Side Effects of Chemo and Radiation
So far I’ve finished eleven radiation treatments (out of 30) and one week of continuous chemo. The side effects of chemo and radiation are catching up with me now.
Losing My Hair
This morning I was running my fingers through my wet hair and came back with a handful of short salt and pepper hair in my hand. I thought it was feeling a bit thinner. Shortly before I started chemo on Dec. 28th I had my hair cut short so that in case I did lose it, the baldness wouldn’t be such a shock. It’s been almost 2 1/2 weeks since chemo and now I’m losing my hair. It’s a good thing I have an extensive hat collection. I’m shedding all over the place. If it turns out that the hair falls out in bunches, I’d rather just go ahead and shave my head rather than have patches of hair missing.
Low White Blood Cells and Platelets
Last week I had my blood drawn and found out that my white blood cell and platelet counts were low. That means there’s an increased risk of infection. My radiologist determined that I should take a break from radiation. That coordinated nicely with my sore bottom. I wasn’t sure how much more I could tolerate, to be honest. I finally gave in and started taking the pain medication she prescribed. Taking 1/2 of a pill every two hours seems to be working better than a whole pill every 4 hours. She suggested that I find the amount and timing that works best for me.
More Naps
Afternoon naps have become part of my daily routine. I don’t seem to have a choice in this matter. Sometime around 2:30 pm my eyes start drooping and I can’t stay awake. I’ve taken to having a snack and a nap just like when I was a kid.
Tomorrow I’ll share some recipes for smoothies and other entrees that seem to agree with my sensitive digestive system.
Tagged with: chemo and radiation side effects
Filed under: Healing from cancer
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Dear Theresa
First I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for replying to my email. You may not realized it but it was very useful when I submitted my article to EA. Thanks a lot!
As I was reading your post, I am in awe how brave a person can be. You are one of those brave ones who despite of their cancer and ongoing treatments still manage to post writings which they believe may help other people.
It seems you are accessing every resources to help you in your healing process which is great.
May Jesus, the greatest healer, heals you completely.
Regards and God Bless,
Nona
Nona Sangalang´s last blog ..A Shocking FREE Report from John Thornhill
Dear Theresa,
My dear lovely sister. How brave you really are. Truely amazing. It is really good to be here with you this week but I can’t really help or fix in any way. You are going about your daily routine like nothing is amiss. Except for the trips to the bathroom and the naps. It’s hard to get you to settle down. Little jack in the box. For those of you reading this, she is a wonderful cook. Theresa, I love you more everyday. I wish I could hug you more. I was lucky to get a hug yesterday eventhough I’m not supposed to get too close.
I promise to finish the slip cover today….or tomorrow.
Love and Hugs,
Jane
Hi Nona and Jane,
Thanks for taking the time to read my posts and leave a comment. I’m so fortunate to have my sister, Jane with me from Alaska. One of the blessings of having this disease is finding out how much I’m loved and cared for.
One of my most favorite movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Discovering how much you matter to people is inspiring and joyful. For that, I’m grateful.
Love you, Jane. Thanks again, Nona.
Theresa