Monday, November 24, 2014

Chemo: Round Six

I am becoming an old hand at this. The oncologist and I had a discussion because I want to end the chemo, he argue for it as we had agreed to six rounds, and I have completed five. In addition I realized this is a short week and I won't get in to see the specialist this week, however the week after Thanksgiving would be fine. It would also be the second week after chemo and later in the week I start to recover. So I went for Round 6.

However, there is a drug they give that helps with anti-nausea and is a strong steroid. The effect is I feel good for about three days. Thursday, Day 4 is when the effect wears off and I feel very tired, little stamina and my stomach is mildly upset, this lasts for about a week, then slowly lifts.

So tonight I am up late as I cannot go to sleep. The drug makes me feel good, I am hungry and have enjoyed half a left over Turkey sandwich from our early Thanksgiving bird, and may even enjoy a second. My mind is alert and I simply do not feel tired. I lay on the bed and listened to a number of Leon Redbone tracks then read his biography on Wikipedia. I read the news, looked up Monday night football and checked the weather. I turned the light out, rolled over and was wide awake. I'm downstairs at the computer taking advantage of the energy.

That is what my chemo is like, and has been through all 5 rounds. However, the Dr. did lower the dosage by 15% on the two remaining drugs I take so hopefully the side effects won't be as severe this time, nor last as long.

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