I feel like crapola

I am scheduled for 8 dose-dense chemotherapy treatments, meaning that, as my oncologist explained, they are doing a very aggressive schedule of chemo. Every other Thursday from September 25 through January 8 or so I will be passing through the Gates of Hell. Each trip is broken into 3 separate appointments: blood draw in Blood Draw, pep talk with oncologist, Infusion in GoH. Depending on my schedule or theirs it takes about 2 1/2 hours.

All fed up for Chemo #2

The first time I went my symptoms, which turned out to be a first-trimester grade of nausea and dizziness, kicked in about 3 or 4 hours after I got home and were pretty bad for about 48 hours. At one point I fell over, Bridget Jones-style, wrapped in my comforter. I didn't get hurt but when I offered the information to my parents that I had totally lost my balance during my nap they looked at each other and my mom said in a tone of mild amazement, "So THAT'S what the thumping was!" Um yes. That's what the thumping was.(Lest you misunderstand me, my parents have been a source of continual comfort and support throughout this entire experience and I have no doubt that if I had shouted for help, they would have come. As it was, I was a little embarrassed, thumped as quietly as possible, and preferred levering myself to my feet with the help of my cocoon, is all.)

Based on the intensity and sudden onset of my symptoms--do I sound like a dr? no?--I thought maybe doing chemo on an empty stomach was the reason for their ferocity and so I determined to fill up on lunch and treats beforehand, and also to bring treats with me. In case eating before getting very strong medicine seems like an obvious way to head off the pukes, let me just defend myself, I mean briefly explain, that prior to my first chemo I was told  a) to eat normally and I did, I ate breakfast and probably a snack and b) that "food would be provided," and it was, but it wasn't gluten-free, and I have Celiac disease, so I just ate ice cream and chips (I might never eat chips again, or ice cream in those little adorable cups, the thought makes me both want to hurl and weep with regret) and suffered for it.

So this last chemo time, nearly a week ago now since this is Wednesday! (I can't believe I still feel so rotten)I ate a big plate of risotto beforehand and brought lots of treats (pics to come). And when I got home I felt fine. And Friday I felt great! So great I wished I had gone to work...and here we are on Wednesday, when hordes of zombies could attack my library and I'd go free because I have no brains to eat. Brain free, chemo brain, queasy stomach. All of which visited themselves upon me Saturday afternoon or evening. So I was able to stave off my misery for awhile, but not forever. However, I still like not feeling like crap right away, so I'll be using the feed-beforehand strategy again.