Hi Guys update time. I completed 5 day chemo on Monday and came home and have been back in today for a single shot of chemo, so far no crash like last time and the HS seems to be behaving at the moment. During the 5 day chemo my red blood cell counts rose every day. I’m now at home with no further appointments until next Wednesday. Fingers crossed I have a nice uneventful 7 days ahead. Now is the time where it is important to isolate so can’t go out now. Basically around 7-12 days after completing a chemo cycle you will enter what they call the nadir stage. This is the point at which you are at your most vulnerable as many functions of the body drop. High risk to catch infection due to neutropenia which is low white blood cells and immune system. And then platelets drop at the same time making the blood very thin so can’t be cutting oneself. Fortunately last time even with the anaemia these things reacted and responded as expected and recovered well. With the new meds for the HS and diet I’m optimistic this week if I can avoid a HS crash should be a good one. Other than the HS I have to consider myself lucky as my body seems to be handling the chemo very well. No serious fatigue, appetite can only be described as insatiable and no signs of nausea and haven’t even had to look at the anti sickness meds. So far the side effects are hair fallen out, some dry but very manageable skin and tinnitus in the ears.
The 5 day chemo was definitely a tougher slog than the 3 day, they must pump you with so many fluids that every night is just the same procedure of finish chemo, go back to hotel, eat, relax, take water tablet then proceed to go the toilet every hour on the hour until morning. As tiring as this can be I approached it with the attitude that it’s the job that must be done. It is vital to flush the toxins out of the system to prevent kidney damage. A tough week for certain, 6 hours per day in the chair been infused with chemo and the evenings as above, also the water retention makes you feel like a balloon floating over Times Square and gives shortness of breath. But again I can only feel lucky as I can only imagine how difficult this would be for those who suffer sickness and more severe side effects from the chemo. For me since coming home on Monday I’ve been shopping, back to the hospital Monday afternoon as another blood test was needed, the kitchen sink waste pipe blocked so I had to undo all the pipes and snake and flush the pipes with acid. I’ve in fact found resting very difficult and just want to keep eating and moving physically. When leaving the 5 day chemo my legs were like jelly and I felt very weak and feel rebuilding any strength will be essential in the coming battles. Definitely interesting how differently chemo effects us all, I know many who simply have zero energy and focus to do anything much.
But I’m determined to make it a fight and give it my all, I have maintained my breathing techniques every morning and mentioned them to the oncology doctor today who agreed it’s a good idea. I had my first cold bath as the second stage of the Wim Hof method yesterday and boy did I feel energised after that. I will make the most of the good days to be prepared for the not so good.
So my friends for now here’s hoping the next update is a boring one that says 7 days breezed by all good. But I will update any changes as they happen. For anyone approaching or going trough their own cancerlicious journey remember stay positive, stay strong, stay focused. The mind holds more power than any of us can imagine and all good things start from strength there. This is especially relevant to the corona situation we are facing now also. Don’t allow lockdown to be a time of mental and physical restraint but use it for the once in a lifetime opportunity it is to expand our mental and physical horizons without the constraints of the rat race chase and fighting for the scraps those with everything throw us to keep us distracted. Love one another, stay safe, and stay positive
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