As each week of chemo treatment passes, the side effects become more challenging. Chronic fatigue is becoming more noticeable like a ball and chain attached to my leg. Whether it is due to the chemo, or an underlying symptom of my cancer, or a consequence of my weight gain, I focus on conserving my energy with naps.
I’m also aware that my chemo is affecting my mental capacities. My attention span has become quite short, my memory seems to be evaporating, and I’m easily distracted. I find that conversations can make me tired and sometimes confused so I try and minimize them in my day-to-day interactions.
That said, my self-portraits continue to be a shining light in helping me cope and allowing me to feel good about myself. On Wednesday I travelled to Cypress Falls on the North Shore. I continue to spend time doing what I love – whether tanning on the beach or capturing my world through photography and self-portraits.
To recap: On Sunday, July 3rd, I completed Cycle 19 Week 1. I have Multiple Myeloma and anemia, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex).
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
May 2014: Steveston
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