I've had a rougher patch than I thought for this early in the treatment. The first few days were not terrible, but I've been sick and exhausted a lot more than I thought since this weekend.
Last night I was running a dangerous fever. You see, during chemo your blood counts drop and you are very susceptible to infection for a period of usually a few days. During this period, the doctor tells you to go to the emergency room if you run a fever of 100.5. Last night, my temp (normally 97.5) was up to 100.1. My head was thumping and I was quite nauseous. The nausea hit me quick and I got sick, then took my anti-nausea medicine. I hadn't really needed it until now and the nausea just hit me so quick.
I'm no martyr, believe me. Now that I'm feeling nausea, I'll be taking those medicines. Until now, I just hadn't needed it.
My appetite's still pretty pathetic, especially for a guy who is usually a championship eater like me. I'm doing my best to eat and that's all I can do. I'm trying everything. Smaller more frequent meals. Favorites. It's just hard to force feed myself right now. I'm taking in what I can, because I know it'll get tougher as the radiation burns my throat, salivary glands, etc. even worse. Believe me, I'm trying to get all the nutrients I can to heal me.
My spirits have been better the last 24 hours or so. It's great hearing from everyone on here, and with cards and everything. People have really touched me with their gifts of Faith and spirituality. It's really touching that people are giving me their most powerful positive thoughts and prayers at these time. These beautiful acts really help give me hope.
“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.”
- George Iles, American author
In September 2007, David Cole was diagnosed with Stage IVb nasopharyngeal cancer. This blog describes the fight he and his friends and loved ones share. With God's blessing, this blog will chart Dave's brave recovery and the complete eradication of cancer from his body. As well as the medical, this blog will describe the emotional and lifestyle components of the fight.
To a brave man, good and bad luck are like his left and right hand. He uses both.
- Catherine of Siena
- Catherine of Siena
Bernini's David
A warrior braces himself for battle with Goliath
8 comments:
Did the anti- emetic (nausea) med help?
Hey Dave!
Reading this blog brought tears to my eyes. You are a survivor and you will fight this disease. I have no doubt about it. PLUS remember the rage of Yari will occur if you miss our wedding. You are the best man. Someone has to make sure Brian gets on the boat.
I was talking to my man and recommend you hit the ganja pipe. He was against it, but I really heard that it helps with the nausea and hunger. I know I am a liberal Californian...but...if it helps.
I know your Mom is a nurse and all, but I think I have the right cure for the nausea. Try the following: Breakfast, bisquits & gravy. Lunch: Fried Apple Pies; Dinner: Pinto Beans, cornbread, & wash all down with buttermilk.
Feel better already dontcha?
Love & Prayers,
Aunt B.
Stay strong. You have almost 2 weeks of battle behind you. Keep the sling ready and load the stones. I am praying with all my might. Mama
Melinda, the emetic meds are definitely helping. At the first sign of nausea (but no more than every 6 hours), I pop one and the nausea dispels within minutes.
Dave, I am so very humbled by your courage and positive attitude.
Psalms 91 says "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust....I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Remain faithful! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am sad you are unconfortable. Your hope is inspiring. Because of you, I focus even harder of the moment I am in.
My prayers are with you.
Good. Try to keep your mouth moist so it doesn't get too dry. You can get artificial saliva spray to use. (Doesn't that sound gross! It's not like it's donated saliva!) It is more moistening than just water.
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