So, I finished my first cycle of chemotherapy a week ago. The weekend afterwards was pretty rough, but otherwise things are going well.

The side effects have been fairly minimal so far. The weekend immediately following the cycle was fairly rough – it kind of felt like I had the flu. I was very tired and achy and didn't really want to get out of bed or eat anything. I wasn't sick in the sense that I threw up, but rather queasy in the sense that I wish I did. I've found that feeling even worse on an empty stomach, so I've taken to eating many smaller meals throughout the day.

The worst of it cleared by the following Tuesday morning. Now I'm just generally achy and get tired easily, but otherwise things are good. My oncologist told me that it's a cumulative effect, so by the third and fourth cycle the recovery window may be slightly longer. My platelet and white blood count remained at or near good levels through the first cycle, which is a positive thing. I need to be careful but at least I can be productive and get work done. Of course, working for myself gives me the flexibility that I need in terms of working when and how I am capable.