Gemzar + Xeloda = Better Protocol?

I had my 2nd session of chemotherapy with the new protocol and am looking forward to my third.  Because that means, after this Friday, I will have a one-week break from chemo.  So as early as now, am already thinking of good tasting food to eat and nice non-exhausting activities to do.

Seriously, recently, I’ve been feeling a bit better.  Last weekend was the first time I didn’t have to take Oxycontin (my narcotic pain reliever) nor did I take Dolcet.  However, Monday, I was exhausted and my back was aching but I didn’t have to take Oxycontin.  Dolcet was fine.  Even for last night.  Which is good!    Really!  Because I’ve been on pain relievers, daily, since the last week of January. 

Have you been praying for me?  Well, I guess your prayers are really being heard by God.  Have you been praying that the side effects won’t hit me bad?  Then I request you to please continue to pray for me because I believe your prayers are doing me wonders.  Thank you and thank God!

Remember I’ve been anxious about those side effects, especially the ones which Xeloda will bring?  Well, I am pleased to let you know that so far, after 11 days on Xeloda, I still haven’t experienced its side effects.  No diarrhea ( more on constipation though ), no mouth sores and no hands and feet soreness.  Praise God!    I was actually skeptical if the Xeloda was working at all.  I asked one of the doctors if it were possible if the drug was doing its job without me experiencing the side effects.  He smiled at me and affirmed that such is possible.  Thank God! 

So I’m really very grateful because the worse effects I’m experiencing are loss of appetite and nausea (brought by Gemzar) from Saturdays to Mondays.  As soon as my eyes open on Tuesday mornings, I look forward to a heavy breakfast.  Which would mean 1/3 cup of rice and some fancy viand cooked by my long-time household help, Aylene.    I wish I could eat more than that but that’s just how my system is now.  If I eat more, I’m most likely to feel some pain later.  So I just have few small servings during the day, which experts say, is the right way to eat our meals so we don’t gain weight fast.    It helps speed up our metabolism.  Well, if you didn’t already know, cancer does speed up one’s metabolism.  That’s why cancer patients easily lose weight too.

Anyway… Even my loss of hair is gradual.  I know it’s thinning out already but I’m still able to hide it.  No need to shave my head yet.    I’ll just wait till it’s a little bit more obvious.

One thing this cancer is teaching me, is to appreciate the small things I take for granted.  Like enjoying a good meal or perhaps a sound sleep or even a full day’s work.  Would you believe that from Friday nights to Monday evenings, my meal prayer would include something like, “Lord, please help me eat this food and I hope I will like the taste.”  Before bed, I’d again ask the good Lord if it would be possible that I have a good sleep.  That is why I have been rejoicing since Sunday.  I have been getting good sleep! 

Well, again, my heartfelt gratitude to you for praying.  Your prayers indeed are doing me wonders!  Thank you.