Side Effects

If you are easily grossed out or don’t want “too much information” you probably shouldn’t read this next section…


Like I said before, I felt really good right after the injections so we went for lunch. We went to a restaurant that had Irish Stew and Soda Bread for their special and it sounded – and tasted so good to me! It wasn’t a very big portion but in hind sight it was a bit too heavy of a meal because as the afternoon wore on I started feeling more and more nauseous. Now the thought of anything like that turns my stomach and I think it will be a while before I can eat any beef.

Even though I haven’t actually vomited, I was very nauseous on and off for the first two days. I woke up on day 2 just famished and when I am hungry I have to eat NOW! I made some porridge and that just tasted so good. I crave soft bland comfort foods (white cheddar macaroni, scrambled eggs, boiled potatoes with butter, fish, chicken breasts) and fresh fruit and vegetables. I think the fruit and veggies go down so well because they quench my thirst. The drugs make my saliva very thick and my tongue is coated in this white coating. I am always thirsty but anything I drink – even water leaves a sour or metallic after taste and the fruit does too but not as quickly. Now I am starting to get the sores in my mouth so I need to go out and get some alcohol free mouthwash.

I had to take 12 pills on the first day for anti nausea, 2 for heartburn, and 4 for constipation. Believe me - when you are that constipated you can’t think of anything else! Now on Day 6 I am down to 2 for heartburn and 2 of the anti nausea as needed. YAY I hate taking pills and this is way, way out of my comfort zone.

I usually get up really early because I am so hungry and then have a nap later in the morning or sometimes in the afternoon. Last night I slept after supper for a bit. The pills make me drowsy. Bathing with this PICC line is difficult because I can’t get it wet. We have to wrap my arm with saran wrap and tape it but it is hard not to get my elbow dipped in the water. I really miss my daily showers but at this point appearance takes too much effort and isn’t on the top of my list of priorities. Hopefully that will come back….

Today I am feeling a little better and seem to have a bit more energy. It is surprising how quickly I tire out though. My sister Audrey arrived on Saturday to help me out. She is busy cleaning my bathrooms (thanks sis!) and she made a really nice supper for us last night. Later we might venture out to the grocery story. Murray and Vince are going to Red Deer on Wednesday for Vincent’s audition so she will be here to baby sit me ;o)

In some ways this is what I expected but it could be a lot worse. As much as I despise taking all these pills, it is better than puking for days on end. If that were what I had to face, I am not sure you could drag me back there for another go at it!

Some of you have expressed concern about knowing when to phone. Phone calls are great any time as this is a boring existence. Don’t worry about waking me – I can always go back to sleep. If I can’t take your call please leave a message and I will call you back when I can.