Its taken me a while to learn the pattern that emerges from the drugs.
On Chemo day the nurses first administer anti-nausea drug and dexamethasone, taking about thirty minutes before starting the oxaliplatin followed by the folfox.
I think the dexamethasone keeps me propped-up (feeling okay) for about three days.
By the fourth day my only desire is to sit on the sofa or recliner all day, nap, watch daytime TV (yuk) and nap some more.
On the fifth day I get a few things done. Each day I can do a little more. And the more I do, the more I feel like doing.
Eating early and not snacking in the evening helps with sleep and recovery for the next day.
For me personally, ibuprofen is greatly helpful. So I take 400 mg in the morning and another 400 mg in the evening. "Inflammation" is one of the enemies. And it makes a difference.
My chemo doc approved this when asked about my ibuprofen intake. My kidney function is good.
Even so, my natural inclination is to sit all day. After any activity I get tired, and so find myself sitting and resting more than I would like. I've always been an active person with various projects waiting for me to attend to.
Today, I ignore projects that I would like to do. Just keeping up with routine daily maintenance is first. Stuff like keeping dishes out of the sink, making the bed, etc. Things that I used to blow through are now my daily achievements.
It's a slow process, but it is where this person finds himself now.