Wednesday, April 12, 2023

It’s been awhile since I checked in. Not much happens around here – we never go anywhere. Most days I do computer work or some sewing in the morning, in the afternoon I cross stitch, play iPad games, or read (that often leads to a nap), and after supper until bedtime I knit or crochet.

Monday’s lab exam took longer than we anticipated. I was first in line but the technician didn’t know where to look for the papers from Oncology so someone else went in ahead of me. Once I was in the chair I had one unsuccessful attempt at finding a vein. I sat with warm towels on my arm while she attended to another patient. Try number two was also unsuccessful but she eventually found a vein at the top of my arm, very near my underarm.

The wait to see the nurse and the doctor on Tuesday wasn’t as long as I thought it would be but I still wasn’t in my treatment chair until about ten (we arrived at the hospital at eight). I always start with a warming pad on my arm in the hope that it will help my veins show up. There was just one unsuccessful attempt and many, many searches. Eventually they gave up and decided to use my left arm; they have hesitated to use that arm because of a small chance of swelling in the lymph nodes.

This was my last chemo treatment and I got a small bag of chocolates and a little bracelet with my name in beads on it (like the kind they used to give newborns in the hospital). I still have my own beaded bracelet so the two will be together in my keepsakes. I gave Jennifer, the nurse, a big hug before I left – although I didn’t like some of her mannerisms she was really very kind, knowledgeable and professional.

After I got home and had some lunch I read for a bit and then lay down on the couch and actually had a planned nap. I don’t think that is the reason I’m not sleeping at this point – it is currently four in the morning and I don’t feel the least bit tired. I have done some computer work, cleared out a couple of files and done a bit of sewing. I guess I’ll go back to the sewing now (mostly pressing and trimming) and hope that before too long I’ll start to feel tired.

I don’t necessarily like it but this seems more normal than my previous treatment.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

We’ve been waiting to hear from the radiology team in Vancouver – not very patiently though so we called them ourselves today.

I will go for my planning session on April 19th. It is a short appointment but I see the doctor and have a CT scan. Thankfully there is no dye involved so there will be no fussing about trying to find a vein. We tried to book into the Lodge where we will stay during the three weeks of treatment but had to go on a waiting list. In the meantime we have reserved at a B & B not far from the Cancer Clinic. They have a two-day cancellation policy so if we get in at the Lodge we will have time to cancel.

The dates (but not the time) for my radiation are booked as well. As we had hoped I will start on May 8th and finish on May 29th; because of the long weekend we have the last treatment on the following Monday. That last appointment is scheduled for eight in the morning so we should have no trouble getting home that day.

Something to look forward to?

Friday, March 31, 2023

For the last few mornings I’ve woken up with a headache. For a couple of those days I was able to get up, grab a coffee and the headache went away without any medication. Last night I was up at three with a boomer of a headache so I took an Aleve, which seems to be the only thing that works on my headaches. When I rolled out of bed at 7:30 the headache was still there but I’ve managed to get rid of it by now. I think the headache is related to allergies and not my recent treatment; they started after we got out walking again and after my stints on the back deck in the sunshine.

I took care of some housework this morning. I emptied the dishwasher, refilled my pill containers, had a shower, stripped the bed, sorted three loads of laundry and got one started. I was tired after all that and had to sit and play a few games until the first load of laundry was done.

I’m thinking my lack of energy may also be an allergy – to housework!

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

When I started my chemo treatments I kept a daily record of how I felt, what had changed and generally everything health related. I took it to all my doctor appointments but no one ever seemed interested. After my stint in the hospital I stopped doing that but I could use the reminders now.

I thought I was over all the side effects until last evening I started having back spasms. As soon as I felt it I remembered that I had those the last times too. We think it is from the injections I take but, then again, who knows. The spasms seem to have passed now and I’m pretty sure that is the last surprise.

We got out for a walk yesterday but I didn’t get very far – wobbly legs and low energy. I would have liked to get to the viewpoint but made it only four benches – with a rest every two benches. There was quite a breeze and not very warm but by the afternoon it had warmed up so I sat out on the deck and enjoyed the fresh air.

I was able to get a bit further today – still quite a few rests but I made it to the viewpoint. Now I’m enjoying sitting inside with the sun streaming in the windows.