3 November 2023
Perhaps this is an auspicious date. I got out of bed around 4 am and actually felt pretty good for the first time in 3 weeks. Dare I hope that I’ve turned the page on Taxol? By my calculations, I’ve not walked the neighborhood since October 10th. Today, I managed to walk two blocks or 0.45 miles. Normally, I would be embarrassed I hadn’t even walked half a mile but I consider this a major victory! It was good that it was still dark on the walk so people didn’t think I was drunk in the neighborhood. Little victories, one step at a time.
If I continue to feel this well, I’ll probably drive myself in to the hydration infusion this afternoon. Keep your fingers crossed.
My friend John brought over a BOGO from Honey Baked Ham last night (with potato salad). He also brought over a birthday card with an Amazon gift card. We caught up with each other but by 8 pm, I chased him off. I could tell I was fading fast. I think he could tell. I’ve learned I have limits.
It’s amazing to me how quickly I could get ready for bed when I was younger. These days, it takes as while before I’m ready to pull the sheet up over me. First, there is the second round of medication before bed. Then there’s the flossing, proxabrushing, and the baking soda tooth brushing. I set the alarm, check the doors, and put the kitchen in semi-order.
As I pull the covers back, I spread a towel down to soak up night sweats (which weren’t too bad last night). I make sure I have water by the bedside, change into pajama bottoms, and crawl in to read a little. Once the medication hits, I pull the comforter back halfway and turn on the ceiling fan (I start out freezing and by the time I turn out the light, I’m hot).
Add to all of the above and that I’m not too steady on my feet and it takes up about 45 minutes to an hour. Hey! At least I can still do all of that!
I need to stop by the pool store this morning. The strainer basket in the pool pump has now split on two sides and it’s on its last legs. I tried to find it on Amazon as well as anywhere on the internet but my pump is so old, it’s not recognized and the filter part no longer exists. The pool store will be able to tell me what will fit (for a higher price). Today is also clean the pool filter day, clean the pool, pool deck and patio deck.
By the time I get ready to have the hydration infusion, I’ll probably doze off. Either that or I need to work in a mid-morning nap.
I have to say something seems to be working with the Pedialyte. I seem to stay hydrated more since I started (I’m on four a day right now). Combine that with the Metamucil and Enterade and the lack of diarrhea, some of the biggest problems seem to have been eliminated. Now if I can only get rid of the numbness in extremities.
Next week is a busy one. First, daylight savings time ends on Saturday night, Monday I go see a new ophthalmologist, Tuesday is a Herceptin infusion, Wednesday is the hand doctor for my arthritis and Friday is another hydration. Hopefully, I’ll be able to drive myself to all the appointments. Just let me give a shout out to Joel for transporting me these last two weeks.
Stay tuned!
