I had an office visit to my oncologist this week for blood work. Everything is looking great! She was happy with the surgery sites and said that I am considered to be in complete remission. While this is certainly good news which I had been expecting from the CT scan results (all negative), it's funny how it doesn't change very much. I call myself a cancer survivor, and yet I don't want to be redefined by cancer. I'm in complete remission, yet I continue to think about it every day. It's always just sitting there barely hidden from my consciousness, and pops to the front at least once a day. Sometimes I push it back, and other times I allow it to swirl around in my head as I contemplate why I can't stop thinking about it. It's always there. Even if I am successful in making it through a day without thinking about cancer, I end up realizing that I haven't thought about it all day which then makes me think about it. Endless loop. Don't think my days aren't busy enough - I can assure you that they're jam packed. I'm just wondering if this is how it's going to be, or if I'm lucky enough to go months and years cancer-free I'll end up thinking about it less and less. Just wondering. . .
No more doctor appointments until November when I go back to the surgeon. Then December is the skin scan, and February will be another CT scan and oncologist visit.
My leg is doing fine with the continued walking. We're up to two miles and the swelling is minor. I've only worn the compression stocking overnight three times. I don't even know if it makes a difference, but it makes me feel as if I'm being proactive and preventing any major swelling issues. It's the least I can do.
I start Weight Watchers at work tomorrow, so I'm hoping to be in my best healthy state-of-being in a long time by Christmas.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Beginning exercise program
This morning my husband and I began our new fitness routine in an effort to lose a few inches and pounds. We walked the neighborhood for about 30 minutes (1.59 miles). After getting back I could feel the swelling in my ankle and in the area of the first surgery (lower leg). Taking off my tightly laced sneakers seemed to help a little. Now, about ten hours later, it's still swollen, but not a lot (well, not more than usual when I'm on my feet a lot). I don't even think it's worth wearing the compression stocking, but I will probably need to re-evaluate that continually throughout the week. When you're an active person by nature, it's quite difficult to sit for prolonged periods of time with your leg elevated which I haven't done at all today. Since this week is supposed to be quite warm, swimming might be a good alternative.
Update: CT-Scan News
I am quite thrilled to report that the CT-scan I had this past Tuesday morning had all negative results. It was so nice of my oncologist's office to call and let me know before my next appointment. It's wonderful to be able to share good news!
Just to share my continued learning, and to help me remember before scheduling my next CT-scan: Never schedule your CT-scan for first thing in the morning unless 1) you have a short commute to the testing site, and 2) you plan on staying at home for a few hours after the test. I had my test scheduled for 8:00am. That meant that I had to drink the first half of bottle #1 of the barium sulfate at 6:00am, the second half of bottle #1 at 6:30am, and the first half of bottle #2 at 7:00am, and had to save the second half of bottle #2 for just before the scan. I needed to leave the house by 7:30am to get to the medical campus on time. Well, it was tough to leave the bathroom with confidence to make the trip. As soon as I checked in at the medical campus, I had to make another trip to the bathroom. After the technician inserted the IV, I had to make another trip. As soon as the treatment was over, yes, I had to make another trip. Then I made a bee-line for home and couldn't unlock the house door quickly enough.
So, I learned that on a much emptier stomach beginning at 6:00am, the effects of the barium sulfate are more pronounced than when scheduling an afternoon appointment and not eating four hours prior to the scan. Besides, after an afternoon scan, I could have gone home and stayed home rather than having to return to work. Lesson learned! Now all I need to do is to remember it.
Just to share my continued learning, and to help me remember before scheduling my next CT-scan: Never schedule your CT-scan for first thing in the morning unless 1) you have a short commute to the testing site, and 2) you plan on staying at home for a few hours after the test. I had my test scheduled for 8:00am. That meant that I had to drink the first half of bottle #1 of the barium sulfate at 6:00am, the second half of bottle #1 at 6:30am, and the first half of bottle #2 at 7:00am, and had to save the second half of bottle #2 for just before the scan. I needed to leave the house by 7:30am to get to the medical campus on time. Well, it was tough to leave the bathroom with confidence to make the trip. As soon as I checked in at the medical campus, I had to make another trip to the bathroom. After the technician inserted the IV, I had to make another trip. As soon as the treatment was over, yes, I had to make another trip. Then I made a bee-line for home and couldn't unlock the house door quickly enough.
So, I learned that on a much emptier stomach beginning at 6:00am, the effects of the barium sulfate are more pronounced than when scheduling an afternoon appointment and not eating four hours prior to the scan. Besides, after an afternoon scan, I could have gone home and stayed home rather than having to return to work. Lesson learned! Now all I need to do is to remember it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
6th Week of Recovery
Wow! I can't believe I'm in my 6th week of recovery from the intensive interferon treatment! I can honestly say that everything tastes yummy again, my energy is back, headaches aren't as frequent or severe, itching has almost subsided, and hair thinning is my only worry left. Well, that and my upcoming CT scan, but life's too busy to worry about that! My next CT scan is scheduled for August 26th and then my appt. with my oncologist is 3 weeks later. That'll be a tough waiting period, but there's so much going on that I hope I don't even have time to give it too much thought. Yet those thoughts of whether there's still a cancer cell left floating around inside of me never completely leave. Of course I'm hoping for an all-clear report, but trying to stay prepared for the possibility of a new trouble spot.
My leg continues to swell a bit every day and I've been wearing the compression stocking to bed. I should probably wear it during the day too, but it looks so horrible with shorts and sandals :-(. Besides, the swelling is always down in the morning.
I'm still waiting to get my feeling back in my leg, but that's been very slow to happen. I do have the occasional stabbing pains to remind me that my nerves are still working on making new connections. I'll be able to ask the surgeon about that at my next appt. on August 5th. I also want to show him some freckles/moles I've been keeping an eye on.
I don't expect to post again until after my surgeon appt. on August 5th.
My leg continues to swell a bit every day and I've been wearing the compression stocking to bed. I should probably wear it during the day too, but it looks so horrible with shorts and sandals :-(. Besides, the swelling is always down in the morning.
I'm still waiting to get my feeling back in my leg, but that's been very slow to happen. I do have the occasional stabbing pains to remind me that my nerves are still working on making new connections. I'll be able to ask the surgeon about that at my next appt. on August 5th. I also want to show him some freckles/moles I've been keeping an eye on.
I don't expect to post again until after my surgeon appt. on August 5th.
Friday, July 11, 2008
4th Week of Recovery
I had a checkup with the oncologist today, and my bloodwork is looking good with the numbers back up where they belong. The only side effect that is hanging on are the headaches. She was surprised that my family doctor diagnosed migraines. She would have suspected sinus too because of the swollen lymph nodes. However, the lymph nodes are back to normal and the Midrin for the migraines helps. Besides the two pills I took when I got the prescription, I think I've only taken two more since then - one at bedtime because I didn't want to wake up with the headache any worse than it was, and once after work (since then, I take the pills with me to work). The daily headaches make it to a Tylenol level, but I haven't had any more incidents of spots in front of my eyes. The doctor also asked about the last time I had my eyes checked, but I know it has been within the last year.
My followup CT scan is scheduled for next month with a return visit to the oncologist a few weeks later. I guess I'm going to have to keep my fingers crossed for the next few years.
My followup CT scan is scheduled for next month with a return visit to the oncologist a few weeks later. I guess I'm going to have to keep my fingers crossed for the next few years.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
3rd Week of Recovery
Well, it wasn't a sinus thing after all which explains why Sudafed didn't clear it up. It turns out that I've been dealing with migraines and didn't even realize it! I never had a migraine till the treatments. The puzzling thing for me is that after each IV was started (the hydration portion was always first) the nurse would inject a syringe of Benadryl into the IV. I could feel it cross over into my bloodstream because it burned. Within minutes, I would feel pressure across the back of my eyes and up into my forehead. I blamed it on the Benadryl. After treatment was over and I discovered the swollen lymph nodes in the back of my head, I figured I was fighting a sinus infection (which, to me, explained the continuing pressure behind my eyes). The pressure would come and go, and I never called it a headache because I had never had a headache behind my eyes. I really never got many headaches (before treatment). So much for self-diagnosis!
Last Friday, the doctor gave me a prescription for Midrin. I took one capsule as soon as I got home and then another one at bedtime. That was all it took! Two pills! This week, the closer I get to the end of the work day, the more the "pressure" starts building behind my eyes. But it never gets as bad as it did before the Midrin. It doesn't last either - a little quiet time at home and it's practically gone. I only took one pill at bedtime this week.
On Saturday afternoon I spent almost 5 hours working in my daughter and son-in-law's flower beds trying to tame them and pull the weeds. To me, that means that I'm back pretty darn close to 100%. Of course, after that and then sitting in the heat at a family reunion on Sunday, and back at work on Monday, my leg decided that enough was enough and swelled up. I've had to wear the compression stocking - not exactly fashionable for summertime (or any time for that matter!). I hadn't worn the stocking at all during the last 2-3 weeks of treatment, but I guess I was horizontal enough of the time that swelling wasn't an issue. Now my foot is down most of the time, and I'm ready to be active again. I really want to lose the stocking but I also want to prevent dealing with lymphedema!
On Monday I begin my 30-day written comprehensive exam for my doctoral work (15 pages for each of 4 questions = 60 pages). I scheduled it after my 1st week of recovery because I felt as though I would be ready for it physically and mentally. I still think it was a good call, but next week will tell how ready I really am. Knowing how I've felt when I've gotten home after work this week, I know that I couldn't work full-time and successfully complete the exam. I'll be taking almost all (maybe all) of my accummulated vacation to get it done. I'll still go into the office at least one full day each week and be available for additional hours if needed. Hopefully my brain is up for the challenge!
Last Friday, the doctor gave me a prescription for Midrin. I took one capsule as soon as I got home and then another one at bedtime. That was all it took! Two pills! This week, the closer I get to the end of the work day, the more the "pressure" starts building behind my eyes. But it never gets as bad as it did before the Midrin. It doesn't last either - a little quiet time at home and it's practically gone. I only took one pill at bedtime this week.
On Saturday afternoon I spent almost 5 hours working in my daughter and son-in-law's flower beds trying to tame them and pull the weeds. To me, that means that I'm back pretty darn close to 100%. Of course, after that and then sitting in the heat at a family reunion on Sunday, and back at work on Monday, my leg decided that enough was enough and swelled up. I've had to wear the compression stocking - not exactly fashionable for summertime (or any time for that matter!). I hadn't worn the stocking at all during the last 2-3 weeks of treatment, but I guess I was horizontal enough of the time that swelling wasn't an issue. Now my foot is down most of the time, and I'm ready to be active again. I really want to lose the stocking but I also want to prevent dealing with lymphedema!
On Monday I begin my 30-day written comprehensive exam for my doctoral work (15 pages for each of 4 questions = 60 pages). I scheduled it after my 1st week of recovery because I felt as though I would be ready for it physically and mentally. I still think it was a good call, but next week will tell how ready I really am. Knowing how I've felt when I've gotten home after work this week, I know that I couldn't work full-time and successfully complete the exam. I'll be taking almost all (maybe all) of my accummulated vacation to get it done. I'll still go into the office at least one full day each week and be available for additional hours if needed. Hopefully my brain is up for the challenge!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
2nd Week of Recovery
Feeling good! I feel even better than last week. This past weekend I even cleaned the kitchen floor! It took forever because I had to keep sitting down to take a break, but I got it done and felt good about it. I'm also happy to report that my brain is back in gear. I cannot believe how much work I've been able to get done this week! I even worked on my graduate studies this past weekend and accomplished quite a bit. I'm eating more too (darn!). The one strange thing through all of this is that the only thing that tasted really good during treatment and I still crave are red Swedish fish. I expected to not get hungry for the foods that tasted bad during treatment, but I also have no desire for some of the other things that tasted alright during treatment. So, while I'm eating more, the things I'm interested in eating are on a short list. Luckily, watermelon is on the short list!
There are only three things that still need to clear up: 1) my taste buds for salt are on overdrive; 2) the rash and itching aren't quite gone; and 3) the sinus pressure has gotten worse. I finally made an appointment with the family doctor for tomorrow to get something to clear up this sinus thing. I think that having that pressure gone will make the biggest difference! I do still get tired, but not like I did during treatment. I can tell that I'm at the end of a work week too. I'm starting to drag. Some of that could be from the sinus thing though.
On Monday I had bloodwork done and all the numbers continue to climb - a good thing. I also delivered a bouquet of roses and a thank you card for everyone at the cancer center. I took along the little individual capsules of water so everyone could each take a rose home with them. Today I got a thank you card from the oncology nurses! I was glad to hear how much they enjoyed the flowers, and I just hope they realize how much I appreciate them.
There are only three things that still need to clear up: 1) my taste buds for salt are on overdrive; 2) the rash and itching aren't quite gone; and 3) the sinus pressure has gotten worse. I finally made an appointment with the family doctor for tomorrow to get something to clear up this sinus thing. I think that having that pressure gone will make the biggest difference! I do still get tired, but not like I did during treatment. I can tell that I'm at the end of a work week too. I'm starting to drag. Some of that could be from the sinus thing though.
On Monday I had bloodwork done and all the numbers continue to climb - a good thing. I also delivered a bouquet of roses and a thank you card for everyone at the cancer center. I took along the little individual capsules of water so everyone could each take a rose home with them. Today I got a thank you card from the oncology nurses! I was glad to hear how much they enjoyed the flowers, and I just hope they realize how much I appreciate them.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
1st Week of Recovery
It's Wednesday, and surprise, surprise, I have no patience for this recovery business. I'm constantly tired, I have swollen lymph nodes in the back of my head and behind my right ear, I'm still a bit light-headed, and I still have an awful taste in my mouth. There, I've listed my major complaints. Now I can be grateful for the cure I assume I've been given, for the end of the IV treatments, for no more fever, chills, or aches. While I'm not used to sitting around doing absolutely nothing, I have bonded with my cat. I'm ready to get back into being busy though. Now where did I put my motivation four weeks ago? It's got to be in me somewhere! One of these mornings I'll wake up and be full of vim and vigor - okay, I can almost hear my husband laughing cause that's not me in the morning. However, after a cup of coffee it's a different story! Maybe that's the secret ingredient - coffee. I haven't had a cup of coffee for a very long time. I'm not really wanting it yet, but maybe it will taste good again. I only have two more Ensures left, which means I'll need a new breakfast by Saturday. I guess that will have to be my first coffee morning.
I have a 3:00 meeting scheduled at work tomorrow, so there's no backing down this time. I'm going in! Gee, wonder if Murphy (the cat) wants to go along? Well, back to getting my stacks of papers and books into some kind of order by 5:00pm so it's easier to walk away from it tomorrow.
If my husband asks you, please tell him that yes I did take a multi-vitamin today. I promise to take one everyday, and I hope that they're packed full of energy.
I have a 3:00 meeting scheduled at work tomorrow, so there's no backing down this time. I'm going in! Gee, wonder if Murphy (the cat) wants to go along? Well, back to getting my stacks of papers and books into some kind of order by 5:00pm so it's easier to walk away from it tomorrow.
If my husband asks you, please tell him that yes I did take a multi-vitamin today. I promise to take one everyday, and I hope that they're packed full of energy.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
19th & Last Treatment!
How great to finally make it to the last treatment! My hubby and I practically had the treatment room to ourselves, and I was the last patient there by the time my treatment was over. The nurses collected hole punch "dots" and celebrated with us by tossing them in the air as confetti, and they gave me a Purple Heart certificate. They really made this as doable as it possibly could be by being sincerely caring and attentive. I cannot say enough about the nurses. They seemed to get to know each and every patient, and everyone was on a first name basis. It was as pleasant a place as it could be considering why I went there every day.
The treatment itself was just as all the others. We stopped and got a butterscotch krimpet to celebrate on the way home. It tasted a little overly sweet, but not too bad. I stayed awake (sort of) long enough to say goodbye to my oldest son when he left for the airport to head back home. Then that was it. I pretty much slept the rest of the night. My stomach was unsettled again, but a Compazine eventually settled it down enough so I could finish off a glass of Gatorade.
Saturday I slept in and woke up feeling light-headed and with an unsettled stomach (so what's new). I realize that it's going to take awhile to feel good again, but just knowing that I don't have to go back for another treatment on Monday morning makes this the best weekend in awhile. I still have that weird taste in my mouth, but cantaloupe tasted almost normal while I tasted the pickles in potato salad and too much salt with potato chips. Even a grilled cheese sandwich, which sounded good, ended up tasting too salty. The Ensure drink for breakfast is the best thing I've found to start my day - I almost look forward to it because I know it's going to taste good.
Sunday I'm still trying to get my head to stop floating, so I've been laying around a lot. My motivation level is still at zero, although I've been able to do some leisurely reading. I've noticed that the lymph nodes in the back of my head are swollen, and I'm not sure if that's something that I need to call the doctor about or not. I'll probably wait till tomorrow and just let her know in case it actually matters. I still have the rash, but it's not getting any worse. The best part about today is that I don't have to go for treatment tomorrow - have I mentioned that already?!
19 done, none to go!!
The treatment itself was just as all the others. We stopped and got a butterscotch krimpet to celebrate on the way home. It tasted a little overly sweet, but not too bad. I stayed awake (sort of) long enough to say goodbye to my oldest son when he left for the airport to head back home. Then that was it. I pretty much slept the rest of the night. My stomach was unsettled again, but a Compazine eventually settled it down enough so I could finish off a glass of Gatorade.
Saturday I slept in and woke up feeling light-headed and with an unsettled stomach (so what's new). I realize that it's going to take awhile to feel good again, but just knowing that I don't have to go back for another treatment on Monday morning makes this the best weekend in awhile. I still have that weird taste in my mouth, but cantaloupe tasted almost normal while I tasted the pickles in potato salad and too much salt with potato chips. Even a grilled cheese sandwich, which sounded good, ended up tasting too salty. The Ensure drink for breakfast is the best thing I've found to start my day - I almost look forward to it because I know it's going to taste good.
Sunday I'm still trying to get my head to stop floating, so I've been laying around a lot. My motivation level is still at zero, although I've been able to do some leisurely reading. I've noticed that the lymph nodes in the back of my head are swollen, and I'm not sure if that's something that I need to call the doctor about or not. I'll probably wait till tomorrow and just let her know in case it actually matters. I still have the rash, but it's not getting any worse. The best part about today is that I don't have to go for treatment tomorrow - have I mentioned that already?!
19 done, none to go!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
18th Treatment
I started the day with more bloodwork which showed all of my numbers being even lower than before, which explains the way I felt. They weren't too low though, so I'll be able to finish the treatment as planned. I'm supposed to avoid people with colds/flu for another week or so till my numbers start climbing back up. I go back for more bloodwork in a week. Then I saw my oncologist, and showed her the rash I've been fighting. She said that interferon doesn't usually cause a rash, so she isn't sure what's causing it. I'm to let her know if it doesn't start fading away next week. My next appointment with her will be in four weeks. Then it was treatment time which went as usual. I feel tired, washed out, but okay - fever, and body aches aren't too bad. Tomorrow is it! Thank goodness!!
18 down, only 1 more to go
18 down, only 1 more to go
17th Treatment
The additional nausea medicine continues to help, although I did take a compazine this morning after my stomach didn't settle down after drinking an Ensure for breakfast. I had the wonderful surprise of finding my oldest son at home after my treatment. I'm not the best company though, and still had to head upstairs for my couple of hours of sleep time. The fever didn't get too high last night, and I actually ate some dinner for a change. Maybe he was the positive influence I needed. I just feel worn down, and am anxious for tomorrow to be over.
17 down, 2 to go
17 down, 2 to go
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
16th Treatment
What a difference a day makes! When my husband asked me Monday night if there was anything he could get me, I said Tuesday morning. Yesterday went much better than the day before it. Because I told the nurses about the problems I had with nausea, they added another medicine to the IV yesterday. Whether that was the reason or not, I had no problems with nausea last night. I came home from treatment and went right to bed again, but was up after about 3 hours. I was feverish and achy, but it was certainly tolerable. I sat in front of the TV wrapped in a blanket until bedtime.
I'm lightheaded this morning, but I'm sure pushing some liquids will help with that. I've had an awful taste in my mouth that never goes away, which masks the true flavor of foods and makes things taste bad. Salty things taste way too salty, and tasteless things like water have the bad taste I carry in my mouth. It seems as though creamy things like pudding, milkshakes, and Ensure taste the best. One of the nurses recommended mashed potatoes, which I haven't tried yet.
I'm hoping that the rest of the week's treatments will go the same as yesterday's. I'm almost home-free! My eyes tear up just thinking about what it will feel like on Friday to finally be done.
16 down, 3 to go
I'm lightheaded this morning, but I'm sure pushing some liquids will help with that. I've had an awful taste in my mouth that never goes away, which masks the true flavor of foods and makes things taste bad. Salty things taste way too salty, and tasteless things like water have the bad taste I carry in my mouth. It seems as though creamy things like pudding, milkshakes, and Ensure taste the best. One of the nurses recommended mashed potatoes, which I haven't tried yet.
I'm hoping that the rest of the week's treatments will go the same as yesterday's. I'm almost home-free! My eyes tear up just thinking about what it will feel like on Friday to finally be done.
16 down, 3 to go
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
15th Treatment
I had a quiet weekend fighting nausea. My stomach was unsettled which made eating an issue again. Ironically, it remained unsettled until I was sitting in the chair waiting for the IV to start my treatment. I told the nurses that, at that moment, I was feeling the best I had felt in a week. If I can believe the scale, I've lost 15 pounds so far. Yeah, an unsettled stomach will do that. After telling them about my stomach problems, they called in a prescription for compazine for me.
My bloodwork showed that the platelets dropped a little again, but everything else seemed to be holding steady.
When we got home, I decided to go straight to bed since my head was hurting so much. I slept for a couple of hours and woke up with a major fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach. My body hurt too much to stay in bed, as I couldn't get comfortable. It was still light outside, so I got up, hoping that a little movement would help. Well, my stomach was so nauseous that I was afraid to have anything pass by my lips. Eventually, I was able to take sips of Sprite, and then finally took a compazine. I'm so glad they called in that script for me. It seemed to do the trick.
The headache lingered into this morning, but is now gone of course since I'll be leaving for treatment soon. I'm hoping that that will be the worst of it this week.
15 down, 4 to go
My bloodwork showed that the platelets dropped a little again, but everything else seemed to be holding steady.
When we got home, I decided to go straight to bed since my head was hurting so much. I slept for a couple of hours and woke up with a major fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach. My body hurt too much to stay in bed, as I couldn't get comfortable. It was still light outside, so I got up, hoping that a little movement would help. Well, my stomach was so nauseous that I was afraid to have anything pass by my lips. Eventually, I was able to take sips of Sprite, and then finally took a compazine. I'm so glad they called in that script for me. It seemed to do the trick.
The headache lingered into this morning, but is now gone of course since I'll be leaving for treatment soon. I'm hoping that that will be the worst of it this week.
15 down, 4 to go
Saturday, June 7, 2008
14th Treatment
Since I had an early treatment at 10:00am today, we stopped at Panera's for a little breakfast. I ate half of a cinnamon crunch bagel and drank a hot chai tea latte. The bagel tasted almost too sweet for me, which is crazy considering how much I love sweet things. My stomach just didn't feel right from the night before, even though I had hoped that eating something would help. I got through the treatment, came home, and slept on the sofa the entire day. I didn't want anything to pass between my lips; that's how unsettled my stomach felt. My hubby got home from work and there I was, still parked on the sofa. I stayed there till bedtime. What can I say - I just plain feel sick.
14 down, 5 to go
14 down, 5 to go
13th Treatment
Monday's treatment left me feeling like I had been run over by a truck, and then Tuesday's and Wednesday's treatments weren't too terribly bad. Then comes Thursday and the treatment left me feeling more like I did on Monday. There just doesn't seem to be any way to predict how it's going to affect me. If I could tie it into what I eat, or don't eat, how much I drink, etc. then I could feel as though I have some control over it. Unfortunately, it makes no sense to me.
13 down, 6 to go
13 down, 6 to go
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
12th Treatment
Third day for the same IV line, but that's as long as they can keep a line in. I'll have to have a new line put in tomorrow. I've been drinking the Ensure samples they gave me. They're almost like a milkshake and very creamy. They don't taste funny like most food seems to. I thought I was hungry for a pork barbeque last night, but that ended up tasting weird. Margarine tastes weird too. I do eat multi-grain Cheerios dry for breakfast some mornings, and that tastes alright. Tonight my hubby made BLT sandwiches, and that tasted good but saltier than usual. I'm worried that when food tastes good again, I'll gain all my weight back. I guess I'll have to get on a Wii Fit schedule. The aches are about the same as last night, and I don't feel too feverish. I'm thirsty, tired, and my stomache has been unsettled all day, but that's all minor. I guess I'd better push some liquids before heading to bed.
12 down, 7 to go
12 down, 7 to go
11th Treatment
Everything went as usual for today's treatment. They were able to reuse the IV line from yesterday which is always nice since I get to avoid another needle stick. I'm sure they like it too since they don't have to go on a vein hunt. A heating pad did the trick in keeping my vein from hurting the last half hour. I came home tired as usual, and rested on the patio again. My daughter was coming to take me to Babies R Us to look at crib sets, and I almost called her to cancel because I felt so tired. I'm glad I hung in there. She drove and did most of the talking. I was able to walk around the store and help her decide on the pattern she wanted, and then bought a set so they could pick out matching paint to get the room started. The aches really didn't get too bad, and the headache was bearable. I went to bed early but had trouble getting comfortable. It was definitely an easier night than Monday night.
11 down, 8 to go
11 down, 8 to go
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
10th Treatment
The weekend was quiet. I didn't have much of an appetite or energy although I perked up a little bit on Sunday - enough to plant a few more flowers and do a little weeding. I have found that I like the chocolate Ensure drink as a meal replacement or supplement.
I had bloodwork completed again, and then an appointment with my oncologist. Everything looks as it should. My white blood cell count shows that my body is working against infection which means that I'm less immune to random bugs floating around. I'm supposed to avoid crowds or other similar situations where I might be more susceptible to picking up something. Although the toxin level is up it is in acceptable limits, so all is as it should be. All that, and then I had to go for my treatment too.
After two days off, they said that it would probably be a rough night. Geez, they were right! We stopped off at the grocery store on the way home, but I kept my sunglasses on the whole time because the headache had already begun. We unpacked the groceries and then I went out on the patio to relax and wait. Within an hour it felt as though I had been run over by a truck. I took two Tylenol at 5:00pm, and at some point after that headed to bed. I asked my husband to bring me two more Tylenol at 9:00. The fever was high enough to have me huddled under the blankets, but at least I wasn't shivering. The aches had me miserable. Around 10:00pm, the worst seemed over and I ventured downstairs for something to drink. It was tough to roll out of bed this morning because I still have the headache. I know that I couldn't handle the construction noise at work with this pain in my head. Some mornings I wonder whether I could even make the walk from the parking lot to my office - that's pretty sad. I'm going to make myself get in there at least one morning this week, just to prove to myself that I can do it. Besides, I'm ready for a few different files.
10 down, 9 to go
I had bloodwork completed again, and then an appointment with my oncologist. Everything looks as it should. My white blood cell count shows that my body is working against infection which means that I'm less immune to random bugs floating around. I'm supposed to avoid crowds or other similar situations where I might be more susceptible to picking up something. Although the toxin level is up it is in acceptable limits, so all is as it should be. All that, and then I had to go for my treatment too.
After two days off, they said that it would probably be a rough night. Geez, they were right! We stopped off at the grocery store on the way home, but I kept my sunglasses on the whole time because the headache had already begun. We unpacked the groceries and then I went out on the patio to relax and wait. Within an hour it felt as though I had been run over by a truck. I took two Tylenol at 5:00pm, and at some point after that headed to bed. I asked my husband to bring me two more Tylenol at 9:00. The fever was high enough to have me huddled under the blankets, but at least I wasn't shivering. The aches had me miserable. Around 10:00pm, the worst seemed over and I ventured downstairs for something to drink. It was tough to roll out of bed this morning because I still have the headache. I know that I couldn't handle the construction noise at work with this pain in my head. Some mornings I wonder whether I could even make the walk from the parking lot to my office - that's pretty sad. I'm going to make myself get in there at least one morning this week, just to prove to myself that I can do it. Besides, I'm ready for a few different files.
10 down, 9 to go
Friday, May 30, 2008
9th Treatment
Two weeks down! I'll call it halfway! They were able to reuse the IV in my left hand but it became quite uncomfortable partway through and I wondered whether I would be able to finish. The vein just doesn't seem to hold up well as my hand and arm get colder. Keeping it warm seems to help a little bit. My assignment for the weekend is to try some protein drink samples they had at the office and report back which one I liked the best. I just put the milk chocolate Ensure in the refrigerator, so I guess I'll try that tomorrow. The nurse said that since I'm not eating much that I need to be smart about what I eat and really make it count - in other words, push the protein. The scrambled egg I had this morning was a good example and she also suggested peanut butter toast.
It was nice enough outside that I just sacked out on the patio after treatment and enjoyed the sounds and smells of nature. I even swept a little after my hubby edged the pool bed. It's amazing how much effort it takes to get up and move. I'm hoping to plant a few more flowers this weekend and pull a few more weeds (after eating my PB toast, of course).
9 down, 10 to go
It was nice enough outside that I just sacked out on the patio after treatment and enjoyed the sounds and smells of nature. I even swept a little after my hubby edged the pool bed. It's amazing how much effort it takes to get up and move. I'm hoping to plant a few more flowers this weekend and pull a few more weeds (after eating my PB toast, of course).
9 down, 10 to go
8th Treatment
Okay, 8 treatments done but this is no picnic. I have no appetite at all, and some foods just taste weird. I'm drinking a lot more than I'm eating and that has caused a few intestinal problems if you can guess what I mean. I weighed myself this morning and I've lost 8 pounds. The good news (well, technically, losing 8 pounds is good news to me) is that the side effects haven't been as severe as they were last week. The headache has been the worst part, and even that's bearable. Last night the fever didn't seem to get as high as the night before, and I actually slept rather well. I'm still dealing with lightheadedness which comes and goes. The nurse kept the IV in my hand yesterday with hopes of reusing it today, but it's been bugging me and I'm wondering whether it's going to work. I guess it's really not worth worrying about since there's nothing I can do about it anyway. I'm glad this is it for the week, and I'll be able to call myself halfway through. Really, it's hard to complain too much when I only have to go through this for a month and there are patients at the cancer center who have been going through treatments for years. It could be so much worse. I have to remind myself that I really am one of the lucky ones.
8 down, 11 to go
8 down, 11 to go
Thursday, May 29, 2008
7th Treatment
Well, it seems that the steroid was the reason for the lack of body aches, fever and chills Tuesday night, and my suggestion that it should become a permanent part of the IV cocktail fell on deaf ears. On the way home from treatment we stocked up on Gatorade and Powerade though I've yet to crack open a bottle. Till we got home, my headache was gearing up to be another good one and I could already feel the body aches starting. I sat in my chair, dozing on and off till 6:00, then headed upstairs for my Tylenol. I saw the bed, and figured I didn't feel like fighting it and crawled in. That was it for the night. I got up once around 10:45 for two more Tylenol and that was it till the alarm went off this morning at 7:00. In bed for 13 hours - no wonder my back is stiff! I can't believe I actually slept that long. I still feel lightheaded and kind of weak, so I plan on staying home this morning to try and get ahead of this hydration plan once and for all. I'm sure that a little food in my stomach will help me feel stronger. I even made a cup of coffee to try to jumpstart my morning.
7 down, 12 to go
7 down, 12 to go
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
6th Treatment
Well, the Memorial Day weekend/holiday was a quiet one. I spent most of Saturday in bed since I was trying to get rid of the rash with Benadryl, and that's where Benadryl puts me. Although I had a slow start on Sunday, I was finally able to get myself going in the afternoon and felt well enough to buy some flowers, go grocery shopping, and even get some flowers planted. Monday I expected to feel even better, but couldn't shake feeling lightheaded and sat more than anything else. Tuesday morning I was back at work, but the lightheadedness persisted and I just couldn't stick it out.
At the treatment, I was told that the lightheadedness was from being dehydrated and I needed to be drinking more. Apparently 1/2 gallon of water a day is not enough and I need to be pushing even more liquids. They said that drinks like Gatorade and Powerade would be alright too, so I'll be adding them after another trip to the grocery store. I had blood work done before treatment, and apparently my numbers all looked really good. They added a steroid to the IV to help with the rash. They kept the IV in my right hand with hopes of re-using it. Even with the liter of fluid I get during the IV, I still felt lightheaded on the way home and even turned down my husband's offer of Rita's. I was fighting a mighty headache and just plopped myself in the family room to wait until my next dose of Tylenol at 6:00. I even kept my sunglasses on till then. I thought I might go to bed around 8:00, but stayed in that same chair until 10:00 when I could take my next dose of Tylenol. You know, I never got the body aches, fever or chills last night! I don't know if it had anything to do with the steroid or not, but I'll be asking. That was quite a gift! Now I need to go drink myself silly (water, of course) to try to get rid of this lightheadedness - enough is enough!
6 down, 13 to go
At the treatment, I was told that the lightheadedness was from being dehydrated and I needed to be drinking more. Apparently 1/2 gallon of water a day is not enough and I need to be pushing even more liquids. They said that drinks like Gatorade and Powerade would be alright too, so I'll be adding them after another trip to the grocery store. I had blood work done before treatment, and apparently my numbers all looked really good. They added a steroid to the IV to help with the rash. They kept the IV in my right hand with hopes of re-using it. Even with the liter of fluid I get during the IV, I still felt lightheaded on the way home and even turned down my husband's offer of Rita's. I was fighting a mighty headache and just plopped myself in the family room to wait until my next dose of Tylenol at 6:00. I even kept my sunglasses on till then. I thought I might go to bed around 8:00, but stayed in that same chair until 10:00 when I could take my next dose of Tylenol. You know, I never got the body aches, fever or chills last night! I don't know if it had anything to do with the steroid or not, but I'll be asking. That was quite a gift! Now I need to go drink myself silly (water, of course) to try to get rid of this lightheadedness - enough is enough!
6 down, 13 to go
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Note to self
From now on, either stay awake or have someone ready to wake you up four hours after the start of your treatment so you can take another double dose of Tylenol. The same goes for four hours after that. Don't skip it - ever. When the nurse suggests that you take additional Benadryl at home for the rash, don't wait to see how it looks in the morning. Just take it. Never underestimate the power of the interferon. Just because you don't have aches/chills/high fever yet, does not mean they won't be here within minutes. At least consider going to bed at 6:00pm and staying there till the next morning. Continue with the Rita's Italian Ice therapy ;-).
Friday, May 23, 2008
5th Treatment
What a difference a day makes! I dragged myself out of bed this morning and got in another half day at work, and then my hubby drove me to the cancer center for treatment. I had already consumed a quart of water and was working on another pint. I asked them to give me the Benadryl slowly, which they did. I could still feel it go to my head, but not as severely. The nurse used the same vein that was used on Monday, and it burned/stung off and on but there was no swelling this time. I felt tired but good on the ride home, so I asked for a Rita's Italian Ice to celebrate the end of the first week. I was able to really enjoy it without the chills. Once at home I parked myself in front of the TV again and waited for the inevitable. I eventually fell asleep on the sofa before I even felt the aches or fever. I have to remember to haul myself off to the bedroom when I feel that tired so others don't have to tiptoe around me. I woke up around 8:00 with minimal aches, minimal chills, and minimal fever. I'm sure it was the Rita's! Not a bad end to the first week! I'm looking forward to being outside tomorrow.
5 down, 14 to go
5 down, 14 to go
Thursday, May 22, 2008
4th Treatment
Because my right hand was wrapped in a huge wad of gauze to protect the IV line they kept in, I worked from home today. I think I did more work than drinking my fluids because today's treatment was not the best. They were able to use the same line, but the syringe of Benadryl went straight to my head and I'm sure I could not have walked a straight line. I had a bit of a burning/stinging sensation at the IV site throughout the treatment. When the interferon bag finished and all I had left was what still remained in the bag of fluids, I realized that my fingers on my right hand were swollen. I showed the nurse, and she stopped the IV immediately. I guess they were worried about the line infiltrating but the swelling was above instead of below the site. They checked with a doctor who agreed that infiltration was not happening, and told me I'd have to get the rest of my hydration by mouth instead of IV. I was really glad to have my hubby there to drive me today! I came home by 3:30 and went straight to bed for 4 1/2 hours. I just checked and my temperature is 101 which certainly explains the way I feel. Good to know it's temporary! So, I'm going to drink more tonight and tomorrow, and ask them to inject the Benadryl more slowly tomorrow. Hopefully, the combo will work. Gee, what WILL I do without American Idol tonight ;-). I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the 3-day weekend!
4 down, 15 to go
4 down, 15 to go
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
3rd Treatment
Well, pushing the fluids continues to help. I actually put in a productive 4 1/2 hours at work this morning, but I started to watch the clock towards the end (and I NEVER watch the clock!). We were home by 4:10 today and I had the start of what would become a pesky headache. Once again, the homemade chicken noodle soup was so comforting! It was almost two hours until the body aches started in full force and I could feel the heat of the fever. The chills took a few more hours but they have been minimal. So, tired, achy, and feverish - this is still doable. My eyes burned a lot tonight but I persevered to watch the finals of American Idol. I know, I'm a real trooper ;-). Even my cat left me at that point! I still have the IV in my right hand from today's treatment hoping that it can be reused tomorrow. Say a little prayer. It's way, way past my new bedtime so I'm heading to that soft pillow and pile of blankets.
3 down, 16 to go
3 down, 16 to go
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
2nd Treatment
Day 2 and the treatment went a little faster today, getting us on the road home by 4:00. The body aches started on the ride home but it took about two hours before I could honestly complain about it. It took longer for me to get the chills tonight (also about two hours) and I'm wondering whether that has anything to do with all the liquids I'm drinking. I think I'll throw one of my grandmother's handmade quilts on my side of the bed tonight and make it a bit of a spiritual experience too. I expect that her added warmth will help. My neighbor's generous pot of homemade chicken noodle soup certainly added warmth to me on this rainy, chilly day. It was greatly appreciated! It's 8:45 and I'm off to bed.
2 down, 17 to go
2 down, 17 to go
1st Night
Well, I survived - not that I didn't think I would. The chills got as bad as I've ever had with the flu and I was burning with fever. It was hard to sleep because I just couldn't get warm, even with socks, a sweatshirt, and an extra blanket. I took two more Tylenol around 11:00pm. At some point during the night the chills stopped and I could just feel the fever - I was able to take off the sweatshirt. Now, the fever seems to be gone, and I'm just left with a bit of a headache; the body aches are gone. This is doable if it's as bad as it's going to get.
I decided to stay home from work so I can better gauge how I feel throughout the morning. I had a slow start, and decided to keep it slow; now is not the time to be rushing about trying to beat the clock. I plan to work on a few projects this morning and keep my email open till it's time to leave for the next treatment. If tonight goes the same as yesterday, I plan on going to work tomorrow.
I decided to stay home from work so I can better gauge how I feel throughout the morning. I had a slow start, and decided to keep it slow; now is not the time to be rushing about trying to beat the clock. I plan to work on a few projects this morning and keep my email open till it's time to leave for the next treatment. If tonight goes the same as yesterday, I plan on going to work tomorrow.
Monday, May 19, 2008
1st Treatment - only 18 more to go
Happy 29th wedding anniversary to us today!!
I started my IV treatment around 2:30 today and was in the car headed home by 4:50. While I was well enough to drive, I really appreciated having my husband there to do the driving duties. Apparently I'm lacking "good" veins and now expect the needle "stick" to be the worst part. They left the IV needle in my arm for tomorrow, so I'm hoping it lasts till the appointment.
With the shawl Mary wove for me in hand, the treatment started with two Tylenol and then a syringe of Benadryl, nausea medicine (lasts for 80 hours - same as what chemo patients get), and fluids. They really stressed fluids and suggested that I start carrying a bottle of water with me everywhere (and drinking it!). Finally, the interferon drip began. I left feeling half decent with a slight headache and quite chilled. They told me that the side effects tend to peak after 4-6 hours, so I plan to be snuggled under the covers by then and sleep through it.
Now, a few hours later, I've just taken two more Tylenol. I can tell that I'm feverish, which explains the chills, and my body is definitely achy. So far it's like the flu without the sore throat and hacking cough, which makes it bearable. Having had the flu a few months ago, I can say that it's not as bad as that experience though I could really use a hot sauna right now!
I'm going to wrap myself in a few blankets to try and get warm. I'm counting on Murphy, my cat, to help me out ;-).
1 down, 18 to go
I started my IV treatment around 2:30 today and was in the car headed home by 4:50. While I was well enough to drive, I really appreciated having my husband there to do the driving duties. Apparently I'm lacking "good" veins and now expect the needle "stick" to be the worst part. They left the IV needle in my arm for tomorrow, so I'm hoping it lasts till the appointment.
With the shawl Mary wove for me in hand, the treatment started with two Tylenol and then a syringe of Benadryl, nausea medicine (lasts for 80 hours - same as what chemo patients get), and fluids. They really stressed fluids and suggested that I start carrying a bottle of water with me everywhere (and drinking it!). Finally, the interferon drip began. I left feeling half decent with a slight headache and quite chilled. They told me that the side effects tend to peak after 4-6 hours, so I plan to be snuggled under the covers by then and sleep through it.
Now, a few hours later, I've just taken two more Tylenol. I can tell that I'm feverish, which explains the chills, and my body is definitely achy. So far it's like the flu without the sore throat and hacking cough, which makes it bearable. Having had the flu a few months ago, I can say that it's not as bad as that experience though I could really use a hot sauna right now!
I'm going to wrap myself in a few blankets to try and get warm. I'm counting on Murphy, my cat, to help me out ;-).
1 down, 18 to go
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Timeline of diagnosis & treatment
The round of doctor visits and tests began immediately with a visit to a dermatologist on December 19th. She didn't see anything else suspicious and, with the Christmas holiday right around the corner, was very kind to make herself accessible for questions during the next few days. My first visit to the oncologist was January 3rd (Happy New Year!). Then I had a CAT scan on January 7th, and a bone scan on January 8th. I was back at the oncologist on January 9th who sent me for a PET on January 14th. Then I was back with the oncologist on January 16th to learn that all tests had basically been clear.
At my appointment with the plastic surgeon on January 21st we scheduled the day surgery for removal of the tissue margin around the mole site and a sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy for February 6th. I missed four days of work after the surgery with an incision in my right groin, and a skin graft from my right hip stapled to cover the new gaping hole in my shin.
I had a post-op visit to the plastic surgeon on February 12th, and on February 21st learned that a few cancer cells were found in one lymph node (the PET scan did NOT pick this up so I'm grateful my surgeon performed the sentinel lymph node biopsy). A right groin lymph node dissection was scheduled for February 27th. This involved an overnight hospital stay, and I went home the next day with a new, much longer incision and a Jackson Pratt drain. Walking was very difficult because I couldn't pick up my right foot, and I stayed on my pain meds pretty regularly those first few days. My entire leg, from the tip of my toes to the top of my leg was wrapped in ace bandages to control swelling. After a few days I was allowed to remove the dressings, shower, and begin wearing a closed-toe compression stocking. I couldn't lie down to sleep because I couldn't get in and out of bed by myself, needed help getting dressed, and could not get the compression stocking on by myself. The trickiest part was getting the stocking up and over my "mole hole" on my shin with the least amount of contact. I was home from work for eleven days and my husband was an absolute saint! I couldn't have been home without his help.
My post-op appointment with the plastic surgeon was on March 5th, where I heard that the preliminary pathology report was negative for malignancy. On the 18th, the drain was removed (thankfully no worse than having a bandaid yanked off) and learned that the pathology report was negative. Follow-up visits followed in close succession: oncologist on March 26th, plastic surgeon on April 15th, oncologist on April 21st, and plastic surgeon on May 6th. I don't have to go back to the plastic surgeon for 3 months!
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