This here being a Saturday marks my first week of Radiation Therapy, and so far, I'm winning. Chemothearapy got the better of me on Thursday, but at least I've got a better idea about how this whole chemo nausea stuff works.
One thing I've learned is that I'm not different --chemo will make me sick just like everyone else. If you're reading this before you start a course of chemotherapy, know this - unless you're blessed with an alien's digestive system, you will get sick.
It's the sneakiness of the process that got me so cocky. After my first infusion, I felt terrific, ready to take on Charlie Sheen, tiger blood and all. Part of it was probably just the relief of finally getting this part of the treatment started, but part of it was because of the other drugs administered with the chemo, one of which is an anti nausea medicine. I recieved nothing in the way of anti nausea after that, so I was basically an overconfident kid waiting to be taken down.
In a way, it's a good thing I got sick. It means the chemo is doing what it's supposed to, killing quickly dividing cells like cancer and the lining of your digestive tract. It's one of those No Pain, No Gain moments.
Looking over to the right, you'll notice a link to a new page, one that actually means something. I'm going to try to keep a (I hope terse) daily log of what's happening, so that others who haven't had the benefit of this type of chemically enhanced living will be forwarned.
Here's what you're in for...
This is a chronicle of my experiences, observations, and feelings as I experience treatment for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). The goal is to give anyone going through chemotherapy and radiation for MCC (or any other cancer for that matter) an idea of what to expect. Of course I'm a unique individual just like everyone else, so what happens to me may or may not happen to you. Your mileage may vary.
I'm a pretty reserved guy, so most of these posts will be straightforward, just-the-facts-ma'am entries. I may occasionally get maudlin, but cut me some slack -- I could die from this.
Hi Paul~Having experienced severe morning sickness twice, I found that ginger and peppermint helped me somewhat...mostly in the form of teas and candies, also saltine crackers helped me too....but of course I don't know if all nausea is equal...while these things might work for a pregnant lady, don't know if they will help you.~Suzanne
ReplyDelete