Journal entry by Sharon Diehl —
After 4 months of taking everolimus, what was originally called a chemo pill, I am on the 2nd level of medication. I can go up 2 more times, but good to let my body get used to it slowly. I definitely have mouth soreness, to add to the dry eyes and dry mouth. I invested in the magic mouthwash prescription-$69.00 and ins doesn't pay for it-it numbs my whole mouth, and I bought a kit with pain numbing meds you apply with precision to one spot at a time. I had several really bad days with the tip and the back of my tongue, before I found relief.
We did very little for the holidays, but I reflect back to treatment in Nov and Dec and my life is the best it has been since the radiation infusion over a year ago. I am up to 3 x a week for yoga and doing dishes, laundry, make beds everyday and I am able to walk the dogs. After the 1st of the year our oldest dog got diagnosed with cancer and they say 3-6 months. Then in January my mom had another stroke and passed away in a matter of about 8 days. I was well enough to visit with my siblings that week, we all stayed in her home. We then drove back for the funeral and I visited with my children and grandchildren at the celebration of her life. I'm tired, but busy quilting, sewing, and playing in the dirt/plants. A little avoidance of feelings is going on, but the house has never looked better. I am grateful to still be able to text, read and write as my eyes are damaged now from the cancer related retinopathy. I get real disoriented coming down a hill or steps, because my vision/bifocals. I'm hopeful that the worst of covid is over, and looking forward to my next scan and bloodwork. Somehow I did NOT get covid from my hubby, I tested neg twice and we slept facing opposite direction with very little social distancing. My immune system must be stronger!!! We finally got my BP down when we quadrupled my BP meds, then Sat I had chest pain in the shower and for 15 min. My BP was 179/89. I recovered quickly after and don't want to experience that again. I am strong, healthy, and taking my life back. Kickin' cancer's ass.
We did very little for the holidays, but I reflect back to treatment in Nov and Dec and my life is the best it has been since the radiation infusion over a year ago. I am up to 3 x a week for yoga and doing dishes, laundry, make beds everyday and I am able to walk the dogs. After the 1st of the year our oldest dog got diagnosed with cancer and they say 3-6 months. Then in January my mom had another stroke and passed away in a matter of about 8 days. I was well enough to visit with my siblings that week, we all stayed in her home. We then drove back for the funeral and I visited with my children and grandchildren at the celebration of her life. I'm tired, but busy quilting, sewing, and playing in the dirt/plants. A little avoidance of feelings is going on, but the house has never looked better. I am grateful to still be able to text, read and write as my eyes are damaged now from the cancer related retinopathy. I get real disoriented coming down a hill or steps, because my vision/bifocals. I'm hopeful that the worst of covid is over, and looking forward to my next scan and bloodwork. Somehow I did NOT get covid from my hubby, I tested neg twice and we slept facing opposite direction with very little social distancing. My immune system must be stronger!!! We finally got my BP down when we quadrupled my BP meds, then Sat I had chest pain in the shower and for 15 min. My BP was 179/89. I recovered quickly after and don't want to experience that again. I am strong, healthy, and taking my life back. Kickin' cancer's ass.
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