November 10, 2006 - Feeling Good Today

Hi Everyone-

Jim had a good day today. Although his days seem to be punctuated with nausea, he's doing amazingly well. He seems to be able to control some of the nausea with food. He's still on his anti-nausea medication. Last phase he just tapered down until he felt like he didn't need it - I guess he'll do that this time, too. He went to work a little late, but he worked all day today and most of the day yesterday. I am happy that he's working because he gets restless at home.

Jim's out at the store because he was craving cheese so badly that he had to go buy some. No one told us he'd act like he's pregnant! But actually a lot of the symptoms are the same - cravings, food aversions, nausea, and "chemo brain" or "prego brain"! He also hates strong smells.

Today we got proof that cards are coming in from tons and tons of sources - one of Jim's cards was signed by someone we don't know...and they mentioned that they were a friend of someone we don't know. So it must have been a friend of a friend of a friend. Crazy! But very thrilling. It's wonderful to have such a support network.

Yesterday it was 65 degrees out. We had snow tonight. Rachel and I went out and made our first snowman of the season. Scary. I cannot believe we live in Wisconsin. Jim loves it.

This winter might be a little tougher for him. One of his chemo drugs (Oxaliplatin) causes neuropathy - a tingling sensation in his hands, feet, etc. Jim is not allowed to be exposed to the cold. He has to get into a warm car, he has to wear a hat, scarf and gloves all the time, and if he wants to reach into the freezer he needs to wear a glove! He also can't have anything cold to drink or eat. Too much exposure to the cold could do permanent nerve damage. He was a little sad when I went out with Rachel tonight because he couldn't go. But I reminded him that last year I wasn't able to go sledding with them because I was pregnant...so it's only for one season, and then he's back in the fun.

Love to everyone!