Tara's Cancer Journey: Chemo 3, Day 11 - PAIN, R-EPOCH, INSOMNIA, EMOTIONAL, NEUROPATHY

What makes the difference for you when you're at your worst? When your illness or treatment is difficult or confusing, what helps, what can loved ones or care takers do?
For chemo 3 I was changed from R-CHOP to R-EPOCH and that has really been a big change in the long term. Initially, things felt about the same but once I got to the 8th day I could tell side effects weren't improving. I have had a lot of pain in my limbs, my abdomen, throat and esophagus are uncomfortable with a feeling of a balloon being expanded inside, I have difficulty swallowing. My legs, in particular, are suddenly extremely weak - weak, not fatigued like they'll recover, but like they are suddenly 90 years old. I do also have a lot of fatigue, just overall physically run down.
The anti-nausea is affecting my vision, I see things pixillated and can't see clearly beyond about 10 feet. I went to the Asian Grocery store, one that's new to me, but awesome and closer than the other that I go to. So, I wasn't familiar with it and I couldn't look to see what was down and aisle, so I had to walk up to things to see what they were.
Considering medical marijuana. Needing something different for nausea and pain. The last 2 cycles I could say that it wasn't that bad, but this 3rd cycle I am willing to try anything to feel better.
This video was recorded on the 11th day and I still have some nausea and have had a difficult to tolerate body pain for several days. This has taken a toll on me emotionally. The combination of sleeplessness, chemo fatigue and discomfort has worn me down.
Neuropathy started Round 1, and began in my index finger, then thumb (Large Intestine and Lung channels). The pain I have in my limbs on this round is LI, SJ channels in the arms and SP, ST in the legs. Makes sense because chemo hits the digestive system hard.
I still have a great outlook overall, but the day to day has been challenging.

[@lillyrose3545]

I have a channel that I update every so often. It is basically about my complications after having stomach surgery. I have been meaning to upload a lot. It has been months, but I was waiting for a day when I feel better and have happy news, but that hasn’t happened yet. I paused this video to record a video for my channel because you recorded this. It was messy. There were lots of tears, but it was a relief to talk about how I am not doing well. I am really raw and real in my videos, but didn’t have the strength to go to my truth until now. Thank you so much! You are an inspiration.

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

Someone, maybe many, need to hear your story and know that rough times are okay. I hope you'll get your vidoes out there.

[@carolclarke5839]

I slept the 1st 5 days of Chemo and I was the same as you I didnt think I would get through the chemo but I did and so will you much love Xxx

[@thefightingfelter6456]

Aw hun , I feel your pain , I know it’s really hard and you might not think your doing ok but your getting up every day and doing this ! Your going through a really rough time atm , don’t be so hard on yourself , the side effects will ease in time and you will feel better soon. You need to let those emotions out , don’t keep them in eating you up and don’t ever feel bad about feeling low , it’s normal and very understandable. Sending you strength, positivity and lots of love ❤️, take care , Sam xx

[@carolclarke5839]

Hi from Australia,I went through all that as well Cancer free for 12 years now and not much around then for treating side effects, but another lady I know is taking medical Cannibus for insomnia and nausea Xxx

[@valerieb5539]

I am a nurse who administers chemo. I have heard the things you are saying many times and you are right, there is no handbook and what works for one person does squat for someone else. Watching you helps me so much. It’s so easy for me to repeat the things I’ve been taught to say to my patients. But to see you and hear you helps me to put in perspective how truly difficult it is for my patients after they leave my clinic and go home and deal with the awful side effects that go along with chemo. The only suggestion that I have is to look into the medical marijuana. I have had patients tell me it has made a big difference for them. They have some research on it that it is effective for nausea, pain and neuropathy from chemo. It’s going to take time for traditional medicine to accept it. EPOCH is chemo on steroids. It is VERY nasty. I have experience with one patient who did get through all 6 cycles. She was very sick and struggled just like you are. Even after the last cycle, she came in for 2 or 3 weeks for twice weekly fluids and IV antiemetics. She is on the other side of treatment now and doing great.

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

Thank you for the work that you do. My nurses have made an incredible difference for me and I know you are doing the same for your patients. I am trying some things for side effects and MMJ is next if this doesn't manage it. Thank you

[@musicallover3868]

Sending compassion to you on this hard journey. I walked the path with my mom 5 years ago. She was so sick for six months, but she did feel better after.

[@sahinayiasoumi3495]

Hi Tara try flaxseed oil mixed with live yoghurt a couple times a week xx♥️♥️

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

I can't risk yogurt until my WBCs are regulated. But I've found an anti nausea that works for me this go round. After chemo, I'll detox and rebuild. I'm sure that will include some beneficial bacteria. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@lindamiller7863]

Thank you for being real. I go for round 3 Monday! I can relate. I thought I was crazy,,, many nervous system issues. Again thanks….breast cancer is rough

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

God bless you with ease and solutions to side effects. All of my best to you. ❤️

[@annaawesome]

thank you so much for sharing your reality! thank you for being honest about what’s not helpful. love the shirt 🧡🔥

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

Different things are helpful at different times. It's quite an experience. Thank you for watching and keeping in touch.

[@trinamartinez4669]

I don’t know you in real life. Just know I’m proud of you thank you for being so vulnerable with us. To me it shows your strength within. You may not see it now but your helping yourself and someone out there that needed to see this. ❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

Thank you, Trina.❤️

[@trinamartinez4669]

Thank you 🥰

[@ajcrum3689]

you poor thing i hate this for you ! hang in there only film when you can don’t feel guilty about not being able to film we all understand . i cannot imagine how bad you are feeling i’m sorry . sending you prayers and hugs

[@canadian-girl]

new subby here god bless❤🇨🇦

[@rhondawhatley1591]

Praying and hope that God gives you strength to hold on and stay strong. He never promised that the cross heavy and hill hard to climb but he did promise if we call on him help will always come in time. Luv ya. Check out mrs too cute for cancer she has stage for 4 and has lived with stage 4 for 9 years I believe but had cancer a total of 20 years and has bad pain and she has a link to something she uses called cbd oil pain freeze and she says it is amazing. So please check out her channel maybe she can help

[@tarasjourney-lettinginthel8782]

Thank you, Rhonda. God makes no mistakes, this IS my path and I'm beginning to embrace that truth. I'll check out the lady you mentioned.

[@cindyhorst8316]

Stephen Rea a KZbinr in cancer treatment swears that nibbling chewing on a finger of ginger root really eliminated the nausea within minutes. Fyi