Cold weather this morning

It was 45 degrees this morning here in the woods when I walked Clyde.  This is noteworthy for several reasons.  First, it means we're getting closer to Fall, my favorite season.  Second, it means one of the side effects of my chemo is brought into full bloom.  One of the drugs in my regimen is called oxypalatin.  One of its most bizarre side effects is extreme sensitivity to cold.  I have to drink room temperature or hot liquids.  I can't go in the fridge or freezer, etc.  This lasts about four days.  What happens is a sharp tingling sensation like pins and needles throughout your fingers and, as was the case outdoors this morning, my feet.  It's more an annoyance than anything else at the moment.  Thankfully it didn't affect my nose, mouth or ears.

Right now my biggest issue is fatigue.  I simply have no energy whatsoever in the first few days after chemo (which itself lasts 3 days because I get the slow-dripping 46-hour ball of flourouricil (5FU) after the other drugs).  I should start to get more energy as the weekend progresses, and hopefully will be feeling good again next week when my mom comes to visit.

Right now all that I can do is focus on sleep, fluids, and nutrition.  I'm hoping I will have the energy this afternoon to do some housework and take a little off Elaine's shoulders.

I realize that a lot of my posts are not particularly interesting but it's good for me to keep a running diary of this kind of stuff.