One Week In…
I made it through my first week after chemo! While this is a "baby step," we're finding it important to celebrate these small victories and look for the ways God is meeting us with his new mercies each day. So it feels like a win.
Overall, my first week went well. I was nervous about what to expect in the days following my first treatment. I've heard so many stories from others who have walked this road before me, and I've wondered what my experience will be like. So I'm thankful to stop anticipating it and just get started figuring out new rhythms. Chemo is cumulative, so symptoms may be more progressive as I go, but I'm glad to be through week one. Here's a quick rundown...
Monday night, I didn't sleep a wink due to the steroids pumping through my body. (There are measures I will take next week to help with this).
Tuesday, I woke up with what a friend called "roid rage"—a rosy red rash on my face and neck from the steroids. I was having trouble functioning simply from lack of sleep. I also got a particular migraine headache that I get periodically—the pain starts in my neck and goes up through the left side of my head, ear, and eye with no let-up for days, no matter what measures I take. Between a friend praying for me, a massage from Anthony, some meds, and a heating pad, it eased enough for me to get some much-needed sleep that night.
Wednesday, the headache was back, and I had no appetite due to low-level nausea. Even water tasted bad. But I was still able to go on a walk and even ran an errand for work. By evening, I was starting to crash and went to bed early.
Thursday was my "crash day." The plug had been pulled. Even little tasks felt insurmountable. The nausea continued all day, but I'd force myself to eat (avoiding an empty stomach helped a little). My mom was here, which was a gift. Her sweet, unassuming presence was such a comfort—there's nothing like your mom when you don't feel good! We went on a walk together and even made a trip to the grocery store for produce. (I don't think I will try the grocery trip on my crash day again; I was sincerely worried I might not have the energy to make it out of the store. I'm learning my limits). My headache was still there, but many were praying, and it started to ease by evening. I slept hard.
Friday, I woke up feeling great! I even had enough energy to hang out with friends that evening. It felt good to laugh.
Saturday has been another good day. I'm currently ironing my son's outfit for his Sophomore dance tonight and arranging a flower bouquet for his date. I wasn't sure I'd be up for this earlier this week, so I'm delighted at this simple joy!
I plan to go to church on Sundays for as long as possible. It's a good "focus day" for me. I'll sit in the back with a mask and refrain from my usual hugging, but just being with my brothers and sisters in Christ, singing to our God, feasting on his word, looking around, and knowing that everyone there is fighting their own battles big and small and trusting God to show up, gives me strength. I find it's a good time for me to reflect on where I've seen God's activity this past week, and it gives me courage to face the week ahead. Chemo happens again on Monday. In runners' terms, this cancer journey, much like life, is a marathon, not a sprint, and I need every replenishment available for each leg. The day may come this year when I can't attend church in person (thankful for the online option!), but I look forward to being there while I'm able.
As for other simple joys... Sunshine! Easter is coming. March Madness is ready to begin. Sweet friends painted our basement this week to prepare it as a guest room for out-of-town helpers. Our daughter is being refueled on a YoungLife retreat this weekend. And this day feels more normal than most have these past few weeks.
Thank you, Lord.
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. —Psalm 126:3
PS... We so appreciate your caring and thoughtful comments to us on this website. Even though we are not able to acknowledge each one, they are an encouragement. Thank you!