The new plan is to finish the radiation (12 more after today) which will end on Wed., Aug. 12th. The week of Aug. 10th I'll get an injection of 5FU each day, Monday-Friday. This is an alternate way to get the 5FU, and will work just as well. The Dr. was explaining to his "Fellow" (doc-in-training) how he's not worried about it affecting my blood counts because I responded so rapidly to the Neupagen shots (which raise my wbc). He told him all about how I was in so much pain within 2 hours of getting the shot, and how they hadn't seen that before--glad I could be of help in the "fellow's" training! That's me --the "oddball"! :-)
After radiation is done it sounds like they'll give me a 2 week break and then we'll start the rounds of chemo--every other week for 4 months--with the FOLFOX cocktail that I had before. This should work out perfectly for Rachel's baby shower the end of Aug. I am always amazed at how God is working in all this and making sure I'm not too sick for any family events. I can't wait to see how God works it out with Rachel's baby coming in Nov. By then I should be pretty sick, but I need to be able to hold my grandbaby as soon as I can! So, I'll trust God, and not worry about it!
I am feeling pretty good. I took my last pain pill this morning--don't need them anymore, as the intestines have calmed down. Still don't have much of an appetite. Pink Lemonade has been the drink of choice lately--I'm getting tired of plain water, but need to keep the fluids up. I need to get more protein, tho. That's a bit harder to do, as nothing tastes very good, especially meats. I also need to start taking more iron pills--my hemoglobin is still around 9.1. It never seems to go up much. My ankles are swollen, but the docs say it'll just take time to reabsorb all the fluids I got during my hospital stay, and the blood clot in my pelvic area is making the one ankle worse. I had to go to the hospital on Friday to get an ultrasound of my right leg because that ankle was really swollen, but the other one wasn't. Thought I was going to miss my birthday dinner! Dr. J. came out and said I must have missed him, and came all the way down just to see him. He's so nice, and funny. Aways happy and positive.
I feel good about getting on with my treatments. I need to keep fighting this. As sick as I get, at least I'm DOING something about it. I want to live a long life and see all my babies have babies of their own, and I hope I can find ways to help others going through this. Please pass on my blog address to anyone you know that has been recently diagnosed with cancer--often reading about what others have gone thru helps. I know it helped me, and the support of other bloggers continues to give me strength.
Love and blessings to all!
Tina
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Quiet Sunday
Today has been a quiet, sleepy day. Woke up not feeling well, achy, stuffed up--stayed in bed too long, didn't make it to church. I listened to 2 past sermons via the internet while Rich, Alyssa and Shonna were at church. Poor Shonna probably thought I was dying because I missed a service where she was singing! I am her biggest fan, and love to worship along with her! She didn't have a solo this time, so I didn't feel too bad missing it (just a little guilt!). I slept most of the afternoon, after taking an anti-nausea pill. I take one about every day or so; I think its the antibiotics that are making me feel sick.
Yesterday I had a great day. I felt almost "normal", and had a clear head and some of my energy back. Did some housework, a little shopping, and lots of sitting outside reading.
Friday night we went to Applebee's for my birthday dinner. I took a few bites of steak and it just didn't taste well, and I started feeling sick to my stomach. I felt bad for wasting all that food! I did have some mozzarella sticks, which I had been craving--they tasted great! Rich and I left while everyone else was eating dessert.
Well, tomorrow I start radiation and chemo again. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I know its necessary to get on with it. I'll post more tomorrow when I know what the plan is.
Take care everyone!
Tina
Yesterday I had a great day. I felt almost "normal", and had a clear head and some of my energy back. Did some housework, a little shopping, and lots of sitting outside reading.
Friday night we went to Applebee's for my birthday dinner. I took a few bites of steak and it just didn't taste well, and I started feeling sick to my stomach. I felt bad for wasting all that food! I did have some mozzarella sticks, which I had been craving--they tasted great! Rich and I left while everyone else was eating dessert.
Well, tomorrow I start radiation and chemo again. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I know its necessary to get on with it. I'll post more tomorrow when I know what the plan is.
Take care everyone!
Tina
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!!
Well, I am 45 now--getting old! :-) I told Rich not to do anything special; we might go out Friday for steak, if I'm feeling up to it. Its ok if this birthday goes by without much fanfare--but wait til next year! I'll be cancer free and ready to celebrate another year of life!
I've had a little more pain today--so didn't cut back on those pain pills yet, and some nausea which I think is from all the meds. I'm also more tired than yesterday. But overall, not too bad!
I think I'm going to try to get to Target with Alyssa. We are seriously behind on our grocery shopping. Lys and Rich have been trying to get there for days now, but something always comes up, so maybe she and I can finally get it done.
I'm glad the docs gave me a week off before I have to start again--my body really needed this break. I think mentally I needed it too--to help me prepare for the months that lie ahead. The part of me that says "I can do it!" is becoming stronger, and the fear is starting to fade (a little!) With God ALL things are possible!
Love and blessings!!
Tina
I've had a little more pain today--so didn't cut back on those pain pills yet, and some nausea which I think is from all the meds. I'm also more tired than yesterday. But overall, not too bad!
I think I'm going to try to get to Target with Alyssa. We are seriously behind on our grocery shopping. Lys and Rich have been trying to get there for days now, but something always comes up, so maybe she and I can finally get it done.
I'm glad the docs gave me a week off before I have to start again--my body really needed this break. I think mentally I needed it too--to help me prepare for the months that lie ahead. The part of me that says "I can do it!" is becoming stronger, and the fear is starting to fade (a little!) With God ALL things are possible!
Love and blessings!!
Tina
Monday, July 20, 2009
I'm Free For a Week!
Went to see Dr. Jahagirdar (Dr. "J", my oncologist) today and got labs done. The plan is to start the 5FU and radiation next Monday. My radiation therapist (Dr. Bisignani, or Dr. "B") is on vacation until Thursday, but Dr. J. will talk to him before next Monday and work out a plan for me. They might have me get injections of 5Fu instead of infusions (the pump). Apparently the pump is harder on the digestive system, and the injections are harder on the blood counts. I would get the injections for 5 days, then take a break. Dr. J. isn't too worried about my blood counts because I respond so quickly to the shots that raise them.
The pain meds are finally doing their job and controlling my pain. I have a long-acting med, and then a shorter-acting one for "break-through pain". Yes, I am taking it all! My bowels have settled down considerably, so the pain is much less (unless, of course, the doc is pressing on my tummy-ouch!).
Umm, I think that's all. I spent the afternoon paying bills and going thru mail--tomorrow it'll take me a few hours to get the checkbook in order! I'm glad I have a few moments to take care of these things. I'll have to run up (actually have Alyssa or someone drive me) to the library to get the next few books I need in the Mitford series, altho I can't read too long when I'm on pain meds--they make my eyes goofy--hard to focus.
I'm sure I've gotten some e-mails I haven't replied to--forgive me! Its hard to keep up when I've been "out of it" for so long (no comments!!)
Love you all!
Tina
The pain meds are finally doing their job and controlling my pain. I have a long-acting med, and then a shorter-acting one for "break-through pain". Yes, I am taking it all! My bowels have settled down considerably, so the pain is much less (unless, of course, the doc is pressing on my tummy-ouch!).
Umm, I think that's all. I spent the afternoon paying bills and going thru mail--tomorrow it'll take me a few hours to get the checkbook in order! I'm glad I have a few moments to take care of these things. I'll have to run up (actually have Alyssa or someone drive me) to the library to get the next few books I need in the Mitford series, altho I can't read too long when I'm on pain meds--they make my eyes goofy--hard to focus.
I'm sure I've gotten some e-mails I haven't replied to--forgive me! Its hard to keep up when I've been "out of it" for so long (no comments!!)
Love you all!
Tina
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Ahhh, Home....
I finally got to come home today. They've run all their tests and switched my pain meds around, and so now, basically, I can suffer just as well at home as in the hospital! I actually feel better now than I have all day, but I haven't been up too much yet either. Slept when I got home--the car ride was painful-- and am now sitting up in bed with the computer, some crackers, jello, and all my mail that I have to sort thru.
The docs think all this has been caused by the irritation to the bowels from both the 5Fu and radiation. I seem to be sensitive to the chemo drugs, which means I get the side effects worse. I think I've said before that I hope that also means the drugs are working better to kill the cancer!
I have no idea what the oncologist and radiation therapist have planned for me, but I know that they want me to continue with both treatments. I'll see the onc. for sure tomorrow, and hopefully the rad. doc too, so I don't have to make another trip down there to see him later in the week. All I know is they were going to give me a few days to rest my intestines before they attacked them again.
The colitis and uti should clear up with the antibiotics; the ct scan showed my lower bowel is very inflamed, which is why I have so much pain. I have shots to give myself for the blood clot. I may have to take shots or pills for the duration of chemo so I don't get another one. They are another side effect of chemo.
I hope everyone is praying for the families of the Nat'l Guard members that were killed a few days ago. The 3 that were killed were on Jaren's base, and in his MP unit. WAY to close!! Alyssa has been getting together with some other wives, and tonight they are at the prayer vigil in Stillwater.
Thank you all so much for the wonderful e-mails and comments!!
Love to all,
Tina
The docs think all this has been caused by the irritation to the bowels from both the 5Fu and radiation. I seem to be sensitive to the chemo drugs, which means I get the side effects worse. I think I've said before that I hope that also means the drugs are working better to kill the cancer!
I have no idea what the oncologist and radiation therapist have planned for me, but I know that they want me to continue with both treatments. I'll see the onc. for sure tomorrow, and hopefully the rad. doc too, so I don't have to make another trip down there to see him later in the week. All I know is they were going to give me a few days to rest my intestines before they attacked them again.
The colitis and uti should clear up with the antibiotics; the ct scan showed my lower bowel is very inflamed, which is why I have so much pain. I have shots to give myself for the blood clot. I may have to take shots or pills for the duration of chemo so I don't get another one. They are another side effect of chemo.
I hope everyone is praying for the families of the Nat'l Guard members that were killed a few days ago. The 3 that were killed were on Jaren's base, and in his MP unit. WAY to close!! Alyssa has been getting together with some other wives, and tonight they are at the prayer vigil in Stillwater.
Thank you all so much for the wonderful e-mails and comments!!
Love to all,
Tina
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tina is still in the hospital as of tonight. Yesterday morning she was having very bad pains again so the doctors ordered a CT scan. The initial results showed colitis and a blood clot in the pelvic area. So Tina is on thinners and taking pain meds orally now to get ready to come home – hopefully !!!
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