The Final Stand - Day 3

Greeting from the battlefront.

Today has provided me the first taste of what is to come on this final stand against cancer. I woke-up this morning feeling somewhat tired and stiff. My neck feels as though it had tightened up quite a bit overnight. Looking in the mirror, I could see that the skin around my neck looks more stretched than usual.

Jess went to work today, so I was on my own to get to the hospital for my second radiation treatment. I felt well enough in the morning that I didn't foresee this being a problem. Jess and the kids all headed out of the house just as I was taking up refuge on the couch. I got two episodes into M.A.S.H. before I found myself back to sleep... dogs snuggled-up by my side. Luckily I woke up a few minutes past ten; probably because my mouth felt dryer than the Sahara Desert. I had plenty of time to shower and dress before I had to leave the house for my medical appointment.

The drive to my appointment was uneventful. I could really tell the difference in the stiffness of my neck as I drove today compared to yesterday. When I got to the hospital, the lower lot was full, so I was forced into the parking garage. I made it to the Radiation Oncology clinic a half hour before my scheduled appointment (I'd much rather be early than late). I was in luck! The gal that runs the radiation machine for head and neck cancers was able to squeeze me in early.

I was escorted back to treatment room where I immediately began getting ready to get zapped. This requires me to remove my glasses, ball cap, and shirt. I laid down on the table and got locked-in. The mask felt a little tighter today than it had yesterday, but not so much so that it was unbearable. Once in the machine, I could immediately hear the broke-down go-cart begin making its laps around my head. After a few minutes, I was released from my torture and sent on my way.

Leaving the hospital, I felt pretty good. I decided to stop at a sushi restaurant I had been wanting to try for some lunch. I got a couple sushi rolls and was pleased that my taste hadn't changed yet. I did notice that the soy sauce was extra salty, but that could have been the sauce and not my taste buds.

After lunch I headed home. With a full belly, I was feeling a bit tired and run down. I text Jess to let her know I was going to take a nap and that I may not or may not pick Jacee up from school depending on how long I crashed for.  

I woke-up at 5 p.m. feeling like I was on the verge of getting the flu. I was also battling stomach cramps from being constipated so I knew my evening was not going to be pleasant.

So, I watched a little bit of T.V. while making routine trips to the restroom every ten minutes to battle the constipation. I found some relief, but not enough to consider being in the clear. I will definitely be upping my medication and fiber intake tonight.

Long story short... I am tired and constipated. My neck is getting stiff and the mild headaches still come and go. Taste is still okay, but my appetite is not what it usually is (I skipped dinner all together.) I imagine tomorrow will be much like today... just feeling rundown.