2nd Week of Chemo - 16 more to go......

     My 2nd week of round (1) of chemo. This week I only have one medicine they give me. Talking with my professor she mentioned that as the medicine levels build up in my system I might feel worse. I asked the nurse at the chemo clinic if that was the case with her experience. My new sweet nurse/friend Kathy, said people usually have (1) bad week and then (2) good weeks in a round. The bad week is usually the one where they give me (2) medicines; Carboplatin and Taxol. They're given the first week of every round. The 2nd and 3rd week in the round I only get (1) medicine (Taxol) each time. Those weeks are easier weeks. So there are (6) rounds with (3) weeks in each round = 18 weeks of chemo. In summary; Week (1) two meds - harder week; Week (2) one med - easier week; Week (3) one med - easier week, then we start over with another rotation/round of (3) weeks. People seemed to be having a hard time understanding my chemo schedule so hopefully this makes sense.
     This week with chemo: Day (1) -not much nausea til maybe (9) pm, itchy by bedtime again (took an allergy pill), it was a pretty good day. Day (2) -nausea off and on (it helps taking nausea meds). I started in with red bumps on my arms. I wasn't sure if they were mosquito bites but they don't itch. My skin is getting dryer and more itchy, especially my scalp...wonder why.... I did start in with a headache last night but it wasn't to bad. Sometimes I just lay there in bed not being able to go to sleep, then my mind tends to get thinking more intently about things, worrying etc. making it even harder to go to sleep. So that's when I get up and take an Ambien. I do occasionally get a really dry cotton mouth and sweet foods don't sit really well except Italian ice/Creamies. I mostly tend to gravitate towards the salty foods. When I was pregnant most of the time my cravings were for salty things-wonder if there is any correlation? Gatorade sits really well in my stomach. I do notice tingling like when a cold sore is starting (I had that reaction last week also). I know you get mouth sores; I wonder when those will start, then salty things will probably be out. I guess I'll enjoy them while I can. All of these things I've mentioned are reactions other people have experienced. For more info follow this link:

Cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/skin-reactions

Thanks to everyone who has so graciously helped our family and to those who have prayed, sent good vibes, or whatever your way of wanting the best is for our family and myself. ...."if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me..." Matthew 25:40