Sunday, September 16, 2012 - Update

I think this past week has been my worst week ever in regard to side effects. Sweet bajeezus. When you are a big girl the last thing you want to suffer from is being dizzy or light headed. When you stand up and feel as though you are going to go face first into the carpeting...not a good thing. Hello...big girl, coming through. Wow. I remember being a little light headed last time, I don't recall it being like I had been on an all night binge, having possibly ingesting some foreign substance and feeling as though if I don't lay my head down, it's  gonna pull me over. You know when the Peanuts characters do the Snoopy dance and they act like they have no bone (see the little girl below...bottom right) in their necks? Just add 75 pounds and visual my face in place of hers. 

No treatment tomorrow (Monday, September 17th)...lab day only. I am so hoping to get some relief this week. Today was a decent day in comparison to the past week or so. Could it be that the chemo gods are shining down on me and are going to give me a break?  They do that you know. They give you a week off so you forget just how shitty you feel...then they send you back for two weeks of treatment back to back. Sneaky bastards. 

 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - The Only Thing Good About Cancer Is Love

The only thing good about cancer is love. I feel it on a daily basis from my family, friends, the nurses at my clinic, and even from complete strangers who acknowledge I am a warrior. OK, so now I can't get the Pat Benetar song "The Warrior" out of my head...which of course I have changed the words to...shooting at the walls of cancer, bang, bang...I am a warrior! I see the love in people's faces, their actions, their words, their touch...this is something I can never get enough of. So to all of you...you are making a difference. Regardless of it's a meal, cleaning, errands, transportation, a card, a call, an email, a smile, a touch...whatever...each and every act comes with incredible value. I don't want to single anyone out, but I also don't ever want anyone to think that I don't whole heartily appreciate everything that is being done in the name of love.

Oh...and a little side note to my sister Sandy. If you every bring another dark chocolate-zucchini cake into this house in the name of love...I will ban you forever...or at least until the next one comes out of the oven...whichever comes first. Love you!

Monday, September 10, 2012 - Treatment #4

Transportation and support provided by...Me!

Yes it's true...much to the dismay of my family and friends I took myself to chemo today...and you know what, it was kinda nice. I enjoyed the alone time. I knew it was going to be a quick visit...labs, a brief appointment with Dr. McC., and then treatment which consisted of one chemo drug...Gemzar and all of the other assorted goodies. I did speak with the Physician's Assistant, Dr. McC., and two of the infusion nurses (J and B...both of whom I adore) about the early fatigue I have been feeling this time around. Apparently the Gemzar is known for it's fatigue. I also now understand that chemo fatigue is not like regular fatigue where if you get a good nights rest or a couple of naps over a day or two you will be feeling ship shape again. With chemo fatigue it seems that you will unfortunately continue to feel the fatigue. Nurse "J" said that she could only speak from "medical experience" but she strongly suggest that I keep moving. Walk around the house, rest. Walk out to the street, rest. Drink so much water that it forces you to get up and pee...(hmmmm, think I might have the next weight loss infomercial here). Whatever I can do. When I left I told her that I had thought about it while my "fatigue" chemo did a slow drip into my port and I had decided that I would take on the mother of all challenges on Tuesday and shave my legs...grin.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - Treatment #3

Transportation and support provided by Sharon.

Labs...all good, no Physician Assistants (PA) appointment as planned...seems there was a scheduling mishap and the PA had all of her regular Tuesday patients as well as Dr. McC's Monday patients due to the office being closed on Monday because of the holiday. They were more than happy to accommodate me when I offered to take a miss on seeing the PA as I have been feeling good and have no issues at this time. I'm having some mild headaches, flushing, the tin taste is back in my mouth, and the taste of some foods and water have changed...hate that! But, no nausea...which is incredible. So...up to the infusion suite we go! Today was really uneventful with nothing to share. Mmmmm, I did get a Reiki treatment...love that! It was a double chemo day...both Gemzar and Carboplatin. The worst thing that happened was that I forgot the snack bag which is not a good thing when you are on steroids...grin.

Monday, August 27, 2012 - Labs Only

Companionship provided by John...notice that I didn't say transportation...crazy Aussie's drive on the wrong side of the road...grin.

Easy day today, blood draw only...and then a free week...yee-haw! What's a girl to do? Hopefully a road trip to Silverton, Oregon including a day trip to Silver Falls State Park. TTFN!