New rhythms

As I adjust to this new chemo clinical trial schedule, TC and I are getting used to the rhythms of the ups and downs of my energy levels. 

But I'm really enjoying the soundtrack of these days. 

TC picked up a guitar not quite a year ago and has come very far, in my opinion, in teaching himself to play. Plus I really like to hear him sing.

He's still a little audience-shy, with a few exceptions for grandkids and a couple of performances with friends earlier this summer. I'm the lucky one who gets to hear him most days, even if he's just practicing in another room because he thinks his "caterwauling" is going to disturb me. It never does.

And now that we know what to expect from the cancer-fighting drugs I'm taking, those new rhythms are getting easier to handle. 

The first chemo cycle was tough, but I'm attributing most of that to dealing with the chest drain and the difficulties I was having getting more than a few words out at a time. There was a lot of back and neck pain for several days last week after the drain came out, but that has also resolved.

Now we know that there is a window after each infusion every three weeks, from about day 5 to day 10, when my immunity is lowest. And we know the chemo pills that I take a couple times a week will make me tired the next day. So we mark the calendar accordingly and plan around it. 

We mask up when we're around others, even family, since it's that time of year when lots of bugs like to come inside. And TC is making lots of healthy food and juices. Friends and neighbors have also brought homemade soups to warm up chilly evenings. I can't thank them enough.

Here's to great holiday rhythms for all of you!