Side effects remain consistent, though I've actually been feeling more tired than usual.
I think it's partly because I haven't been exercising as much. My goal is to exercise (usually that means walking) at least 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. But last week I didn't walk on my usual days, first because of my port appointment, and then because we were busy with Thanksgiving. This week I skipped a couple days, too. It was too cold and snowy to walk on some days, and I could have used our indoor stationary bike, but I just felt too tired. Or maybe I was unmotivated. I remember my physical therapist telling me that "movement begets movement", especially during chemotherapy, and that the opposite is also true, i.e., being inactive makes you more likely to stay inactive. Anyway, I need to try harder to keep up with my exercising!
I also haven't been sleeping as well, maybe because I haven't been exercising enough. But I've also been waking up warm in the middle of the night. I don't think they're hot flashes, because it's not like I'm sweating or anything. Maybe we just need to adjust the thermostat.
Or maybe it's just all the chemo catching up to me. I really felt like I started this whole business with a pretty good attitude, but I have to say, after 9 weeks of it, and 3 more to go, it's kind of feeling like a slog.
A couple people have asked me if I'm planning to throw an end-of-chemo party. Nope. First, I'm not really a party person. But also, I'm not sure I'll feel like celebrating. Yes, it'll definitely be good to be finished with chemo! But I will still be getting targeted therapy via port infusions every 3 weeks for the rest of a year. Plus I will still have ongoing hormone therapy, including a daily pill, with all its own side effects, starting after chemo ends. And it's not like all my chemo side effects will suddenly disappear; I have read that it can take weeks, in some cases months, to feel "normal" again after chemo ends. The hair alone can take months just to start growing back, and then it'll take even longer to actually grow to a desirable length. The day I can stop wearing hats, maybe that will be a good day to celebrate.
It was great to see you and family for Thanksgiving. Thanks for letting us crash at your house. It was a busy few days, so I can understand if you needed more rest to recuperate.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I wish we lived closer. I need to exercise more,too, and I am NOT consistent with it at all. It's something I would be more motivated to do if I had a good companion along with me! It would be so nice to take brisk morning walks while chatting away with you.
I'm sorry you're going through all these side effects and changes. The hair loss must be difficult. Hair is such a significant part of one's self-image and identity that, I think, losing it would be hard for most people. Also, the fact that losing hair just makes the disease more visible. So, that too can make one uncomfortable. Well, you looked beautiful over Thanksgiving. I didn't notice anything different, just the same old Irene that I know and enjoy being with! <3