Awake!

My fatigue has passed. I no longer need to take a 3 or 4 hour nap each day! It was a sudden change and a welcome one! If my feet and joints and muscles did not hurt so much, I could get so much accomplished each day!

I have appointments with both of my oncologists in the next 2 weeks. We will see what they say about the pain, and if I can get some relief. I just read a blog post from a fellow MM warrior and he swears by Oxycodone and marijuana. Hmmmm...seems a little extreme, but then again being in constant pain really gets to you after a while. I am going to have to discuss it with the docs and see what they recommend.

I expect to start maintenance chemo this fall and there is a strong likelihood of it causing me fatigue and muscle and joint pain. ARGHHH! It is so frustrating that I have to laugh at it. I am also enjoying the lack of fatigue as much as I can for these next few weeks just in case it sets in again. :)

Peripheral neuropathy is a real bitch. It is caused by many cancer drugs and mine is predominantly from Velcade which is the main cancer fighter used in MM treatment, I haven't taken it since April, but the PN seems to be getting worse rather than better. It is burning and tingling in feet and sometimes the hands. My feet feel like they are just waking up from being asleep. Later in the day, or anytime that I am on my feet for an hour or so, I get the sharp shooting pains that PN provides. They are like electric shocks, or hot needles. The Lyrica I take helps somewhat, but not enough on most days. I often have to take a painkiller and a sleeping pill at night. :(

All in all it is not so bad. I feel great otherwise, and I can putter around the house every day doing something that makes me feel useful. I can read and play on my I-Pad so that I am intellectually stimulated every day. I have wonderful interactions with my family and friends both in person and virtually. I focus on living each day and not on dying. My life really is pretty wonderful right now! :)