Mentally and emotionally - this was the most challenging treatment so far.
It was hard to wrap my mind around going in and having the treatment again. Recognizing the work it takes to 'dig myself out' of the physical impact and to rebuild strength.
Alan went with me so that we could spend our Valentine's Day together and it was nice to spend the day with him. The night before, he brought me roses so that I could have something to look at this weekend. We celebrated our 25 year engagement anniversary on February 7th with a romantic dinner out. Unfortunately - I was not feeling very well but we still had a good time.
The treatment itself was non-eventful. Dr. Legant went over my numbers with us and I'm happy to report my liver enzymes are 'back to normal'. My glucose numbers are up but that likely has more to do with the chocolate kisses I ate the night before. Alan and I played Yahtzee and chatted. The treatment lasted from 0900 until about 2:30pm.
Recovery has been consistent with the other Taxol treatments. Friday - fatigue and nausea. Saturday - Monday - pain. Tues - Thurs - GI issues. We've gotten very good at managing the various drugs - knowing when to stop the anti-nausea pills and start the pain killers. Alan has his schedule and sets everything up for me. He even sets the alarm and wakes me up to 'stay ahead' of things. The neuropathy of my hands, feet and mouth continue and food/drink taste different - less appetizing but I'm still able to eat. :)
We set up our appointment with Dr. Gaffney - the Radiation Doctor for March 12th. We wanted to continue treatment and not take a break between chemotherapy and radiation. Basically - looking forward to getting this all behind us. Radiation will last for 6 weeks - and will take place every Monday - Friday. Reading the side effects - this should be much easier to manage through than the chemo.
The good news - we only have one more treatment left. One more time. I'm looking forward to having this milestone completed. It may well be the hardest thing I've ever done. The hardest thing we've ever done as a couple and a family. Almost there.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Chemo #6 - 3/4 Complete
We are almost there - 2 more treatments to go.
My Dad took me to this treatment and kept me very entertained. We must have played 20 hands of Gin Rummy and he won the vast majority. I'm starting to think playing games during treatment is a bad idea for my 'winning reputation'. We were there for about six hours total.
Dr. Legant met with us in the beginning and went over my numbers. My white blood cell count was very high (which is good) and my liver enzymes were also high (not so good). The good news with my white blood cell count being high, she was able to adjust my Neulasta shot and reduce the amount. We are thinking the pain I've been experiencing with the Taxol treatment is a combination of the new treatment with the Neulasta. I'll be honest - the pain is still pretty intense but the medication (Lortab) helps take the edge off. The liver enzymes - we will wait and watch. My guess is my diet is a 'wreck' and it may simply be reflecting that fact. I eat what I want...when I want and my body is likely putting my poor liver into shock after years of careful dieting.
Right now, we are 'keeping on, keeping on'. There is a rhythm to the madness that we can rely on....treatment every other Thursday with anti-nausea pills for 48 hours. We then switch over to Lortab and by Tuesday, things are settling down. My sleeping improves and I stop keeping Alan up all night long. By the end of the first week, I'm able to work from home more consistently taking calls and responding to email. I work on building strength and then by the second week can actually work about 6 hours from the office Monday - Wednesday. Then...we start again.
I am so excited to be down to the last two chemo treatments with February 14th and 28th marking the days. I know that by the time we celebrate St. Patrick's Day - I'll be feeling better and stronger for the final time. So - bring on the shamrocks!! This Irish Girl will be celebrating the holiday more than any year before.
My Dad took me to this treatment and kept me very entertained. We must have played 20 hands of Gin Rummy and he won the vast majority. I'm starting to think playing games during treatment is a bad idea for my 'winning reputation'. We were there for about six hours total.
Dr. Legant met with us in the beginning and went over my numbers. My white blood cell count was very high (which is good) and my liver enzymes were also high (not so good). The good news with my white blood cell count being high, she was able to adjust my Neulasta shot and reduce the amount. We are thinking the pain I've been experiencing with the Taxol treatment is a combination of the new treatment with the Neulasta. I'll be honest - the pain is still pretty intense but the medication (Lortab) helps take the edge off. The liver enzymes - we will wait and watch. My guess is my diet is a 'wreck' and it may simply be reflecting that fact. I eat what I want...when I want and my body is likely putting my poor liver into shock after years of careful dieting.
Right now, we are 'keeping on, keeping on'. There is a rhythm to the madness that we can rely on....treatment every other Thursday with anti-nausea pills for 48 hours. We then switch over to Lortab and by Tuesday, things are settling down. My sleeping improves and I stop keeping Alan up all night long. By the end of the first week, I'm able to work from home more consistently taking calls and responding to email. I work on building strength and then by the second week can actually work about 6 hours from the office Monday - Wednesday. Then...we start again.
I am so excited to be down to the last two chemo treatments with February 14th and 28th marking the days. I know that by the time we celebrate St. Patrick's Day - I'll be feeling better and stronger for the final time. So - bring on the shamrocks!! This Irish Girl will be celebrating the holiday more than any year before.
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