February 6th was the 4 year anniversary of my tumor being found during a colonoscopy. I was having some symptoms that my primary Dr.(pcp) and gastro Dr. both thought were irritable bowel or colitis. Thankfully, before my pcp looked further into my symptoms, she wanted me to have a colonoscopy, and then we'd know more what we were dealing with. We were ALL surprised when the tumor was found. The gastro doc doing the procedure saw it right away (I was given some good drugs, but was fully awake) and said "See that? That shouldn't be there". After the exam the doc came in and told us he was sure it was cancer, although we needed to wait for the pathology report for the 'official' word. I am so grateful Rich was with me! We just held each other when the Dr. left. Then he came back, and told me he had set up a CT scan for me that afternoon. Things moved really fast! I remember the nurse giving me a hug when she walked us out and telling me I was going to be ok. That was so sweet, and yet scared me because I didn't really realize the gravity of the situation yet. Thanks to my 'happy drugs', I wasn't too upset yet--I told Rich in the truck after to stop looking so gloomy! Poor guy, he just found out his wife had cancer! I'm sure he was overwhelmed! (I don't think I'll ever know how hard all of this was on him, as he did a good job of keeping it from me. He was an EXCELLENT caregiver, and I'll always be grateful for that!)
Like I said, things moved quickly. My CT scan didn't show any other areas of cancer (except a possible lymph node). My gastro doc also contacted a surgeon, and an appt. to see him was scheduled, then my pre-op, then the surgery on Feb. 20th, just 2 weeks later. During surgery, 18" of my colon was removed and I was able to be reconnected. I came close to needing a colostomy, but am thankful I didn't! It was a tough surgery, and I was in the hospital 8 days. 2 of 20 lymph nodes had cancer, and I was stage 3b.
My wonderful oncologist told me this type of cancer could be CURED. Because of my young age (44), I was given everything they could possibly throw at me! None of my chemos were reduced, even with bad side effects. Once he even let me get chemo when my counts were really low--the nurse had to go ask him if the orders were correct! But he knew my counts always bounced back quickly when I had a neupogen shot, so he wasn't worried! I think it made a difference that my onc knew me well enough to know that I really wanted to complete all the treatments. If I had said it was too hard and I wanted to back off a bit he probably would have, as I think he would have respected my wishes. Same thing with radiation. That was even more difficult, and I was told I didn't need to finish, but it was important to me to finish those last 3, and I did! Although, I have to say, I never realized all the side effects I would have to live with!
Sometimes I have a hard time remembering how awful it all was, and other times I remember too well! I get frustrated dealing with painful side effects, but mostly, I am just so glad to be living life, cancer free. I am enjoying my children and grandchildren. My girls are such a blessing to me! They really stepped up and did everything they could to help me get through those tough days of cancer treatment. I'm sure it was hard to watch their mom get cancer TWICE. They are amazing young women!
Enough reminiscing...my 6 month CT scans are coming up next Monday, Feb. 18th. I'll also get my labs done that day too. Then the following week I see my oncologist and have a mammogram. This coming Thurs. (the 14th) I'll see my colorectal surgeon about the fistula, and I'm thinking I'll have to have surgery on that soon. That is a side effect from surgery and radiation. :(
1 more year and I'll hit that 5 year mark! I'm going to ask Dr. J about being 'cured'; if that still fits my case or not. I don't remember if the breast cancer will ever be considered cured--maybe because I was only stage 2b, I can be cured of that too. I'm not sure--I hope I remember to ask! April 1st will be 3 years from the breast cancer diagnosis.
Life goes on, and God is good! :)
Love,
Tina
Showing posts with label neupogen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neupogen. Show all posts
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Here's to Many "Lasts"
2 recent pictures of my grandson!Friday I had my 5FU chemo pump removed for the last time, and took my last shower where I had to tape up my port with Glad Press N Seal! Yesterday I happily removed the hook from the wall near the shower where I hung my pump. I hated toting that thing around. I was always getting the tubing stuck on the kitchen drawer handles and such.
Saturday I did my last Neupogen shot. I had one left, so the doc said I may as well use it. We know that my wbc will drop, so this one shot will help keep them up a little and protect me from illness. My platelets were still low too, so they will be dropping lower after this last chemo. I'll have to remember to be careful the next week or 2 until they start coming back up.
It will be a long time (4 months!) before I get my blood checked again. I wish I could get it checked sooner, just so I would know that all my levels went back up.
Today is a crappy day. Woke up with nausea--I think I forgot to take my Zofran last night. Finally managed to have some oatmeal, warm oj, and coffee. Now I'm starting to feel yucky again--I'll probably take an Ativan soon. After eating and some coffee, I had just enough energy to take a quick shower, but it really tired me out!
I feel bad that I couldn't go to church--Shonna is singing with the worship team, and also doing the offering song. Rich and Alyssa are recording it for me on my new camcorder Rich gave me for Christmas. I hope all is going well! She gets nervous sometimes, but always does great once she starts singing. I don't know if I've said this before, but next Fall she is going to a music school run by The International House of Prayer (aka IHOP) in Kansas City. She wants to see what God has in store for her, and has no idea where it will take her. I find it very exciting, and am very proud of her for stepping out in faith like that.
Rachel's hubby left on a business trip today, so she will be taking care of Brennan on her own for a few days. Of course she knows she can always bring the little guy over here if she needs a break or a nap! Brennan still doesn't sleep much, he eats often. But he is 11 pounds now! A little chunker! :)
Alyssa's hubby should be home sometime this week!! We are so excited! He's in the US, but had to do some Sargent training before he came home. I think he's back in Fort Lewis, WA. He was in Utah for the training. We all want to see him right away, but we are going to let him decide when he's ready to see everyone. He may need some time to adjust to being home..and he and Alyssa probably need some time alone together! We haven't seen him since June. Speaking of "lasts" hopefully this will be Jaren's last deployment!
Even tho today is a yucky day, it makes it easier to handle knowing that I only have a few more days of this, and then I'll start feeling better for good! Not for just a week, then back to sick again!
I just hope I can get my strength back in the next few weeks for work. So much to do....
I hope this makes some sort of sense, and there are not too many errors! I'm too tired to proof read it again.
Take care everyone!
Love,
Tina
Saturday I did my last Neupogen shot. I had one left, so the doc said I may as well use it. We know that my wbc will drop, so this one shot will help keep them up a little and protect me from illness. My platelets were still low too, so they will be dropping lower after this last chemo. I'll have to remember to be careful the next week or 2 until they start coming back up.
It will be a long time (4 months!) before I get my blood checked again. I wish I could get it checked sooner, just so I would know that all my levels went back up.
Today is a crappy day. Woke up with nausea--I think I forgot to take my Zofran last night. Finally managed to have some oatmeal, warm oj, and coffee. Now I'm starting to feel yucky again--I'll probably take an Ativan soon. After eating and some coffee, I had just enough energy to take a quick shower, but it really tired me out!
I feel bad that I couldn't go to church--Shonna is singing with the worship team, and also doing the offering song. Rich and Alyssa are recording it for me on my new camcorder Rich gave me for Christmas. I hope all is going well! She gets nervous sometimes, but always does great once she starts singing. I don't know if I've said this before, but next Fall she is going to a music school run by The International House of Prayer (aka IHOP) in Kansas City. She wants to see what God has in store for her, and has no idea where it will take her. I find it very exciting, and am very proud of her for stepping out in faith like that.
Rachel's hubby left on a business trip today, so she will be taking care of Brennan on her own for a few days. Of course she knows she can always bring the little guy over here if she needs a break or a nap! Brennan still doesn't sleep much, he eats often. But he is 11 pounds now! A little chunker! :)
Alyssa's hubby should be home sometime this week!! We are so excited! He's in the US, but had to do some Sargent training before he came home. I think he's back in Fort Lewis, WA. He was in Utah for the training. We all want to see him right away, but we are going to let him decide when he's ready to see everyone. He may need some time to adjust to being home..and he and Alyssa probably need some time alone together! We haven't seen him since June. Speaking of "lasts" hopefully this will be Jaren's last deployment!
Even tho today is a yucky day, it makes it easier to handle knowing that I only have a few more days of this, and then I'll start feeling better for good! Not for just a week, then back to sick again!
I just hope I can get my strength back in the next few weeks for work. So much to do....
I hope this makes some sort of sense, and there are not too many errors! I'm too tired to proof read it again.
Take care everyone!
Love,
Tina
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!
The top picture is the certificate that the chemo nurses gave me for being done. The 2nd picture is the angels that have cared for me all these months. From left to right: Carol, Cheryl (my nurse for the first several rounds), me, Andrea (my main nurse for the last few months), and Sheryl. I've gotten to know all the nurses, as they all help each other out when one is at lunch or busy with another patient. They are all wonderful, as are the receptionists, and of course the doctors. Not a crabby one in the whole place. I highly recommend Regions Cancer Care Center!
I will have to go in every 4-6 weeks to get my port flushed. Andrea told me to make sure I bring in pictures of Baby Brennan! I'll keep the port at least until I have my ct scan (in 4 months), then I'll probably have it removed. What have others done? I'll have ct scans every 6months for awhile. Is it worth it to keep it in?
A few days before my scan, I'll see the doc and get blood tests done. He saw me in the infusion room today and said he didn't want to see me again for several weeks! I said "I don't want to see you either!", and we both laughed. I will miss all of them.
The end of Feb. I'll have my colonoscopy. The doc said depending on what things look like then, I would have one done every 1-3 years. I'm sort of glad to be having one done ( I know, I'm weird!), because I'm so curious to see what things look like after having 18" of my colon removed. My insides have been rearranged and I want to know what's going on in there! I'm hoping it won't hurt. I think sometimes it does after surgery because there might be scar tissue, or it might be narrower. The first one didn't hurt at all--but I'll never forget what that tumor looked like!
24 hours after I have the pump removed, Sat. afternoon, I'll do my last Neupogen shot. It will help keep my wbc from getting too low, and help me to stay healthy.
I've been warned several times that my neuropathy might take 6months or longer to go away. I'm hoping the cold sensitivity goes away enough in 4 weeks so I can stand outside for an hour doing recess at work. I'm supposed to go back to work on Tues. Feb. 16th--4 weeks from yesterday. I'm nervous about going back! I hope I'm not too tired after work, and I hope my chemo brain isn't too bad--I've forgotten alot of the kids' names! Plus I'll have to learn all new ones in Kindergarten. Thankfully the teachers and staff I work with are very kind and understanding!
Well, I've got about a week of yuckiness to get through, then when I start to feel better, I'll keep feeling better...and better, and better!
Here's to the rest of my life!! I'm praying that I'll be around for a long, long time!!
Love and Blessings to All!
Tina
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Will Tomorrow be The Day??
I'm hoping tomorrow will be my last chemo. We have to wait and see if my platelets are ok; the doc and I think they might be too low. I did my 2 shots of Neupogen, so I'm sure my wbc will be ok. If chemo has to be delayed, that's ok too.
I have alot of back pain from the shots this time, so my wbc must have been low. I've said before that alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol really helps with the pain, but this time I can't take ibuprofen due to my low platelets. I woke up with alot of pain and ate some applesauce so I could take Tylenol, but it hasn't helped much. Soon I'm going to take one of my Percosets, but since it has Tylenol in it I have to wait at least 4 hours from when I took it this morning. I was hoping to go shopping with Shonna today, but had to cancel that :( . Oh well, such is life with cancer--you never know if you can follow through with your plans or not!
Boy, I had so much energy last Thurs. and Fri.--but it seems to have disappeared! I guess I just need to go with the flow and not feel guilty. :)
I've read that others are having trouble with their finger and toenails, from the chemo. While my chemo isn't as harsh as some have had, I've lost my little toenails and my fingernails have ridges and some are peeling from the bottom up. But they aren't too bad. My hands also look awful. Any age spots or freckles have gotten darker, and there are dark lines too. The spots on my face have gotten darker too. I'm hoping this all goes away once the chemo gets out of my system.
I have definitely been colder lately. I'm wondering if my hemoglobin has gotten lower. It seems stores and restaurants just aren't heating their buildings much! Yesterday at Target the bottom of my feet were tingling from being cold! That doesn't usually happen when I'm walking around a store! At night I really pile on the blankets too, and have a hard time warming up when I first get into bed. I think we'll have to start using the little heater that Shonna has in her room (she's REALLY a freeze-baby!). I'll just use it to heat up our room before bedtime.
Well, hope everyone else around the country is staying warm! Hopefully this little heat wave we are having will last awhile! Its supposed to be 34 here tomorrow! (for those of you in warmer climes--34 is really good!)
Love and blessings!
Tina
I have alot of back pain from the shots this time, so my wbc must have been low. I've said before that alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol really helps with the pain, but this time I can't take ibuprofen due to my low platelets. I woke up with alot of pain and ate some applesauce so I could take Tylenol, but it hasn't helped much. Soon I'm going to take one of my Percosets, but since it has Tylenol in it I have to wait at least 4 hours from when I took it this morning. I was hoping to go shopping with Shonna today, but had to cancel that :( . Oh well, such is life with cancer--you never know if you can follow through with your plans or not!
Boy, I had so much energy last Thurs. and Fri.--but it seems to have disappeared! I guess I just need to go with the flow and not feel guilty. :)
I've read that others are having trouble with their finger and toenails, from the chemo. While my chemo isn't as harsh as some have had, I've lost my little toenails and my fingernails have ridges and some are peeling from the bottom up. But they aren't too bad. My hands also look awful. Any age spots or freckles have gotten darker, and there are dark lines too. The spots on my face have gotten darker too. I'm hoping this all goes away once the chemo gets out of my system.
I have definitely been colder lately. I'm wondering if my hemoglobin has gotten lower. It seems stores and restaurants just aren't heating their buildings much! Yesterday at Target the bottom of my feet were tingling from being cold! That doesn't usually happen when I'm walking around a store! At night I really pile on the blankets too, and have a hard time warming up when I first get into bed. I think we'll have to start using the little heater that Shonna has in her room (she's REALLY a freeze-baby!). I'll just use it to heat up our room before bedtime.
Well, hope everyone else around the country is staying warm! Hopefully this little heat wave we are having will last awhile! Its supposed to be 34 here tomorrow! (for those of you in warmer climes--34 is really good!)
Love and blessings!
Tina
Friday, January 8, 2010
Life is Good!
Been feeling much better the last few days. I've had the urge to clean and organize! Unfortunately I can't do as much as I would like--I take frequent breaks! When you go through several days of awful fatigue, life seems so good and exciting when you come out of it.
Can't wait til next Monday or Tuesday, when my cold sensitivity goes away enough for me to have a "melted" smoothie. Didn't get one last round, and I'm craving that yummy berry flavor.
My last round of chemo is scheduled for Wed., but it might be delayed due to blood counts--specifically low platelets. My wbc should be fine because I did 4 shots over the weekend, and I will do a shot on both Sunday and Monday. The first 4 didn't cause me any back pain, I think because my counts weren't low yet. We'll see if the next 2 hurt. They seem to only hurt bad if my counts are really low. Then the shots cause a lot of activity in my bone marrow/spine.
My neuropathy is getting more noticeable in my fingers and toes. It doesn't hurt, but with each tap on the keyboard my fingers tingle. My slippers brushing against my big toes make them tingle. I'm glad I'm almost done with chemo, because if the neuropathy gets bad enough the doc would have to discontinue the Oxaliplatin. Hopefully the mild tingling I have won't take too long to go away. Sometimes it can take a year to go away, and sometimes its permanent.
From reading the blogs of others, and talking to my doc, I know that there may be side effects from the chemo and especially the radiation for a long time to come. I'm glad I know this ahead of time. But I feel like I'll be so happy to be declared "cancer free" that anything else won't matter!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Blessings!
Tina
Can't wait til next Monday or Tuesday, when my cold sensitivity goes away enough for me to have a "melted" smoothie. Didn't get one last round, and I'm craving that yummy berry flavor.
My last round of chemo is scheduled for Wed., but it might be delayed due to blood counts--specifically low platelets. My wbc should be fine because I did 4 shots over the weekend, and I will do a shot on both Sunday and Monday. The first 4 didn't cause me any back pain, I think because my counts weren't low yet. We'll see if the next 2 hurt. They seem to only hurt bad if my counts are really low. Then the shots cause a lot of activity in my bone marrow/spine.
My neuropathy is getting more noticeable in my fingers and toes. It doesn't hurt, but with each tap on the keyboard my fingers tingle. My slippers brushing against my big toes make them tingle. I'm glad I'm almost done with chemo, because if the neuropathy gets bad enough the doc would have to discontinue the Oxaliplatin. Hopefully the mild tingling I have won't take too long to go away. Sometimes it can take a year to go away, and sometimes its permanent.
From reading the blogs of others, and talking to my doc, I know that there may be side effects from the chemo and especially the radiation for a long time to come. I'm glad I know this ahead of time. But I feel like I'll be so happy to be declared "cancer free" that anything else won't matter!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Blessings!
Tina
Friday, November 20, 2009
Round 5, Day 1 and 2
So I'm going to start my log of round 5. I think I'll just add to this blog for a few days, then start a new one for the next 3 days or so, and so on until its time for round 6. Follow along if you want!
Today I probably shouldn't have had chemo because my neutrophils and overall white blood cell counts were pretty low. The doc let me go ahead, knowing I respond quickly to neupogen shots, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving at all if we waited until next week. He did say we are taking a risk, and I should wear a mask if I'm around anyone sick (remember before he told me I didn't need a mask?). I need to watch for fevers and signs of infection, and call immediately with any concerns. I wasn't too worried until I went back to the infusion room to start chemo and my nurse (who had seen my blood counts) was REALLY surprised the doc was letting me get chemo. She assumed I wasn't. She said that's the lowest she's seen the doc allow. THEN I started to worry! But really I'm not too concerned. Unfortunately Shonna is sick with a cold, but she's been sick alot this Fall and I haven't caught anything yet. She's good about washing her hands and I put out a separate hand towel in the bathroom just for me to use. I'll stay home for the next few days too--no running to Target or going out to eat. I have to do a shot on Sunday, after my pump is disconnected, then one on Monday. Tuesday I won't need to do a shot if I get a lot of back pain from it on Sun and Mon, because the back pain indicates the bone marrow is making more white blood cells. If I don't have much pain, then I'll do a 3rd shot on Tues. Then 2 days before my next chemo I'll do one more shot. Last round I did 2 shots at home and didn't have much pain at all, which was unusual.
Side effects for today are: cramping of hands, calves, lips, and throat, and extreme cold sensitivity in my hands and feet. My calves are twitching as I sit here and I do a funny stiff legged walk. The throat thing makes it a little hard to swallow, and I have to keep it warm or it gets worse. Other than the cold sensitivity, the other cramping and such should be gone tomorrow. I feel a little tired and out of it, but not too bad.
Brennan update:
Rachel was very excited when she called me this afternoon. Brennan exceeded his minimum amount of milk at the 3pm check today! (and he pooped on his own too!) He is finally making HUGE improvements. Rachel and Ken are spending the weekend in a family room at the hospital and will have Brennan in the room with them. We might actually have him here for Thanksgiving! I'm soooo excited. Alyssa and Shonna have never held their nephew and really want to see him too.
Oh, I wanted to add something about Jaren too--he and a few other guys are leaving the Basra base and heading up near Baghdad. Something about driving around a General. Anyway, please pray for his safety. He should be heading back to the US (Utah, I think) for some training on Dec. 30th, then home around Feb 1st. Alyssa and I have been apartment hunting, and she hopes to move into someplace Jan 1st, so it will be all ready for Jaren when he comes home. Its tough to make that final decision on an apartment tho! She's being very thorough and I know she will make the right choice.
Tomorrow I'll add to this blog, and change the title to "Round 5, Day 1 and 2".
Until then, take care everyone!!
Love,
Tina
DAY 2
I didn't sleep very much last night, only a few hours. The decadron they give me in my IV with the Zofran keeps me awake. Hopefully I can sleep tonight! I do have Ambien to take, but I don't like to take it with the steroid. Not sure why, just seems like too many drugs at once.
I still have some muscle cramps, but not as bad as yesterday. I've had a little nausea when my stomach gets hungry, so have been snacking alot today.
Took my second Emend pill at 12:30. They give me 1 larger dose pill before chemo, then I take a smaller 1 for the 2 days after. I also take Zofran first thing in the morning and then Decadron after I eat. Then I take them both at bedtime too. I'll continue the Zofran for several days, but only take Decadron til tomorrow, then I'll be done with that. Although, I might try a Decadron on one of my really bad days to see if it perks me up a little. I mentioned it to the nurse, and she agreed that it might help a little, and said to just take one in the morning.
Shonna is still sick with a bad sore throat and stuffy head. I wanted her to go to a Minute Clinic or urgent care today, but she worked instead. She was going to leave early, but decided not to. Maybe tomorrow before she works at 1. I will be relieved when I finally do my Neupogen shot tomorrow eve. to raise my white blood count!
Thanks Ken for the info on the masks again. I'm not going to make Shonna wear a mask, but I do worry about surfaces she touches, even tho she is good about washing her hands. I wipe stuff down with disinfectant wipes.
Thank you to the Bridgewood folks for the 2 meals this week!! Much appreciated! Rich was just going to have cereal last night, but instead we all had yummy soup (and too much cake :)
Tomorrow I'll start a new blog--this one is getting too long. :)
Blessings!
Tina
Today I probably shouldn't have had chemo because my neutrophils and overall white blood cell counts were pretty low. The doc let me go ahead, knowing I respond quickly to neupogen shots, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving at all if we waited until next week. He did say we are taking a risk, and I should wear a mask if I'm around anyone sick (remember before he told me I didn't need a mask?). I need to watch for fevers and signs of infection, and call immediately with any concerns. I wasn't too worried until I went back to the infusion room to start chemo and my nurse (who had seen my blood counts) was REALLY surprised the doc was letting me get chemo. She assumed I wasn't. She said that's the lowest she's seen the doc allow. THEN I started to worry! But really I'm not too concerned. Unfortunately Shonna is sick with a cold, but she's been sick alot this Fall and I haven't caught anything yet. She's good about washing her hands and I put out a separate hand towel in the bathroom just for me to use. I'll stay home for the next few days too--no running to Target or going out to eat. I have to do a shot on Sunday, after my pump is disconnected, then one on Monday. Tuesday I won't need to do a shot if I get a lot of back pain from it on Sun and Mon, because the back pain indicates the bone marrow is making more white blood cells. If I don't have much pain, then I'll do a 3rd shot on Tues. Then 2 days before my next chemo I'll do one more shot. Last round I did 2 shots at home and didn't have much pain at all, which was unusual.
Side effects for today are: cramping of hands, calves, lips, and throat, and extreme cold sensitivity in my hands and feet. My calves are twitching as I sit here and I do a funny stiff legged walk. The throat thing makes it a little hard to swallow, and I have to keep it warm or it gets worse. Other than the cold sensitivity, the other cramping and such should be gone tomorrow. I feel a little tired and out of it, but not too bad.
Brennan update:
Rachel was very excited when she called me this afternoon. Brennan exceeded his minimum amount of milk at the 3pm check today! (and he pooped on his own too!) He is finally making HUGE improvements. Rachel and Ken are spending the weekend in a family room at the hospital and will have Brennan in the room with them. We might actually have him here for Thanksgiving! I'm soooo excited. Alyssa and Shonna have never held their nephew and really want to see him too.
Oh, I wanted to add something about Jaren too--he and a few other guys are leaving the Basra base and heading up near Baghdad. Something about driving around a General. Anyway, please pray for his safety. He should be heading back to the US (Utah, I think) for some training on Dec. 30th, then home around Feb 1st. Alyssa and I have been apartment hunting, and she hopes to move into someplace Jan 1st, so it will be all ready for Jaren when he comes home. Its tough to make that final decision on an apartment tho! She's being very thorough and I know she will make the right choice.
Tomorrow I'll add to this blog, and change the title to "Round 5, Day 1 and 2".
Until then, take care everyone!!
Love,
Tina
DAY 2
I didn't sleep very much last night, only a few hours. The decadron they give me in my IV with the Zofran keeps me awake. Hopefully I can sleep tonight! I do have Ambien to take, but I don't like to take it with the steroid. Not sure why, just seems like too many drugs at once.
I still have some muscle cramps, but not as bad as yesterday. I've had a little nausea when my stomach gets hungry, so have been snacking alot today.
Took my second Emend pill at 12:30. They give me 1 larger dose pill before chemo, then I take a smaller 1 for the 2 days after. I also take Zofran first thing in the morning and then Decadron after I eat. Then I take them both at bedtime too. I'll continue the Zofran for several days, but only take Decadron til tomorrow, then I'll be done with that. Although, I might try a Decadron on one of my really bad days to see if it perks me up a little. I mentioned it to the nurse, and she agreed that it might help a little, and said to just take one in the morning.
Shonna is still sick with a bad sore throat and stuffy head. I wanted her to go to a Minute Clinic or urgent care today, but she worked instead. She was going to leave early, but decided not to. Maybe tomorrow before she works at 1. I will be relieved when I finally do my Neupogen shot tomorrow eve. to raise my white blood count!
Thanks Ken for the info on the masks again. I'm not going to make Shonna wear a mask, but I do worry about surfaces she touches, even tho she is good about washing her hands. I wipe stuff down with disinfectant wipes.
Thank you to the Bridgewood folks for the 2 meals this week!! Much appreciated! Rich was just going to have cereal last night, but instead we all had yummy soup (and too much cake :)
Tomorrow I'll start a new blog--this one is getting too long. :)
Blessings!
Tina
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Chemo Round 2 Of 8
Maybe I should say round 6 of 12? Because these 8 rounds are a continuation of the 4 I had in the spring--for a total of 12 rounds. But the side effects are more like a round 2 than a round 6. If that makes any sense :) .
My blood counts were a little low, but still within the range that my doc allows for chemo. We discussed doing the Neupogen shot to increase the white blood cells (specifically neutrophils), but since I can't take ibuprofen for the pain (because of my blood thinners), we decided to hold off until next round. By then I'll be done with the blood thinner shots (Lovenox), and will be able to take the ibuprofen before the shot.
I can stop taking the antibiotic for the c-diff, but the doc said he was going to double check with the infectious disease doc to see if I should stay on it longer at a lower dose. He said he was going to do that last time, so I hope he remembers this time! Because of the c-diff, I haven't been able to touch my grandson, so I'm hoping by the time he comes home in a month or so I'll be all clear to hold him!
I did get the flu shot today. It was for the seasonal flu, as they don't have the H1N1 shots yet. I asked the doc if the flu could kill me, and while he didn't say no, he did say that those with the blood cancers (like lymphoma) are more at risk because of their suppressed immune systems. While my counts get low, I still have a working immune system to help fight the flu. But it is weaker than a normal, healthy person. I asked him if they (the ones with blood cancers) are the ones I see wearing the masks, and he said yes, and I don't need a mask.
So, while I was sitting there getting my chemo, Shonna sends me a text that says "I called in sick to work--don't come near me or you will die". ( That's typical Shonna drama:) ) Turns out she has a really bad sore throat and headache. These are the same symptoms my oncology nurse, Cheryl, tells me her son had about 3 weeks ago and her doc thinks it was H1N1 and gave her son Tamiflu. Great. Shonna is staying away from me and in her room as much as possible, but we do share a bathroom. I think I'm going to put out a separate hand towel just for me. I'm going to try to get Shonna in to the doc tomorrow. If I tell them I have cancer, maybe they'll be willing to fit her in! Shonna said several kids in one of her college classes all got sick around the same time. She's been using hand sanitizer and washing alot, but really, this flu virus is airborne and hand washing might not help all that much (although its still recommended).
So far my side effects have been stronger than last round. I've been getting the hand, lip and calf cramping, and my throat is more affected by the cool air. I brought my new scarf with me, and I'm glad I did because I really needed it. I still have it around my shoulders so I can breathe into it every now and then to warm up my throat. I still get that weird pain in my jaw from my salivary (sp?) glands everytime I eat something. The first few bites really hurt, then it stops. I don't remember what the doc said about it, but its normal for this treatment.
Typing is getting difficult, and I have a headache, so time to stop.
Love to all!
Tina
My blood counts were a little low, but still within the range that my doc allows for chemo. We discussed doing the Neupogen shot to increase the white blood cells (specifically neutrophils), but since I can't take ibuprofen for the pain (because of my blood thinners), we decided to hold off until next round. By then I'll be done with the blood thinner shots (Lovenox), and will be able to take the ibuprofen before the shot.
I can stop taking the antibiotic for the c-diff, but the doc said he was going to double check with the infectious disease doc to see if I should stay on it longer at a lower dose. He said he was going to do that last time, so I hope he remembers this time! Because of the c-diff, I haven't been able to touch my grandson, so I'm hoping by the time he comes home in a month or so I'll be all clear to hold him!
I did get the flu shot today. It was for the seasonal flu, as they don't have the H1N1 shots yet. I asked the doc if the flu could kill me, and while he didn't say no, he did say that those with the blood cancers (like lymphoma) are more at risk because of their suppressed immune systems. While my counts get low, I still have a working immune system to help fight the flu. But it is weaker than a normal, healthy person. I asked him if they (the ones with blood cancers) are the ones I see wearing the masks, and he said yes, and I don't need a mask.
So, while I was sitting there getting my chemo, Shonna sends me a text that says "I called in sick to work--don't come near me or you will die". ( That's typical Shonna drama:) ) Turns out she has a really bad sore throat and headache. These are the same symptoms my oncology nurse, Cheryl, tells me her son had about 3 weeks ago and her doc thinks it was H1N1 and gave her son Tamiflu. Great. Shonna is staying away from me and in her room as much as possible, but we do share a bathroom. I think I'm going to put out a separate hand towel just for me. I'm going to try to get Shonna in to the doc tomorrow. If I tell them I have cancer, maybe they'll be willing to fit her in! Shonna said several kids in one of her college classes all got sick around the same time. She's been using hand sanitizer and washing alot, but really, this flu virus is airborne and hand washing might not help all that much (although its still recommended).
So far my side effects have been stronger than last round. I've been getting the hand, lip and calf cramping, and my throat is more affected by the cool air. I brought my new scarf with me, and I'm glad I did because I really needed it. I still have it around my shoulders so I can breathe into it every now and then to warm up my throat. I still get that weird pain in my jaw from my salivary (sp?) glands everytime I eat something. The first few bites really hurt, then it stops. I don't remember what the doc said about it, but its normal for this treatment.
Typing is getting difficult, and I have a headache, so time to stop.
Love to all!
Tina
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Low WBC Again
I had to do another Neupogen shot (by myself!) today, because my white blood cells were low again. Which I knew because I always get a fever! This should be the last time until radiation is over. Then I wonder if this is going to be a regular 2 week thing--get chemo, 10-14 days later get a fever, wbc low, get shot, repeat every 2 weeks! As I've said before I seem to be very sensitive to the Oxaliplatin. It'll be nice not to have it for awhile. The nurses and doc don't expect the 5FU that I'll have with radiation to be too hard on me.
As for the nausea, we'll work on it more when we restart the chemo process. The doc just said there are other things we can try. For now, if I still have some mild nausea (I think I'm over the bad stuff), I should try ginger and since I seem to feel worse when I'm moving around, I can try a patch for motion sickness. He said these are "old-school" remedies that seem to work. He told me to call if I have any more trouble. I got a lot of sympathy from everyone when they found out I've spent most of the last 8 days in bed! I love my nurses! Plus, I haven't been eating much, and that concerns them too. My hubby is going to make sure I start eating some protein now that I'm doing better.
Next Thurs, the 18th, I meet with the radiation therapist, and he will do a ct scan and plan everything out for radiation. I assume I'll start radiation the next week, but don't know for sure. The same day I start radiation, I'll also get hooked up to the pump with the 5FU chemo. I'll wear that 24/7, stopping in at the cancer center once a week for blood tests and a refill. Radiation will be everyday, Monday-Friday, and it will all last 5.5 weeks. Then I'll restart my chemo rounds. I'll have 8 more rounds(rounds 5-12). All that should take me thru mid Nov, at the earliest.
Not feeling too much pain from the shot yet, but I did take 3 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol before I did the shot! I expect I'll have some spine pain eventually, but it should only be when I move, and then only last for a moment. Not too bad. :)
After my appt. today we did manage to get groceries-boy did that wipe me out. I'm still pretty shaky--I have to work on getting my strength back. After, I ate lunch, did my shot, and took a nice nap!
Thanks for the prayers for my cousin's family--its still so bizarre that he is gone. I can't imagine what they are going thru. I just keep praying!
That's all for now...
Love,
Tina
As for the nausea, we'll work on it more when we restart the chemo process. The doc just said there are other things we can try. For now, if I still have some mild nausea (I think I'm over the bad stuff), I should try ginger and since I seem to feel worse when I'm moving around, I can try a patch for motion sickness. He said these are "old-school" remedies that seem to work. He told me to call if I have any more trouble. I got a lot of sympathy from everyone when they found out I've spent most of the last 8 days in bed! I love my nurses! Plus, I haven't been eating much, and that concerns them too. My hubby is going to make sure I start eating some protein now that I'm doing better.
Next Thurs, the 18th, I meet with the radiation therapist, and he will do a ct scan and plan everything out for radiation. I assume I'll start radiation the next week, but don't know for sure. The same day I start radiation, I'll also get hooked up to the pump with the 5FU chemo. I'll wear that 24/7, stopping in at the cancer center once a week for blood tests and a refill. Radiation will be everyday, Monday-Friday, and it will all last 5.5 weeks. Then I'll restart my chemo rounds. I'll have 8 more rounds(rounds 5-12). All that should take me thru mid Nov, at the earliest.
Not feeling too much pain from the shot yet, but I did take 3 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol before I did the shot! I expect I'll have some spine pain eventually, but it should only be when I move, and then only last for a moment. Not too bad. :)
After my appt. today we did manage to get groceries-boy did that wipe me out. I'm still pretty shaky--I have to work on getting my strength back. After, I ate lunch, did my shot, and took a nice nap!
Thanks for the prayers for my cousin's family--its still so bizarre that he is gone. I can't imagine what they are going thru. I just keep praying!
That's all for now...
Love,
Tina
Friday, May 29, 2009
Round 4
Hey everyone!
I was able to get my 4th round of chemo today. My WBC count was way up, as expected. Like I've said before, I am extremely sensitive to the Neupogen shots. I did one on Wed., and gave myself one yesterday (not my favorite thing to do!), but they were a lower dose than the last one I had. Rich and I talked Tues. night when I had the fever(got to 101.2) and we figured my counts were low. I told him I hate those shots, but I'd rather have them and get chemo than delay chemo anymore. Besides, I know better how to handle the pain now. The doc agreed completely and was happy I felt that way, because he wants me to stay on schedule as much as possible too. So I was excited to be able to proceed today!
The pain from the shot was manageable. Kept me awake a little, because every big movement, like rolling over sends shock waves up my spine. They take my breath away, make me groan a little, but then its over. Unfortunately it happens everytime I move, and even laugh! Its better tonight. Probably from the steroid they give me during chemo. That steroid is a miracle drug!
I have to try to explain the cold problems I had today. Its getting REALLY bad. Everytime I'm nearing the end of chemo I start to lose my voice and my lips tingle. I figured out last time that this was because its cold in the hospital. Well today the same thing happened, but as I was leaving it was getting worse and I was starting to feel like I couldn't breathe (they tell you it might feel like that, but you CAN breathe). My throat was freezing up so I couldn't swallow, which made me think I was going to throw up, because I had spit sitting in the back of my throat I couldn't get rid of. Then my throat started making making weird noises. Instead of walking down the long hallway to the elevators to the parking ramp, Rich and I saw the front entrance and headed for that because it was warm and sunny out. As soon as I got in the sun I started feeling much better. Rich went to get the van and picked me up. I had a warm cup of tea when I got home! (Altho the ceramic mug was too cold to touch until I warmed it in the microwave!). When I resume chemo, after radiation is done, I will have to take extra precautions, like bring a scarf, or wear a surgical mask, and I can have hot tea made for me at the hosp. to keep my throat warm. Luckily, the cold sensitivity fades a little each day, altho overall it lasts longer now. Sorry to go on and on, but its just so hard to describe! And I want anyone else who has to go thru it to be prepared!
I feel a little worse today than I usually do on my first day. I did already take an extra anti-nausea pill, and couldn't eat much for supper. Tried some leftover hotdish, but ended up with Ritz crackers and very warm oj. I'll be awake alot tonight because of the steroid, but then I'll get to watch the last Jay Leno show. Haven't stayed up late enough to watch that in years, and lately I've seen it quite a few times! I'll take some sleeping pills too, but they don't work that great, at least not on my first night of chemo.
Ok, I know it always sounds like I'm complaining (or whining!), but really I'm just trying to be honest. This week may get a little rough before it gets better. But I know I'll survive and be just fine! I'm REALLY looking forward to having a little break from this before radiation starts. It makes me happy to think about it.
On to other news: Shonna sang a Katie Perry(Thinking of You) song for her pop solo at the choir concert last night and she rocked!! Alot of her senior choir friends showed up just to cheer her on (they cheered before she even sang!), as did many other friends too. Shonna has a video of it I might try to put on here, if she's ever home long enough to send it to me. Its on her facebook now, and I have to figure out how to get it on mine too. She hopes to be in the Bethel University choir next year, instead of the high school choir. They treat PSEO students just like college freshman, so she should be able to join.
One more side note: the cancer center's cupboards are nearly bare, and they could really use treat donations. I plan on getting some from Sam's Club this weekend. Things like crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, trail mix, granola or nutrigrain bars, lo-cal choc. treats, and not-so-lo-cal treats too! Things to get someone thru a couple hours of sitting. Single serving packages. Any cash donations, no matter how large or small, Rich and I will use to purchase snacks from Sam's Club. The nurses REALLY appreciate the donations I have gotten so far.Thank you!! SJM people(Hi!)--Rich is going to put a list of needed items on your b-board, in case anyone is interested.
Well, I'm starting to fade...gonna end here. Thanks for checking! I'll let you know how its going tomorrow or Sun.
Love to all!
Tina
I was able to get my 4th round of chemo today. My WBC count was way up, as expected. Like I've said before, I am extremely sensitive to the Neupogen shots. I did one on Wed., and gave myself one yesterday (not my favorite thing to do!), but they were a lower dose than the last one I had. Rich and I talked Tues. night when I had the fever(got to 101.2) and we figured my counts were low. I told him I hate those shots, but I'd rather have them and get chemo than delay chemo anymore. Besides, I know better how to handle the pain now. The doc agreed completely and was happy I felt that way, because he wants me to stay on schedule as much as possible too. So I was excited to be able to proceed today!
The pain from the shot was manageable. Kept me awake a little, because every big movement, like rolling over sends shock waves up my spine. They take my breath away, make me groan a little, but then its over. Unfortunately it happens everytime I move, and even laugh! Its better tonight. Probably from the steroid they give me during chemo. That steroid is a miracle drug!
I have to try to explain the cold problems I had today. Its getting REALLY bad. Everytime I'm nearing the end of chemo I start to lose my voice and my lips tingle. I figured out last time that this was because its cold in the hospital. Well today the same thing happened, but as I was leaving it was getting worse and I was starting to feel like I couldn't breathe (they tell you it might feel like that, but you CAN breathe). My throat was freezing up so I couldn't swallow, which made me think I was going to throw up, because I had spit sitting in the back of my throat I couldn't get rid of. Then my throat started making making weird noises. Instead of walking down the long hallway to the elevators to the parking ramp, Rich and I saw the front entrance and headed for that because it was warm and sunny out. As soon as I got in the sun I started feeling much better. Rich went to get the van and picked me up. I had a warm cup of tea when I got home! (Altho the ceramic mug was too cold to touch until I warmed it in the microwave!). When I resume chemo, after radiation is done, I will have to take extra precautions, like bring a scarf, or wear a surgical mask, and I can have hot tea made for me at the hosp. to keep my throat warm. Luckily, the cold sensitivity fades a little each day, altho overall it lasts longer now. Sorry to go on and on, but its just so hard to describe! And I want anyone else who has to go thru it to be prepared!
I feel a little worse today than I usually do on my first day. I did already take an extra anti-nausea pill, and couldn't eat much for supper. Tried some leftover hotdish, but ended up with Ritz crackers and very warm oj. I'll be awake alot tonight because of the steroid, but then I'll get to watch the last Jay Leno show. Haven't stayed up late enough to watch that in years, and lately I've seen it quite a few times! I'll take some sleeping pills too, but they don't work that great, at least not on my first night of chemo.
Ok, I know it always sounds like I'm complaining (or whining!), but really I'm just trying to be honest. This week may get a little rough before it gets better. But I know I'll survive and be just fine! I'm REALLY looking forward to having a little break from this before radiation starts. It makes me happy to think about it.
On to other news: Shonna sang a Katie Perry(Thinking of You) song for her pop solo at the choir concert last night and she rocked!! Alot of her senior choir friends showed up just to cheer her on (they cheered before she even sang!), as did many other friends too. Shonna has a video of it I might try to put on here, if she's ever home long enough to send it to me. Its on her facebook now, and I have to figure out how to get it on mine too. She hopes to be in the Bethel University choir next year, instead of the high school choir. They treat PSEO students just like college freshman, so she should be able to join.
One more side note: the cancer center's cupboards are nearly bare, and they could really use treat donations. I plan on getting some from Sam's Club this weekend. Things like crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, trail mix, granola or nutrigrain bars, lo-cal choc. treats, and not-so-lo-cal treats too! Things to get someone thru a couple hours of sitting. Single serving packages. Any cash donations, no matter how large or small, Rich and I will use to purchase snacks from Sam's Club. The nurses REALLY appreciate the donations I have gotten so far.Thank you!! SJM people(Hi!)--Rich is going to put a list of needed items on your b-board, in case anyone is interested.
Well, I'm starting to fade...gonna end here. Thanks for checking! I'll let you know how its going tomorrow or Sun.
Love to all!
Tina
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Shot Instead of Chemo
Just as I suspected, my "neutrophils" are low (type of white blood cell), and I had to get a shot of Neupogen instead of chemo today. That's the shot that caused me so much pain last time. This time I took ibuprofen and Tylenol BEFORE I got the shot, and so far I'm doing ok. The shot was a lower dose, and I'll do another one tomorrow. I'll have to give it to myself here at home. Then Friday I'll go back and get my levels checked and, if everything is ok, I'll get my 4th round of chemo then.
I still have a fever lingering, but its under control with the meds. My allergies are bothering me too, but mostly I just feel tired. Took a nap when we got home today. We were at the clinic for 3 hours or so, because there was some problems with insurance and letting me have a shot at home. Our insurance is very good overall, but when it comes to "specialty" drugs (meaning expensive!) they are very particular how they handle things. But the way things turn out, I think they end up wasting more money than they save! They are going to Fedex the shot to my house instead of letting me pick it up at the pharmacy--how is that saving money?
After I get round 4 of chemo, I found out today that I have to wait 3-4 weeks before starting radiation. The Oxaliplatin drug needs to be out of my system first. I have an appt. with the radiation therapist on June 17th. Radiation will start sometime after that appt. The good news is that will give me a bit of a break from side effects, the bad news is that pushes my whole treatment out a little farther. That's not really "bad", just another adjustment--one of many it seems! The soonest I could be done with everything is probably around mid- Nov. Just in time for my grandbaby to be born!
I also found out --or just realized--that while I will be getting the 5FU drug during radiation, its the Oxaliplatin that causes the cold sensitivity and hair thinning--so I'll be getting a break from both those side effects--yay! Hopefully the radiation side effects won't be too bad.
I'm going to close with some lines from one of my favorite songs I heard on the radio today:
I still have a fever lingering, but its under control with the meds. My allergies are bothering me too, but mostly I just feel tired. Took a nap when we got home today. We were at the clinic for 3 hours or so, because there was some problems with insurance and letting me have a shot at home. Our insurance is very good overall, but when it comes to "specialty" drugs (meaning expensive!) they are very particular how they handle things. But the way things turn out, I think they end up wasting more money than they save! They are going to Fedex the shot to my house instead of letting me pick it up at the pharmacy--how is that saving money?
After I get round 4 of chemo, I found out today that I have to wait 3-4 weeks before starting radiation. The Oxaliplatin drug needs to be out of my system first. I have an appt. with the radiation therapist on June 17th. Radiation will start sometime after that appt. The good news is that will give me a bit of a break from side effects, the bad news is that pushes my whole treatment out a little farther. That's not really "bad", just another adjustment--one of many it seems! The soonest I could be done with everything is probably around mid- Nov. Just in time for my grandbaby to be born!
I also found out --or just realized--that while I will be getting the 5FU drug during radiation, its the Oxaliplatin that causes the cold sensitivity and hair thinning--so I'll be getting a break from both those side effects--yay! Hopefully the radiation side effects won't be too bad.
I'm going to close with some lines from one of my favorite songs I heard on the radio today:
I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me
(Walk by Faith, by Jeremy Camp)
Love and Blessings!
Tina
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Chemo Round 3 Has Finally Begun!
My white blood cell counts were way up --higher than the ranges! The doc was right and I am very sensitive to the Neupogen shot. I'm glad I only needed one, but if I need more in the future, I'll be better prepared for the pain. The doc said I probably won't need another shot until after radiation when I'll have 8 more rounds of chemo.
I was telling the nurse how sensitive I am to cold after chemo, and she said it sounds like I'm extra sensitve to the Oxaliplatin chemo drug also. Great... I can only hope that means its working extra hard to kill the cancer cells! But that is also the drug that causes hair thinning--lets hope that side effect skips me! By the time I'm done getting chemo, my hands are already extremely cold sensitive. Even the handles on my kitchen cupboards are too cold! My fingers are tingling now, and I don't even know why!! And the bare floors are way too cold for my feet! It takes some getting used to! After my 2nd round the sensitivity didn't go away completely, even tho it was 3 weeks between treatments. Also, my muscles cramp easily, my cheeks and nose get SUPER red, food doesn't taste good, and I'm very tired. No nausea yet :-) . I know it sounds like I'm complaining--but I'm really not. Its not so bad, and I'm glad to be back fighting the cancer!
Next chemo will be in 2 weeks, on the 27th. I think alot of people were scheduled to bring me food next week, but I know Dee called/e-mailed some to change it. Its too bad everyone's schedule had to be messed up.
Alyssa took me to my chemo today. Rich had an important meeting at work (that he scheduled for today because I wasn't supposed to have chemo!), and while we were both sad he couldn't be with me, it was nice to have Alyssa with me. She has been a BIG help during all of this. And I think its good for the girls to come with me and see the cancer center, meet my oncologist, and just generally see what Mom goes through.
I'll update more in a few days, and let you know how I'm doing!
Thanks so much for the thoughts, prayers, food, everything!!
Love and Blessings!
Tina
I was telling the nurse how sensitive I am to cold after chemo, and she said it sounds like I'm extra sensitve to the Oxaliplatin chemo drug also. Great... I can only hope that means its working extra hard to kill the cancer cells! But that is also the drug that causes hair thinning--lets hope that side effect skips me! By the time I'm done getting chemo, my hands are already extremely cold sensitive. Even the handles on my kitchen cupboards are too cold! My fingers are tingling now, and I don't even know why!! And the bare floors are way too cold for my feet! It takes some getting used to! After my 2nd round the sensitivity didn't go away completely, even tho it was 3 weeks between treatments. Also, my muscles cramp easily, my cheeks and nose get SUPER red, food doesn't taste good, and I'm very tired. No nausea yet :-) . I know it sounds like I'm complaining--but I'm really not. Its not so bad, and I'm glad to be back fighting the cancer!
Next chemo will be in 2 weeks, on the 27th. I think alot of people were scheduled to bring me food next week, but I know Dee called/e-mailed some to change it. Its too bad everyone's schedule had to be messed up.
Alyssa took me to my chemo today. Rich had an important meeting at work (that he scheduled for today because I wasn't supposed to have chemo!), and while we were both sad he couldn't be with me, it was nice to have Alyssa with me. She has been a BIG help during all of this. And I think its good for the girls to come with me and see the cancer center, meet my oncologist, and just generally see what Mom goes through.
I'll update more in a few days, and let you know how I'm doing!
Thanks so much for the thoughts, prayers, food, everything!!
Love and Blessings!
Tina
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
No Chemo Today :(
Well, we got to the hospital early so I could scope out the deli, buy something for lunch, and put it in the fridge in the cancer center. Turns out I didn't need it! My white blood cell count was too low for chemo--which was a total surprise! I didn't think it would happen this soon, and I figured I'd feel it somehow, and I've been feeling great. So the doc tells me I need to have a shot the next 3 days to bring my wbc count back up. I thought uh-oh, is this the shot I've heard about that makes the bones ache and causes a lot of pain?? The doc said it was a milder form of that shot, and its generally well tolerated, and I should have NO PROBLEM. I should note here he says that about everything! I had to give myself the shot, because I was supposed to take one home to do tomorrow, but insurance didn't like that (its a $1200 shot!). I'll have to go back tomorrow and they'll do blood counts again and I might not even need the 2nd or 3rd shot. They can't do chemo tomorrow tho, because they are too full, so if my #'s are ok I'll have chemo on Friday.
Anyways, when we finally left the hospital, we went out to eat lunch (at MaMa's in St. Paul), and then went home as we were both very tired (Rich hasn't been feeling well due to allergies, I think). As soon as I got home and sat down my back started hurting, like I was sitting on a nerve and it was sending little shock waves up my back. We went to lay down and soon I couldn't move AT ALL. If I did, even to move my arm or talk, waves of pain shot up my back. Finally I told Rich to get me some Tylenol and I took 3. He called the doc to see what else we could do and they told me to take 3 Ibuprofen also, and repeat every 6 hours. After about 45 minutes the pain started to subside. I didn't think it would! I was doing my childbirth breathing and saying to myself "its only pain", and sometimes even crying! It was really bad. I'm so thankful the pain pills worked! I still feel achy and can feel little waves of pain in my back, but its tolerable now. If I have to get another shot tomorrow I'll take the pain meds right away. The nurse told me they've never seen it hit someone so fast. I feel like I've been lied to by the doc, because this was EXACTLY the shot I've heard about! I think he tells me things so I don't worry, because everyone is affected differently. I would have rather known how bad it could get, so I would have been better prepared!
The other thing I'm worried about, of course, is getting sick. All my vital signs were a little elevated this morning, and my temp was 100 when I got home. For me 100 means something's wrong, because my normal temp is around 98, but the doc isn't concerned unless it goes higher. I do have to be very careful tho. I wash my hands alot!
The doc just called to see how I was doing. He said I am so sensitive to this shot-he was very surprised it affected me so quickly. He said I probably won't need another and my numbers might even go higher than needed. I hope he's right! I told him I kept telling myself that the pain meant it was working! I like that when I call the clinic with a problem he always calls me back himself later to make sure I'm ok.
Well-to wrap up--tomorrow I get my blood checked, get another shot if needed, and go back Friday for chemo(if numbers are ok). Then I'll have the "bag" until Sunday. Last chemo round I still felt pretty good the third day, and got worse after that. So hopefully I'll feel pretty good on Mother's Day, but it might affect my work week more. Oh well, not much I can do about that.
I'll update again tomorrow or Friday; please keep me in your prayers! God keep the germs away!! And that dreaded shot! ;)
Love to all!
Tina
Anyways, when we finally left the hospital, we went out to eat lunch (at MaMa's in St. Paul), and then went home as we were both very tired (Rich hasn't been feeling well due to allergies, I think). As soon as I got home and sat down my back started hurting, like I was sitting on a nerve and it was sending little shock waves up my back. We went to lay down and soon I couldn't move AT ALL. If I did, even to move my arm or talk, waves of pain shot up my back. Finally I told Rich to get me some Tylenol and I took 3. He called the doc to see what else we could do and they told me to take 3 Ibuprofen also, and repeat every 6 hours. After about 45 minutes the pain started to subside. I didn't think it would! I was doing my childbirth breathing and saying to myself "its only pain", and sometimes even crying! It was really bad. I'm so thankful the pain pills worked! I still feel achy and can feel little waves of pain in my back, but its tolerable now. If I have to get another shot tomorrow I'll take the pain meds right away. The nurse told me they've never seen it hit someone so fast. I feel like I've been lied to by the doc, because this was EXACTLY the shot I've heard about! I think he tells me things so I don't worry, because everyone is affected differently. I would have rather known how bad it could get, so I would have been better prepared!
The other thing I'm worried about, of course, is getting sick. All my vital signs were a little elevated this morning, and my temp was 100 when I got home. For me 100 means something's wrong, because my normal temp is around 98, but the doc isn't concerned unless it goes higher. I do have to be very careful tho. I wash my hands alot!
The doc just called to see how I was doing. He said I am so sensitive to this shot-he was very surprised it affected me so quickly. He said I probably won't need another and my numbers might even go higher than needed. I hope he's right! I told him I kept telling myself that the pain meant it was working! I like that when I call the clinic with a problem he always calls me back himself later to make sure I'm ok.
Well-to wrap up--tomorrow I get my blood checked, get another shot if needed, and go back Friday for chemo(if numbers are ok). Then I'll have the "bag" until Sunday. Last chemo round I still felt pretty good the third day, and got worse after that. So hopefully I'll feel pretty good on Mother's Day, but it might affect my work week more. Oh well, not much I can do about that.
I'll update again tomorrow or Friday; please keep me in your prayers! God keep the germs away!! And that dreaded shot! ;)
Love to all!
Tina
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