It’s kind of hard to write an update about how I’m doing when people are being bombed in Ukraine.
So here’s my plan. I’ll give you an update because that is the purpose of this blog. Then I’ll mention Ukraine.
Cancer update:
I managed a three day fast - Monday, Tuesday (when I had chemo), then the Wednesday as well, and half of Thursday, when I unhooked the pump/lemon.
I recovered much, much faster this time.
Out of the 24mg of dexamethasone that I was prescribed, I only took 4mg.
I think this was possible because of the fasting. Will try no dex this time.
Matt’s high school friend showed up while I was nauseated and exhausted. He took care of the kids (they adore him), made dinner, folded laundry, and brought lots of frozen food and broth that his wife, our friend, had made. Such a life saver. I got to sleep during the day.
I didn’t need to finish out the Zarxio (bone marrow booster) because WBCs were doing well.
My hemoglobin remained stable. There had been a “wobble” and bleeding into my abdomen was a concern, based on the surgical notes from my laparoscopy. But I got the bloodwork and we were relieved. Phew.
I’d had a full feeling since some time after Christmas and I hadn’t been able to eat as much as I normally do. I was concerned after I finished my three day fast during chemo when I was full after eating barely anything, because the fasting is sustainable if there is a reseeding period in between.
Two days later that full feeling left and I was hungry, hungry. I did some major refeeding.
Also lifted weights. Kinda.
Managed four mornings of bed-to-yoga mat.
My tummy pain returned but it wasn’t as bad as before. No throwing up. But still breathing through it.
In summary, much improved.
Am back on my three day fast again.
Have been injecting mistletoe again. This time I’m reacting to it. This is what I want.
I have an appointment to start IV High Dose Vitamin C infusions. There’s information that it is very effective as a cancer treatment, and particularly, with my kind of cancer - with KRAS mutation, if it’s given in conjunction with fasting. So. Not sure when I’ll fit in the eating but, we’ll see.
OMG Ukraine!
I am almost overwhelmed with…something…the braveness and grit with which the Ukrainians are showing up, hope when I see how many Russians are protesting in their own country.
We’ve had seemingly endless family discussions about it. And numerous bedtime conversations with Joseph who is really interested. At one point we had a whole lego military fleet on the kitchen table. Ready to help. Joseph asked whether or not the Russians soldiers actually want to fight in Ukraine. There was lots of sadness for the ones who didn’t but also didn’t feel they had a choice. It’s interesting where the conversation flows when we don’t direct it.
I wonder what could have been done. How possible is it to prevent a war with a person who will kill thousands of people for his own personal gain and might be willing to resort to nuclear war. I’m sure more could have been done. What protective use of force is possible?
The Way Between and the rest of the series comes up for me. Such a beautiful tween/coming of age story. I finished the third book when I started chemo last year. I’m looking forward to reading the fourth, which she just finished.
Rivera also writes Nonviolence News, a newsletter I find really inspiring and uplifting.
Okay, that’s it. If I’m up to it, I’ll update tomorrow when I’m home.
Zeph lost her ball.
Thank you for this detail - of your process and your thoughts about Ukraine. Inspiration in the midst of enormous challenge and pain. Blessings to you and your family, and to those in Ukraine.
Sarah, you and your family are insanely brave, thoughtful, and strong in the midst of such chaos and pain. My admiration for you is enormous! I just started ketamine treatments for the chronic pain and depression which have come along with the cancer and surgeries. I have done a lot of research and it seems very promising. PM me if you want more details! But, for the first time in almost a year I got out of bed this morning with less pain and a feeling of lightness that I had long forgotten. I wish for you those days too! Much love, Liz