12. Cycle #5 - Week 1
I decided to write a post documenting Cycle #5 as I am going through week 1. It’s neither my best or worst cycle where side effects are concerned, which gives a more neutral perspective, and I also cross the 50% milestone with Cycle #5. Yea!
Day 1 - Infusion Day. This is when I go in to see my oncologist and review my blood test results. I am in the chemo clinic for about 4-5 hours in the morning. The sensitivity and tingling on the right forearm starts almost immediately. The eye and jaw muscle spasms started in the evening but it’s more manageable since I started taking Neurobion in Cycle #3. Sensitivity to cold in the fingers also started. I was a little tired rest of the afternoon/evening but since I food prepped the day before, I still manage to cook a simple dinner.
Day 2 - Didn’t sleep particularly well due to the tingling arm so averaged about 5 hours of sleep. In the first week, I also wake up with a nauseous feeling so I tend to move a little slower. A very important tip I learnt was to take my anti-nauseous pill in the morning, even if I don’t feel nauseous. It’s too late if you are taking the pill AFTER you feel really nauseous. In week 1, I get chemo fatigue and the only thing that helps is to walk. So I tend to do my walks in the morning and evenings and rest in the afternoon. The key is to listen to your body. More information on chemo fatigue can be found here.
Peranakan cooking workshop. Time passes a lot faster when you’re doing things you love…
Day 3 - Tingling lessen quite a bit, thank goodness. Continued with my morning walks to breakfast. Tip: Smile at the aunties and uncles walking round the park. :) This is also the day where I see my TCM physician and also go for my Hands with Love session. These weekly sessions makes me feel calm and you can read more about it here.
Day 4 - Met friends for breakfast, walk around and got back home by 11 am. Today was relatively easy day. Cooked a simple dinner.
Day 5 - Went out for walk and breakfast but energy level is distinctly lower in the afternoon. Still managed to cook a simple dinner.