I've never really been a complainer. I feel like it just highlights the bad and doesn't help any. I know as I go through this journey I have every right to complain, but I don't think I have much. I know for others complaining is helpful and gets all the negative feelings out. Not for me though.
I couple little things have been bothering me though. They aren't life changing or a big deal but they have been bringing me down a bit. I feel like the mental part of this journey is just as important as the treatments and the physical aspects. As these little things were dragging me down, I decided to address them yesterday.
One issue that has been bothersome is my teeth. As frequently as I brushed them during the day, my mouth always felt dirty and had a bad taste. I know that one of the side effects of the chemo is mouth sores but this was different. A friend of mine and I go to the same dentist. He just happened to be going yesterday and asked the dentist about what I can do. My dentist provided a sample of Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash because I apparently have a dry mouth. With just the first use last night I noticed a huge difference. My teeth have not felt this clean in weeks and I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to get a drink. Today, I don't feel like I have bad breath and no film is developing on me teeth. One issue solved!
The second issue is that my nose is always runny. I don't have a cold and I'm not sick. Apparently the chemo causes increased secretions (which I don't understand the dry mouth issue). Anyway, my nose is getting a little sore from blowing it. I have found that taking Sudafed does the trick. I only take it during the day when I am working or out doing something as I don't want to take it all the time. But, it dries me up and lets me enjoy my day and give my nose a break.
Finally, my complection has changed. The chemo has caused my freckles to be out like they are in the summer. I also noticed my foundation just hasn't been providing me the coverage I am used to. So, I went to the Clinque counter yesterday and had a consultation. They assigned me to a breast cancer survivor who went through many of my same issues so it was good to talk with someone who really understood what I was going through. After some trial and error, we found some products that I was happy with the way I looked. Of course while I was there, I had all my make up done for fun.
I can't tell you how much better I feel today with these little issues resolved very quickly. So, was I complaining? I'm not sure. I would prefer to label it as addressing the issues. Either way, I'm glad I took care of what was bothering me because it's made a huge difference in my mood. And I guess if there is ever a time, that I'm going to deal with little things that bother me, this is the time!
Glad you were able to get things resolved. Your mental mood means a lot.
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