Chemo Round #7

Today is day four of my seventh round of chemo and I have been feeling SOOO much better than my last round.  I feel as I did the first few rounds – very tired (have been sleeping about 12 hours a day), nauseous in the mornings, and stomach upset/cramps.  I can handle all of this just fine, and I have still been able to get out a few times this week, which makes me feel so much better.  I am very happy and relieved that all the horrible things I felt last month have not come back.

There are two things that I have started doing this month that may be helping me feel better.  Firstly, I have been taking a live probiotic twice a day for three weeks.  This was recommended by my naturopath and even when I wasn’t on chemo I noticed a difference.  It aids in digestion and helps detoxify your body on a daily basis.  I think this, combined with drinking lemon water overnight and in the morning has helped to lessen the stomach upset, cramping and general feeling of unwell and maybe even has helped eliminate the “brain fog” I experienced on every round of chemo up until now.  Secondly, I had my first acupuncture treatment yesterday.  This was preformed at my naturopaths office and was quite an interesting experience.  Has anyone else had acupuncture done?  What did you find?  It hurt MUCH less than I was expecting it to.  It simply felt like someone just gently flicked my skin each time a needle went in and I could only feel a couple of them once they were inserted.  I had about 20 needles down my shoulders and back, one in each of my ankles, and one in each of my wrists (those were the only two I could feel once inserted).  She did not leave the needles in for very long (maybe 10-15 minutes) as it was my first treatment.  When I went to get up after the treatment I felt totally mixed up, but in a good way.  I felt as if my energy flow and/or circulation was moving in a totally different direction than it normally would.  It took me awhile to come back to and be able to function normally.  For the remainder of the day I felt very refreshed, but drained.  I know this probably makes no sense, but I take this as a good sign meaning that there was a “shift” inside me and she got my energy flowing again and working as effectively as possible.  I see my Naturopath again on Wednesday so I look forward to talking more with her about this.

Thank you all for your prayers, positive wishes and support.  I think these also helped me to feel much better this round.  I am off to start packing for my family’s annual vacation on Georgian Bay now.  I am so happy I feel well and am going to be able to enjoy the time there with everyone!  Thank you and I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend : )