Today I finally got my chest tube taken out! I am finally rid of my leash! I have to say though, it was not a fun experience having that thing taken out. It was such a strange feeling having that long tube stuck in my chest, it was painful to the point that it almost made me want to throw up.
The doc had the radiologists do another X-ray this afternoon to see if my lungs were still inflated. Everything looked good this afternoon. They will do another X-ray tomorrow and if everything looks okay then I should be able to go home. I feel like I am breathing a little better. It is still not the same as before, however I can now take a deep breath without wheezing.
My sister Megan just got into town last night. She stayed with me most of the day today. It was another pretty uneventful day. We spent the day just hanging out in my room. Gina came by and we headed out for a late lunch. I am starting to get sick of the food here. I think it’s because nothing ever sounds good to me anymore.
I use to get cravings all the time for Mexican or Italian food. Now the only thing I look forward to is frozen yogurt and gummy worms. I think it’s because the cold yogurt feels good on my throat. I have had a sore throat over the past few days. The gummy worm craving I can’t really explain. I guess I should be happy that I am just able to get some food down without throwing it back up.
Sometimes I think about Kim and how she is having such a difficult time keeping anything down. Her mother said it had something to do with her coughing, not necessarily from nausea. She is starting to look so thin and, at times, so unhealthy. Other times she is out and about in her wheelchair and despite looking a little sick, she still has a sparkle of life in her. I can see why she is loved by so many. I hate to say it, but at times she reminds me of our mother that passed away. I can’t imagine what her kids will think about all of this one day.
I am hoping to speak with my care manager about getting the physical therapy added on my schedule still since I was asleep last time they came to the room. I know I am starting to get really weak and fragile with the condition my bones are in. I have got to strengthen my core and back muscles. I can tell when I am walking or sitting that my posture has already gone.
My legs get really tired from walking, even if it’s just for a little while. Perhaps part of it is because I have been walking in my slippers without any support in them, ha ha. Hopefully, when I get home we can start doing short walks again. It seems like it’s finally starting to get a little cooler outside. I’ll be so glad when this summer is over. The heat and sun really get to me this year. I’ve become so sensitive to the sun. I believe this is part of the chemo side effects. They are always saying that chemo patients should stay out of the sun. In fact, at Tina’s Treasures (boutique in SHC specializing in cancer care products), they carry all sorts of sun hats, including hats that are 50SPF!