I tried to get a photo of the pump that delivers the at-home portion of my treatment, but it's kind of awkward. The pump rides in a fanny pack (sexy!) and I have several feet of tube leading to the port in my chest. The pump will be with me until tomorrow.There are lots of possible side effects to this course of treatment, many of which probably will not happen to me, others that might come up later. Here's what I've had so far:
1. Cold sensitivity: My sister alerted me to this one. Consuming cold food or drink is unpleasant. I wear cotton gloves to handle things from the refrigerator. Hand washing? Let the water warm up before rinsing!
2. Showering: It's complicated. The pump can't get wet, and the port on my chest should stay out of the water spray. Today I tried handing the pump fanny pack over the shower rod. It worked out ok but I was very aware of being leashed.
3. Weak stomach: Ben and I watched a movie last night with an unexpectedly brutal scene of decapitation-by-fish-tank. I took an anti-nausea pill and skipped the end of the movie.
4. Sweetness from Sam: All the boys are curious about the pump and talk a lot about the medicine I'm getting. Last night at dinner, Sam tacked on his own prayer after grace: "please let the medicine make mom feel better." Later that night Sam and I had a long chat about cancer and medicine and that I will keep going to the doctor for this until after Christmas. He was interested but not anxious and then we changed tracks as soon as Christmas came up. "That's when Santa Claus comes!"
5. Fatigue: Is this a side-effect of chemo? Who could possibly know. There are so many reasons for me to be tired. My nurse called this morning to see how I was feeling and she made a point to tell me to take care of myself. "I know that will be hard with 3 little boys and a new house, but other things can wait," she said. It's nice to have a personal coach for coping with medically-recommended poison.
7 comments:
glad that with all the crummy side-effects of the chemo you still have the love & support from your kids & ben. rock those gloves!
Thanks for the updates. There is no better way for us to understand what you are experiencing and what you are thinking. I hope you are able to sleep well tonight and be comfortable despite the tethers/gear/side effects.
Your house looks lovely--and comfortable and settled already. And we are thankful Ben and the church are just a few steps away from home.
I pray that you make a good friend soon in Gurnee. Telephone friends are a lifeline after a move, but a face-to-face friend can add real joy.
In the meanwhile, may the medically-administered poison do it's job and may you continue to heal from your surgery.
I'm so glad your keeping track of your side affects, that is good to take with you to your Dr. apts. When Betty was on Chemo, they would adjust her meds each time a new side affect came up.
Draw comfort from your Lord and Savior, and our prayers are always with you.
Kim
Thanks, all of you. You are very sweet. It helps me to write about this stuff and I'm honored that you all care to read it.
#1 - Most interesting!
#2 - Most inconvenient!
#3 - Most unpleasant!
#4 - Hidden blessing!
#5 - Least surprising!
Susan,
Love the journal you are keeping, it helps you and it helps others to know what you are going through! We said a prayer for you at church the other night, please know you have a lot of followers and people who are wishing you a speedy recovery!
@Karen - I feel like you are awarding me state fair ribbons. Thank you!
@Jeni - Thank you for praying and encouraging.
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