Journal entry by Robin Geenen —
It has been a while since I updated here and after a lot of requests here is the latest.
The holidays were great. There was a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.
I started my chemotherapy shortly after my birthday in January. Each cycle is 28 days. At the beginning of each cycle I take a series of pills for the first 5 days of each cycle then recover for the rest of the month. My first cycle wasn't to bad. A little stomach discomfort at the end of the 5 days but that was all.
The second cycle was a little harder. They upped the dose to it maximum affective dose for my weight in February and there was a noticeable difference in side affects. I had noticeable nausea and a lack of energy. I was still able to go into the office for a few days but ultimately stayed home for a day. As usual my supervisors were awesome and didn't even blink and eye at it and supported me as best they could. It took another three days to get back to normal.
Cycle three is around the corner and now that I know what is coming I suspect it will be easier to prepare for it. My doctor gave me a more coherent regiment of anti nausea pills and other medications to combat the side affects so I am more optimistic.
The vitamin C treatments are becoming annoying if I am being honest. My veins are already pleading for a rest as I get large catheters poked into my veins three times a week. The treatments leave me lethargic and with an almost unquenchable thirst. I hope they are working as advertised.
My shoulder surgery is still pending... You have to love government bureaucracies.
My family has been incredibly supportive and they are all doing well. Sean started lacrosse a few weeks ago and seems to genuinely enjoy it. Watching him brings me a lot of joy and pride. Finn is still as sweet as ever and trying to keep up with his big brother. Kaitlin has been a rockstar and I am very grateful for her perspective and love. My parents continue to provide the love and support that everyone that has met them knows is very comforting.
I want to thank everyone still tuning in here. The support felt over the last several months is almost overwhelming and I can't thank you enough.
The holidays were great. There was a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.
I started my chemotherapy shortly after my birthday in January. Each cycle is 28 days. At the beginning of each cycle I take a series of pills for the first 5 days of each cycle then recover for the rest of the month. My first cycle wasn't to bad. A little stomach discomfort at the end of the 5 days but that was all.
The second cycle was a little harder. They upped the dose to it maximum affective dose for my weight in February and there was a noticeable difference in side affects. I had noticeable nausea and a lack of energy. I was still able to go into the office for a few days but ultimately stayed home for a day. As usual my supervisors were awesome and didn't even blink and eye at it and supported me as best they could. It took another three days to get back to normal.
Cycle three is around the corner and now that I know what is coming I suspect it will be easier to prepare for it. My doctor gave me a more coherent regiment of anti nausea pills and other medications to combat the side affects so I am more optimistic.
The vitamin C treatments are becoming annoying if I am being honest. My veins are already pleading for a rest as I get large catheters poked into my veins three times a week. The treatments leave me lethargic and with an almost unquenchable thirst. I hope they are working as advertised.
My shoulder surgery is still pending... You have to love government bureaucracies.
My family has been incredibly supportive and they are all doing well. Sean started lacrosse a few weeks ago and seems to genuinely enjoy it. Watching him brings me a lot of joy and pride. Finn is still as sweet as ever and trying to keep up with his big brother. Kaitlin has been a rockstar and I am very grateful for her perspective and love. My parents continue to provide the love and support that everyone that has met them knows is very comforting.
I want to thank everyone still tuning in here. The support felt over the last several months is almost overwhelming and I can't thank you enough.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Robin Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Robin's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
