The Blah's

Not sure what the date is- a few days after Christmas. I've been so tired- taking 2 naps a day when I can. My brother left, and my mom is still here, so most days I've been able to get plenty of rest. I don't think its the chemo that's making me tired, I think its the anti-nausea pills. The ones that say they cause dizziness and sleepiness and be careful when driving and that I'm supposed to take for 2-4 days afterwards. The good news is that my appetite is ok. Not great. I feel hungry, but don't eat too much. Probably from inactivity though. My main gripe is my arm. I am THRILLED that the drain came out- the dr. took it out right before chemo. But, it is swollen and sore and very hard to type. It gets better and worse throughout the day. Today is the first day I haven't taken anti-nausea all day, so I'm not so drugged up feeling. But, this will be short as my arm is feeling numb. I have to go back in on Monday for more chemo. Last week, only one of my two drugs were available. The other one was snowed in at the Portland airport. So, part two on Monday. Ick.

The day of the chemo wasn't terrible. I started the day getting acupuncture and reiki. Then got to Dr. T's office and it was very pretty and festive. I spent some time in the mediation room first. Nurse Rugby played the crystal bowl right as the chemo was beginning. Nurse Texas ( a very nice, nurturing woman with a Texas accent) encouraged me to hold the bag of chemo and put good energy into it. It looked like red Koolaide. At first all I could do was poke it. Then, I did hold it and put some good, healing thoughts into it. I have read that people who believe that their treatment is a good thing and that it will work do better. I cried when the needle first went in- it hurt and I'm so super sensitive to needles now. I think I yelled a bit too. But, I didn't cuss! Well, I did cuss when Dr. T cut the stitches and took out the tube, but we were in his office so none of the other patients heard.

After the chemo, I was so tired. Again, I don't really think it was because of the drug. I think it was all the anticipatory stress and lack of sleep going into it. Christmas was ok. Lot's of napping and taking it easy, but very festive and fun.

More later when I can type better.