Originally posted 17 March 2017.
Ready for this?
When I started chemotherapy in August 2016, my contact corrective lens was 2.25.
I developed severe dry eye and visited my Optometrist in October. My vision had improved and my corrective lens was 2.0.
I went back to my Optometrist this week. My vision has improved (again) and my corrective lens is now 1.5.
I sure am glad I did not but a year’s supply of contact lenses!
Sometimes during this journey, I have experienced my long time medical providers avoiding any input chemotherapy has on my health. I recently changed my Dermatologist for this reason. My prior one was dismissive about chemotherapy effects to my skin.
My Optometrist (Dr. Watson) seems to embrace this journey with me and works to make it as easy as possible. She inserted “man covers” over one tear duct in each eye to help me produce more tears naturally. Actually, she patiently puts “man covers” in several times, because I keep losing them!
As I have shared earlier, I have only experienced a few side effects from chemotherapy. Sure, there are days that I am tired but I still function. I do feel anxious as time gets closer to treatment and I think that is perfectly normal. My food cravings are limited to slightly steamed okra, boiled peanuts, and chicken potpies.
Again, the fear of the unknown can be crippling when facing chemotherapy and cancer. When this started I had no idea how I would handle chemotherapy. I knew I did not want to let Richard down and be a wimp, crybaby, or complainer. (This was my expectation, as Richard never asked anything of me.) He is such a positive person finding a pot of gold in all he encounters.
Leaders … What about you? Do you find the positive or the negative first in those things and people you encounter?
-VhS