0 Weeks, Day 7: Nothing to Write Home About

Well, the flu passed through our household this week, but it didn't come through me!  My daughter Desiree caught the bug as it made its way through the fifth grade.  As for me -  nada.  No flu symptoms.  Yeah!  I'm glad.  It was difficult not to anticipate its onset, though. And funny thing (or not), I secretly questioned if I was given a placebo by accident or something!  I know, kinda crazy...I guess I was expecting the side effects to be some kind of proof that my body was responding to the medication.



After some intense Google searching, I read many blogs that ranted about the flu symptoms.  Then I read statistics that reported 20% won't get the flu-like stuff, 60% will struggle through it week to week, and the remaining 20% get it so severely they have to stop treatment all together. Ew. I hope to stay out of that last group and remain in that former 20%.  God willing...

So what did happen? 

• Some fatigue, usually when I needed to eat.  But I don't have an appetite.  Weirdest thing.  So, I don't feel hungry, which means I'm learning to stay mindful of the last time I ate.  I am trying to do a better job listening to my body (All this self-care doesn't come naturally to me!).
• Some shortness of breath, usually soon after an oral dosing.
• As of this evening, a low grade fever.
• And as early as Day 3, an itchy rash!  Boo.  This inconvenient rash enjoys dicovering new areas to grow, spread - and itch!

All in all, a great week!  I had good energy in the mornings, so I was able to maintain my cardio!  Woohoo!  Docs recommend I stay as active as I can handle.  Exercise is especially good for my emotional stability, since 60% of patients experience depression.

Tomorrow is injection #2!  I'll report back later on its effects (if any)!

So...the time you spent reading this blog is time you could have spent elsewhere.  I consider your time a gift.  THANK YOU!