A week since the first treatment
Posted by David Poncelow Thu, 26 Oct 2006 17:28:00 GMT
Well, it’s been a week since my first treatment, and I’m almost feeling normal again. It’s been interesting to see how I’ve responded - my understanding is that all of these things may get more intense, but this first treatment may serve as kind of a preview of things to come.
The overwhelming effect was just being tired. The day after chemo I was worthless, and through Tuesday I tired out really quickly. I’ve been trying to walk every day- running really is daunting and I’m not sure that I should do any real weight lifting as I don’t want to create more of a need for proteins and cell building materials than I already have. I’m OK with losing muscle, but I really want to exercise to keep my spirits up and my body feeling decent.
One bit that kind of surprised me was my food cravings- the first few days I had absolutely no appetite, but I woke up on Sunday with a powerful craving for rotisserie chicken. I haven’t had rotisserie chicken in some time, but I was determined to get it that afternoon. When I did pick one up I could barely make it home, and I’m afraid I must have made a spectacle of myself tearing into it.
My tastes have seemed to come back in the past week though, save that my appetite is greater. Even so I still had lost a few pounds when I went for my weekly blood draw yesterday.
I got my last checkup from the surgeon today- no more bandages. It was almost a little difficult- I’ve rather enjoyed talking with him and have felt well taken care of during the surgery portion of all this. Surprisingly, I’m thinking of the port surgery as having been an enjoyable experience. Bizarre, but actually fun.
So I’m up and going, not really hurting anywhere (save a bit of aching as my marrow kicks into overdrive), have my energy back, and I have a week before my next treatment. I’m doing well!
David, I started a comment page and then lost it. You might have 2 comments from me–both the same. Here it is again: You are a very good writer–especially considering the topic is cancer and chemo. Your craving for rotisserie chicken is probably better for you than a craving for a Peanut Buster Parfet at Dairy Queen (my personal favorite without an excuse of chemo). I try to keep up with your blog and remember you in prayer. You are a strong young man and come from strong stock! :) Vicky
My uncle had breast cancer and has been healthy now for 30 years. You are the only other male I’ve ever seen talking about this. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Dierdre. I appreciate the words of encouragement. Male breast cancer is a fairly rare thing (less than 1% of cancers) and typically happens in older people (median age is 67). It sounds like your uncle was also pretty young when he went through it?
Thank you, Vicky- I appreciate it. I plan to eat whatever I crave, so long as it has some justifiable nutritional value. Basically that just rules out having too much candy. Which is always hard around halloween, of course!
this site will be a great resource for all who have been diagnosed with breast cancer as you write so well - i have bc (dx in 2000 at 33) and have undergone a large amount of treatment since with several relapses
i hope the A/C doesnt mess you around like mine did back in 2000 - im actually on taxol now as it wasnt used back then and there have been other drug options for me until now