I am happy to report I have my appetite back, which is definitely because of the steroid effect, but its encouraging because as my friend pointed out, me eating has always been a positive indicator of my body being ready to fight. Its when I dont eat, and I havent been the past 2 months, that has those closest to me worrying (I lost 18% body weight in that time). And on my birthday let me tell you, with our two families, I was blessed and ate to my hearts content (Konrad missed out a little this time) :)
Tiramisu, tiramisu, was the cake of the day (and there were two)!! The highlight of the day for me was watching my son sing loud as he could, Happy Birthday and Sto Lat; this was the first year he knew all the words and it was precious. Brought a tear to my eyes, as he sang in that innocent strong little voice "sto lat, sto lat niech zyje zyje nam" (which is essentially, 'may mommy live 100 years')..
The entire day through, I felt such a wave of positive energy and birthday love I cant describe. Thank you to each and every one of you for making me feel so special, I am energized and determined, God-willing, to regain my strength and to get to better state of health by the time (and hopefully well before) I enter my 30s next December :)
On the technical aspect of things, I continue to wake up daily at 5am with a monstrous headache, onset of a fever that is just starting to set in. I have been managing this with Tylenol prior to my morning dose of prednisone but I would love for it to stop.. Today after my morning dose the fever came back for the first time during the day since the past 2 weeks on the therapy; I slept this off (with the help of more Tylenol) but I definitely dont like that its coming back in the day..
My cough is persistent as ever and louder as the boys have noticed, poor Karolek cant fall asleep at nights as thats when I usually have the worst cough fits.. He lies in bed covering his ears and tells dad in the next room "poor mommy still coughing".. (I go downstairs with my cough while he's falling asleep). Taking everything I possibly can, puffers, nasal sprays, cough suppressants.. Have to keep being patient and for now it still feels like things are at least moving in some direction (change is good from how I was feeling since September).
Another side-effect that has come back is something I had experienced back in March when in hospital, also on similar steroids to hold me over between chemo therapies. My hands are extremely dry again; fingertips red as the layer of skin gets very thin when on steroids.. I have been using creams (try to stick to organic ones), but if anyone has a brand or advice on mending dry skin, especially now in the winter, I would be happy to hear any ideas :))
Thank you again for the birthday wishes, and special thank you to my girls who came today to celebrate my birthday with their growing families. It is times of joy where we forget our pain and troubles, and the strength drawn from love of friends and family around us at times like this, is just so wonderful.
Paulina
The Shea Cashmere & Silk hand lotion from Bath & Body Works wonders - I am in love with it. It isn't organic however it has African Shea Butter in it - which is amazing :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a great birthday filled with tons of love and positive energy! xoxo
Paulinko, try Eucerin for Dry Skin either lotion or cream. It works wonders for my baby who has a eczema.
ReplyDeleteHope it helps :)
Kamila
Hi Paulina
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post, it reminds me that 2 days ago on Dr. Oz, they were talking abut dry skin, they had many different remedies, but the one I remember is for dry hands - JOJOBA OIL - you can by it at any health store for around $10
Good Luck and God be with you
Kasia