Day 4 Dose 4 | Reaching the summit

Today was the 4th dose of the Cisplatin and VP-16.  For now just 1 more dose to go which is tomorrow.  Chemo is cumulative so I don't know how the weekend will go or how bad it will be. 

I slept a lot yesterday and by far yesterday was the worse day.  I got to the Center this morning and was not feeling all that great.  Had a little emotional moment.  It can all just build up and needs to get out.  The feeling of Chemo is hard to explain.  At times I don't even believe that I am in my body.  It is really hard to explain, I can touch myself and it does not feel like my body.  

A friend of mine Stephanie was at the center today.  She had my room when she went through Chemo so Room #5 is the happening place for sure.  She said take care of my room and we spent some time just chatting about how back cancer sucks!  She agreed with the concept that at times you are not in your body, she brought it up so I was grateful that I was not crazy.  She has finished her Chemo and is wrapping up her Radiation treatments.  So she is supporting me in the photo today.  Yes we hugged, first hug in months for me.  It was a friendly reminder that we are never alone in this journey and yet again bad things happen to good people.  I first met Stephanie at the MOM clinic in Salisbury years ago.  It is a clinic that provides free dental care to those in needs.  We had a blast for the two days we served other people.  A true giver and a great example in life.  

I slept okay last night.  Symptoms are mostly lower GI and fatigue so far.  I was up 10 pounds when we weighted today so they are considering Lasix to help pull that off.  They also did a standard dose of the Decadron today which has helps fluid move, I have spent half the day in the bathroom.  

Symptoms have not really changed throughout the day.  I have had more energy today that yesterday, I do have a little feeling of Nausea but nothing major.  I can push through it fairly well.  I have some meds to take to help here at home and will stay ahead of it.  But I am wanting to eat.  I also can feel the fluid building back up.  

Leslie brought some potato soup, and it was so good.  Stephanie also recommended that we get some mexican chicken soup so that is on the list  And my dear friend Cathy is going to bring me a cake she baked.  I honestly feel like eating it all so I plan to do that.  

So let me just say that the soup hit the spot.  I had two bowls and I am keeping it down !!!!  

I will go for the cake a little later, I will use it for the night time pills.  

Metallic taste is starting to build up in my mouth so I anticipate that in the coming days that will increase.  I also can smell like no one else.  I can smell anything, I honestly think that I could give a bloodhound a strong run for their money.  

The best part of the day today was the visit from Amanda and Brady!  It was pouring down rain and they came to window shop.  It again made everyone in the Centers day to see people supporting patients.  I was surely the best sunshine in my day.  

I can not tell you how big of an impact it makes when people show their love and support.  It gives you extra energy to just push through.  It changes the whole experience and perspective.  I LOVE MY FRIENDS and can never be grateful enough for all they have done.  

My Co-Worker dropped off a gift from my North Carolina team and I was so out of it last night I laid it down and totally forgot about it.  Chemo brain is legit.  Well I just opened it today and they were awesome.  They got me a Nintendo Switch to keep me occupied.  They are the best.  I have felt so much love this week!  

I am not one who normally lets people give me things and I feel bad when people do nice things for me.  But I remember that people want to help and people want to support and part of being on the receiving end is to just receive.   Were one day closer and still pushing strong.