Day + 76, Thinks and Drinks

No word from the nephrologist yet. I'll leave another message this afternoon.

In the absence of some 'official word' from a medical high priest, I decided yesterday to take matters in my own hands. Yesterday I didn't take my water pills as scheduled. I wanted to wait one day to see if medicine was indeed causing me to be sick. I am such a rebel. Hey, you have to realize that these last few weeks have been miserable. I've been on a cycle of two bad days, followed by one semi-okay day. It has been really bringing me down, and I wanted to have just one day without feeling miserable and depressed.

Yesterday went by as predicted. I got through most of the day without feeling nauseous, and I as a bonus I even had a good appetite. This is more fuel for the theory that the water pills are the culprit. However, I can't stay off of them for good; my kidneys have not healed, and I will start gaining fluid if I don't do anything. So, I will take my pills this afternoon -- but also take some potassium pills to see if they will counter the nausea. We'll see how that works out.

I was told going into the treatment that the recovery would not be a straight path -- that it would be more like going two steps forward, then one step back. It is those backsteps which can be the most frustrating and trying. I spoke with a friend last night, who among other things, reminded me of the power of positive thinking. I know this, but sometimes I don't practice what I preach. When things really look down and out, it's extremely important to keep your chin up and 'fight the good fight'. Your body's healing ability is affected by the feedback you give yourself, and in situations like these you need all of the help you can get. Smile. Find things to do that make you happy. Listen to happy go lucky music until your ears bleed. Do whatever it takes.

Here's some advice to other amyloidosis and cancer patients who are preparing to through chemotherapy. One major problem we encounter is that after chemo we are often nauseous and don't want to eat. Not only does this cause you to lose weight, but it reduces your nutrient level, which causes you to feel more miserable. While you cannot usually avoid losing weight during your chemo, you can provide your body with vital nutrients with nutrition drinks such as Boost or Ensure. For the last few months I have used Ensure Plus on and off as a breakfast supplement on days which I am otherwise too queasy (or lazy) to eat a real meal. I do find that it helped with my energy level when things were a little crazy. Of course, now that I've had it for a while I'm starting to get sick of it. But I digress.