Unfortunately Cycle Two did not go according to plan. My blood work came back low which caused a delay in the treatment to the next week in order to allow my white count to come back up on its own. On one hand this news was very disappointing and then on the other it meant a second week without chemo. I was also being weaned of Dexamethasone which is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation, which is often given into the vein before chemotherapy to help control acute nausea and vomiting. It is also given as an oral tablet for patients to take for the two or three days following chemotherapy to help minimize delayed nausea and vomiting. In my case I was given oral dexamethasone to help increase my appetite and reduce pain at the beginning of this journey. So, I have been on the drug for almost three months and it was starting to have negative side effects one of which is I look like porky the pig with my face so swollen. The weaning was a very difficult withdrawal and at the same time I was receiving Cycle two part one. So to the say that following weekend was hard would be an understatement. Acute fatigue set in and I had literally had no energy, was not hungry and for the first time felt the nausea. I slept for most of that weekend which was ultimately the only way to get through that period of feeling drained and sick. I must admit during that time I really began to question why anyone would put themselves through this. I also developed some sort of mouth infection (caused by the chemo) actually cancelling part 2 altogether. Is this a good thing or a bad thing, I’m not sure. To track my progress I had a CAT scan yesterday and and will be receiving a bone scan at the end of this week. Hopefully the scans will show that the chemo is doing its job.
For now I’ve been off the steroid for three weeks and starting my second week of no chemo and I’m feeling better with a little more energy and a better appetite. My next cycle is scheduled for next week along with the review of my CAT scan and bone scan. I will prepare for my blood work next Tuesday and take it one day at a time and say a few prays that the chemo is holding the cancer at bay and I have the strength to complete Cycle three.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to spending time with my daughter over Christmas and will try and make the most of the festive season. I am certainly working on that by watching every Christmas show on the TV for the first time in years. Not surprising most of the shows are about hope and faith and the belief that all will be well. So, I can’t go wrong indulging in the Christmas spirit at this time. It helps put me in my happy place. Happy Holidays everyone…
