Week 3 Update

Had my third Chemo session Thursday and I can’t believe how great I am feeling.  This is not my Father’s Chemo (He had a very bad experience). I was expecting some of the same. During my first visit to the Oncologist I was given two anti nausea prescriptions. So far nothing.

Expecting an adverse reaction I stopped walking and other exercises. I was also losing weight. But when I told my doctor this week he said to keep exercising because it will help my body fight the cancer. He said to go on a 2000 calorie diet to stem the weight loss. Now that my swallowing is almost back to normal, I am sure I will start to gain.

I was told that the first two days after Chemo are the worst.  Well this morning I went on a two mile walk (interspersed with a little jogging) on the Gandy Causeway. Being down 20 pounds, it felt good. After this I am going to try to get back to running 5Ks again.

I do feel dizzy and light headed sometimes. When I asked the doctor he said to keep hydrated.  It is hard to keep up. The Radiation and Chemo really dry me even though I had been drinking lots of water. The Radiation Therapist said to drink Smart Water, which I am now doing. She also said watermelon juice is best. Until I get over to Whole Foods – the only place I know that sells it – I just eat lots of watermelon.

Rick’s Post was right on about me staying in shape.  I believe this is one of the reasons I am not having a bad reaction to the Treatment.  Also, the doctor who told me about my Cancer did say that he’s gotten some feedback that it wasn’t that bad.

In addition, I do eat lots of Salads – thanks to Susan who showed me good ways to make them when she was staying with us.  I really got into them and have continued since then.  It helped that Publix had a good salad bar.

So all this combined has resulted in a not unpleasant experience. In the back of my head I know the effects of Chemo are cumulative. So things might change. But for now I’m enjoying the ride.