We are rocking our way into Day -3. These past few days have been good, but exhausting. I have slept through chemo- which isn’t like me- and have even napped as soon as we walked into the door afterwards.  Yesterday morning I fell asleep in the recliner right after getting out of the shower, like who is this person? One day I may have even forgotten to get a picture with a sign during chemo because I fell asleep, but I promise I was here.  Even though the exhaustion is real, Terry and I try to go down to the long hallway in the clinic and get at least a mile in after chemo. 

Our current day activities involve going to the clinic in the morning, getting chemo and other supplementary vitamins/electrolytes, and heading home afterward. We are currently wearing masks in the car- something we have been instructed to do to try to prevent inhaling any dust that may be circulating from the AC or heater. My body can also think that there is something foreign and not know how to respond to it, so taking all necessary precautions is necessary.  So if you see two crazy people driving in the car with masks on, you now know why. 

As we start approaching Day 0, I am getting excited yet nervous. I know that the positive days are when your body starts experiencing the intense side effects as it also tries to engraft at the same. We can do everything we are supposed to do and still end up in the hospital because of neutropenic fever or other things outside of our control. Although, we are trying everything we can to prevent that because if I have to be admitted I will most likely be there until engraftment.  

Tomorrow is my last day of conditioning chemo- and it will be the chemo agent that has been known to cause horrible mouth sores that go down your esophagus and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. There have been multiple studies that show chewing ice before the infusion, during, and at least 2 hours after the infusion could help lessen the side effects. For those who know me, they know that I have trained my whole life for this. As an adamant ice chewer- still apologize to those who sit near me at work- I was literally born for this. The nurse yesterday stated that some people just can’t chew ice for that long or a period- and I looked at her and said I’ll be a chipmunk if I have to.

Monday is considered a “rest day” from chemo before I get my stem cells back on Tuesday. However, on my rest day, I am scheduled to be at the clinic for 5 hours for other infusions and lab work, so I’m not sure how much resting will occur. But I guess it’s all in the eye of the beholder lol. 

I’ll try to update again before Day 0. If you messaged me or text me over the past few days, please know I have read most of them and truly do appreciate all the kind words. I am trying to also respond but to be honest my bed has taken top priority the last few days. In all honesty, the kind words, cards, and small gift packages have provided some joy when the house has become too quiet. We appreciate you all so much.