October 4th - 2008

I've reached the halfway point of my chemo treatments but this week has left me with a few more 'strange' side effects.

I continue to have a lot of nasal congestion and spitting up phlegm as well as some body sores and mouth sores which I'm treating with Tom's of Maine anti-cavity and drymouth mouthwash and Nystatin powder for the welts/sores.

I'm tolerating it as well as can be expected though and just take it one step at a time. I think that the remaining treatments are going to be a little bit harder on my system and I'm trying to prepare myself for the changes that come with the colder weather such as cold sensitivity (neuropathy).

It's such a strange experience going through chemotherapy. Between the chemobrain syndrome and the constant changes that I've been experiencing, I never know what to expect when I open my eyes.

On a side note, we stayed up and watched the Red Sox win the second game of the A.L. Division Series against the Angels last night and looking forward to game 3 at Fenway on Sunday night. Go Sox!

July 22, 2008 - Checkup

It continues to be warm/hot and very muggy, but I'm getting used to room temperature foods and beverages (part of the neuropathy side effect). I suppose that it could be much worse.

I went for my bloodwork and checkup today at the oncology clinic (this is an "off week" = no infusions) and I had been scratching my left side for a couple of days. The doctor noticed that I had developed some kind of rash that looks like the beginning of hives on my upper left chest and continuing under my armpit to some areas on my back. They said that it could be related to the platelet counts or maybe just a heat rash.

At any rate, they gave me a prescription for nystatin to apply three times a day. They also told me to call if it spreads or gets worse. If all goes well, I'll start my second round of chemo next Tuesday. They didn't want to schedule anymore appointmens until they see how I do on the three days of infusions next week.