Chemo, round 4, very tough morning - need reassurance

[mts]

I had a little bell on my night table. I would ring it whenever I had to get up or when I felt like I might pass out. I never passed out, but at least I knew my hubby would be there asap. Time does not move fast while you are on chemo.
I answered the door once when I was feeling more like a turd and less like caca and I fell on the way to the door. I just fell. Did not pass out, nothing to trip over... just fell. I felt so incompetent! It was the chemo. Interestingly, my skin never looked better though. Seems like the chemo had a "facial effect" on me. I did not have one visible pore, no redness... perfect. So there was one little good thing. In the end, the chemo was not easy but it was do-able. Try to eat- I know this is difficult to do whilst on chemo, but at least some crackers with a pasteurized cheese or something to keep up your strength. Try to "graze" if you can't eat much in one sitting. The combination of low blood counts, lack of food, empty stomach and the chemo itself are enough to knock anyone off their feet. Also, I am sure that constipation is an issue- but that will pass (no pun intented). I was dizzy, week, starving, constipated and nauseated all at the same time... I can certainly sympathize with your fears !

Hang in there, you CAN do it. Especially if you were active before and this makes you feel 125 yrs old. Just think of the chemo doing its thing and of you coming out of this phase with a squeeky clean, cancer free body!

Warmly,

MTS (Maria)

[MJo]

I never got to the point of passing out -- but I always felt like I was walking in my sleep on A/C. Yes it is normal to feel like Sh*t. Low red counts will make you feel out of breath and too tired to walk from the sofa to the coffee table.
I think it's good that you are calling your oncologist for feedback. I was on the phone a lot to my oncologist's nurse during A/C. I remember telling her "I don't think I can do this any more." She said "We'll get you through." And I did get through chemo. So will you. You really will get through this.

As we say, chemo is no walk in the park. Referring to side effects, a survivor friend of mine describes chemo as "the gift that keeps on giving."

Take care and please don't expect too much of yourself. If there is ever a time to be very very very good to yourself, this is it.

[Melinda]

Erin,
I am sending you positive energy to help you thru this round. We started this almost at the same time, you are a round ahead of me. I know your last round was "not a piece of cake" but you made it. Now this one and you are 2/3 of the way home. Come on girl, you can do this.
I would call you ONC to ask abaout your blood counts and see if there is something that you could do to help with the weakness etc. Keep a watch on your temprature. Keep trying to drink water or maybe something with added electrolytes. We are the TCH newbies, and with the support of all of these wonderful sisters, we are going to show them that we are warriors just like them.
Keep the faith!
Melinda