Thought I should maybe say something on how my chemo is going to be structured. I am on a 14-day cycle. Day 1 and Day 2 are chemo-input days, then days 3-13 are rest and recovery days, with day 14 being visit-the-vampire days to check that my blood count has redeemed itself back to a normal value ready for the new chemo cycle beginning the following day. The current schedule takes me up until the middle of May.
I am now on day 5 of cycle 1 (C1:D5). The side effects haven’t been as bad as I anticipated so far, although I have to confess that I saw very little of Saturday, having slept most of the day and night. I remember reading somewhere once that your brain can’t cope with two different areas of pain at the same time, so if you want to distract yourself from one pain, you should find another. This would appear to be true because far worse than the side effects (so far this cycle) has been the pain and inconvenience caused by the surgical procedure I had to undergo in order to put a port device into my chest that will allow the hospital to give the chemo shots, and take blood, without needing to play hide-and-seek with my incredibly shy veins. Being incapacitated down my right arm/hand while this implant heals over is no joke, my left hand has no idea what to do with the mouse buttons and apparently is in no hurry to learn (old dog, new tricks syndrome perhaps?)! Thankfully, the pain from this is healing and I am now able to type a bit, if not yet stitch, once again with my right hand.
Despite the pain and fatigue for days 1-3 of the first cycle, yesterday I did notice that I was able to do something. Not much, but something. Something more than I have been able to do for months because I just haven’t had the energy to think about doing something never mind actually doing it. I want to stitch. So much fabric, so little time (even if I lived until I was 90 there wouldn’t be enough time!) Yesterday however I was focused enough to get a book out and think about making something. Today, I am even considering venturing into dressmaking having seen a dress that is so me on the stitching tv channel this morning. This provides me with as much optimism as to how the treatment may positively affect my life status, as it will fill Mikael with dread as to how the same activity will negatively affect the bank balance! Hahaha Oh how I adore sewingquarter.com!
Heh. They put IV’s in and go ‘now don’t bend…Kai, you bent your elbow’ and I’m like…’how else am I supposed to read while you’re messing with the other arm.’. So yeah, I feel your pain, in a minor way.
You’d love what we have here right now. It’s this project called Scrapstore. I landed some amazing silk offcuts, and TONNES of leather. Lexx and I are going to spend some time making bags, and purses and stuff.
Lexx was doing photography – for her college – at CRUFTS. That teeny tiny baby that shared ice-cream with Connor…was shooting at Crufts. With my D60. I was so proud!
*hugs*.
What I’ve learned after more surgeries and “procedures” than I can count on both my hands and one foot is this: A “procedure” or “minor surgery” is “nothing much” or “minor” only to a person who isn’t having said “procedure” or “minor surgery” performed.
I’m so glad, though, you’ve got the energy to contemplate stitchery. It’s such a wonderful outlet.
*sending you tons of love and all kinds of hopes for strength and pain-free days and nights*
Pleased you have found an activity to occupy you. With your talent you will be creating beautiful things! So pleased you are keeping us up-dated. You are a very brave lady to be sharing your journey with us. Thinking about you. Big hugs
Hey Katie… keep on sewing girl…. my machine is ready to come out tomorrow night, to make more soup bowl holders…. you are a talented stitcher too, remember I’ve seen some of your stuff! You are an inspiration. In my thoughts, my lovely xx
Sewing is not my thing. I’m the least crafty person ever. So glad you have something to help occupy you and keep you sane throughout this journey. You are in my thoughts and prayer. Glad you are keeping us updated.
I have been reading a few published journals by people who have traveled this road before me and they have said that they had something to distract them from the discomfort of chemo treatment. I’m pretty pathetic in the kitchen or I would bake (which would get the approval of Mikael and the boys), but stitching is something I love and can do.
I am amazed that you are already thinking of activities like sewing! You go, girl! Like you, my daughter didn’t have a ton of horrible side effects (bad headaches and hair loss were the worst for her), but the port surgery was painful. You are one brave cookie to be sharing this journey — thinking of you and praying all the way!
Michelle you have no idea how relieved I am to read your comment. I have a pretty good pain threshold, but was feeling a complete wuss about this because the hospital staff were all like “oh it’s just a procedure” and “just a bit of an operation”. As your daughter had it, and the hospital staff have not, I’m going to take comfort in your words and feel vindicated that my pain is real! LOL
As crafty as I am, sewing is something I’ve never really picked up. Hope you’ll share your progress (including the haul from SewingQuarter. 🙂
Will do, Kim. I have a feeling that stitching will be the distraction that will keep me sane throughout this treatment process.
Keep up with good spirits! I’m thinking about you and praying for you!
Thanks Rhea. I appreciate it.