So really, when the oncology nurse calls and tells you that if you are having trouble sleeping that you can call for a sleep aid, while she is on the phone with you just say, "Um, yeah, that thing. I need it. Thanks." Don't be an idiot and think you'll call her later on, and then forget, and then be awake again all night. Also, when you think that you will move on from the useless Benedryl to something like, say, NyQuil, perhaps it would be good to remember that all the lining of your GI tract is a little under attack from the meds, so if you were to say swig your big ol' dose of NyQuil, full of alcohol, it would burn like a sumbitch going down. Just if that were a random thought anywhere in the process.
I never thought I would be looking at such short-term goals with such longing: be awake in the day, sleep during the night. Or even, if I may, being grateful that all bodily functions continue along in their boring yet dependable way; when they cease to perform as expected, it is...unpleasant. Be happy you can go when you gotta go and not go when you don't gotta...
Of this we shall not speak again. I will deny I ever brought it up. In fact, I'll cast aspersions on you and suggest that you misunderstood me.
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that I'm sending you big hugs and positive energy. I just found out about your cancer and it sucks balls, if I'm allowed to say so. Know that you are surrounded by love.
Love, Tammy Schultz
P.S. Your blog is pretty awesome.
This helped me with the mouth sores and the constant nasty taste in my mouth. We have a family friend who is a naturalpath and she told me about Glutamine powder- swish and swallow 1-2 scoops daily. I mixed it with cranberry juice. Tastes good! She said there are no contraindications but I'd still run it by your doc. Probiotics can help too.
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ReplyDeleteThanks so much Karyn! I will try it! And yes, cranberry is my go-to right now to try to make me drink water! Your advice from having been in the trenches is priceless!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Andrea, I hope it works for you. I stopped using that horrible, nasty, disgusting mouthwash they concoct for people on chemo. Couldn't stomach that crap. This and the Biotine helped me the most.
ReplyDeleteMy 'trenches' were never as deep as yours. I never understood all that 'hero' stuff people use to tell me. All I did was take the medicine and hoped that it worked. I never wanted to buy into the sympathy or start feeling like a victim. Shit happens. Deal with it.
But in reading your story I now get it. Lean into the wind and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. The physical journey is yours alone but so many people are pulling for you.
You're welcome, Andrea, I hope it works for you. I stopped using that horrible, nasty, disgusting mouthwash they concoct for people on chemo. Couldn't stomach that crap. This and the Biotine helped me the most.
ReplyDeleteMy 'trenches' were never as deep as yours. I never understood all that 'hero' stuff people use to tell me. All I did was take the medicine and hoped that it worked. I never wanted to buy into the sympathy or start feeling like a victim. Shit happens. Deal with it.
But in reading your story I now get it. Lean into the wind and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. The physical journey is yours alone but so many people are pulling for you.