Tomorrow (or now today as it's early morning as I write this) I am off to see the surgeon and then the chemo-ologist (I just made that up as I was writing a friend of mine...I kind of like it). Her name is Marissa. Marissa will take me through all the do's and dont's, the questions, the layout of the routine, how to make yourself feel better when going through the down times, etc. I met her last week - I like her!
So we'll have a fun day with the kids (Keeley has asked to go to one of the universities and walk around...can't help but to feed THAT passion!). I've been wanting to go to a Thai place down near University of Melbourne so we might hit both and call it a successful day!
Then Thursday will be the day I start chemo. I basically meet with the Oncologist first for a couple minutes, then head off to meet Marissa. The whole "routine" will take around 3 hours. Then they say typically you don't feel too bad for around 12-24 hours...then you feel like BLEEP BLEEP! So the doors will be locked and the shades down as I hole myself up if I feel like BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP!
The three week cycle for people typically means that for a week you feel really horrible and very fatigued and your taste buds usually are struggling to work with much enthusiasm since the chemo strips them right back (a very important reason why to get the food intake right to be able to keep the strength up). Then the second week you start to get some taste back and the third week the body starts to feel "okay" again...then they fill you up for the next dose. now, that's how a lot of people feel on average but everyone feels different. So I'll work out how I feel and then respond accordingly.
It will be really important to stay healthy and strong at this time. The white blood cell count is key as the immune system is extremely vulnerable. So this is where the food / hydration is quite important.
I met with some of the key members of Team Laurice today who are contributing to the food during this cycle. A friend loaned me a cookbook which she used whilst supporting someone else going through this .... (Book is: The Cancer Fighting Kitchen http://rebeccakatz.com/books/the-cancer-fighting-kitchen/) A good book to have at this point in time!
So that's it for now. If I don't get online tomorrow then the next blog may be from Tony giving you an update on things!
Thanks for your continued support my friends!
Good luck for tomorrow Laurice. I hope you don't feel too BLEEPING bad. In case you are interested Ethical Nutrients Immune Defence is a great supplement.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a beautiful day planned with the family today. Enjoy! Shonelle x
Hey big sister inlaw, I have finally worked out this Blog stuff as when I log and read yours and Tonys updates, couldn't work out how to send a comment, but I have now. Well looks to us that you have so many family and friends around you to give you all the support you need. Hopefully it isn't over the top, because you will at times need that away from everyone time. I hope the Chemo doesn't through you around too much, that would be such a bummer.
ReplyDeleteWell I will keep watching the blogs and keep up to date through mum.
We all Love you and wish you a safe and speedy recovery. Paula, Lee, Beau and Monique.