Just shoot me

I’ve done a couple of self-injections at home this week, and am tolerating them pretty well. No chills or rigors, like last week. I shoot myself in the thigh just before I go to bed, and so far I’ve slept well through the night. I’m a little achy and tired during the day, which will likely persist during this long maintenance period. My appetite is also waning again. I’m still not convinced I want to stick with the interferon, but I’ve deferred a decision for now. I want to see how I manage the side-effects (including the brain fog) in coming weeks.

I’ve been ramping up the miles I’m walking. Abby and I did a four-mile loop up Bald Hill today. My left thigh is mostly healed, but the fibrosis makes it stiff and I don’t have any sensation on the top half. It feels wooden. Fortunately, there’s no sign of lymphedema. As soon as the burn is completely healed I’m going to start running short distances. I’d like to see what it’s like to break a sweat again.

It’s been five months since my lymph node surgery and the official launch of my treatment. Considering where I’ve been, it’s good to not be constantly at the clinic. I get blood work weekly, and I see my oncologist every few weeks. This is about as normal as things are likely to get for a long while.

The photo is of my mom and four of her six grandkids. It was taken at Gigi’s home in Arch Cape.