Lull before the storm

Today's driver was my brother, Jared
Welcome to Week Two of treatment, or the lull before the storm. 

This week is dealing with the after-effects of chemotherapy, and getting ready for the pain that I've been told is coming in Week Three from the radiotherapy. I'm very philosophical about it even now, as it's just a bridge to the the other side of this.

Chemo. Wow. A cukoo-land where nothing tastes right, you feel like shit, and you're always tired and lethargic. There's nothing like savouring a hot roast chicken and gravy crusty roll. Biting into it, and, WTF? What is going on here? This looks delicious but what has happened to taste and smell? Gone. I never realised how important taste and smell are to food. If you don't have them, I do understand the "why bother eating" brigade. I had the chemotherapy treatment last Wednesday, and it's taken till today, the following Wednesday, to get over the hump of it. Probably the only thing that was able to cut through from a taste perspective was no-sugar green cordial!

My neck is starting to look well-tanned. Some of you have heard me joke about my trips to the tanning salon; well, it's paying off with a nice brown tan around my neck. Now would be a good time to pause, but I know I can't, so this morning it was back to the tanning salon for another go. The staff were lovely asking about Christmas, but the coffee shop at the hospital was closed :( I suppose everyone needs a holiday!

This week I have sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and two on Friday. I also have a special anti-covid drug via two injections in the rear on Thursday night - woohooo.

I'm told this will probably be the last week where the symptoms stay mild. The burns from radiation are expected to kick in next week, as are the internal burns in my neck, which will then lead to drinking and eating complications through the temporary loss of my swallowing muscles.

I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas and New Year period like I am. Have lots to eat, be merry, and enjoy the season; I am.

My four kids organised a beautiful framed photo of themselves for me. Nice - went straight to the piano in the family room.


 
 

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