Had an interesting experience at the weekend and learned an important lesson. I've blogged a bit about how I don't feel toooo bad, tolerable side effects etc. Maybe that lulled me into a false sense of security......
Last Saturday morning I had visitors - two work colleagues came to see me [in a social capacity, work wasn't mentioned once!] The visit was prearranged and they stayed about an hour and a half.
It was great to see them - they're both great company and very easy to entertain. I didn't go overboard - made coffee and gave them some of my mum's homemade date slice - and we just sat and nattered. Both commented on how well I looked and in all honesty their visit perked me up. Not that I was particularly "down" - but just seeing them made me feel better, and gave me a bit of a lift. Something to focus on other than the Medical Merry-Go-Round of radio - chemo - appointments etc.
But after they'd gone, I was exhausted. Proper wiped-out, can't-keep-my-eyes-open tired. I had to go to bed for a couple of hours to recover and still felt pretty drained on Sunday, too.
I can't believe how much it took out of me.
I mean, all I was doing was sitting there talking?! I've thought about it since and all I can come up with is that although I'm coping with the medical routine, the "social" thing was a bit too demanding for me in my current condition - after all, I'm still undergoing treatment, I'm not even convalescing yet.
Maybe because I look OK and don't feel too bad, I'd fallen into the trap of assuming I was more well/stronger than I actually am?
Anyway - lesson learned:
I'm not as robust as I thought I was and I MUST NOT try to do too much too soon. I NEED the convalescent period and must not be afraid to say no to people if I'm not up to seeing them.
Am feeling OK again now but am going to be careful not to overdo it.
Jacqui x
