CT, day three

I am now two and a half days out of my first chemotherapy protocol of Cytoxan and Taxotere (CT).  This is about when I am told things can start to feel bad, and hang out for 3-5 days before the bounce back.

Here is what I feel: slight achiness in some of my muscles, swollen lymph nodes in my neck, very slight indigestion, slight headache and about 50% diminished energy (from my most energetic self). This amount of energy still allowed me to go for a brisk walk to today and shovel snow for a bit, putter around the house, etc.  The best way I can think to describe it would be a mild to medium hangover or a very mild flu. Not totally normal, but not at all bad, really.

Now, I know for sure this will be getting harder. The first round is really sort of a "primer" for what is to come, indicating how some of the following cycles may play out. If the worst days start as day 3-5, then they typically stay that way throughout.  It does get harder each time, but the first round should suggest a theme.  So I'm crossing my fingers that unless the other shoe drops tomorrow, the chances are I won't go from this so-so state to untenable side effects in two rounds. I'm hopeful.

It helps that I went, and will continue to go, straight from the infusion right to my acupuncturist, who will immediately treat me for nausea. I'm sure that this is part of the reason I've not had to take any nausea meds so far.

The neulasta shot I got to simulate my bone marrow apparently can give some people lots of bone pain, but I am not yet feeling anything like that.

My sister has been here this weekend and has been an awesome help. Sawyer is away in Montana working at the VA (his moonlighting job for extra $$) so it was amazing Lauren could come! We didn't know when she booked the ticket this would be my first chemo weekend, so it was doubly fortuitous she was able to make it.

We have had a fun time laughing, cooking, eating (no problems for me there, yet!) and generally catching up. 

This evening I am sort of slowing down and needing to rest my thoughts and mouth for a bit, and I write this as she packs to leave early in the morning.

I am planning to go into work tomorrow, but maybe a shortish day. I've been warned over and over that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and I should mete out my energy wisely and not try to prove anything. Putting in a 6 hour day tomorrow is a good goal.