacia and Deloise for Sunday. While they are both moving on to a different pattern in the book I’ll be working to finish the project I started the last time we sewed together. The only quilting I’ve done since summer has been small cards so it will be interesting to see how a larger project goes – assuming I get that far.

We’ve had a real spell of cold weather – well cold for us. We had snow one day earlier in the week and we are expecting quite a bit on Saturday night. I’m glad we don’t have to go anywhere until Monday by which time I expect it will all be gone.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

My sleep apnea test kit came yesterday so before heading to bed last night Pat got all the bits and bobs connected and I attempted to have a “normal” sleep. The equipment wasn’t at all cumbersome but I was certainly aware of it all night. They said they need five hours of data for the test but they didn’t say whether it had to be five hours of continuous sleep. If that is the case I already know I failed because the most they got at a stretch was about three. The courier picked the equipment up this afternoon to return it to Courtenay; I don’t know how long it will be before I get any results.

Over the last couple of days I’ve had enough energy to try a bit of stitching. I did some work on my cross stitch project but found, with my numb fingers, I was rather clumsy at threading the needle and dropped it several times. But I will keep at it.

I’ve done some knitting as well. I made a hat that I hoped would fit me a bit tighter than the ones I have (they were made while I still had hair) but the new one is too small. I’ve decided I’ll manage with the hats I have; Spring is coming and the scarves I have will soon be warm enough. I started a scarf pattern (for donation) this afternoon just to use up the remainder of the yarn I had in that particular bin.

I also tried some sewing – not much but enough to know that the numbness affects that as well. I made one small block that involved some cutting; I still have all my fingers so I guess it was a success. I’ve planned a sewing day with Stacia and Deloise at the end of the month and they are both concerned about me cutting fabric. I never finished the project I worked on the last time we sewed together so I’ll be finishing that and almost all the cutting is already done.

Time now to switch some laundry and have a rest.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

It’s been a week since my chemo treatment and I’ve had some challenges. I’ve experienced just about every side effect the drugs can bring on. With the exception of nausea for which I’m thankful. Mind you I was on the anti-nausea drugs for three days.

Before I received the actual chemo treatment I had two different drugs through IVs that were to prevent an allergic reaction, as well as a huge dose of the steroids. The steroid I got in the first 15 minutes of treatment was equivalent to the three days of pills I took with the last round of chemo. It’s no wonder I was up for more than 24 hours. I managed to get some stitching done in the middle of the night so it wasn’t a complete waste I guess.

Bone aches were the first side effect I noticed. Aches from my hips down to my feet. I had a couple of uncomfortable days but Tylenol helped me get through it. My sore throat may actually have been caused by sores in my esophagus but I got a prescription for ‘Magic Mouthwash’ from the Cancer Agency and that has helped a lot. My toes and fingertips are numb thanks to the neuropathy side effect.

I still struggle to get a good night’s sleep and I have no appetite but both Pat and Kathryn keep me eating whether or not I’m hungry. My energy levels vary but for the most part I’m very low energy.

I have to say that my Oncology team have responded to each of my complaints with either a prescription or other helpful advice. I have two more weeks before my next treatment and then I expect I’ll start the whole thing all over again.

I don’t often get a good day but for the parts of the day that are good I’m making the most of those hours.