Figuring it all out

Funny how things can be pretty dang awesome one minute, and all hell break loose the next.  I was pleased with the way my body initially responded to the chemo last week.  Wednesday through Saturday things seemed to be pretty normal.  That all came to a screeching halt on Sunday.  I felt good that morning and went to the early service at church.  By the time lunch rolled around, I wasn’t starving, but knew that I needed to eat something.  I managed to eat a little bit of lunch, but wasn’t feeling the greatest!  I spent the rest of Sunday on the couch.  Going to church and out to lunch did me in for the day!  I was simply exhausted.  Everyone tells me to “listen to my body” – so I was content to just hang out on the couch most of the day.  I attempted to watch a movie with Hunter – but he advised me later that I fell asleep within the first 30 minutes of the movie!

Monday morning CC had to go to Durham for an Epidural Steroid Injection in an effort to get some relief for this pinched nerve in his neck.  We have joked that we are just taking turns driving each other to doctor’s appointments.  I pray this injection gives him some relief.  The tiredness continued most of the day on Monday – and even though I was being diligent about eating and drinking, nothing seemed to stay with me very long.  Our neighbors cooked dinner for us – and everything tasted normal – but as had been the case all day, every time I got something on my stomach, it didn’t stay there very long.  ***I apologize for the TMI!*** I was plaqued by diarrhea all dang day.  Just when I thought I had been able to keep something on my stomach….well, it didn’t happen.  I got a bit nervous because I didn’t want to get dehydrated.  I definitely didn’t want to end up in the ER for fluids.  We read over my chemo instructions and the instructions there were to take Imodium to help with the diarrhea.  I took one round of the Imodium last night and was able to get some relief and some sleep.  That is…..until about 2:15 am.  I woke up at 2:15 sweating like crazy.  I got up and grabbed a thermometer to check my temperature.  100.5 is the magic number – I have been instructed to call my doctor and head to the ER if my temp reaches 100.5.  My temperature was 100.0!  I got me something to drink, took some Ibuprofen and stayed up awhile hoping to get my fever down.  About an hour and a half later,  my temp had dropped to 99 and I went back to bed.

There’s a Community Wide breakfast provided every year on July 4th.  Most of the time, we’re at the beach and not able to attend…..but I wanted to go for a while today just to see friends and family that I don’t get to see any other time.  I had a few pieces of toast at home before we left and ate a little cantaloupe and watermelon.  I had hoped to stay awhile and visit, but I was just so tired and weak we came home pretty quickly.  I spent the majority of the day in the dark, cold basement.  Rest is best!  My fellas treated me to a banana milkshake this afternoon and that was quite yummy!

I know this, too, shall pass. Everybody tolerates chemo differently – and the effect it has on everyone’s body is totally different.   No two people’s experience is the same.   My main objective is to keep myself hydrated and fever-free and eliminate any trips to the ER!

Many have asked how to specifically pray for me – and right now, I would say to please pray for me to be able to stay hydrated and fever-free!

I have been so very blessed by the outpouring of love and kindness that so many have shown.   I continue to be amazed at just how wonderfully God provides for his children – He knows our every need!

Happy July 4th!

Hugs!

Sonja

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Author: temporarylumps

A Christian wife, mom, daughter and friend View all posts by temporarylumps