I am not going to lie to you, radiation and chemo together are no walk in the park. I haven’t left my couch in 3 days, except to go to church.. (and even then I left after I sang on the praise team) and radiation at 10 in the morning. I feel nauseous and tired all the time. And then there is the metallic taste in my mouth… which makes food taste different, and that coupled with the nausea makes for a very hungry yet “doesn’t want to eat anything because she cant stand the taste” Heather. I am not vomiting, which is good and bad.. I think I would rather vomit than feeling like I had to vomit but cant.
I’ve heard that lemon drops help with the metallic taste, so today I am going to get some of those. The nausea however, I cant figure that one out. It isn’t like a “in your face” type of nausea, but instead it is a constant source of discomfort, which gets stronger after radiation (as does the metallic taste in my mouth) I am going to try peppermint today, and if that doesn’t work I am going to call my doctor and see if I can take Compazine during the day… If I am going to be tired, I might as well be able to sleep and not be nauseous (the side effects of Compazine are sleepiness.)
I have one week under my belt of Chemo and radiation (I am not well versed in “cycles” yet, maybe one of you experienced cancer survivors can tell me about that) I have 5 more weeks of radiation and then I go on a higher dose of chemotherapy. Luckily it is a 5 day on / 20something days off cycle for the remainder of the year, so I won’t feel like crap all the time.
They say that it gets worse before it gets better and that means the therapies are working. My husband hands me my chemotherapy pill at night and then says “I feel like I am poisoning you”. And he is… the ingredients in chemotherapy are poison, my body is undergoing a flat out attack right now.
But this too shall pass, as My friend Bethany writes.
Things to pray for:
- That Satan would stay out of my thought life. I have my weak moments, and in them, the thoughts of “what if” creep into my mind.
- My fatigue. Pray that it would be taken away, or at the very least that it would be minimized.
- My nausea. Pray that I would be able to find the right combination of drugs/herbs (peppermint, ginger, etc) to combat this.
- My Spirit. Fatigue makes you feel worthless, there is no easy way around that.
- Emma. Today is her first day of summer school!
He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds
-Psalms 147:3
I continue to pray daily, Heather. I hope you get some real sleep soon, and the nausea is dealt with.
Heather,
I appreciate the specific prayer requests. My daughter had 18 months of chemo and the nausea was always present. She seems to have some post traumatic stress whenever she feels nauseaus. She always carries Benadryl with her. However, she is now back to being a normal teenager! The old adage of one day at a time (sometimes we could only do moments) is very true. Sometimes Hannah would only eat or drink one thing for weeks at a time. You can view her journal at http://www.caringbridge.org/ks/hannahmiller
Once you get into your chemo cycles you will have times of feeling really good. It happens suddenly where one day your counts come back up and feel good again. We kept a log of her labs and medications and how she felt / reacted so we would be prepared the next round. Your body will have its own cycle and reactions, but they tend to be fairly similar with each round.
We also found that if Hannah laid in a darkened room and had Enya playing quietly 24/7 she could relax a little better and that helped some. Sometimes a heating pad on her stomach helped too. After her transplant they put seasick discs behind her ears. Just keep trying. Your body will react in its own way and your passing the days in the meantime and eventually you won’t need any of these suggestions because you will be done! Treatment eventually ends and you start feeling better. Prayers for strength and endurance.
DeeJo
Hi Heather,
I stumbled upon your site right around the time of your diagnosis and have been keeping up ever since. Even though this is my first time commenting, please know that you and your family have been in my prayers.
I studied to be a Dietary Manager before I lost my baby boy last February. We had a specific section on nutrition and such for cancer patients. I hope you don’t mind me giving you a bit of advice we learned. Here are a few:
1. Eating 5-6 “mini” meals throughout the day.
2. Drinking nutrient-dense liquids (milkshakes, fruit juices, etc.)
3. Eat meals cold or at room temperature instead of hot. (Hot foods produce more odor, which can trigger or elevate nausea.)
4. When/if you have vomiting, eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, raisins, potatoes and citrus fruits.
I hope this helps you. I hope you continue to feel God’s loving arms around you and your family
God Bless,
Jenny
Well, I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned crystallized ginger, bought at healthfood store. I think you may be feeling like anything is worth a shot and it helps with morning sickness for lots of people and it’s not too expensive; it’s natural, you can sprinkley some in tea, or nibble it like hard candy. I’m not sure what else to say but that our prayers are with you.
Heather! I was on vacation last week and just read a week’s work of posts today! I’m happy for Emma’s Birthday! I’m happy you’re singing on the Praise Team during chemo & radiation! I’m happy I still hear hope!
Chemo is poison. But Jesus promised we would drink poison and it would not harm us. I’m praying this chemo-poison will heal you instead of harm you–that it will only kill the bad cells, leaving the good cells to make you healthy!
Maybe your husband could say this next time he hands you a pill:
Mark 16:18 And these signs will accompany those who believe: …when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Praying for you!
To be honest…I cannot even imagine the feelings that you are having…
you are so amazing to share your story with us. we are stronger for it. it is really amazing how the strength of someone you don’t even know can change you.
Sweet Heather, my prayers are with you. Peppermint candy worked for me as well as zofra for the nausea. I ate alot of “live foods’ i.e. veggies and fruits, sucked on popcycles, and drank plenty of water. If we cooked at home, it was on the grill – just the smell sent me running. I agree, your oncology nurse can be your best friend, call and chat with him/her. Don’t be afraid to call. I felt so miserable and finally broke down to call, found out I was dehydrated and had to go in for fluids. I was just being the perfect non-complaining Christian poster child. Not. Call. Your medical team will be there for you, as well as all of us. Prayer is a mighty powerful thing! Resting is a good thing; it is allowing your body to heal!!! God bless. You and your family are in our family’s prayers!!!
Still praying for you and your family.
When my Mom was going through Chemo, she swore by Arrowroot cookies. They helped take away her nausea, as well as flat ginger ale ( every old wife i know swears by this one…for EVERYTHING)
Wish I could take this yucky nausea away for you. Rest as much as you can. I always say, rest is a weapon.
Praying more now………. knowing you are suffering.
I wish I could be there, to hod your hand and put a cold cloth on your forehead, sweet friend. +
But, I am praying. It’s the best I can do.
Thank you for letting us know how we can pray for you. That is so helpful to those of us who really want to pray specifically for those things you need right now. Please continue to post these as they come to you. Blessings on you today …
I prayed for you *exactly* as requested, Heather. I soooo hope that rest and strength come soon. I prayed hard for your husband too, Heather. He is heavy on my heart in the midst of this.
God, give him the strength and courage and release of emotions to face this time, knowing YOUR arms uphold him as he bravely holds up Heather and his children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Our maternity clothing store sells “preggy pops” for nausea. Maybe you oculd find those???
Putting you in my prayers tonight!
Heather, when I was on Zofran the candy “Nerds” seemed to help with the metallic taste. Never liked ‘em before, haven’t liked ‘em since.. but perhaps they’ll help you while you’re on Zofran.
Also, I strongly agree w/ the previous commenter who suggests calling the RNs at your Onc.’s office. Compazine was a waste of time for my nausea, but a higher dosage of Zofran seemed to help – tho it took some wrangling to get the insurance company to cover b/c they had (cruel!) rules about how often I could refill, etc. Hopefully you have GOOOOOD insurance, b/c that Zofran is spendy stuff. (Though I hear a Generic is out now, or coming out soon? May be worth asking about w/ your Pharmacist)
Keeping you and your family in prayer,
-C
Don’t know if you have heard this, but a doctor friend of mine told me that sugar feeds cancer cells. Any kind of starch or carb or however you want to look at it should be avoided.
Praying for you and yours.
Heather,
I do not know you but I faithfully read your blog each day and pray for you. Even though we have never met I feel as though I know you from reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your story with me. I do not have cancer, nor have I had cancer. However, my mom is a 10 year breast cancer survivor and my father lost his fight to melanoma cancer in May of 2005. I have walked the cancer road just in a different way. This October I will be participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk (60 miles in 3 days). I am walking in honor of my mom, but also in honor of all those out there who are battling this horrific disease. Even though you do not have breast cancer, please know that as I walk the 60 miles I will be remembering you and your fight!
Blessings,
Gloria
Dallas, TX
I’m happy to be your Sister in Christ, and have the honor of coming along side you in this fight. Praying daily for you and your family!
I’ve just recently found your blog thru In the Midst of It… my heart hurts for what you are going thru and you are now in my heart and prayers. I thought that I’d let you in on a candy called Ginger Chews. You may have heard of them. My grandmother keeps them in her home and I think they may be helpful with the nausea. I did check online and found a sight where they may be purchased… http://gingerpeople.com/order_chews.html
praying,
amy
Heather,
I am one of those folks who reads your blog every day and is praying for you and your family. I know that you are looking at all avenues of healing during this journey and I wanted to pass along a link to a web site that offers a product called mangosteen. This is a supplement that comes in the form of a juice and is made up of the entire mangosteen fruit, including the rind. I have used this product for about a year to assist in some health care concerns that I have endured in the past year.
This is my personal website for the product, I do not do this as a business, I only set this up in order for my friends and family to get the information and product if they so desired. I hope that it may provide you with some additional useful information.
Praying that you will continue to stand strong in God’s Grace.
Stephanie
Maple Grove, MN
Sometimes (along with herbal/drug remedies), eating a little every hour or two can go a long way to help nausea.
Good for you in not wallowing in self-pity, though I know you must want to at times. I say a prayer for you each time I visit…
Praying for you…
I haven’t had cancer, but I watched my SIL survive breast cancer. She felt lousy for a week and pretty good for 3 when she was going through her treatments. She’s doing great. I hope this happens to you too!
I am so happy you are singing on the praise team. That is so awesome.
Praying for healing and strength.
~TaunaLen
Praying for you. You bless me beyond belief every time I visit your blog.
Praying! Praying!
Many hugs!
Hi Heather, Just popping in to comment tonight and let you know that I’m reading and praying and will continue to do so. Thanks for the specific requests.
I understand about praying for Satan not to come into your thoughts. Those ‘what ifs’s can really do a number on ya. Hang in there, girl. Hugs and prayers.
Heather,
I’m so sorry that the double treatment is giving you a rough time. The good news is that radiation is short lived. If you can just keep your thoughts on the countdown to the end of radiation…and hopefully the chemo after that will be managable. I’m sure your body will be in need of the short breaks that chemo will provide.
While I would like a cure for Steven that didn’t involve these ghastly surgeries, I’m so grateful that he doesn’t use chemo.
So just keep counting down, and do some major resting in the meantime!
Thank you for being so open and for the specific prayer requests. I am praying for you! Your husband needs to pray over those meds when he gives them to you that they will do what they are suppose to so and they WILL NOT make you sick.
Dear Heather,
You are such an inspiration to me. Be assured that we still are praying for you. God still is able and loving, and cares for and about you more than all of us combined. And then some.
Please remember, at those time when you are feeling “worthless” or useless, that you are working harder than you know. Your body is working even when you are sleeping. It is working to receive and put to work that gift of healing coming to you. It is hard work, and you are doing a bang-up, all-out, terrific, good job of it. Keep on keeping on. The arms of Jesus are around you, holding you up. You’re not doing the job alone.
Bless you, Dear One.
Linda
Heather,
I am continuing to pray for you daily. Keep your spirits up, we are all pulling for you.
I wish I lived closer, i have a case of lemon drops in my garage. Long story.
Blessings,
Julie
Still praying for you…will not stop!!! You have blessed me beyond measure.
Dear Heather,
Just thought I would step in from Canada to tell you that there are Canadian prayers going up for you and I have studied Bethany’s prayer request list and will pray for both you and her.
I think that the Lord is so proud of you Heather!….with love and prayers from Terry[Teresa]
((Hugs)) and prayers going up for you. I know it is tough and I hope that you can come up with a combination of meds, herbs and foods that will help give you the strength you need. Good luck to Emma Grace. I hope she enjoys summer school.
From one heart mom to another,
Nancy
Praying for you!
God Loves You
You are here, not by chance, but by God’s own choosing.
His hand formed you and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else, for you are one of a kind.
You lack nothing that His grace cannot give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history
To fulfill His special plan and purpose for this generation.
much love, kate
davekate410@sbcglobal.net
Contact me if you want a run down on some other natural compounds to take to help combat the Temodar and RT. It can be taken simultaneously with your conventional treatment. I truly don’t want to be pushy.
((((Hugs)))) I’m praying for you!
Dear Heather
I was going to suggest you try ginger for the nausea, but it looks like it has already been mentionned a fair bit! The other thing I wanted to say was: don’t be too hard on yourself, don’t expect too much of yourself… Am praying that God will give you the desires of your heart, and that you will be able to truly experience that His Grace is sufficient for you, and what it really means for you in your daily life.
(((many hugs)))
Hi Heather, I just wanted to drop by and say that I’m thinking of you.
When I was very sick (not with cancer) the meds I had to take caused that awful metalic taste. I wasn’t even able to drink water. I had tried everything I thought and by accident I discovered Cinnamon Jelly Bellies. I love the taste of cinnamon and these jelly beans are a little gooey so the taste hangs out in your mouth for a while. I would eat three at a time and the taste stayed with me for a while. Of course everything tasted like cinnamon…even the water!
I am so greatful for you sharing your very personal life with us. I feel as if you are a good friend. I share your trials and triumphs with a friend going through cancer also.
Sincerely,
Carol – Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible!
(((heather))) i am still praying for you, dear one. you are unbelievably strong and continue to be such an inspiration.
So many people are praying for you and the suggestions they offer are awesome. Ginger is promenient. Did you know there is a beef jerky wit ginger?
Praying for you to find what works.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Sorry here is the beef Jerky link
http://www.obertoshopping.com/webstore/?product=1728&matrix=False
It is Sesame Ginger…. Maybe it is the combination you are looking for.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Hello Heather,
I have been reading your blog for a while now and also praying for you and your family. This is my first time commenting, hopefully with something to help you!
A few years ago, I had surgery and I was so terribly nauseas from the anaesethic. The nurse tending me had me sniff alcohol swabs. It worked so well that I now keep a box in my house at all times and a few in my purse. In our family, we have found that regardless of the cause of the nausea, sniffing one, or a few, alcohol swabs either eliminates the feeling, or keeps it under control. I’m not sure what it is, but I think it’s just that clean, sanitary smell that calms everything.
We just use any brand that you would ordinarily use for swabbing skin and such. I hope you will consider giving it a try, and if you do, I hope they help. I will continue to pray for you and yours.
Kindly, with God’s blessings for you,
Maureen.
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