Chemo #3, Day 6

I learned me a new word today. Okay, two words: Psychomotor Slowing. Pertaining to motor effects of cerebral or psychic activity; movement produced by action of the mind or will. Well, the mind and will wanted to do things today, but the psychomotor was slow.

Here’s another new word: dysgeusia. Taste changes also know as dysgeusia, may occur with mucositis especially if the tongue is involved. Since the taste buds on the different areas of the tongue recognize sweet, sour, and bitter, these may also be heightened or distorted. Some people experience a metallic taste in their mouths when mucositis is present.


Here’s a nifty website for prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Isn’t that a lovely phrase?

Can you tell I’m bored? I feel like I should be thankful for some things, health insurance, a good job, finding the cancer early, yada, yada, yada. Yet, I’m having challenges today finding the thankfulness. Isn’t it strange that when we are busy, and not bored, that our life just flies by? How often did I wish for some free time to get caught up on projects? Here is my “free” time but the brain and body's motor is so slow. Oh, well. This too will pass.

Today, again, has been a challenge to find something that I can eat or drink. I do feel weak because of lack of liquids and nutrition. I’m trying lemon water to help with the mucositis – so far so good; it’s staying down. Here’s what I tried to eat today. Remember I said I was bored? If you are reading this far, I am happy to share the boredom with you. Please, God, let me go to work tomorrow!

Muffin – what was that mystery flavor?

Green Tea x 2 – semi okay, not too nausea-inducing; all other herbal teas – gag!

Burrito – spiciness didn’t work; saved for Vic

Chicken/Cranberry Salad w/Saltines (Vic picked up at Costco). Not bad, not good, but it stayed down (well sort of)

Slim Fast – plug the nose and chug it fast

Peanuts, almonds, cashews – how weird tasting were those peanuts! I’ll never be able to describe it nor wish to experience it again anytime in the future

Soft sharp cheddar on saltines – not too bad, just ate it to get the calories, fat and protein. Would Saltines be the common denominator here? Hmmmm, have to think about that.

Quaker Baked Cheddar Snack Mix – the oatmeal squares were pretty good! Think I need another bag. Pretzels – ick . . slimy. How can pretzels be slimy?

Ravioli with spinach & mozzarella – What was I thinking? Cooked spinach? Barf-o; saved for Vic (guess he has a little bit of food to eat, eh?)

Apple with soft spread cheese – not too bad, but couldn’t eat the whole thing

Ham and potato scallop prepared by Laura and Christy’s loving hands – heating up right now. It sure looks good!

Praying for the strength to get dressed tomorrow to go to work. Even if I just sit there and stare at people, I will be around, well, people. As much as I love my cats, they just don't cut it on these days.

Hugs to you all!

P.S. I just heard from the oncology nurse. My goal is to drink a shot glass of liquid every 30 minutes - to stave off the dehydration. Now, she didn't say exactly WHICH liquid to drink, hee hee hee. But I believe I'll stick with the lemon flavored water.

Another tidbit of advice for all you cancer patients or caregivers out there . . . .make Jello and pour into an ice cube tray. Each "ice cube" is 1 oz. And that's all one has to get down every 30 minutes. No, we aren't talking Jello shots. I think I'll dial it back a bit and concentrate on the liquids.

P.S.S. Vic just got home and said his doctor should have the ultrasound results tomorrow.

P.S.S.S.
I've read this before, but now that I have cancer, it means that much more. Cancer Rant on Craigslist.com. Gotta love it!