Planetary Pilgrims Know When to Take a Little Time Off

It may be that the effect of chemo is cumulative. I have felt worse during this cycle. It has taken me longer to spring back, and the "spring" in my step is certainly not so bouncy! 


The numbness in my hands and feet has been noticeable. Although there has not been loss of function, I do find it difficult to type, and I am a bit wobbly on my feet, losing my balance from time to time.


The depression that I normally feel on days three to eight has not been so overwhelming. I would characterize it more as a loss of "time orientation". Even though I knew that the sensation of despair would end by day eight, I found it hard to tolerate the waiting. David has been great at seeing me through this time, and so have my children.


My appetite has been really bad. Even though I know intellectually that it is important to eat and drink regularly, I have found it hard to do. Food tastes different. Let's be frank: food tastes bad!
And water is either too salty or too sweet. Ioanna concocted a great drink for me that I have found quite good: a combination made of water, orange juice, lots of ice and a handful of blueberries. I discovered that her sangria also tastes pretty good, and so does clamato juice.


What has helped? Lots of phone calls and e-mail messages, going out for a meal even if I can't finish it, going to the cottage, reading Rumpole of the Bailey stories. And being lazy - letting other people do things for me, though this is harder than you think.


David had a birthday during this two-week cycle. We had two days of parties at the lake. It was quieter and more sedate than usual, not out of deference to age, but because I could not do much myself. David's sister Carolyn was a wonderful hostess, and my daughter Ioanna did a lot of the work. My thanks to them for keeping up the outrageous birthday traditions. 


Tomorrow I will have what we all hope will be the last chemo session. Can you hear the Alleluias? The doctor has reduced tomorrow's taxol dose by 15% because of the numbness in my legs and hands. Still, it will be close to a five-hour experience. My daughter Ioanna and grand daughter Gracie will be with me. I am ready. I have charged my mp3 player, and have my Kindle all charged up also. We shall survive it. 


To what shall I compare tomorrow's experience in my journey?  I will think this, and write again soon, if my fingers allow. In the meantime, let us sit here for a bit, and enjoy the view, while getting ready to continue the journey tomorrow. And we will see you around soon, on the way to Santiago!