The cancer treatment side effects were taking a growing physical toll. I was dealing with intense itching, nausea, stomach pain, and exhaustion, making even ordinary activities difficult. While trying to manage the symptoms and get answers from my oncology team, I continued juggling responsibilities at home and church. I was learning, sometimes the hard way, to recognize my limits, accept help, and allow myself to rest. Through it all, I kept taking things one day at a time and finding little things to be thankful for.
February 5, 2023
6:30 rough night. Up and down every hour or so. Stomach pain. Constipation. Arms itching fiercely. I think it’s from the Kadcyla, but I’m not certain. Will call Dr office tomorrow. Hoping Zyrtec will help. This is getting to be ridiculous – being allergic to lots of things. Lights bothersome.
Holly found out that the functional medicine doctor will see me but not treat the cancer. Apparently they have to be careful of how things are worded due to state regulations. I just need help getting gut back into balance.
Scripture: Psalms 33:4-5; Proverbs 3-5; Exodus 22-24
I’m not feeling well. Dezirae burnt popcorn accidentally and the smell is turning my stomach. Queasy. Stomach hurts. Arms itch. Tired.
The more time passes I’m feeling worse. Choose to play piano for service because I know it’s important. Let Joe know. He tells me I don’t have to continue playing. I tell him I’ll play as long as I can, but I may end up in bathroom or nursery.
Get a ginger chew to suck on to see if it’ll help settle my stomach. Face is feeling flushed. Head getting hot. Hands are freezing. Head itchy. Sleepy. I don’t even think I can stomach my vitamins right now. Dezirae says face is starting to turn red.
Midway through service I realize I hadn’t taken the Zyrtec yet. Got it out from my purse and took it. Itching starts easing within 15 minutes, but I’m still not feeling well.
Joe had Dezirae help with lunch. Mashed potatoes that were donated weren’t good. Had Dezirae run to DG to get rice and drink. The coke zero though I didn’t like taste helped settle stomach. Could only stomach the green beans and rice. Gave my meat to Joe. Stomach feeling better. Still very itchy.
Exhausted. Taking nap in parsonage. Will look for clothes for a pastor’s family after my nap. This way I’ll have some energy hopefully. Torso itchy too.
February 6
5:30 woke in much pain. Left arm itching. Stuffy nose. Not feeling well. I’ll be calling oncology office this morning to let them know. Also calling PT to reschedule. Need to rest today.
6:25 took liquid Benadryl and tramadol for the itching and moderate pain. Back to bed. I’m freezing and exhausted. The way I’m feeling at the moment I don’t think I’ll be getting out of bed much today.
I’m letting Dezirae take the car today. Tried to read my Bible but my hands and eyes aren’t cooperating. I’ll rest more and try again later.
9:00 called PT to reschedule not feeling well. Jordon phone appt with college. Went well. He seems excited. I’ll have to ask for details later. Trouble thinking straight right now.
9:15 called oncologist office. Left msg with request to talk with nurse.
9:35 nurse returned call. Suggested I take the Zofran when I get up to ease the nausea. Continue using the Clobetasol ointment for the rash. She’s going to talk with Dr George about a steroid Rx to calm the itching and call me back.
10:21 nurse called back. Dr called in steroid to ease itching all over body. Zofran is easing nausea and I’m starting to feel better.
Scripture: Proverbs 21:21; Proverbs 5-6; Ezekiel 25-27
Tasks: fold clothes and put away, wash load clothes, plan meals for week, continue preparing info for taxes, fill soap containers, rest, find few baby photos of Jakob to share with Bri
Symptoms: nausea, exhausted, muscles twitching randomly in legs, feeling unwell, trouble thinking, balance is off, ringing in ears, joint, bone and muscle pain, periodic hot flashes, cold flashes, sneezing, random hiccups
Thankful for
1. Almost have all information gathered to turn into CPA
2. Potatoes in crock-pot for dinner
3. Dezirae took me to bank to deposit check
Helpful Resources:
1. Kadcyla – Important Safety Information
Information about potential side effects, including nausea and other treatment-related reactions.
2. American Cancer Society – Managing Cancer-related Side Effects
Information about managing symptoms and coping with cancer treatment.
3. National Cancer Institute – Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Information about common treatment side effects and symptom management.
4. Marnie Clark – Breast Cancer Resources
Information and educational resources focused on natural and integrative approaches to breast cancer support.
5. Chris Beat Cancer – Personal cancer stories and information about nutrition and complementary approaches to wellness.
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If you’re just joining my journey, you can read how it all began — from the lightning strike to breast cancer and the faith lessons God carried me through along the way.
👉 Start at the beginning here:
Hello world! – Charitymaeprosper