This week I had my first experience with the effects of chemotherapy. The day after chemo #1 was Canada Day. My parents were expecting me to feel sick but I actually felt very energized. I ended up being in the Port Hope Parade with the cadets and going to the waterfront festival afterwards with my mom. The next few days I ended up going out shopping and probably doing a little too much. I did feel fine though until Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning, I woke up in the middle of the night with an ear ache and I couldn't hear out of that ear. I didn't get out of bed until 11:30 and felt very tired and sick. We were able to to see my family doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics for an ear infection. That day I didn't have an appetite either. Thursday I was still recovering. I realized that now that I'm on chemo that I won't be able to do as much even when I do feel great because I'll end up paying for it later.
Some of the effects of my chemo is that my muscles will get very sore and I'll feel very tired. I've noticed that my legs and back gets sore and I'll usually end up having an afternoon nap everyday. I'm also not allowed to be in the sun as my skin becomes very sensitive. If I am in the sun, I'm always wearing a hat and sunscreen with 110 spf! I've also realized my appetite has decreased. I never know what I want to eat anymore and my portions have decreased. So far, my hair is fine. I have notices that my hair is shedding a bit more but do far it's ok. The nurses have said that usually after the 2nd treatment it will start to come out. In the meantime I've prepped my self with hard, scarves and buffs! So far I think my side effects have been pretty good as I was expecting viscous nausea. Maybe it's because this is my first one but ill definitely still take it day by day to see how I react. This weekend was very fun as I was able to spend Saturday Afternoon downtown Cobourg with Cheyne! It was so nice to get out and feel normal! Sunday I had a visit from my #favteacher, Mr. Bowers who was visiting Ontario all the way from BC! Seeing everybody gives me that extra push I need to get me through this and to be honest I think it helps my parents see that together as a family we aren't doing this alone. The one big fear I had coming back to Ontario to start this journey was that I would be all alone. I was afraid that my friends from high school would be too busy with their summer jobs that I wouldn't see them. However, it's been the complete opposite! Last week I was even feeling a little down because I was very bored and I was thinking to myself that I shouldn't be here, I should be in Newfoundland on the ship. At just the right time, a packaged arrived for me. It was a care package from the crew on the Atlantic Raven last summer. I was so happy to know that even during people's busy lives they have time to show me that I got this and that they are thinking of me. It also reminded me that my goal is to get better and get back out to sea. Lately I get very bored. Many of you who know me, know that I've always been kept very busy. Every summer I've always been away whether on ship or at camp. During the school year, I was of course busy with schoolwork but I also balanced having a job and I was very busy with cadets. Now I wake up and have to figure out what I'll be doing. I've started painting and scrap booking and I plan to start doing a lot of baking. But I'm so thankful that I this is happening during the time of Netflix. I've read many times that it's good to find a show that makes you laugh. So far I've binged watched the Office 2 times and now I'm starting to watch reruns of friends. So if you have any suggestions on shows that would be great because I now have so much times to kill! This Thursday is Chemo #2. Im feeling fine knowing that this is finally going ahead and I'm getting into a routine. Every chemo is a goal because I know that every chemo is just another step forward in getting back to where I belong.
6 Comments
Cathy Carter
7/11/2017 03:54:16 am
Katie I am a friend of your Dad's through cadets. I admire your courage and I think you are an amazing person just like your Dad. Keep up the strong fight, you have tons of people behind you!
Reply
Jacquie Verbruggen
7/11/2017 04:12:22 am
Hi Katie
Reply
Lisa McMaster
7/11/2017 05:24:42 pm
Yes Grace and Frankie is great! I was about to suggest the same show!
Reply
Susan Pratt
7/11/2017 07:46:22 am
Oh no not scrapbooking. You are a beautiful strong sprit Katie. Thank you for educating me about your journey.
Reply
Devon Henderson
7/11/2017 01:28:26 pm
Hi Katie,
Reply
Barbara Murray
7/11/2017 06:32:47 pm
Frankie and Grace is an excellent program that will have you laughing. Watch it with your mother. Invest some time in a few board games to keep your brain active. Game of thrones starts this Sunday and if you have not read the books, now would be a good time to start. Not that the books and the TV show are similar but they are both entertaining and help you know who is who.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Author: Katie BarkerJust an average Sailor who battled Cancer and won! Archives
August 2018
Categories |