Week Two Reflections

Hi

So it's end of week two of treatment for me and on the whole, I'd say it was much better than week one. 

• Bowel Movements (BM) are my biggest challenge.  The nausea in week one passed and I started embracing my appetite and I think consequently I've suffered for it.  No accidents as yet, but theres the urgency and frequency to battle with - I'm really appreciating the "wet wipes" and I've started using the sitz bath to help ease the discomfort. I have made the decision to go to a more bland diet, potato, bread, chicken and rice - although Christmas Day, I'll live it up a little.  I'll share next week if changing my diet helps with my BMs.
• Meds.... I didn't take the anti-nausea tablets one morning - big mistake, the car ride to radiotherapy felt awful. Luckily, I've got my bag of supplies so as soon as we arrived I took one and in 20 minutes I felt fine.  I've now got paracetamol by the side of my bed - I've had a few nights where I've woken up in a little bit of pain - in last few days, it feels like period pain.  I did try a stool softener but not sure if I should have increased the dosage to maximise the benefit - I've got a check-in with the team tomorrow.  I think their intention was to help me go to the loo less - which would be a blessing. And just incase it's of interest to anyone, I take my chemo at 8 am and 8 pm - I drink them down with cold chocolate oat milk.  
• Tiredness - I've just been taking it very easy - a nap every day and not going to bed any later than 10pm.  It's definitely not as bad as the first week but yesterday was a treatment free day and I was able to appreciate how the chemo and radiotherapy are having an impact on my energy levels.
• Mentally - I felt much stronger this week - I had only one outburst of tears and that was yesterday when I was worrying about my 9.15 radiotherapy appointment this morning - which actually went okay.  I stopped writing my journal as honestly week one was such a pity-party - understandably!  I am keeping a countdown on my fridge - and after I've taken my evening chemo - I rip, tear-up that day - 17 treatment days to go!! 

What else to report, ohh my hubby got me some cheap cotton PJs from TK Maxx - he's going to buy me a second lot!  I've been moisturising with coconut oil twice a day - always after my treatment and I've been enjoying a luke warm bath daily too.

I'm surprised at how well and quickly week two has gone by and that with a few paracetamol here and there I'm still relatively comfortable - more than I expected to be.  

Very much looking forward to Christmas and Boxing Days being treatment free!

With love and light to you all. 

Ali

Xoxo