I think I've mentioned in previous entries and in conversations that I have experienced only minor side effects from my chemo treatments. Some of what I've experienced includes:
- a tingling sensation in my face
- a tightness, like indigestion, in the center of my chest, from the dexamethasone
- jitteriness, like I've had too much caffeine (this is the dex again)
- a high level of activity (thank you, dex) which leads to...
- insomnia (dex, you're making me cranky) which leads to....
- the need for a sleeping pill to combat the insomnia
- very bright red cheeks the day after treatment (dex, you're making me look like the Campbell Soup girl)
- high blood sugar for 24 hours after treatment (dexxxxxxx!) despite my...
- decreased appetite, which doesn't help my....
- digestive issues
These side effects vary in duration and intensity during the 14 days of treatment and subside during the 7 days of no treatment. I really do consider them minor - at least there is no nausea! - and they are more annoying than debilitating.
This past week, a week with no treatment, I experienced different side effects:
- a voracious appetite (did I really eat that much? if my scale could talk, it would say, "yes, dear, you really did" and it might even oink at me)
- feeling like my old healthy self again, which is....
- full of energy, so that I could....
- accomplish the items on my To Do lists (yes,that's a plural - one list is never enough)
With the exception of the out-of-control appetite, I like these side effects much better. I had a very good week and I truly felt well. It reminds me, though, of how much I liked and miss the 'old kind of normal' and how this 'new kind of normal' kind of.....well, it takes some getting used to.
Round 3 of treatment starts tomorrow. See you in 14 days, old kind of normal; greetings again, tingling face.
Best wishes to my niece Maddie who will be participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life next weekend!
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