The past week has been full of highs and lows. After doing pretty well with my last treatment on Tuesday and Wednesday, I hit a low point on Thursday. I felt very sick when I went in to have my port de-accessed. I think I was overly tired and emotional, as whenever a nurse would look at me or try to be nice, I would start to cry. (don't feel bad...I've always been like this when I'm overly tired!) I also was VERY nauseous...the nurses shared a new term, 'anticipatory nausea' and gave me an ativan. This is a great drug used for anxiety, nausea, and sleep...so it was very useful to me! My blood pressure was also pretty low (which I guess can also make you more nauseated)...so I stayed for a bit while they gave me some fluids. The ativan kicked in, and I came home and pretty much slept for 16 hours straight!
Things improved after that.... I learned that my max time out and about is approximately 1-2 hours, and then I need a rest. So, I made the most of those 1-2 hours! I went on walks with friends, I went to part of a lecture on holistic health for cancer patients (learned that beta carotene inhibits the action of 5-FU...and that vitamin B-6 is good for peripheral neuropathy...too bad they're the size of golf balls so I won't go near them). I also was able to enjoy autumn in VT (my favorite season by far!) by going to a harvest market (really to eat the fried dough and other goodies), and going apple picking with some friends. So overall...I'd say it was a pretty good weekend! Here are some pics...
My friend Tracy enjoys the yummy fried treats at the harvest market...
Apple Pickin' Fun...
Oh...and I almost forgot! I found my new hero...Kris Carr.. She wrote this great book called Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips! I've spent many hours during this last week reading it as she is very gifted at expressing herself! I highly recommend it if you are at all interested in what its like to receive a cancer diagnosis at a fairly young age, and how to help people cope. She also has a documentary that was on TLC a few weeks ago...I missed it, but am hoping to see it soon! As you can see....I got cozy on the porch and spent many hours on Saturday reading and enjoying the crisp autumn air!
Take care everyone!
Take care everyone! 
3 comments:
I actually saw Crazer Sexy Cancer. I Tivo'd it. too bad you live to far to come over and watch it. She reminded me a lot of you. I'll see you next Friday!
Kelly, Hi I miss all of you. Finally got home Monday and wanted to see what you have been up to. Glad you are not overdoing it! But also it was good to see you had a wonderful weekend with friends, I did too. Your pictures from the Chemo treatment are very informative and I have told all of your relatives here to check it out when they ask me questions. Halfway point coming up next week and on your Birthday to boot, we will think of something to make it a great day anyway! Love you.....
Hey Kel! You look great! I have been sharing your blog with my co-workers here in Indiana. I hope you don't mind. We are all praying for you!
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