I feel good - na, na, na, na, na, na, na

I Got You - James Brown

I haven't been writing lately.   When I don't write in my blog, it usually means I'm feeling pretty good; I have energy: I can get busy.   So, that's where I'm at now.  Week two of treatment number six.

My treatment is going well and I feel somewhat guilty at times for feeling so good.  Shouldn't I be parked on the couch or in the bathroom?  I do have my down days and the couch has been getting much more use than it did in the past.   I now know how many TV channels I have and know that there is really nothing on.  So there are up and down days.  

When I have a side effect from the chemotherapy, it's a good thing.   It means the treatment is doing what it is expected to do.    So I can't complain about side effects.  I am thankful that they exist and just need to deal with them.

My energy level is lower than it was 4 weeks ago which is expected.    I've gone through another round of treatment but I didn't have the same intensity of pain as the first one on the new drugs.   It was manageable and I knew that it was temporary and it still allowed me to get out for short walks once or twice a day.  

I've noticed that I now walk slower.  It takes just that much more to put one foot in front of the other so things move slower.  Not even a soccer ball in front of me will quicken my pace.    Hills are a good challenge but I can feel gravity pulling me down.   They are still great though and a good challenge.   Imagine an old dog walking down the sidewalk and that's how I feel some days.   No rush, just plugging along but I'm getting it done.

My treatment is provided locally and I am fortunate to live close to the clinic so I can walk there and back.   And, yes, I do walk to and from treatment.   I know, I didn't think it would be possible but it's a short walk and after sitting for 6 hours in a hospital chair there's nothing better for the soul then stretching your legs, getting some fresh air and getting back into the world.     Actually, it's good therapy at any time, even now when you are sitting in front of your computer or smartphone.   So get out there but if you see me remember to slow your pace a bit to allow me to catch up.

Give a Little Bit, Give a Little Bit of your Time

Give A Little Bit - Supertramp

Last Saturday there was a Relay for Life which is a fund raiser for cancer research.   It's a team event and I'll admit that I know little about the details of the fundraising.   The event was being held at a local park and having nothing to do I sent a note to the organizers to see if they needed any last minute help.   I figured I could help out in some way and even the little bit would benefit the cause or at least relieve the other volunteers.   Then I could go home and nap.

I was able to help out for 4 hours selling smoothies donated by a Booster Juice and helping out with some children's games.  All proceeds donated from sales or fundraising went to cancer research.   It was great to see all of the community involvement and the energy generated by the event.     I wanted to thank every one of them, knowing full well that they were fundraising not for me alone but for those they knew who had either battled cancer in the past or were facing it at the moment.

The funds and research in the past enables my current treatment and allows me to manage so well through this journey.   It was a little giving of time on my part but something important for me to do.  A reminder that there are many more people out there with their own challenges whether that be cancer, other medical issues, mental health or other personal challenges.   There's always an opportunity and ability to give something to others no matter what situation we may be in.

There's so much that we need to share, send a smile and show you care.

I haven't got time for the pain

I haven't got time for the pain - Carly Simon

I was happy to have completed the 4 rounds of 'AC' drugs.   One of which is referred to as the 'red devil'.    I was a bit anxious starting up a new chemo drug with treatment 5 even though I had been told by my oncologist that I would likely have mild if any symptoms.     Still, something told me I wasn't going to be loving this.

I was pleased to find that the treatment day was really uneventful.  A full day but really I'd have to stretch it to dream up what might have been any type of immediate side effect.    Lack of energy is a given so it doesn't count.     Next day was good too and pretty much the same for the first part of the next.  All that worry for nothing.   However by the afternoon I started to get some tell tale signs that my anxiety was well founded.

In short, the next 3 days I experienced some of what many people experience daily - increasing arthritic pain in my feet legs and hips.   This is a side effect 'most commonly' experienced due to this drug.    It comes on quickly and increases in intensity but generally only lasts 3-4 days.    The pain wasn't so bad for me but rather the fact that it comes on quickly and doesn't last long so that it's very hard to find the balance for how to manage it with medication, exercise and hot baths.   As a result, I was just basically miserable, restless and desperate for it all to end.   Wish I had found these lyrics then:

I haven't got time for the pain
I haven't the room for the pain
I haven't the need for the pain
Not since I've known you (new drug Taxol)

I am very aware of all those who suffer arthritic pain on an ongoing basis.   I had a very short glimpse into that world and gained a new respect for those who push through it each day with a smile.

When I'm provided a new drug I also am given a patient info sheet which includes the potential risks and side effects.    Luckily it's in a format that is much more user friendly then the long narrative provided when you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy.   So I read these new sheets very thoroughly.   I've now figured out that I fit into the 'most commonly' category for side effects but fortunately my experience is not compounded by the 'commonly' category of side effects which would just add more to the mix.   Experiencing some or all of the side effects is a sign that the drug is doing what it's supposed to do.

By day 7 the pain was gone and I could work on regaining the balance on decreasing energy levels and get into a routine, symptom free.    I'm hoping that this side effect was a one-time thing as my body gets used to this new drug but if not I'll make a little time and room for the short term pain which is there to give me a much greater long term gain.