Day 47 | One Week out from Chemo R1

So, I'm a week out from chemo. It doesn't feel radically different than before treatment. I'm trying to lead my life as normally as possible. I'm working, actually going to the office every day feels good / normal. I'm out and about a little, I actually went to a hockey game last night. 

I'm sleeping more....but that's not a bad thing. Lights out around 10:30 isn't terrible. 

I read clinical trials instead of the news. And cancer blogs more than Facebook. I'm learning all the cancer words, which helps me understand the things I'm reading.

My only chemo-related issue is the lingering tummy trouble and occasional headache. I've never before talked this openly about my bodily functions. Now, a nurse calls me a few times a day to ask how all that's operating. I'm on a bland food diet called the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). ...It's the first time in forever that I've made myself white toast for breakfast with plain egg whites. (Usually, it would be egg whites, veggies, and lots of fruit). I'm drinking a ton - alternating water and coconut water / sports drinks, trying to keep up my hydration and electrolytes.  There are many questions about the color of my urine...which is uncomfortable.

I've entered the Nadir period, where your counts are the lowest. The Nadir period is 7-10 days post-chemo treatment. AKA, use ALL the hand sanitizer. You're supposed to avoid crowds / small children / animals / planes / other potential germ magnets during this time. So, that means couch time and fewer hugs. 

I still have my (newly short) hair. That's supposed to go between days 10-14. It's strange the amount of emphasis that patients put on their hair. It's one of the top worries of all cancer patients - losing their hair. I'll admit - I do miss playing with my long hair. I'm not looking forward to the idea of being bald for 8+ months, but it sure beats the alternative...so, I'll take my bald head with (hopefully) my life. The hair will grow back.

I really appreciate all the well wishes and thoughtful notes. I have some of the best family / friends on the planet. I will write a separate post on this later. 

So, that's all new with me. Leading a boring, white toast kind of week....which isn't all bad. 

We'll end with a chemo fun fact: 

While you're going through chemo, doctors and other cancer survivors call it "in treatment." They ask "Are you 'in treatment' right now?" And that means, are you actively receiving chemotherapy.  Thought you'd find that interesting.