Week one plan C done

Posted by Joel on February 8th, 2009 filed in General stuff

Hey all.  Week one down for the new treatment.  For the record, I have no problem working plan c, d,….y, z and the Greek alphabet if that’s what it will take.  I can state that all went pretty well this week.  The fatigue has been the hardest thing for me to deal with this week as it set in on Thursday and I haven’t shaken it yet.  From what I remember though, the longer we’re away from the chemotherapy the better it will get, so I’m expecting this week to be better.  The fatigue is hard to describe as outside of these chemo treatments, I’ve never felt so tired in all my life.  I imagine that I was asleep for over 20 hours on Saturday and when I did wake up Sunday, I was still tired.  It’s about 7:30pm Sunday and I’m actually beginning to feel somewhat normal…at least I’m no longer propping my head up with my hand…small victories eh?  The doctors had told me that this is the one side effect that they can not treat with medicine so we’ll just have to tough it out.  All in all, they’ve done a remarkable job in treating the other side effects so I have nothing to complain about.  I’m not sure if its just a different type of drug, but the “chemo brain” doesn’t seem to be hitting me as hard this go round either which is encouraging.  The “chemo brain” is more frustrating to me than anything because I’m aware of it happening.  I just tell people that if I’m retelling a story to you, not to worry, as it probably is still new to me in my mind, so please look enthused.  That too gets better the longer we’re away from the treatment which is another reason I am happy to be on the 3-week treatment cycle as opposed to weekly.  I’m gonna keep it short tonight.  I just wanted to post and let you know I’m in good spirits.  Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and prayers, I don’t believe I can begin to repay the interest for all the positive thoughts being sent my family’s way.    Will talk to you soon.

Joel


10 Responses to “Week one plan C done”

  1. Paula Cooprider Says:
    February 8th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    It’s good to hear from you. It’s hard to imagine the kind of fatigue you describe. I’m glad they can help with the other side effects. Were you able to watch Rachel blow out her candles? Hope she had a good day. Thanks for writing. Paula

  2. Jennifer (Hallow) Cissell Says:
    February 9th, 2009 at 10:48 am

    I just learned about your blog and your health conditions through the Madison grapevine. The blog is amazing and your attitude is both courageous and inspirational.

    We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers!
    Jennifer

    “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

  3. kathypeigh Says:
    February 9th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    Hi Joel,

    I am glad that you felt like writing last night. I knew you were exhausted yesterday.

    We enjoyed the party. All the kids had a great time.

    As always it is good to see you.
    Love
    Mother

  4. Amy Walker Says:
    February 10th, 2009 at 7:05 am

    Joel, Just checkin in to let you know I am thinking about you! I am glad most of the side effects are under control. Sorry about the fatigue. Enjoyed seeing you at Erin’s a couple of weeks ago! You so reminded me of Grandpa with your glove trick! Hang in there!

    Love ya, Amy

    PS Julia really enjoyed playing with your kids! She really loves being with them!

  5. Connie Matalon Says:
    February 12th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    Hi Joel,

    Thanks for the update. You are already repaying everyone with your inspiring updates and your courage during an extremely difficult time. Stan and I are glad to know that you are in good spirits !!!
    Cousin Connie

  6. Carrie Peigh Colvin Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    Hi Joel…

    Dittos to Connie’s comment above, but also YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!

    Love,
    Carrie

  7. Lisa Knauf Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    We are thinking about you Joel, rest is important. May all your dreams be peaceful.

  8. Paula Cooprider Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    Hope you guys had a great Valentine’s Day. We enjoyed spending Valentine’s with Vincent and Elaina. Ransford cooked their french fries at Chic-fil-a. We’re keeping you in our prayers as you continue Plan C.
    Love,
    Paula

  9. Judy Smith Says:
    February 17th, 2009 at 11:34 am

    Joel

    You have repaid me many times over with your attitude and your strength. You are one of the most inspiring people I know. Keep up the good thoughts and rest when you can. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Judy & Lowell

  10. Dennis & Janet Norman Says:
    February 17th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Joel,
    Glad to see you are doing okay. We had dinner with your mom and dad tonight. We are enjoying our kitchen very much and would like for you to see the new cabinet I built for Janet’s canned goods. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.

    Dennis and Janet

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