Here come the side effects

Extremely difficult to wake up today. Had to call Dr Litton’s office to see if I could come in late for the Neulasta shot. This would be my last shot to help protect against infection because of the chemotherapy I’m receiving. Sometime closer to noon I finally ate a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and a glass of milk. Then I went straight back to bed. I found it hard to even take my morning medicines, which includes anti-nausea drugs for the next several days while the chemo exits my body. It took all my strength to get motivated, up, dressed, and in the car heading toward Murray, Utah. Arriving shortly after 4 pm, as I signed in at the front desk I saw a group of people dressed up as the Wizard of Oz cast there to entertain the cancer patients who were in the infusion center that day. Apparently they were making their rounds to other hospitals. They looked really good. I waited just a few minutes then got called back by a staff member who was also dressed up for the Halloween weekend. She gave me the quick and painless Neulasta shot in the back of the arm and then it was back to the car. Craving red meat (which is rare for me - no pun intended - I like my meat burnt!) Leslie Kay, Autumn Barker and myself went to the OutBack Steakhouse for dinner. Throughout the day I could feel the side effects of the chemo beginning. The chills, the mouth sores, and general weary fatigue. I can’t believe that they are beginning on day 3, but then these things do compound with every treatment. I came home and settled straight into bed, taking my nightly medicines, and hoping to sleep the entire night away. This usually does not happen though. Waking up a few times throughout the night has become common for me. Chris and Norene Jensen stopped by to say hello right before a Halloween party. It is always good to see faces from good old Payson, Utah. Fed the dogs, and got back into bed. I’m thinking another 10-20 days and things will be looking much better. Looking forward to better energy levels with no side effects. Tomorrow I will be dressing up the dogs and will stay in bed and let them bark at the people who pass on the street from their favorite window spot in the living room. If the doorbell rings I will emerge from bed and we will give the ghouls or goblins a treat. The dogs love it, and the kids love seeing the dogs. I will be resting and thinking of many better days ahead. I’m so ready for it!