The "Bleh" of Chemotherapy

OK - the day of chemotherapy wasn't too bad. In fact, I could see how people would be able to ride their bike to and from chemo, and how they could carry on normal activities that evening. I even spent that evening at choir for a 3 1/2 hr taping session. But ya gotta know, the storm clouds were gathering, and the barometer was dropping, the storm was approaching - things were about to change! 

I felt pretty good the next morning (Day #2) - good enough that I got up and went to work. I was a little shakey, and my bladder was ramped up to super-hyperdrive (annoying!) - but I was feeling pretty good and happy to be at work and happy to be productive. However, the storm clouds continued to gather . . . 

That afternoon, I went to HCI for my shot of Neulasta (the drug the stimulates your bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, as chemo has now destroyed them) - and then an errand on the way home. Somewhere between there and here, IT HIT: overwhelming tiredness, nausea, and general BLEH! I wasn't much good the rest of the night. I didn't make it to choir that night for taping (or any other night during the week, for that matter).

The next day (Day #3) was more of the same - just a whole big long day of it - and more intense! Thank goodness for good nausea drugs, some time off work, and a nice big recliner.  Now, in addition to the hyper bladder, and BLEH feeling, eating sounded like the worst idea in the world. Nothing sounded good, and everything tasted funny. Oh, and to add a little insult to injury, the Neulasta kicked in. Stimulating the bone marrow to rev up production means a deep, intense bone ache. I thought I was a little old for "growing pains" - but that best describes it: my sternum, jaw, femurs - they all ache. Well, maybe it's just old-age arthritis! 

The next couple of days have been more BLEH and achiness - but thankfully, much less than Day 3. So I suspect I see the pattern and how it will probably go for me the next three rounds of chemo. While it's tough and I don't feel great - I feel pretty lucky:
- The drugs help it to be manageable. They have controlled the nausea pretty well (no throwing up yet) - and the achiness gets better with pain meds.
- I know the achiness will get better (drugs are somewhat helpful) - and I'm glad to have a way to make new WBCs so I don't get too low
- I have a wonderful team at work who are doing a fabulous job so that I can take some time off work
- I have a very observant, helpful, experienced, and loving husband who knows what to watch for and how to help manage the side effects
- I still have all my hair . . . today! (I know this is short-lived, though)

Time to Pay

Everyone should pay their money to Heather this week.  $40.  Also, start posting!

Thanks, Pamela

PEM Health Challenge

It officially begins Tuesday, May 31st! This will be a 12 week challenge.  The cost to enter is $40 due the week of 5/31/2011.  The money will be locked away until week 12.

- The details:

Any member of the division can join.  We will split the entry fee into two pots.  At the end of the 12 weeks, whoever loses the largest percentage of weight will receive half the pot.  The remaining half of the winnings will go to the one with the most points earned on the health tracker.  This can be the same person!  So, this is a challenge for everyone, those who want to lose weight and those who just want a healthier lifestyle and need motivation.

- What we will do:

•  We will either track our calorie intake vs. calories burned or keep a food journal ( weight watchers, lose it, daily plate can be used for calorie counting, if you choose to calorie count).  This is either to help you lose weight or for you to be conscious of what you are eating in a day.
• We will exercise for 3.5 hours each week (30 minutes a day for each week However, it can be one hour one day and 30 min the next, 15 minutes one day and 45 minutes the next, and so forth).
• We will have a goal to drink 6 glasses of water/day.
• We will try to eat 5 fruits & veggies a day.
• We will relax for 10 minutes a day (reading, meditating, napping, etc).
• We will have weekly challenges, found on this blog on the right hand column.

Trip to Moab

Hello Friends! I am hoping to organize a trip to Moab this spring for some camping. There is a great hike that has some awesome camping and side trails called Chesler Park. It is found in the needles district of Canyonlands. This hike is a particular favorite of mine, because it is so secluded. I am open to other ideas as well. We could hotel it, or camp by the river and do a bunch of day hikes as well. Anyone interested?

this is an image of Chesler. It would require hiking in supplies, but it is not technically or strenuously difficult.

Salt Lake City Adoption 5k and Family Fun Run

Just a reminder that the Salt Lake City Adoption 5k and Family Fun Run at Wheeler Farm is coming up! I just registered this morning and got a "free" t-shirt! It's only $18 if you register early. Visit this website to register: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1928775

Who's registering for the Salt Lake City Marathon the following Saturday?

Eating Out

Hey, just found this.  It even has which Thai foods to avoid.  :)

Tips on Ethnic Foods

Confession

Okay, I have to admit that, with the whole drop out of the Health Challenge and my bathroom remodel (my house is a huge disaster zone), I have really let my whole health initiative drop. I have not tracked my calories in almost a week and I haven't really been very good about eating well, drinking water, or exercise. I am now publicly admitting my shame and getting "back on the wagon" with a vow to do better. Thanks for all your support and for building this fun blog!