Started my first round of chemotherapy on Thursday and I must say what a ride it has been already....
My first day was surprising ok and better than I expected. I was there for 2hrs receiving treatment. I was feeling ok when I left my veins felt very cold and my joints in my fingers were aching something savage however I smiled and thought "you can do this Ruby and you are going to be great".
Dan picked me and and I told him I felt ok we both smiled thinking this ain't so bad. You could clearly see the relief on our faces like the fear and doubt were lifting away. Our faces represented happiness and smiles without stress (like it always used to be).
Within an hr of getting home my temp was on the rise (almost to point of hospital), I felt very nauseous, my skin was cold and clammy and I was pure white with green around my lips and eyes (kinda like really bad zombie make up).
As the night progressed those symptoms came and went - I managed to eat which was great. After dinner the pain returned and my hands, feet and back bones were aching and burning so severe I cannot even explain how much it hurt. I had a restless night and woke up feeling exhausted.
This morning I feel super nauseous but I took my anti nausea medication as well as the other bucket load of medications. I managed to force a piece of toast down and have kept up my fluids today.
The nausea has settled a lot however the aching pains are less than favourable. When you add them to the already constant cancer pain (back pain, pain in my pelvis bones, chest pain, shortness of breath and organ pain) you can imagine the pain police were some happy chappies collecting there daily pain quota.
All aside from all those side effects I am so greatful to have the chemo and I pray it works as I am a stage 4 nsclc which is not very promising. I think that the medical field has come such a long way and we are blessed to be given the chance to fight this horrific disease. I am grateful to those people who work in the hospitals, cancer care wards, cancer treatment areas. AND mostly I am grateful for Dan, my wonderful friends and my family.
"There is always, always, always something to be thankful for". Author Unknown
