NUTRITIONIST

After I had my 4th scan at the end of September I started feeling bad. That was the week I was off my chemo for 7 days and that was the week of my good doctor visit and good report so I was confused why I was feeling so bad. Every day I became increasingly weak, lethargic, and became more and more down and out. I had to quit doing yoga because I just didn't have the strength. I quit walking or doing anything. I mostly rested. And I started feeling nauseated and had headaches. I finally went and saw my natural doctor. I thought maybe I had caught a virus or infection but he confirmed that I had not, but maybe had caught a little chill from the change of weather. I met a wonderful lady at my natural doctor's office and she referred me to a nutritionist who she said had helped her a lot. I decided it was worth a try since I couldn't handle feeling the way I did. I knew there was no way I would be able to work even the 2 days a week I had decided I wanted to try later in the month. Fortunately, the nutritionist researched and understood the chemistry of the drug I am on. It is killing the cancer but it is also killing all of my good bacteria. I was lacking enzymes to break down the food in my stomach so I was basically getting very little nutrition from my food. My adrenals were weak, my thyroid sluggish and I have what is called reactive hypoglycemia. She put me on a variety of supplements and homeopathics. She also put me on a strict nutrition program. I saw her Thursday morning and started the program Thursday afternoon. I am not 100% yet, but I feel much improved even in the last 2 days. I didn't have a stomachache tonight for the first time in forever. I seem to be gaining a little energy and I seem to be thinking a little clearer. I joke about chemo brain, but the nutritionist said actually the drug will cause "chemo brain." My brain has been in a fog for months and I didn't realize just how bad it was until it cleared out a little over the last couple of days. It is amazing and scary all at the same time. Of course I need the drugs to kill the cancer but I am so thankful I found someone knowledgable and able to help me with the side affects so I can start functioning better. Just one more step in my road to recovery. I apologize to everyone for my forgetfulness, my memory loss, my disconnect at times; my "chemo brain." There are so many things I thought about doing but just never could get it done, such as thank you cards. My goal is to get back to work a couple of part-time days a week and build from there. I will have to get a bone marrow test at some point, but I am moving in a positive direction. Baby steps.