Day four post chemo

I'm sipping on my second cup of java of the morning and perusing my emails. I've had a lovely soak in the hot tub and showered. I've also made the kids' lunches and helped them organize themselves for another day at school. I'd have to say, I'm doing pretty well for day four post chemo.

Of course, I could crash the moment Tara walks out that door and hops on her bike for the trek to school. I never know what these days will bring.

Mornings are better. The rejeuvenating aspect of sleep helps produce a few energy stores for the morning. But by late yesterday afternoon, I was dragging my sorry self around, cooking dinner, and then lounging on the couch and watching TV. My stomach protested the garlic-infused burger I fed it and burping nausea became my companion for the evening. I'll try something a bit less flavourful for our evening repast tonight (at least whatever graces my plate).

I keep expecting to experience the other side effects of the paclitaxel. I especially anticipated the bone aches and pains and restless legs by now. Perhaps I won't get them this first round or maybe they're just taking their sweet time arriving.

My biggest fear with the weekly treatments is I won't have a couple of days to feel better, get my strength back and replenish my mental reserves before I have to go through it all again. While the side effects don't seem too bad this round, I suspect with each subsequent treatment, there will be more residual drug in my system to cause problems.

But I'll have to deal with each one as it comes. I have my little, red Tylenol pills ready and waiting. I think I'm mentally prepared (or as much as one can be).

Mostly I've felt blah so far. I napped yesterday after working on my computer for a while and didn't feel very motivated in the afternooon. I'm getting better at listening to my body and squashing the feelings of guilt at not getting much done around the house, which I think will work better for my recovery.

So, I approach today with no expectations beyond perhaps sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the weather. I'll take whatever happens as it comes. That's the best I can do.

Tina