A Good Week

It seems like everything has stabilized: Appetite, blood pressure, energy level, sleep pattern. I feel fairly good. My response to the question of How you Doing? is “Better than yesterday”.

I’m mid way into chemotherapy. I’ve had two doses out of four and the third will be this Friday. I’ve wondered if they get better or worse. Worse makes sense. More cell-killing medicines pumped into my veins every three weeks, then my body reacting. The last one took about a week until I had good energy level. I get a little dizzy just tying my shoes. That’s been the biggest adjustment-feeling drained.

My wife and I are usually polar opposites on weekends. She likes to unplug, unwind, sleep in, relax, chill, etc. I can hardly wait to get out of bed and do things; gardening, woodworking, home improvements, wash the vehicles, check off some chores at the church, etc. But since chemotherapy I have not had any energy for physically demanding work. So now I read, watch TV, sit at the computer like now and do a few household chores.

Our teenage son has become more helpful. If I can pry him away from the computer screen I point him at a chore and direct him. He did a fine job helping my wife spread frost fabric over all the vegetable plants last week.

Yesterday was pretty good. Church in the morning, then I made a pot of chili from scratch and an apple pie. I started a woodworking project but stopped after 20 minutes because I needed paint. All that appeals to my need for activity and the desire to accomplish something while not working up a sweat.

Speaking of food. I feel a little guilty. I have not lost one pound…yet. I actually looked forward to shedding maybe 10 pounds but thank God I have not had any side effects that cause weight loss. I’m eating healthier, drinking more water, eating a lot more fruits and vegetables, less salt and less junk food. All cravings for Twinkies and Doritos are gone.

My taste buds are only slightly affected. It’s as if I just gargled with baking soda water. So when I eat something it tastes a little off at first, but not bad. My wife said the pie tastes great. Now I’m satisfied.