I feel quite well actually, clear headed, on my feet, able to work on some things. The Pred is likely responsible for that, though I usually need a quick nap early in the morning. On rising, I am quite weak, hit it quickly with a couple OJs, and an Ensure or Boost as a chaser. That allows me to take the Pred and get the day started. A bit later, I try to eat something solid--now that is still hard. I can get down soft scrambled eggs and crisp bacon as long as I have a glass of something in case it gets caught up in the slime. Yeh, I still am fighting the slimes.
No one, especially me, is surprised that nothing has any taste other than a non-descript brown kind of flavor, including plain water. But I am having trouble finding anyone who has experienced the slimes. It feels like my saliva has thickened, as my tongue and palate are always coated with what feels like petroleum jelly. If you chew anything (and especially something spongy) more than three times, it turns into this ball of slime that CANNOT be swallowed! I have tried using my salt/soda/warm water rinse several times as well as brushing my tongue and palate-- that seems to help some, but it quickly reverts to slime. Gentle Readers, any clues would be welcome.
I will certainly continue to use liquid diets as a way to try to get adequate calories--all agree this is desirable and that I can live without a lot of solids. We have the blender out and some fresh fruit-- strawberries actually almost taste like strawberries to me. With some canned fruit as well and one of the liquid enhancers--or ice cream--I am able to add some calories throughout the day.
We had a little snow last night, again the neighbor blew it off our drive-- how great to have friends like that. The snow has made everything clean again, nice to look at out my patio doors and hope that this brings us one snow closer to spring.
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Oh Maestro... we must get you ready for the weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteHere are some tried and true suggestions for clearing up the "slimes." Endorsed by trusted oncology nurses as well :-)
First, if the slime is white, you need to contact your oncologist... yeast is a common side effect of Gemzar, and if you don't treat it now, it will keep on growing :-{
If the slime is not white, you have a couple of options. First try squeezing 1/4 of a juicy, fresh lemon into half a glass (3-4 oz.) of room temperature water. Swish a mouthful and swallow (if you can do so and you do not have active mouth sores). Keep sipping on the lemon water while you are taking in nourishment.
If this remedy does not work, contact your oncologist because the "slimes" are often a by-product of not producing enough saliva. There are prescription medications available to boost your saliva production.
It is a circle game... that is why it so critical to boost your intake of fluids! The chemo drugs dry you out... and if you lack an appetite and have lost your sense of taste, you're not liking to be salivating in anticipation of something tasty... all contributing to constipation.
Hope these slimebusters help!
The sun is shining brightly! Hope you are enjoying your beautiful room with a view, or maybe even traipsing about the winter wonderland today!