Monday, February 28, 2011

50% through Chemo

Just coming out of the worst of 'icky' chemo cycle 3; the side effect drugs in hospital got pretty mixed up and it has taken awhile to load up again, get into a routine and back under control. With chemo drugs you lose short term memory and at times get very confused, so throwing in getting side effect drugs out of sync, things can go pear shaped fairly quickly. Athough I haved blogged about being positive, I find  it very difficult to feel positive about something that makes you feel so sick. Maybe I just don't believe in the old cliche "if it doesn't kill you it must be good for you". Again this cycle I am coming out of the worst of the side effects quickly and its fantastic to have a pattern building that you don't stay in the dark side for too long.

Notes to self (and others) to make future chemo cycles less disgusting
- Plan the care and drug regime prior to getting "chemo brain" and stick to the plan
- Drugs are your friends, take them especially if you are sick or confused
- Try to do normal everyday activities e.g. early shower, time with kids, exercise.. even in hospital you can modify exercise regimes and do a couple of laps of the ward
- Enjoy regular fresh, good food and interesting drinks; things that encourage your appetite and make you feel good
- Enjoy the happy, between cycles there are lots of time gaps to enjoy life, participate. Even in hospital you can have a few laughs and meet amazing people.
- In the unpleasant thick of it remember Kia Kaha (be strong, move forward), its your own tenacity, courage  and resolve that will get you through the chemo just fine.
- Countdown the milestones e.g. only 2 more days in hospital, just 2 more days on the darkside and for me only 3 cycles left.

My major milestone reached this week is that I am 50% through my last planned medical procedure for my sarcoma and all going well, I up going to return to a more normal life and existence in May. Yeehaw, where's my horse.

inner at TC and Janes
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10 comments:

  1. Big Dog TalkingMarch 1, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    So you have had a pain in your back which was bad enough to stop you sitting down. Then you had two surgerys one of which seemed to remove the majority of your spine. The folks at ISIS got hold of you and made you do painful exercise. Then they have tried to poison you three times and that is just the highlights.
    If you can survive all that then a couple more rounds of chemo should be a walk in the park.
    To have a couple of negative thoughts about chemo after all the shit you have put up with is allowed and I am sure I speak for many in saying that the attitude you have maintained during this is inspirational.

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  2. UnknownMarch 2, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Your so kind Big Dog Talking. You did forget about the radiation therapy (not fun)and the Samaoan water therapy, which I highly recommend and intend to continue post cancer. Yah its been a pretty busy and crazy cancer year which hopefully is coming to a positive end. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and some normality and been busy booking up my post treatment pickme-up therapy's, Irish Party/ ski weekend, World Cup Rugby heats, semi and final. Joie de Vivre G

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  3. ReggieMarch 4, 2011 at 2:51 AM

    Gary, I've tried to post a comment twice recently but for some reason it hasn't appeared. Hopefully this one will get through.
    You are in my thoughts daily. I hadn't been following your blog for a bit, but I'm now caught up. I'm sending you all the positive energy that I can muster. Peace.
    Reggie

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  4. Lynn TaylorMarch 6, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Great photo...sort of like a Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid still.

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  5. LynneMarch 8, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    It's so gruelling, and you are doing so well Gary -- you are an inspiration for many I'm sure. We are with you in spirit all the time you know. We wish we were not so far away, but like I say, in spirit distance not so very far at all.

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  6. Bruce MilneMarch 10, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Hi Gary, so good to hear that you are looking forward to getting back to work and normality. What is normal these days? Big Dog has been keeping us non-bloggers up to date. One thing he mentioned a while ago as a measurement on your recovery is the goal to hit a golf ball on to Pudding Island. You might be interested in the following comments from a geocacher while looking for the cache on the island.

    "December 3, 2010 by stegan (1057 found)

    Pleasant evening and a super low tide at a convenient time so rocked on up. Quite cool to see the wee red shrimps in the pools. Muggles followed me onto the island but no way near as close a call as for Classic Rock. Found five golf balls - someone had clearly been taking pot shots at the island! + golf balls! - nothing. TFTC - a bunch of fun!"

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  7. Lynn TaylorMarch 11, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Last might just before the rain mossies flew in my bedroom window and ate my hands up...itchy hot! (I know I should have been sleeping not playing on the computer, it is that new range extender to blame) Anyway when I was on chemo I got perverse pleasure when a mossie would bite me - 'ha ha you little sucker - what will all those drugs in the blood do to you!'

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  8. UnknownMarch 12, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Lynn, your so funny, love your new blog and looking forward to seeing your wonderful creations. Cancer is grueling and use your experience to inspire some new work. xx G

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  9. UnknownMarch 12, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    Bruce, I am unable to confirm nor deny my involvement with these mysterious golf balls but amused by the post.

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  10. UnknownMarch 12, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Reggie :-) Positive energy gratefully received.

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Thanks for your comments Gaz

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