Day #4 Following Chemo #1 (D4FC1)

I skipped Day #2 and Day #3, they were much the same and not much to write about, and I didn't have the energy to do so.  Yes, very tired and didn't do much but sleep and rest for those 2 days.  I feel better today, though still not much energy, and I tire easily, but still it's better than the last 2 days.  I am hoping that having had minor surgery 2 days before starting chemo may have added to the tiredness, plus the steroids that interrupted my already easily interrupted sleep cycle on Thursday night.  I must find out the benefits of the steroids, it may turn out not to outweigh the harm.

So tired that I couldn't go on the trip I had wanted to with my daughter. Boo hoo!  Very disappointing, but not a big surprise.  I hope this first 3 week cycle gives me an idea of what the next few months will be like so I have some idea when I can visit my son, see him march in the marching band, do grocery shopping, cooking, etc.  (My family is helping with groceries and cooking and cleaning, but it helps to feel like you are contributing, as well as it helps to do normal things.) Sometimes, when going through chemotherapy, you feel like all of your time is spent taking care of yourself, and what energy you have left over is spent taking care of your family.  I always question what part my business will have during this time.  That's always a tough balancing act, even when I'm healthy.

I am going to record the side effects that I have been experiencing, which are mostly for my benefit, so you can skip this paragraph if you want.  First thing I noticed was the feeling that my tongue was coated.  This makes food not taste as good as it should, and can cause a mild burning sensation, too.  Not fun.  I have been reading about some ways to counter act this, like baking soda and salt water rinses, brushing teeth often, and brushing the tongue with a soft toothbrush.  I'm going to try them all.  Other than that, it has mainly been the tiredness, a little achy at times, like I had the flu.  I have also been warm, now I tend to run warm anyway, and it has been in the 90's outside, but this is like a hot flash.  Not the worst thing in the world, but not great either.  Maybe if it were 50 degrees in the house instead of 78, it would feel great.  A fan blowing directly on me helps quite a bit, couldn't make it without fans.

Having said all of that, my main goal today: take a shower!  That could be quite an accomplishment!