Cycle 1 day 2

This post is more for my benefit to keep track of symptoms than to update anyone, but others dealing with chemo may find it helpful as well.

Yesterday I had the occasional feeling of "broken glass" in my throat when I drank room temperature water and washing my hands felt funny. It wasn't painful but the water definitely felt colder than it was. The biggest issue I had, starting last night was a pain in my cheeks when I tried to eat. It was like eating something severely sour that hurt my cheeks so badly I had to apply pressure to them to finish chewing whatever I took a bite of. The first bite was a brownie so I thought it had too much sugar but then I tried with a piece of bread also and the same thing happened. This morning I was able to eat some lasagna with little issue (which I find odd due to acidity in the sauce, though there wasn't much sauce). I also had no problem with a mozzarella string cheese but dry golden Graham's were very painful.

Otherwise, I am pretty worn out right now. Too tired to make my trip to Vera Bradley,so that's pretty tired. I'm assuming the steroid has worn off and I'm feeling the effect of that. I usually can't nap during the day but I'm going to try. This is my last weekday of my maternity leave- back to work Monday....yawn.

First Chemo Treatment

It's been a while since I've posted and luckily my mood has improved significantly. I finally started eating about two weeks ago and have re-gained a lot of strength (and about 10 of the 70 pounds I lost). I got confirmation that the cancer is stage IIB so I feel much more optimistic. Of course, I am still obsessive and neurotic about it....but I have hope and that is good for the soul and the psyche.

So today was my first chemo treatment. I read a lot about what to expect and went to a chemo class last week so I was as prepared as you can be for a person in my situation. Which still means I was scared shitless. But....it was ok. In the chair for about three hours and then sent home with a pump for 46 hours. It's only been a few hours but I already have a terrible taste in my mouth and a headache. I am also sweating like crazy....but it is 100 degrees out, so who knows if that is a side effect or not. Unfortunately, I cant take a shower while I have the pump so, sorry to everyone I may encounter. They give me stuff to combat nausea so I am hoping that won't be a major issue but we'll see. Every once in a while my stomach feels funny but I'm hoping that is just nerves. Otherwise I am dreading not being able to eat or drink anything cold for several days. I also hear the neuropathy (numbness/pain/cold sensitivity in the fingers and feet) is pretty bad, but it is a more cumulative symptom, so hopefully it won't be too bad for a while.

So, I have the pump and am just taking it easy for right now. I'm hoping I will feel well enough to go to Vera Bradley tomorrow to get a cute bag to put my pump in (as well as a matching bag for Garrison). We have a busy weekend of kids' and grown up birthday parties so I hope my energy stays up but if not, Wes will have to fly solo.