LIFE AT 60 - DAY 11 AFTER CHEMO

Ive been trying to figure out what and how to write what Ive been feeling.  Ive had several people ask me personally, and in email etc whats going on.  Well here goes, this might be a bit lengthy, but is yet another chapter in this journey that you all are on with me.

For the first or 2nd day after the chemo treatment I really felt pretty good.  HOWEVER they give you a "morning after" shot called Neulasta.  This is a really cool fighter in the cancer wars, and Im thankful for it, but the side effects can be very painful.  I happen to be one that gets the side effects.  What is does is revs up the bone marrow to generate more white blood cells.  The chemo kills fast growing cells and white blood cells happen to be in that category.  About mid day, of day 3 I felt like every bone, every joint, and every connective tissue in my body was at war.  The only way to describe the pain is shin splints to the power of 10.  It also just continues and does not go away.  Motrin however along with the pain pills does help, so Im ready for the next round.    That piece of joy lasted for about 7 days.  :)  as you can see, Im still alive.  I heard a saying the other day that what does not kill you will make you stronger.  Im still alive, so we will see how strong it made me.  LOL

About a day or 2 after the side effects of the Neulasta started, we pretty much discovered I also have a flu like virus.  NICE!  Kind of a double whammy.  But like everything else, this too shall pass.  The flu effects do seem to be hanging on for their usual time, 7-10 days.  It all is kinda painful, and leaves me very weak, but God is always there to give me a lift when I most need it.

Well this is day 11 after the 1st Chemo, Ive had labs done, blood counts look good with the exception of a slightly low kidney count, that is most likely due to not getting enough water in me.  I typically dont drink enough to begin with, but this has been really hard.  I have had a sore throat off and on, and when it is on, relatable to mild strep, so drinking anything hurts.

I am going off base here a bit, but I really feel that I have to mention my "girls".  Renita, the wife, and Renita the daughter.  Im ONE lucky guy.  Aside from my son in law, Im the only one I know of that has not one but 2 Renita's  Lets start with Renita the wife.  I could NEVER ever have a better woman for my bride.  She has taken off work, she has stayed by my side thru this whole thing and has even gotten up from sleeping with only 2 hours of sleep to get me to a Dr appointment.  If that is not LOVE, Im not quite sure what else she could do.  She makes sure I get my meds, she encourages me when I get down, and YES I do get down.  She tells me not to worry about things.  Fortunately for us we do have decent insurance.  Like I said GOD is in control of all this.

On to Renita the daughter.  My pride and joy, and the best daughter a dad could ever have.  I was fortunate that when we got the results from the biopsy we were with her, no long distance telephone call.  She was actually with me when we had the 1st couple of Dr appointments talking about treatment.  She KNOWS what to expect, but still her dad has some medical issues so she is concerned.  I get either a text or phone call pretty much daily.  I know she wants to be here, but she has a hubby and Milo the wonder dog to take care of.  (Milo actually does YOGA with them)  God has her in the palm of His hand as well.  Like I said Im VERY fortunate.

Well this next week, I have Labs again, then a Dr appointment, and after that the following Tuesday I get round 2 of the chemo, then the dreaded Neulasta shot!  LOL THIS time Im prepared and hopefully wont be blindsided by the side effect. AND maybe the virus crap will be gone by then.

I will try to stay more updated.  Just these last few days have kicked my butt a bit.  I really appreciate all the comments, and support and most of all the prayers that have been lifted up for me.  It is totally humbling and Im very grateful.