Advice from others…

Based on some wise advice from others (including the medics), I have decided to keep a notebook on side-effects for each cycle to see patterns of when, what, how, …

My take on this:

• minimal, bullet-point style diary

• just keeping track of tiredness, taste, general stuff

• after 2, 3 cycles, pattern became pretty clear

  1. Chemo day: 2-3 hours in the morning, which pass fairly well with some reading and art, sipping tea to keep oxaliplatin side effects (cold sensitivity) at bay. Then leave with a small infusion pump attached for 46-48 hours.

  2. Days 2 and 3: Loads of energy because of the steroids, which also help to suppress some of the weird sensations and tastes, I think.

  3. These are followed by the well-documented dip on days 4-6 or 7, which for me has been a smörgåsbord of tiredness (sometimes very sudden), feeling full or bloated, strange tastes, and a little cold sensitivity (peripheral neuropathy). Everything tastes of mud, and cold fizzy drinks have an unpleasant taste. It is quite something.

  4. And the reprieve from days 8 or 9 until the next cycle (day 14), which feels like a real reward for having made it through the previous week.I have been trying daily walks (to the supermarket, or around the bridges on the river close by, … or for coffee with friends).