Things are a-okay here!
Looking back at my notebook for where I was on Chemo 1, Day 9 - I am so blessed to be doing so well. That was the night of the shaking chills and fever . . . and the beginning of my stubbornness of NOT going to the hospital. Who me? Stubborn? Say it isn't so!
I continue to have "issues" in certain areas but all are manageable. Due to these issues, I haven't worked a full 8 hours a day this week. It just gets frustrating at times to "have" to deal with them. I refuse to get into the "why me" because it serves no purpose. It is what it is - deal with it. I can say that now, but there were a few times right after diagnosis and surgery that I thought I would not stop crying.
Tonight has been an emotional night for me. Yes, there was/is crying. Imagine! One of the members of my on-line support group was just diagnosed with cancer cells in her cerebral spinal fluid. She has the same subset of cancer as I, and four years after her treatment was finished, they found the cancer in her lungs. Now this. Please pray for Caryn. She is a tough fighter and her faith will get her through this to NED (No Evidence of Disease).
I heard from a high school friend tonight. It was the opportune time that I received his email. If you know me, but haven't made a blog posting or emailed me, please do.
Hugs and peace,
~Renee
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Chemo 2, Day 8
Got to work at 8 am Yeah!!! But, booo, the nausea and intestinal distress hit at 10 am. I hung out as long as I could by using the "break through" nausea meds. I finally gave up at 11:30 am and went home for 3 hours. Needed to get the big gun meds out and calm the stomach down.
At one point, I was contemplating sitting out in the lobby asking someone to get my supervisor, to get my items and walk me to my car. Luckily, I was able to muster up the energy to gather my own things and get home. After the 3 hours, I was able to go back to work in the afternoon.
Today was one of those days where I just hate this blasted cancer and it's treatment . . . and all the crap I have to go through just to work and work with a clear brain! I know I'd be bored to death, but sometimes it's easier to deal with cancer and not have to work or go out in public. Think I can win the Lotto this weekend?
At one point, I was contemplating sitting out in the lobby asking someone to get my supervisor, to get my items and walk me to my car. Luckily, I was able to muster up the energy to gather my own things and get home. After the 3 hours, I was able to go back to work in the afternoon.
Today was one of those days where I just hate this blasted cancer and it's treatment . . . and all the crap I have to go through just to work and work with a clear brain! I know I'd be bored to death, but sometimes it's easier to deal with cancer and not have to work or go out in public. Think I can win the Lotto this weekend?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Chemo 2, Day 7
Comparing this chemo to the first one is like night and day. I do still have nausea but no where near the level of Chemo 1. I did get behind on the 8-ball yesterday for anti-nausea meds so I could go to work AND think. Big mistake on my part.
Today, I took my time waking and getting ready as I really wanted to go to work without nausea. Eating, take pills, drinking, eating, taking pills and drinking. Taste buds are still kaput so I eat for texture. I can taste sweet and salt still. I ran by McDonald's on the way to work for a cheeseburger. The only thing I could taste was the pickle and ketchup.
Neuropathy is seriously burning my toes and feet. I feel like I'm at a luau and walking on the hot coals. Eeow, eeow, eeow.
Onc nurse said to take 10 grams of glutamine powder - which is 5 teaspoons (I think. I had it measured out but now have forgotten). I can add it any drink and gulp it down - just have to spread it out during the day. Onc nurse said to watch for cracking skin I guess it can be pretty serious - haven't had time to read up on it. I know the Onc nurse told me something, but I don't remember exactly what she said! This sucks.
The two newest side effects may be just one and something else. I am having nosebleeds. Oh yippee skippy. Since I'm heading into my NADIR, it is something to keep an eye on as it could be low platelets. Not claiming it per se, but just have to be aware of every little twitch in the body.
The second thing started today - severe back ache. Not sure if it came on because I was using a different chair at work, or if it is something else. Remember that every little twitch in the body means something to a cancer patient and their Oncologist. Tonight, the back has just been burning way too much.
Help! I'm on fire! My toes, hands and back are burning. This sucks.
Note to people I come in contact: Beginning tomorrow, I am beginning NADIR. No, it's not a religious holiday. It is when my blood counts go down and I need to be super cautious on what I touch . . .and need to keep my darn fingers away from my nose and mouth! Clorox wipes, here we come! I have no plans to go to the hospital this time around - and the Neulasta should have the White Blood Counts covered.
Oh well. I'm thankful that this 2nd Chemo is better than the 1st. Got to hang onto something! Me and my fired parts are going to bed. Love you all!!
Today, I took my time waking and getting ready as I really wanted to go to work without nausea. Eating, take pills, drinking, eating, taking pills and drinking. Taste buds are still kaput so I eat for texture. I can taste sweet and salt still. I ran by McDonald's on the way to work for a cheeseburger. The only thing I could taste was the pickle and ketchup.
Neuropathy is seriously burning my toes and feet. I feel like I'm at a luau and walking on the hot coals. Eeow, eeow, eeow.
Onc nurse said to take 10 grams of glutamine powder - which is 5 teaspoons (I think. I had it measured out but now have forgotten). I can add it any drink and gulp it down - just have to spread it out during the day. Onc nurse said to watch for cracking skin I guess it can be pretty serious - haven't had time to read up on it. I know the Onc nurse told me something, but I don't remember exactly what she said! This sucks.
The two newest side effects may be just one and something else. I am having nosebleeds. Oh yippee skippy. Since I'm heading into my NADIR, it is something to keep an eye on as it could be low platelets. Not claiming it per se, but just have to be aware of every little twitch in the body.
The second thing started today - severe back ache. Not sure if it came on because I was using a different chair at work, or if it is something else. Remember that every little twitch in the body means something to a cancer patient and their Oncologist. Tonight, the back has just been burning way too much.
Help! I'm on fire! My toes, hands and back are burning. This sucks.
Note to people I come in contact: Beginning tomorrow, I am beginning NADIR. No, it's not a religious holiday. It is when my blood counts go down and I need to be super cautious on what I touch . . .and need to keep my darn fingers away from my nose and mouth! Clorox wipes, here we come! I have no plans to go to the hospital this time around - and the Neulasta should have the White Blood Counts covered.
Oh well. I'm thankful that this 2nd Chemo is better than the 1st. Got to hang onto something! Me and my fired parts are going to bed. Love you all!!
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