The first week of the new chemo combination hit Karen harder than previous cocktails did. It’s hard to tell if it was the new chemo medication or residual effects from the low platelet count in the preceding weeks, but she felt a new “not well” that was hard to characterize.
The new “I don’t feel well” feeling may sound par for the course, and in some ways it is, but it’s a new kind of side effect to add to the normal list. It’s not a queasy unwell, nor is it a painful one. It’s not a mouth sore or fatigue. So what is it? We’re not quite sure, but it just feels bad. A new kind of bad. Thanks! We needed one more lousy feeling to add to the list.
She managed to get some time with her Kubota on Saturday, thanks to Greene and Sons for doing such a good job fixing it up for her. It was out of commission for about a week, but now runs and works better than ever. And it’s a good thing, because her energy level was a bit lower than where it usually is when she decides to do some mowing. It was with a bit of determined effort that she decided to get some time outside over the weekend.
If she passes her blood test today, she has chemo again tomorrow. We’re both hoping to see something positive on the next CT scans (month or two away) to justify all this, but I suppose the best things are never easy. The doc didn’t mince words when he said he’d have to be aggressive to achieve remission. He’s not in the game to lose, as long as Karen wants to play to win, and that’s one of the things that makes him good.
In the mean time, we are living life like there is no tomorrow. We cashed in our retirement and doing some of the things in one year that we planned to do over time. Mostly it’s been the things in and around the house. Things that Karen has the energy to enjoy. Inside we added furniture, and outside we added her wildflower fields. They should be in full bloom next spring! We’ve also done some landscaping, a new walkway and porch, added a retaining wall, and had a really nice fire pit constructed. Words can’t describe some of this adequately. They should be ready for pictures soon!