Monday, April 29 - Starting on Friday last week my feet started hurting. It was more like a burning pain. I didn't really know what was going on - just figured I had been on my feet too long. It continued into Saturday so I got on the internet and found something called Hand & Foot Syndrome. This is caused by certain chemo medications and Adriamycin was on the list. The most widely accepted theory of why this happens is that the small blood vessels in the palms and/or soles break due to use, pressure, or increased temperature, causing an inflammatory reaction and possible releasing the drug into the area. I've read that it can appear weeks or months after starting treatment.
I found some foot cream and applied it generously and then put on socks. I kept my feet elevated as much as possible and didn't take as hot of a shower as usual. They started feeling better and looked a whole lot better. The swelling and hotness subsided, but still very red. I can see spots on my hands also so have generously been using lotion on them also.
I did call the chemo nurses this morning and they verified everything and told me to be sure that I mention it to the doctor at my appointment before chemo on Wednesday. They also told me to take 100 mg. of Vitamin B6 twice a day and continue with a lot of lotion on both areas. If it gets worse it could start blistering and then infection could set in. She also said that a few get it with the drugs I'm on but it usually shows up with the "T" drugs, one of which I will be on during my next rounds of chemo. Hopefully I can stay ahead of it and manage the symptoms so it doesn't get worse. The break while having surgery will also hopefully help.
Other than than, I have been more fatigued than usual, but feeling well for the most part. The weather sure has been a mood buster. I did get out Saturday evening with a group of ladies that get together 1 or 2 times a month and play some cards. It was nice to see everyone that could make it and catch up!
I have my last Chemo before surgery on Wednesday - so we are moving right along. Will update everyone after that session.
Great Weekend!
Tuesday, April 23 - We had a fabulous weekend. Ann's shower was a huge success and it was sooooo good to see family. After the shower, I was pretty exhausted so rested while Dane, Adam and Ann tended to the yard work. It was a beautiful day.
On Sunday we went into St. Louis and visited with our friend Joe from Busch Stadium and got some pictures on the field and a inside tour. Also hit up the Arch and Forest Park (I stayed in the car) for more photos. It was good to get home as the nausea was starting to set in and I was really tired.
Yesterday (Monday) was day 4 after chemo and the day I felt the worse. Nausea and sleepy much of the day so took a lot of catnaps. It was a beautiful day weather wise so I took a walk around the yard and sat outside for a while. It felt good. I was afraid I wouldn't sleep Monday night, but no problem there. I'm thinking I may have overdone it just a bit.
Today, other than the weather, was much better. I am again staying ahead of the nausea by taking my meds and eating often as well as staying hydrated. I still feel fatigued, but was told that it was cumulative for many as they go through chemo so am assuming that is what is going on plus the fact that it is so dreary out.
On Sunday we went into St. Louis and visited with our friend Joe from Busch Stadium and got some pictures on the field and a inside tour. Also hit up the Arch and Forest Park (I stayed in the car) for more photos. It was good to get home as the nausea was starting to set in and I was really tired.
Yesterday (Monday) was day 4 after chemo and the day I felt the worse. Nausea and sleepy much of the day so took a lot of catnaps. It was a beautiful day weather wise so I took a walk around the yard and sat outside for a while. It felt good. I was afraid I wouldn't sleep Monday night, but no problem there. I'm thinking I may have overdone it just a bit.
Today, other than the weather, was much better. I am again staying ahead of the nausea by taking my meds and eating often as well as staying hydrated. I still feel fatigued, but was told that it was cumulative for many as they go through chemo so am assuming that is what is going on plus the fact that it is so dreary out.
Chemo #3
Friday, April 19 - Let me start out by saying that I put my hummingbird feeder out on Wednesday this week knowing that the scouts are usually out in April. I wasn't expecting much since the weather has been crazy. I got super excited after I got home from Chemo #3 and looked out the window and saw a hummingbird at the feeder on Thursday. That was sure quick and made my day.
I haven't posted because I have been feeling reasonably well after the heartburn issue was resolved. I did catnap some but kept busy. Had some emotional ups and downs (thank you Dane for being there) and for some reason dreaded the chemo as it got closer. I'll try to do better as several people said they had checked the blog and were wondering how I was doing.
I had my 3rd chemo on Thursday the 18th. My friend Liz picked me up and was my chemo partner for the day. The weather was really nasty and raining the whole way down. I got checked in and saw Dr. Coplin, Medical Oncologist. She examined me and reported that the tumor has shrunk some more. Since I have an appointment with my surgeon the next day she wanted me to get another mammogram and ultrasound before that visit.
I did find out that after surgery in May, I will be on a different Chemo drug called Taxol. I will receive this one once a week for 6 weeks. That was a surprise to me as I was thinking the next one would be every 2 or 3 weeks for 6 times. Then I got to thinking, YES, once a week means I will be finished sooner, so I can't complain about that. I haven't researched it a whole lot yet, but understand that some of the side effects will be different. More fatigue but usually less nausea. Yay! Also, no Neulasta injections the day after. Yay!
Onto the chemo room. I had Charlene again. She accessed my port (a little bit of a sting). The room was busier than usual and I thought we would be running a little late. My white blood count showed to be in range so she administered my anti-nausea meds, steriods and got my Adriamycin pushed through. She then started the Cytoxin drip. Liz and I had some good conversation and the time went by quickly. We went for a late lunch and ran into a health food store and got some ginger tea to help with nausea. Still raining when we left and an accident on Hwy 100 resulted in us having to turn around and take an alternate route home, but we made it. Thanks Liz!
My Neulasta shot for Friday was scheduled as well as my 4th chemo for Wednesday, May 1st. This one will be a day earlier due to a short trip to Houston with Dane that following weekend. Excited to visit a couple of friends. This was another planned trip before this all started and I am determined to live life like I planned.
So fast forward to today! What in the world, winter is back AGAIN! Picked up my mom and headed into Manchester. Had a stop to make to get a gift for a baby shower, then went to lunch. We headed to the Breast and Cancer Institute for the mammogram and ultrasound. All went smoothly. I then got my Neulasta injection. So we were about a half hour early for the appointment with Dr. Ouwari.
If you remember from a previous post I wanted to talk to her and see if a lumpectomy was still on the table due to the shrinking of the tumor. I asked her if she got the results from the mammo and ultrasound. She said she did, but it is not a good indication of the size of the tumor. When I started the process the tumor was 1.9 centimeters and grew to 9.1 and was very hard. We know that it has gotten softer, but that could be that the chemo is breaking it up into smaller pieces. She told me, since I asked for her recommendation, that she was a little reluctant with doing just a lumpectomy due to this factor. It could be deeper than what we are feeling. We also discussed that if we did the lumpectomy and the margins around the tumor were sent to pathology and came back showing cancer cells ( which I know has happened to a few people that I have talked to) she may have to go back in and remove more tissue. This could possibly result in her doing a mastectomy after all. I really appreciate her sensitivity and honesty and feel completely comfortable with her.
A lumpectomy isn't completely off the table yet because I just had my 3rd chemo so it hasn't had time to do its work yet and I will also have a 4th chemo before surgery. So we decided to get a breast MRI a week before surgery and approximately 2 weeks after my last chemo. This would give us a better picture of what we are dealing with. So for right now, I'm going with the mindset of a mastectomy unless the breast MRI comes back with some convincing information to do otherwise.
I asked Dr. O how many lymph nodes would be removed. She said that it could be 20 or 30 but they won't know until they get in there to see. I had multiple lymph node involvement as shown on the PET scan.
I am also having the papilloma removed as it could turn into cancer.
On a good note, Brayden (my 7 year old grandson) called me Thursday night to see how I was feeling and asked if I wanted to skype. So we did and it was good to see that cheerful little face. I took my hat off to show him my baldness expecting him to laugh, but he just grinned real big. Gotta love that boy! I haven't seen him in about 3 months as the couple times Adam has been here has not been his weekend to have Brayden. Hoping to sneak a possible visit in before the surgery. Dane? I miss that little boy!
Adam & Ann will be in tonight as we are having a family wedding shower for Ann on Saturday. It will be good to be around family and also get to see my new great nephew James.
In conclusion, I do have a surgery date finally scheduled for May 22. Yay! We have a plan and moving forward. I am still staying positive and all the good thoughts and prayers are definitely helping and still needed, and for that I am thankful to all of you.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.-Hebrews 11:1
Opening Day! Go Cards!
Monday, April 8 - A good day for me to watch T.V. At least for the first seven innings.
Dane & I went out for lunch yesterday. I was feeling like I wanted to have a nice lunch. When we got to the restaurant and I started reading the menu - nothing sounded too good. So we ended up splitting a salad and I had a side order of veggies. We even went to Wal-Mart and picked up a few groceries and pharmacy items. By the time I got home, I was ready for a nap. Another beautiful day out, hope it gets a bit cooler again and doesn't stay hot right off the bat.
When I woke up I had quite a lot of nauseasness. Yuck! I also have quite a lot of heartburn that was really starting to drive me crazy. It hurts to eat, drink or even swallow and nothing really tastes that great right now. I called the chemo nurses today and they switched that medication, so hopefully it will help. It seems like my worse days, as far as the nausea, will be the 4th and 5th day.
Tomorrow is another day!
"Cancer is a word - not a sentence" John Diamond
Dane & I went out for lunch yesterday. I was feeling like I wanted to have a nice lunch. When we got to the restaurant and I started reading the menu - nothing sounded too good. So we ended up splitting a salad and I had a side order of veggies. We even went to Wal-Mart and picked up a few groceries and pharmacy items. By the time I got home, I was ready for a nap. Another beautiful day out, hope it gets a bit cooler again and doesn't stay hot right off the bat.
When I woke up I had quite a lot of nauseasness. Yuck! I also have quite a lot of heartburn that was really starting to drive me crazy. It hurts to eat, drink or even swallow and nothing really tastes that great right now. I called the chemo nurses today and they switched that medication, so hopefully it will help. It seems like my worse days, as far as the nausea, will be the 4th and 5th day.
Tomorrow is another day!
"Cancer is a word - not a sentence" John Diamond
Feeling Good!
April 6 - Had my Nuelasta injection yesterday and almost no body aches which is a side effect. I did take some ibuprofen before getting it though. Plus I'm on Claritin and that is one of the drugs they recommend you take to help that side effect.
Chemo #2 is treating me pretty good so far. Haven't had as much nausea although this is only Day 3. I have been taking my pills as soon as I feel the least bit of it and again controlling with eating every couple hours and staying hydrated.
Went to bed pretty early last night and I did take a 2 hour nap this morning. My friend Liz came by and took me for a ride in her Miata. It was nice to get out in the fresh air and visit. Flowers are starting to bloom, and the trees are just about busting out.
So I'm hanging in there just fine for those of you who are wondering!
Chemo #2 is treating me pretty good so far. Haven't had as much nausea although this is only Day 3. I have been taking my pills as soon as I feel the least bit of it and again controlling with eating every couple hours and staying hydrated.
Went to bed pretty early last night and I did take a 2 hour nap this morning. My friend Liz came by and took me for a ride in her Miata. It was nice to get out in the fresh air and visit. Flowers are starting to bloom, and the trees are just about busting out.
So I'm hanging in there just fine for those of you who are wondering!
Chemo #2
April 4 - Had a really good night's rest. Dane is coming home today. The sun is shining. I donned a blue headband with a Cardinal Cap on my almost hairless head, took a deep breath and am now ready to face the world for the first time with my new look.
Connie Thompson, my chemo buddy for the day, picked me up at 9:00 and we headed in. Since we were early, we decided to stop in at the gift shop and check out some caps. WE found a really cute one that Connie said complimented me so I asked the clerk if she had a mirror. After talking to me and discovering I had just lost all my hair, she grabbed a few more hats and we headed over to the mirror. I, too, really liked the first one. I tried on a few more and selected another one with pink headband to go under it. I'm feeling better about the whole hair ordeal, especially with a look I fell comfortable with. Plus I got a 10% discount because it was my first purchase. Another bright spot in my day!!!!!
On to see Dr. Coplin. Turns out my BRACA gene mutation results were in. I do NOT have the gene mutation. This is great news, not only for me, but also for my sisters. This, along with the fact that my tumor has shrunk about 3 centimeters (Hooray!) may possibly change the previous surgery decisions I have made. I will meet with Dr. Oruwari, my surgeon, on my next chemo visit to discuss my options. I don't want to get my hopes up too high, but may go the lumpectomy route if the tumor continues to shrink. A little less invasive.
We then moved on to the Chemo room. My blood was drawn to make sure my blood count was in range to receive the meds. Results were fine so my port was accessed, no problems there. I was pre-medicated with a steriod (Dexamethasone) two anti-nausea meds (Emend & Aloxi). The nurse pushed through the port my Adriamycin and then my Cytoxin was given by IV drip. A little over 3 hours and we were ready to leave. The chemo nurses have great attitudes and are very attentive. I have nothing to say but good about this facility. Makes the journey easier, that's for sure. Connie and I had some good laughs and conversation so the time went by quickly (at least for me).
I was feeling pretty good, so we went up Manchester road and ate at Penn Station. We then stopped at Ross Dress for Less down the road. I was getting tired after that, so we headed home.
Today was a Great day, only 2 more Chemo sessions until surgery in May. Thanks for reading and keep sending those prayers and thoughts, they are definitely working.
Connie Thompson, my chemo buddy for the day, picked me up at 9:00 and we headed in. Since we were early, we decided to stop in at the gift shop and check out some caps. WE found a really cute one that Connie said complimented me so I asked the clerk if she had a mirror. After talking to me and discovering I had just lost all my hair, she grabbed a few more hats and we headed over to the mirror. I, too, really liked the first one. I tried on a few more and selected another one with pink headband to go under it. I'm feeling better about the whole hair ordeal, especially with a look I fell comfortable with. Plus I got a 10% discount because it was my first purchase. Another bright spot in my day!!!!!
On to see Dr. Coplin. Turns out my BRACA gene mutation results were in. I do NOT have the gene mutation. This is great news, not only for me, but also for my sisters. This, along with the fact that my tumor has shrunk about 3 centimeters (Hooray!) may possibly change the previous surgery decisions I have made. I will meet with Dr. Oruwari, my surgeon, on my next chemo visit to discuss my options. I don't want to get my hopes up too high, but may go the lumpectomy route if the tumor continues to shrink. A little less invasive.
We then moved on to the Chemo room. My blood was drawn to make sure my blood count was in range to receive the meds. Results were fine so my port was accessed, no problems there. I was pre-medicated with a steriod (Dexamethasone) two anti-nausea meds (Emend & Aloxi). The nurse pushed through the port my Adriamycin and then my Cytoxin was given by IV drip. A little over 3 hours and we were ready to leave. The chemo nurses have great attitudes and are very attentive. I have nothing to say but good about this facility. Makes the journey easier, that's for sure. Connie and I had some good laughs and conversation so the time went by quickly (at least for me).
I was feeling pretty good, so we went up Manchester road and ate at Penn Station. We then stopped at Ross Dress for Less down the road. I was getting tired after that, so we headed home.
Today was a Great day, only 2 more Chemo sessions until surgery in May. Thanks for reading and keep sending those prayers and thoughts, they are definitely working.
Things are Getting a Little Hairy Around Here!
April 3 - Tuesday I woke up feeling fine, no nasea or anything, just a mild headache. I was sitting and reading in my chair and had an itch on my head. So, of course, I reached up and scratched it. Lo & behold, 3 or 4 strands of hair came out. Uh Oh, I thought, its beginning. I decided since I felt pretty good other than an annoyoing headache, and I was a little more nervous about the upcoming chemo - maybe I should get a massage. Then I thought, "Is that even allowed?" I called the nurse at the doctors office and she told me as long as they used light to medium pressure and stayed away from the lymph node area on the left side, I should be ok and have fun. Remember, I haven't had surgery yet.
So off I go to Mind, Body, Spirit for a massage session with Heather. She also told me that massage and cancer are a contraindication to each other. The thinking on this is that even though massage gives you stress release and relaxation, the jury is still out whether it spreads cancer. Heather did the massage, staying away from my lymph node area. It felt so good!
After going home and doing a few chores, I sat down. I was kind of starting to feel like the dog shedding hair everywhere. I started to get worked up so I called my parents and asked if they would be willing to come out and shave my head the next day. Naturally, I broke down. This was a surprise to me. First of all, I always seem to cry when I talk to my mom about this kind of stuff. Always happened when I was worried about Adam or Jake during some medical issue. The surprise was that I had been talking to my brother earlier and we were laughing about it. I've discussed losing my hair with several people and it never seemed to bother me. Why did it hit me all of a sudden when I was expecting it? Not sure, but I worked through it.
I think I was having a pity party because not only do I lose my hair, but I'm also told no massages, pedicures or hot tubs. But oh boy, but I can get cancer!! On a good note, since the hair fell out when it was supposed to I'm taking it as a sign that the chemo is working.
Mom & Dad came out this morning and did the dirty deed. I'm not completely bald yet, will let Dane complete it when he gets home tomorrow.
Having another good day and getting some house chores done. Then its off to the Breast & Cancer Institute tomorrow for Round #2. Not sure what to expect this time, but hope it is as tolerable as the last.
So off I go to Mind, Body, Spirit for a massage session with Heather. She also told me that massage and cancer are a contraindication to each other. The thinking on this is that even though massage gives you stress release and relaxation, the jury is still out whether it spreads cancer. Heather did the massage, staying away from my lymph node area. It felt so good!
After going home and doing a few chores, I sat down. I was kind of starting to feel like the dog shedding hair everywhere. I started to get worked up so I called my parents and asked if they would be willing to come out and shave my head the next day. Naturally, I broke down. This was a surprise to me. First of all, I always seem to cry when I talk to my mom about this kind of stuff. Always happened when I was worried about Adam or Jake during some medical issue. The surprise was that I had been talking to my brother earlier and we were laughing about it. I've discussed losing my hair with several people and it never seemed to bother me. Why did it hit me all of a sudden when I was expecting it? Not sure, but I worked through it.
I think I was having a pity party because not only do I lose my hair, but I'm also told no massages, pedicures or hot tubs. But oh boy, but I can get cancer!! On a good note, since the hair fell out when it was supposed to I'm taking it as a sign that the chemo is working.
Mom & Dad came out this morning and did the dirty deed. I'm not completely bald yet, will let Dane complete it when he gets home tomorrow.
Having another good day and getting some house chores done. Then its off to the Breast & Cancer Institute tomorrow for Round #2. Not sure what to expect this time, but hope it is as tolerable as the last.
Surprise!
April 1 - On Thursday evening, I had a great surprise. Adam & Ann showed up at the door around 9:30 p.m. Dane knew they were coming, but kept it from me. I hadn't seen Adam & Ann since diagnosis and it lifted my spirits tremendously. We had a good visit, but short. They had to leave on Saturday morning.
Today (eleven days after my 1st chemo) I feel like myself. I felt nauseated this morning, but took a Zofran and was good the rest of the day. What a relief! I went to a Look Good, Feel Good workshop this morning at the Washington Mercy Hospital. An Esthetician was there to teach us how to apply make-up. It was nice to visit with others going through the same thing. Food even tastes good today!
My second chemo will be this Thursday, April 4. I'm feeling a little more nervous this time as I had been reading some of the side effects that others have had. I know it is individualized, so am keeping a positive attitude. I also quit reading so much on the subject.
We were going to shave my head Sunday, but so far, my hair is not falling out. I decided to wait until it does before taking that step.
I will update after my next chemo and let you all know how it is going! Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming.
Today (eleven days after my 1st chemo) I feel like myself. I felt nauseated this morning, but took a Zofran and was good the rest of the day. What a relief! I went to a Look Good, Feel Good workshop this morning at the Washington Mercy Hospital. An Esthetician was there to teach us how to apply make-up. It was nice to visit with others going through the same thing. Food even tastes good today!
My second chemo will be this Thursday, April 4. I'm feeling a little more nervous this time as I had been reading some of the side effects that others have had. I know it is individualized, so am keeping a positive attitude. I also quit reading so much on the subject.
We were going to shave my head Sunday, but so far, my hair is not falling out. I decided to wait until it does before taking that step.
I will update after my next chemo and let you all know how it is going! Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming.
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