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

Round 2 Begins

It was a long day! Got to Regions at 8:27 am, but for some reason everyone there was a little behind already. At least they acknowledged it and apologized, and its not like I had anywhere else to go! We didn't get home until almost 2:30.
My numbers all look ok, only the hemoglobin is still a little low--10.8 (10.9 last time). We talked with the doc alot about the sleeplessness and nausea, and EXACTLY how and when to take my anti-nausea meds. I will still take the Decadron (steroid), but only until Sat. The nurse said to take 9 doses total--which should put me at Sat. afternoon. I got a new scrip for Zolfran, which I'm very happy about. I can take it first thing in the morning without food or water! It dissolves in the mouth. Then I stay in bed for about a 1/2 hour and take the steroid with a little food. I still have Compazine also, to take as needed for nausea.
The doc gave me a scrip for a sleep med too. Its a 1/2 dose, so if I find myself awake in the middle of the night, I can take it and not worry about being too sleepy in the morning. Also, I can take 2 if I think I need a stronger dose.
I found out alot about this steroid--which they also give me with Zolfran thru my port before chemo. The bad side effects are: jitteryness, sleeplessness, and goofy heartbeat (its the "fight or flight" reaction, intensified!). The good side effects are: it should help my allergies, and it takes away my elbow pain--which had been pretty bad!
All in all, I think I have a better idea how to stay on top of my side effects. So I'm feeling hopeful! Of course, that may end when the nausea starts!!
So far my hands and arms feel very weak, and the cold sensitivity has kicked in big time! Standing outside with the dog in 60 degree weather my hands started to tingle and I could feel the coolness in my throat! So I have to be extra careful this time! I started getting the yucky tummy during chemo, but after eating a few crackers I feel better, and have been snacking since! Hopefully the nausea will hold off at least until tomorrow morning, like last time.
Well, I still have a few things I want to get done while I still can--so better get moving!
Thanks for checking in--and remember GOD IS GOOD!! (all the time--sing it with me!)
Love,
Tina

Home Again

Well, I only managed about 3 hours of sleep last night. I could feel it in the evening and I knew I was going to have trouble. Its weird how I can be so tired feeling, yet at the same time feel inside like I drank 4 cans of Mountain Dew. We even went for a long walk, and my body sure felt ready for bed. I think I finally drifted off in the recliner about 3:45 or 4 am. At least I don't feel horribly sick, like I did Wed., but I can't work on only 3 hours of sleep!
I looked thru my meds and info, and sure enough, one of them is a steroid, and I think I was only supposed to take it for 3 days. I knew I was supposed to take it with the Zolfran (anti-nausea), but I assumed I should take both as long as I had nausea. I am going to call the nurse, and see what she says, and figure out what I should take after the 1st 3 days, if I'm still feeling sick. I thought Tues. I was done with the nausea, so I didn't take any meds (and still couldn't sleep!), but then it came back Wed. Also yesterday morn. I still felt queasy so I took 1 more dose so I could get to work. I'm going to read all thru my chemo info to see if there is anything else that is causing the sleeplessness too.
My lesson for the week: Take the saying "one day at a time" seriously!! I assumed I would be fine this week, having a party and feeling great--not so much! Each day brings what it brings, and I have to go with the flow. I'll try not to say things like "by Monday I should be feeling fine" and stuff like that. Only God knows!! And He has promised to take care of me.
I thank God for the people I work with, who are infinitely patient, and I promise them I am doing my best to keep myself in shape for work. There are just so many unknowns. Heather, I owe you a lunch this summer ( or maybe more than one!)!! Thankfully, we've had some good subs lately to work for me.
Take care everyone, and have a great weekend--I'm hoping for rain to green things up!
Love and Blessings!
Tina