C1D5

Chemo sucks!

Dale is really struggling with joint pain. Knees, elbows and ankles are sore and tender. He's trying Tylenol without much success. A headache is also zapping his once chipper attitude. Mouth and throat issue continue, but the overriding joint pain has moved that issue out of the limelight. I've called MD Anderson this morning, they suggest a trip to the local ER for the joint pain. Dale refuses to go - so we'll try to ride out this pain here at home.

I went to Walmart last night late and purchased an electric blanket. Dale wraps up in it like a burrito and the warmth offers some relief to the achy flu-like symptoms.

He's really working hard to get his 66 ozs. of fluids a day. Throat issues make swallowing problematic. He's trying to eat every 2-3 hours to avoid nausea. Hot foods don't work, salt doesn't have a taste and most everything he eats vaguely tastes like it should. He's using a baking soda rinse in his mouth now ever 2-3 hours. Daily temperature readings are holding normal.

Dr. Karp (chair study at MD Anderson) told Dale that he hoped chemo wouldn't knock his "hubcaps" off. Dale said last night, the "hubcaps" were wobbling. Pain rating last night was an 8. It's still an 8 this morning.

Praying Day 5 is the last bad day!

3pm update: Dale is just up from a nap and seems to be feeling a bit better. I'm headed to the pharmacy to pick up a new pain medicine.

11pm update: Not sure if it was the new script, Oxycontin. or just some time, but Dale's pain level is now a 2! Hopefully, he's turned the corner on achiness and tomorrow morning will be the start of getting back to normal!