This week is the end of the second chemo cycle! Four more shots and I'm done. Can't wait untill I don't have to pump any more of these awfull poisons into my body. Next week is my off week and I'm hoping to have some energy to get things down around the house, and not end up in hospital again. I had my white cell booster shot this week so am hoping it will keep counts high enough not to be too problematic.
Fatigue has been a bit of an issue this past cycle. I start off doing something with good intentions but get tired quite quickly and have to sit down and take a break. So every task takes so much longer to finish. And it is very much a day-by-day thing too, some better than others.
My hair has started coming out by the brush load. It only started this past week, but it is progressing rather quickly. I am actually in need of a haircut, but I reckon I will only make it another 2 weeks max before the buzzer has to come out, so I'll save the money. Going to get a few funky hats and deal with the sun that way.
Appetite is pretty good and I am eating smaller meals every 4 or 5 hours. If I go much longer than that I get a little shaky. I thought it might have been a sugar low, but Sue figured out it was probably a lack of protein. So on those days when I don't have protein for breakfast, I bought some of those protein shakes, have one of those and sure enough it does the trick. Even with eating pretty well, I have lost about 15 Lbs over the past month. Though the doctor doesn't seem at all concerned, so I'm not that bothered either.
Insomnia is a bit of a prob. I can't seem to sleep more than about 4 hours at any one stretch, and that's with a sleeping tablet! I think it's probably caused by stress, part from the chemo and part from the continuing job search. I do manage to get about 7 hours per night, but it's segmented, which is something I am not accustomed too. The stress is probably also contributing to the weight loss.
Anyway, so far all is not too bad.
Be well you all,
Chris
Chris -- sorry to hear that you are suffering these side effects, but it is probably related to the test sutitin (spelling?) that you are taking. Hair will come back after the treatments are over and the other side effects will go away also, so hang in there. I am finishing my third cycle this Tuesday - my biggest complaint is the phlebitis, which thankfully sounds like you do not have to deal with.
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