Tuesday I went in for my second round of chemo. I had a pretty good week before I went in so I was hopeful that it would be easier this time instead of last time when I was still recovering from surgery. In talking to people I am beginning to see that going through chemo may be like having children. You don't know what to expect because it could be different every time. Well it has been easier in many ways this time. I have been blessed with no nausea. My food tastes ok, but I have almost zero appetite. I have had fatigue but I have been able to sleep much better at night this time. I also have a little neuropathy but I have been going to acupuncture for that. Since chemo kills the fast growing cells in your body, most noticeable of course is your hair falling out, but the lining of your mouth, through he gut and all the way down to the end are also fast growing cells. This leads to some discomfort also, but that is better this time.
Well the other thing is my hair is getting pretty thin. We are rapidly moving to there being about as much hair as scalp.
One of the things that Mark and started doing right before this all started was to do what is called intermittent fasting. There is some very interesting research regarding the health benefits of this. I recommend looking at the research. There are many ways that people do this. So the idea is to not necessarily reduce calories but reducing the time that you consume food. So our goal is to eat in an approximately 8 hour time period. This puts the cells in your body into a repair mode instead of a replicate mode. It also reduces inflammation in the body.
One other thing I read in regards to fasting is, they are just started human trials on fasting right before chemo for the same reason. Mice studies showed this to be protective to healthy cells during chemo. So I decided to do my own trial this time. It may have been one of the things that has helped me do better this time.
This morning my side affect seem to be reducing so I am hoping for a great day.
Dear Caren,
ReplyDeleteWith such a positive attitude, I am sure you will be blessed. I am glad that the second round was better than the first. You are fortunate to have a wonderful supportive family. You are in our prayers.
Love, Penny and Elwood
Hi, Caren. I'm so glad the pre-fasts are helping, and I'm so glad to hear this round is going better in regards to you getting more sleep, having less nausea, and having working taste buds. But, I'm sorry to hear about that other discomfort. I think of you fondly and often. I remember the times when I stood right next to you and felt the spirit of the Lord. Your faith inspires me, as always. Much Love,
ReplyDeleteKathleen
PS Hang in there! I miss you!