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How I'm doing: Our bodies are resilient! And the Rage Room is booked.

It's been just over 2 weeks since I had my last chemo infusion. As I've written, the side effects intensified for the last couple, and emotionally I've been spent. But the past 48 hours feel like a true turning point:

  • My chemo rash isn't as bright red, and my skin seems to be repairing itself again.
  • My nose doesn't drip yellow or yellow-pink anymore, and I haven't had nosebleeds.
  • I think I willed myself to sweat again, so sleeping with frequent hot flashes got a little easier.
  • I'm getting my taste buds back. I had a few cocktails to celebrate my good friend's art getting exhibited in a gallery here, and I didn't have shooting pains at night as a consequence. Plus, just knowing I didn't have to worry as much about interactions with chemo made me relax more easily while being out in public and having a drink or 3(!).
  • I'm tired but not as tired.
  • I've had more energy during my workouts; they weren't as difficult to complete.
  • And thankfully, the neuropathy in my hands and feet got significantly better, AND I've been able to use my fingers and toes without nearly so much pain.
Given that I poisoned my body for 3 months, I'm super impressed! I have a ways to go to heal and repair, but ... it's not like it was.

This has coupled with wonderful visits with a good friend and my cousin Donna (both therapeutic) (yes, all in the same 48 hours), warm weather, scoring an amazing parking spot Saturday night (worthy of its own story, but I'll spare you), and finally being able to envision myself living life steadily and happily in the short-term too, with my current body, which is huge. I went from crying on the spin bike on Friday (it happened) to singing out loud on the spin bike today. 

I also am looking forward to smashing and screaming and crying as loudly as I can in a Rage Room, which I booked for Thursday night. 

So, I am moving forward again, people. 

Up next

  • Wednesday: Radiation oncology appointment. I really, really, really hope to get a general timeline.

  • Thursday: Rage Room appointment. I really, really, really hope to get it all out.

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