Weight loss is a known side effect of chemotherapy. However, sudden extreme weight gain is just as real.
After yesterday’s mishap, today was technically my first full day of chemo. I received all three of my drugs alongside a boatload of hydrating fluids and anti-nausea medication.
Today was also the first day without any specialist appointments. I was looking forward to this because it means that my remaining days at the hospital will become a bit more predictable, which is like catnip to my autistic brain.
I’ve discovered that mornings are fairly chill and mostly free time. Chemo here starts just after lunch and ends towards the late afternoon. Today being my first day, it was slightly longer too because one of my three drugs I only get once per week. From tomorrow, it will only be two 1-hour infusions (+ more than double that time hydrating fluids, rinses, and pre-meds).
I’ve also had my first visitors today in the form of my parents and my best friend. They really kicked my mind into high gear and right now I feel that the sun inside my heart has risen to its highest point. I am very fortunate to go through an experience like this while completely immersed in love from all sides.
However, right now, I’m also preparing for a bit of a restless night. Not because of any chemo side effects, they aren’t there yet for me. No, you see, a thing that I learned today is that receiving massive amounts of fluids over 6 hours can do pretty amazing things to your body. Like, making you put on 2 kilos of weight over the course of a single day!
Those fluids need to come out though, so if that happens, you are given a little pill served with a smile and a comment that you may be “up a lot” during the night.
When I set out to write these short blog posts, I told myself to stay true to what I have always adhered to in my writing and personal life: complete honesty and vulnerability. And, really, is there any place where we are more vulnerable than the toilet?
Cheers everyone, much health and happiness to you all!
just thoughts 