Test Results and the Start of Medications

The past couple of weeks have been dedicated to medical tests, receiving the results and starting the various medications necessary for my treatment. 

I met with Dr. Stinett and received my first medical infusion of Zometa.  This medication is meant for individuals with osteoporosis.  It will help strengthen and heal some of the damage to my leg from the cancer and surgery.  While patients for osteoporosis receive this infusion once a year – I’ll receive it once per month.  Once started, the infusion only lasted 15-20 minutes but was reminiscent of having chemotherapy.  I was glad to get in and out of the chair so quickly. 

The next day I woke up achy and feeling ‘flu-ish’.  Unfortunately, I had to pull myself together and climb out of bed as it was the day for my CT scan.  Drinking the necessary Lysol and Crystal Light flavored drink was not fun – but I was able to drink all 32 ounces as dictated.  The test was quick and painless.  That afternoon/evening; however, found me throwing up for about 3 hours.  It was a possible combination of the drink and infusion…but not very fun at all.  Anyone that knows me well knows that I ABSOLUTELY HATE vomiting.  I recovered and the symptom went away as quickly as it came on.   Not being mobile and having to throw up in a bucket – traumatic for me and my care takers.  Poor Britty and Dad!! 

A couple of days later, there was a Bone Scan which was very simple to complete.  They had a nice picture of a fall scene on the ceiling and I was able to make shapes out of the clouds as I lay quietly for about 30 minutes.  The scan indicated some issues with both knees so they followed the scan up with an x-ray of both knees. 

The following week, we received the test results.  In addition to the cancer we knew about in my upper left leg, right lung and one lymph node under my right arm – there was proof of cancer in my right leg just above my knee.  While it is not the best news – it also wasn’t the worst as I am pleased it is still fairly confined at this point.   We received the first shots of Faslodex – one in each butt cheek.  It was surprisingly painful and felt like they were pushing syrup through the syringe.  This doctor appointment lasted for an eternity as it was necessary to finalize the approval for the clinical trial medications.  We arrived at 0900 and left the office at 1230 only to have to return for more blood work at 1430 (to determine the absorption rate of my first dose of the pills).  I was tired, shaky and nauseous by the time the day was over and my hopes for spending a couple of hours in the office were dashed.  We went home and I slept well.  The second dose of medication had to be taken in the middle of the night due to the need to be 12 hours apart from the first dose. 

The next morning – was rough.  I woke up to more vomiting.    I think it is safe to say that the clinical trial I am on is the real deal and not a placebo unless someone has a very sick sense of humor.  I spent the morning on the bathroom floor, wrapped up in a blanket.  I texted Alan and he canceled an appointment with a psychologist I had that morning.  I texted Dad and he helped me get anti-nausea medication in me and back in bed.  Have I mentioned – I hate throwing up?  This weekend has been all about slowly changing the medication time frame (an hour at a time) so that I can ensure I eat up to an hour before the dosage of the pills and then again an hour after.  I don’t eat a lot but I eat often which seems to keep the nausea under control.   I also will take an anti-nausea pill fairly quickly if I start to feel sick.  With this under control – I now am just fighting fatigue and diarrhea.  It was tough but all in all – I think I’m winning this particular battle.  I just had to learn how to play by the rules dictated by the drugs. 

I’m slowly doing better with walking with the cane.  I’m able to take the stairs up and down one leg at a time with cane in hand instead of having to step on the same step with each leg before moving on.  It isn’t easy and I have to concentrate but I’ve been able to do it.  I went to work a few times for a max of 2 hours a day but the frequency is still sporadic.  I am hoping to find a good rhythm in the near future. 

Meanwhile, the family is pulling together to create Christmas.  The tree is up and most of the gifts are bought.  I recommend not going to Target on a Saturday while driving an electric cart…it was insane.  J  Luckily the girls and Alan were there to be the legs and go up and down the crowded aisles that I couldn’t fit through.  I am loved and pampered everyday by my loving family.  Friends shower me with sweet messages and check in frequently.  Life is good.