Cancer Support

Or whatever "IV fluids" means these days. Used to be Ringers solution, which was salt water. The weird thing is that after the initial surge, during which I did tire myself out, I have regained some of that energy and continue to feel much better--more "alive"--than I have for months, maybe even years. I was suffering from a debilitating fatigue even before the cancer diagnosis and had had tests done on every system, with no surprises. I finally decided the fatigue was a combination of getting old and the fact that I'm a polio survivor (yes, that old!) and gave up. I needed to rest throughout the day, after every exertion, and I took morning and afternoon naps. Since the infusion I've not only not napped but have actually stayed awake during a whole "Midsomer Murders" episode.

Everything tastes fine, except for coffee, the very thought of which makes me gag. I've found that more helpful than medication for nausea is eating small amounts throughout the day. When my stomach feels empty, I can feel the nausea coming on, so I grab a couple of grapes or a forkful of chicken salad or a peanut butter sandwich. Friends who've brought over wonderful, enormous casseroles and potpies don't know about my trouble with eating, and I'm sure not going to tell them.

About the IV, though: when I'm done with my cancer treatment I'm going to ask if I can come back periodically for an infusion of fluids to see if it makes a difference to my level of fatigue. I'm not dehydrated--my urine is clear as spring water because I drink so much water--so there's something about delivering it directly into my veins that's doing the trick.