Much to my surprise I’ve had a pretty good day today following chemo from yesterday. Slow morning and breakfast in bed. After I got up I managed to work for a few hours – reasonably focused. We have made sure I’ve been eating and drinking enough and I take a pill every eight hours to keep the nausea at bay. I had my lunch sitting up – and working at the same time – and texting. Multitasking – what a victory! And I’ve watched three episodes of Homeland from flat position on the couch – while sending some emails – and listening to James fix the dishwasher. I even had enough energy to make dinner today. And had a walk around the block – with my fashion statement fanny pack and cool new glasses. The glasses were very helpful. I got a little bit of wind from the side under the glasses and my eye lid started twitching a bit, but that was it so thank you Chelsie – very good idea.

So as you understand, the side effects are mild today. I’m tired, but not fatigued. High pulse and a bit red in the face and on the chest. A bit of sweating and panting, but not too bad. My throat is not too cold sensitive as long as I don’t drink too fast. I can wash my hands and face in cold water – yuhu! But Benjamin had to cut the fridge cold vegetables for me when I made dinner. They were too cold to hold – and my hands were shaking too much. I have a bit odd taste in my mouth, but nothing like last time. Food tastes pretty good. I’d say the ice cubes worked. (Thank you again David). The lock jaw is still there. Really painful to eat the first 30 seconds. Same feeling as if you’re sucking on a really really sour lemon. Better today than yesterday though.

A new, strange and unexpected side effect is sore calf muscles. When I woke up my calf’s acted like I’d been running all night – super sore. They have been hurting all day and it’s hard to walk. My hands are not numb, but my forearms also have a strange cramp like soreness. It’s hard to use a track pad and touch screen for too long. Sore muscles and shaky hands. I expect it to pass in a couple of days.

Due to COVID-19 we have partly quarantined ourselves. Growing up in my parents house I learned to always have extra of certain essentials – and we do. James and Benjamin went to the grocery store last night and stocked up with a few more things and two extra bags of dog food. We have enough food for a while and will fill up with vegetables and fruit – either by going to the grocery store in the evening – or get a delivery. All schools are closed from Monday, but stores will still be open – at least for now. If everything goes on lockdown we can start using of our earthquake food supply. So we are all good.