This morning I will go get blood drawn to see if my counts are back to normal. I went to work yesterday, acting like I suffer from mysophobia and avoiding direct contact with everyone. I hope I'm back in normal range or I'll be cancelling my plastic surgeon appointment and likely postponing chemo this week.
I feel OK, although very tired. That makes me wonder if I'm still low. The other troubling fact is that a lot of side effects that we'd gotten rid of have returned. I've had a headache every day for a week, I cannot sleep through the night (with OR without medication,) and I'm moody as all get-out. We've also now added night sweats to the mix, so I'm a real bundle of fun.
I woke this morning at 1:45 and tried for 45 minutes to go back to sleep. I finally gave up, ate a bowl of cereal, showered, and paid some bills. Even if my blood counts are back to normal, I don't see me making it 8 hours at work today. I hate to be negative, but since I'll be leaving for 2 hours for my appointment, I'd have to stay until 3:30 or so, and I'm not sure how well that will mix with waking so early.
I do have enough built-in paranoia from the last Dr visit that I'm packing a small bag. LOL Poor Kevin had to log about 150 miles last Tuesday because I was admitted into the hospital with nothing other than what I had on. I am sure they won't admit me this time, even if my counts are low, because I don't have a fever or any other symptoms. If for some reason they do, however, my glasses, contact case, and phone charger will be in the car.
OK, 4:00. That means Kevin will be waking soon and I can quit being so quiet. I'm ready for work, so I only have to kill another half hour before leaving. Phew. It's already been a long day.
Showing posts with label headache. Show all posts
Showing posts with label headache. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Home
They released me on Friday morning, and Kevin came to get me and bring me home. The only thing that really concerns me is that I have NO idea if my whites are still climbing. I just have to assume that they are. I am pretty much on lock-down for the weekend, avoiding public places and close contact.
Monday morning, I'll go back to work, still avoiding close contact until Tuesday's blood work gets drawn. I had accrued 28 hours of vacation time toward next year, and that will cover most of the 4 days I missed while in the hospital. I'm thankful that those were available, but a bit scared to have my safety net gone. This simply cannot happen again. No problem.
The worst part so far is that it seems that all of the side effects from early on are back. I have a nearly constant headache, I can't sleep, and I'm emotional as hell. I had a really bad headache last night, so I took what felt like enough pills to drop an elephant, and was back up at 1:30. *sigh* I had been sleeping fine for a couple of weeks (without pills) before this setback.
Basically, I think the quarantine has afforded me too much time to think. When I go to work tomorrow, I'll be busy, and that will help. My blood work is set for 3 in the afternoon on Tuesday, but I may see if I can go early so I can wait for the results. If my whites aren't back in the normal range of 4.0 - 11.0, I have to cancel my plastic surgeon's appointment and my chemo on Thursday will likely be postponed.
I would think, after over a week on antibiotics, my counts will be fine. However, I would have thought they'd climb higher than .7 after 4 days on IV antibiotics. They were .6 on Tuesday .5 on Wednesday, .43 on Thursday, and .7 on Friday. They can't tell if that was a "trend" toward upward numbers, or just a fluctuation. They let me come home, though, because there was nothing they were doing there that I cannot do at home.
I'm home. I figured the "I'm home" post would be happy and fun. Call it lack of sleep, the headache, or the whiny state I'm in, but I missed that goal by a long shot. My feelings are hurt by the slightest little thing, I'm exhausted, but need to expend energy in order to get more sleep. For the first time in my life, I'm in the middle of a weekend that seems to be going on too long. Sorry, my working friends. I know that comes as a betrayal to you all. I promise to be crabby about Monday like the rest of you.
Monday morning, I'll go back to work, still avoiding close contact until Tuesday's blood work gets drawn. I had accrued 28 hours of vacation time toward next year, and that will cover most of the 4 days I missed while in the hospital. I'm thankful that those were available, but a bit scared to have my safety net gone. This simply cannot happen again. No problem.
The worst part so far is that it seems that all of the side effects from early on are back. I have a nearly constant headache, I can't sleep, and I'm emotional as hell. I had a really bad headache last night, so I took what felt like enough pills to drop an elephant, and was back up at 1:30. *sigh* I had been sleeping fine for a couple of weeks (without pills) before this setback.
Basically, I think the quarantine has afforded me too much time to think. When I go to work tomorrow, I'll be busy, and that will help. My blood work is set for 3 in the afternoon on Tuesday, but I may see if I can go early so I can wait for the results. If my whites aren't back in the normal range of 4.0 - 11.0, I have to cancel my plastic surgeon's appointment and my chemo on Thursday will likely be postponed.
I would think, after over a week on antibiotics, my counts will be fine. However, I would have thought they'd climb higher than .7 after 4 days on IV antibiotics. They were .6 on Tuesday .5 on Wednesday, .43 on Thursday, and .7 on Friday. They can't tell if that was a "trend" toward upward numbers, or just a fluctuation. They let me come home, though, because there was nothing they were doing there that I cannot do at home.
I'm home. I figured the "I'm home" post would be happy and fun. Call it lack of sleep, the headache, or the whiny state I'm in, but I missed that goal by a long shot. My feelings are hurt by the slightest little thing, I'm exhausted, but need to expend energy in order to get more sleep. For the first time in my life, I'm in the middle of a weekend that seems to be going on too long. Sorry, my working friends. I know that comes as a betrayal to you all. I promise to be crabby about Monday like the rest of you.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
A Change of Plans
I expected bone pain on Monday. It's one of the joys of my chemo plan. I get a Neulasta shot on the day after infusion, which helps my bones produce white cells more quickly. The drawback is that I get bad bone pain (lower back, hips and legs) 3-4 days after the shot. At least I can plan for it, which means that I knew Monday would be tough.
I made it until about 11 at work and decided to go home and try to get some work done from there. On the way home, I started feeling overall yucky. I wasn't even logged in to work before deciding that work wasn't going to happen just yet. I needed a nap. I felt like CRAP. I told the girls that I was going to grab a nap, and went to bed around 1:30.
The next thing I remember, it was nearly 5 and Kevin was home from work. I was chilling, had a splitting headache, and was overall miserable. I took my temperature and it was 101.6. We are to call the on-call doctor if it reaches 100.5, so I asked Kevin to call. I could barely think, so I knew I wouldn't be able to make a coherent phone call.
She called in an antibiotic, which Kevin went to pick up for me. She also told me to go in for blood work first thing this morning. I woke with a temp under 100, so I figured I'd get blood drawn and then go in to work. Wrong.
They drew blood from my port, drew blood from my arm, took a urine sample and took a chest X-ray. I waited about an hour for the results, and knew they weren't good when my oncologist came in to deliver the news, instead of the nurse. She told me that she doesn't like to see white counts under 2000, and mine were 700. Paired with my fever the night before, she wanted to admit me. *sigh*
A new problem developed when they found out that there were no beds at the hospital where I was. I would have to go to the Kansas City location. I called Kevin, who left work to come get me. I was exhausted, still had a headache, and didn't feel up to the drive. Plus, by this point, I was a little bit scared. We finally headed out around noon, grabbed a bite to eat, and got to "the big hospital." Seriously, one can easily get lost here.
By the time I was in a room, it was 2:00. Kevin had to go home to get some necessities for me (I had no phone charger or computer or toothbrush, for heaven's sake!) They accessed my port again, finally gave me some Tylenol for my headache, and I settled in.
From what they say, I'll be here a couple of days. I have no fever, and my headache is down to a dull roar when on Tylenol. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been in the hospital, so I'm not quite sure what to do here. I guess I'll just do as they say, lie here, and build white blood cells. Thank goodness for in-room internet.
I made it until about 11 at work and decided to go home and try to get some work done from there. On the way home, I started feeling overall yucky. I wasn't even logged in to work before deciding that work wasn't going to happen just yet. I needed a nap. I felt like CRAP. I told the girls that I was going to grab a nap, and went to bed around 1:30.
The next thing I remember, it was nearly 5 and Kevin was home from work. I was chilling, had a splitting headache, and was overall miserable. I took my temperature and it was 101.6. We are to call the on-call doctor if it reaches 100.5, so I asked Kevin to call. I could barely think, so I knew I wouldn't be able to make a coherent phone call.
She called in an antibiotic, which Kevin went to pick up for me. She also told me to go in for blood work first thing this morning. I woke with a temp under 100, so I figured I'd get blood drawn and then go in to work. Wrong.
They drew blood from my port, drew blood from my arm, took a urine sample and took a chest X-ray. I waited about an hour for the results, and knew they weren't good when my oncologist came in to deliver the news, instead of the nurse. She told me that she doesn't like to see white counts under 2000, and mine were 700. Paired with my fever the night before, she wanted to admit me. *sigh*
A new problem developed when they found out that there were no beds at the hospital where I was. I would have to go to the Kansas City location. I called Kevin, who left work to come get me. I was exhausted, still had a headache, and didn't feel up to the drive. Plus, by this point, I was a little bit scared. We finally headed out around noon, grabbed a bite to eat, and got to "the big hospital." Seriously, one can easily get lost here.
By the time I was in a room, it was 2:00. Kevin had to go home to get some necessities for me (I had no phone charger or computer or toothbrush, for heaven's sake!) They accessed my port again, finally gave me some Tylenol for my headache, and I settled in.
From what they say, I'll be here a couple of days. I have no fever, and my headache is down to a dull roar when on Tylenol. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been in the hospital, so I'm not quite sure what to do here. I guess I'll just do as they say, lie here, and build white blood cells. Thank goodness for in-room internet.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The Easiest Cycle Yet
I made the mistake of taking my last steroid too late, which pushed my crash to a work day which overlapped with my bone pain day. I even whined about it here. However, this third cycle has been the easiest one yet.
I have had a headache only two out of the 11 days that have passed on cycle three. This is on the heels of 4 weeks of daily headaches, so it's a BIG deal. I have been getting eight hours of sleep without the aid of medication. I was able to work nine hours, two days straight, to make up for the crash day shortage.
Yup. I may have complained about Monday, but I'm very pleased with chemo cycle three. I have one more dose of A/C, which happens on Wednesday. I hope to sail through it as easily as this one. After that, I start another chemo drug. I've heard that Taxol is easier than the A/C combo for most people. Isn't THAT good news???
I have had a headache only two out of the 11 days that have passed on cycle three. This is on the heels of 4 weeks of daily headaches, so it's a BIG deal. I have been getting eight hours of sleep without the aid of medication. I was able to work nine hours, two days straight, to make up for the crash day shortage.
Yup. I may have complained about Monday, but I'm very pleased with chemo cycle three. I have one more dose of A/C, which happens on Wednesday. I hope to sail through it as easily as this one. After that, I start another chemo drug. I've heard that Taxol is easier than the A/C combo for most people. Isn't THAT good news???
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday
It may be too soon to claim victory, but I believe this round is easier. I got eight hours of sleep on Thursday night (Kevin had to WAKE me for work!) and another 7 last night. I didn't have a headache all day yesterday. Not a single pain pill or Tylenol was necessary. I'm still not enjoying the steroids and I'm still out of breath, but I think the cut-dose is something my body can become accustomed to. Woo Hoo!
Today, we're going to the city market. I doubt I'll make it as long as the rest of the group, but they have benches in various places and tables and chairs in the shade, so I can take a break when I need to. We don't really need much in the way of produce, with Mom around, but it's fun to go, anyway. We'll hit it early before it gets hot, too. The planned group is myself, Kevin, Brooke and my girls. Who knows if the girls will get out of bed in time. :)
I'm going to hope that the trend for this cycle continues. I felt pretty darned good yesterday, even if I *did* fall asleep in the recliner at 8:30. LOL That's karma for all the times I've laughed at Kevin for nodding off. Yup. Karma.
Today, we're going to the city market. I doubt I'll make it as long as the rest of the group, but they have benches in various places and tables and chairs in the shade, so I can take a break when I need to. We don't really need much in the way of produce, with Mom around, but it's fun to go, anyway. We'll hit it early before it gets hot, too. The planned group is myself, Kevin, Brooke and my girls. Who knows if the girls will get out of bed in time. :)
I'm going to hope that the trend for this cycle continues. I felt pretty darned good yesterday, even if I *did* fall asleep in the recliner at 8:30. LOL That's karma for all the times I've laughed at Kevin for nodding off. Yup. Karma.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A/C Cycle Three Begins - and Brooke!
My buddy Brooke flew in from Texas to surprise me on Monday night. What a surprise it was, too! I love it when she's here. I don't feel like I have to entertain her, so I can go to bed when I need to and sit comatose in the recliner if I need to. She jumps up and helps in the kitchen, whether it's preparing food, cleaning up, or anything else that needs done. She's family, only not as lazy as the rest of us. :)
She accompanied me to my infusion appointment yesterday. We had my favorite nurse and she laughed with (at) us several times. Having Brooke there made the time fly by. After it was over, we made a quick stop at HyVee, and Brooke spotted an Einstein Bagels, nearly giving me whiplash as she pulled in to the parking lot. She loves them, and can't get them near her home.
After that, we came home, and it's good that we did. I had hit my wall. Thank goodness, my appetite wasn't completely gone yet, and I enjoyed a piece of pizza. I had some rewards points built up with Papa Johns, and they have $10 large pizzas on Monday-Wednesday, so I got a great deal. I'm such a tight-wad.
I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 7:30 and was asleep within 15 minutes. When I woke up, there was light outside my window. I looked at my phone and it was 8:40. How depressing! I forced myself to stay in bed and dozed off and on until midnight, when I gave up. I probably got a total of 2 1/2 hours. Stupid steroids.
Oh well. Every two weeks, as soon as I start to feel good, I go again. Thank goodness I only have one more dose of A/C, and then I switch to Taxol, which is supposed to be easier and pack fewer side effects. I SO hope that proves true. I still say I'm blessed with light side effects, but if I could eliminate the headache and insomnia, I'd be a happy camper!
I better sign off. I only have 4 hours before I have to get ready for work! LOL
She accompanied me to my infusion appointment yesterday. We had my favorite nurse and she laughed with (at) us several times. Having Brooke there made the time fly by. After it was over, we made a quick stop at HyVee, and Brooke spotted an Einstein Bagels, nearly giving me whiplash as she pulled in to the parking lot. She loves them, and can't get them near her home.
After that, we came home, and it's good that we did. I had hit my wall. Thank goodness, my appetite wasn't completely gone yet, and I enjoyed a piece of pizza. I had some rewards points built up with Papa Johns, and they have $10 large pizzas on Monday-Wednesday, so I got a great deal. I'm such a tight-wad.
I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 7:30 and was asleep within 15 minutes. When I woke up, there was light outside my window. I looked at my phone and it was 8:40. How depressing! I forced myself to stay in bed and dozed off and on until midnight, when I gave up. I probably got a total of 2 1/2 hours. Stupid steroids.
Oh well. Every two weeks, as soon as I start to feel good, I go again. Thank goodness I only have one more dose of A/C, and then I switch to Taxol, which is supposed to be easier and pack fewer side effects. I SO hope that proves true. I still say I'm blessed with light side effects, but if I could eliminate the headache and insomnia, I'd be a happy camper!
I better sign off. I only have 4 hours before I have to get ready for work! LOL
Monday, July 9, 2012
Chugging Along
I don't have much to report, which is probably a good thing. No nosebleeds, no unplanned trips to the doctor, no sickness or other nonsense. Just chugging along.
Yesterday, we went to mom's for a catfish fry. It was fabulous. I had decided that I was going to spend a day without a headache, so I popped pain pills like they were Chiclets. That's not really true, but I took one early morning, noon, and evening. I spent the whole day (after taking the first one) headache-free. That was nice.
The other thing that the pain pills caused was a two hour nap. I figured that would keep me from sleeping last night, but it didn't. I slept 7 hours with no problem. BONUS!
Today, the girls are at Vans Warped Tour with their brother Jonathan. They are having SO much fun, and I'm thrilled that it's a full ten degrees cooler than last week. I have a feeling they'll get home too late for me to see them, so I'll have to hear the stories tomorrow evening.
See? Nothing much to report, but I'm OK with that. Yup. It suits me JUST fine.
Yesterday, we went to mom's for a catfish fry. It was fabulous. I had decided that I was going to spend a day without a headache, so I popped pain pills like they were Chiclets. That's not really true, but I took one early morning, noon, and evening. I spent the whole day (after taking the first one) headache-free. That was nice.
The other thing that the pain pills caused was a two hour nap. I figured that would keep me from sleeping last night, but it didn't. I slept 7 hours with no problem. BONUS!
Today, the girls are at Vans Warped Tour with their brother Jonathan. They are having SO much fun, and I'm thrilled that it's a full ten degrees cooler than last week. I have a feeling they'll get home too late for me to see them, so I'll have to hear the stories tomorrow evening.
See? Nothing much to report, but I'm OK with that. Yup. It suits me JUST fine.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Day 11 is NOT My Friend
I guess there's something to be said for knowing what to expect. I know that days 7-11 are my "nadir" period, or the lowest point for my blood counts. You may remember day 11 of my last round, which is when I had the nosebleed at work and they had me come in to get blood drawn. Well, today is day 11. Guess what happened?
Kevin's mom came up to visit for a couple of days, bringing his sister's son with her. They headed home late this morning, and we decided to go grab something to eat. I was starving, and we don't eat out that often, so we decided on 54th Street, which is always a favorite of my girls. Kevin planned to go to the store afterward, and I knew that my stamina is too low and that I'd best come straight home after eating, so we took two cars.
Natalie and I climbed into my car, and before I was three blocks from home, the nose started bleeding. I have been keeping Kleenex in the car, thank goodness. (When you lose your hair, that includes the tiny hairs in your nose, so it tends to be drippy. TMI? Sorry.) Anyway, I turned quickly into the church that we were passing by, and Kevin followed to see what was up.
I came home and told them to go without me, but he didn't want to. I shouldn't really be in the public right now, anyway, due to germs, but I was awfully hungry. LOL He offered to go get something for me to eat before they went, but I didn't want to make them wait. Finally, I told him that, if it didn't stop in five minutes, they were leaving without me and I'd eat something at home.
Four minutes later, it finally stopped. Of course, when I lose that much blood (it was a LOT,) I get a horrible headache (way worse than my daily headache) and get completely worn out. Still, I was hungry, so we went. My stomach won an argument with my good sense. I know I'm supposed to call if that happens, but I called last time and they said my blood counts were OK. I didn't call.
We ate, it was good, and now I'm home. What a giant pain in the ass this is going to be. I suppose there are worse things than a bi-weekly bloody nose. The bright side is that my hair is almost completely gone, so I can stop shedding everywhere. I'm tired of THAT little treat, too. I guess it's karma for all the times I griped at my dogs for shedding in the house.
Kevin's mom came up to visit for a couple of days, bringing his sister's son with her. They headed home late this morning, and we decided to go grab something to eat. I was starving, and we don't eat out that often, so we decided on 54th Street, which is always a favorite of my girls. Kevin planned to go to the store afterward, and I knew that my stamina is too low and that I'd best come straight home after eating, so we took two cars.
Natalie and I climbed into my car, and before I was three blocks from home, the nose started bleeding. I have been keeping Kleenex in the car, thank goodness. (When you lose your hair, that includes the tiny hairs in your nose, so it tends to be drippy. TMI? Sorry.) Anyway, I turned quickly into the church that we were passing by, and Kevin followed to see what was up.
I came home and told them to go without me, but he didn't want to. I shouldn't really be in the public right now, anyway, due to germs, but I was awfully hungry. LOL He offered to go get something for me to eat before they went, but I didn't want to make them wait. Finally, I told him that, if it didn't stop in five minutes, they were leaving without me and I'd eat something at home.
Four minutes later, it finally stopped. Of course, when I lose that much blood (it was a LOT,) I get a horrible headache (way worse than my daily headache) and get completely worn out. Still, I was hungry, so we went. My stomach won an argument with my good sense. I know I'm supposed to call if that happens, but I called last time and they said my blood counts were OK. I didn't call.
We ate, it was good, and now I'm home. What a giant pain in the ass this is going to be. I suppose there are worse things than a bi-weekly bloody nose. The bright side is that my hair is almost completely gone, so I can stop shedding everywhere. I'm tired of THAT little treat, too. I guess it's karma for all the times I griped at my dogs for shedding in the house.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
And She's Back
After Sunday's crash and Monday's screaming bone pain, Tuesday was more tolerable. My legs and lower back still hurt pretty darn bad, but it was tolerable and I could work. My appetite was back, and I not only ate lunch, but also ate like crazy last night.
We're going to Mom's today for the fourth, so I'm glad to be feeling better. I made pasta salad last night, and Kevin and I put together a fruit salad this morning. We'll do hot dogs and brats, to minimize the time Kevin spends at the grill in the 100 degree heat. Mom made a peach cobbler, and I've heard a rumor about potato salad. Sounds like plenty of food, considering how few people will be there. It's OK, though. Leftovers are my friends.
I'm glad I've been keeping a chemo diary of sorts. It helps me to know what to expect, and it gives me hope to know when my appetite returned last time, etc. Otherwise, I think it would feel quite depressing during the five days or so that I don't want food. I still get a headache every day, but it hasn't been as bad. She said she'd cut the steroids further if this continued, so that will probably happen. I'm kind of scared for her to do so, though, because the steroids are keeping me from being nauseous.
Oh well. Like I said before, if a headache is the worst I have to deal with, I consider myself blessed. I'll take some Advil and go enjoy my day. We went a bit overboard with fireworks for the girls. I think it's guilt on my part. I feel like I've robbed my family of a summer, so I'm spoiling them when I can. Because we'll have no vacation, no trips, and no amusement parks, I indulge them when an opportunity shows itself. Eh. It makes me feel better, ok?
We're going to Mom's today for the fourth, so I'm glad to be feeling better. I made pasta salad last night, and Kevin and I put together a fruit salad this morning. We'll do hot dogs and brats, to minimize the time Kevin spends at the grill in the 100 degree heat. Mom made a peach cobbler, and I've heard a rumor about potato salad. Sounds like plenty of food, considering how few people will be there. It's OK, though. Leftovers are my friends.
I'm glad I've been keeping a chemo diary of sorts. It helps me to know what to expect, and it gives me hope to know when my appetite returned last time, etc. Otherwise, I think it would feel quite depressing during the five days or so that I don't want food. I still get a headache every day, but it hasn't been as bad. She said she'd cut the steroids further if this continued, so that will probably happen. I'm kind of scared for her to do so, though, because the steroids are keeping me from being nauseous.
Oh well. Like I said before, if a headache is the worst I have to deal with, I consider myself blessed. I'll take some Advil and go enjoy my day. We went a bit overboard with fireworks for the girls. I think it's guilt on my part. I feel like I've robbed my family of a summer, so I'm spoiling them when I can. Because we'll have no vacation, no trips, and no amusement parks, I indulge them when an opportunity shows itself. Eh. It makes me feel better, ok?
Monday, July 2, 2012
Surviving the Crash
I got out early to see Mom and Dad, and was glad I did. As I sat on their couch, I could feel it coming. It made me glad that we live fewer than two miles away from them. I got home in time for "the crash." The crash comes after the oral steroids are gone, and seems to leave me comatose for most of a day. I asked Kevin to take the girls to get some lunch or something and I headed to bed.
Just like last time, I alternated between the bed and the recliner. My limbs are like spaghetti and my lower back and legs hurt. My head is full of oatmeal and my conversational skills are that of a carrot. I'm so glad this only happens once per chemo cycle. I gave in and went to bed around 6:30 last night, but even with Ambien I was awake at midnight.
I forced myself to stay in bed, and even dozed a bit, until 2:00. At that point, I gave up. I may as well get ready for work, if I'm going to be awake. I'm also losing hair by the hands-full. You can't tell to look at my head, but it's time to wear a hat, simply for shed control. Every day is an adventure for me right now. I should feel a bit better each day this week, so that is something to look forward to.
I'm also thankful that I've found more that sounds good to eat this time around. Fruit is good, as is chicken and potatoes. At least I can get some protein, if chicken tastes good to me. Kevin grilled a bunch up for me, so I'll take that for lunches this week. I hear the protein will make me feel better.
Finally, the headaches are still here, but very mild compared to before. My sleep patterns aren't improving, but the steroids being cut must have helped some. Days seven and eight of the last cycle are the days when my headache hit the hardest, and I'm day six of this cycle. I'm determined it's not going to happen this time.
Oh, and we get Wednesday off! Another plus! I can't be in the sun and I wear out pretty easily, but Mom has a/c, so we'll go out there and let the girls blow some stuff up. Yup, just another week, surviving chemo.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
A Visit to the Doctor
I had a visit with my oncologist today. I've never been so excited for a doctor's appointment in my life. That's kinda sad, but I couldn't wait to talk to her. She was impressed by my overall lack of side effects (nausea, etc) and I was happy to see that I'd lost 8 lbs in the past two weeks. Another benefit! She was also more than ready to help find a solution to the headaches.
She believes that the problem is a combination of lack of sleep and the steroids. (Mom was half right!) I asked if it could truly be the steroids, since I haven't taken one in 10 days. She assured me that it could be. What's weird, is that I didn't have the headache when I was taking them. It came later. That's why she thinks it's in combination with a cumulative lack of sleep.
Her solution was to cut my steroids in half for this round, and she prescribed Ambien. I get steroids in my IV before chemo, and then take the pills for the following three days. Instead of two tablets twice a day, I'll be taking one tablet twice a day. I really, REALLY need this to work, so I've decided that it's going to.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I will be at the plastic surgeon's office for a tissue expander fill at 9:00 in the morning, and then back to this side of the state line for my infusion at 11:00. Because they drew blood while I was there today (my whites are up, by the way,) it will speed things up for tomorrow. No waiting for the lab to get the results sent upstairs.
On Thursday, I hope to get a full 8 hours in, and then I have my Neulasta shot at 4 pm. Chemo weeks are SO busy, but it should make it go by quickly. Also, after tomorrow, I can say that I'm halfway done with the A/C portion of my chemo. That's 1/4 of the way done with chemo! Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Doritos. Hey! How'd THAT get in there? Oh well.
She believes that the problem is a combination of lack of sleep and the steroids. (Mom was half right!) I asked if it could truly be the steroids, since I haven't taken one in 10 days. She assured me that it could be. What's weird, is that I didn't have the headache when I was taking them. It came later. That's why she thinks it's in combination with a cumulative lack of sleep.
Her solution was to cut my steroids in half for this round, and she prescribed Ambien. I get steroids in my IV before chemo, and then take the pills for the following three days. Instead of two tablets twice a day, I'll be taking one tablet twice a day. I really, REALLY need this to work, so I've decided that it's going to.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I will be at the plastic surgeon's office for a tissue expander fill at 9:00 in the morning, and then back to this side of the state line for my infusion at 11:00. Because they drew blood while I was there today (my whites are up, by the way,) it will speed things up for tomorrow. No waiting for the lab to get the results sent upstairs.
On Thursday, I hope to get a full 8 hours in, and then I have my Neulasta shot at 4 pm. Chemo weeks are SO busy, but it should make it go by quickly. Also, after tomorrow, I can say that I'm halfway done with the A/C portion of my chemo. That's 1/4 of the way done with chemo! Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Doritos. Hey! How'd THAT get in there? Oh well.
Monday, June 25, 2012
This is Getting Ridiculous
I've officially had a headache for nine days in a row. I don't have it all day, but it lingers around for most of the day. I'm keeping a "chemo diary" of sorts, so I can track trends and watch for side effects. That's how I noticed that I have had a headache since June 17th. That's the first time it was noted in those notes. I'm a little slow at connecting dots sometimes, so it wasn't until the past 5 days that I've really been trying to figure out what is triggering the dang things.
I thought I may have cut caffeine too quickly, so I added some back. It's not caffeine. I thought it might be from one of my medications, but I haven't taken any medications in over a week. It's not medication. I thought that it may have something to do with lack of sleep, but I've been taking a sleep aid two out of three days, and am now getting plenty of sleep on those nights. It's not lack of sleep.
I started noticing, over the past five days or so that I don't usually wake up with it. Maybe I have NEVER had it first thing in the morning, but I'm slow to connect the dots (or sometimes even recognize the dots,) remember?
So I've been pouring over my short-hand type notes, and trying to figure it out. I noticed that I got it not long after eating a square of lasagna yesterday. Kevin and I discussed that it could be cheese or some component in that dish, so I decided to note what I have recently eaten when this stupid headache shows up.
This morning I had no headache. I always feel so good as I head out to work! Plenty of energy and no headache. When I got there, I put in a couple of hours and decided I was hungry. I ate some cantaloupe that I had cut up and brought along, as well as a trail mix granola bar. Not even ten minutes had passed before my head started to ache.
The headache was still there at lunch time, so I thought, "In for a penny, in for a pound!" and ate my leftovers. By the time I hit the eight hour mark, I couldn't take any more and I headed home. I've been in bed since I got here, wishing my head would just STOP already.
My final observation is that my head didn't hurt while I had all the other side effects. Remember what I ate during that time? Nothing, unless I forced down chicken noodle soup or mac-n-cheese. Bland foods. I'm now wondering if it will stop hurting if I switch back to only bland things. That will be the next thing I try, if left to my own devices.
I hope that I won't be, though. I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow morning. I'm going to talk this out with her and see if she has any ideas. A week or so ago, I joked, "Well, at least I only have to deal with this for 16 weeks." It's not funny anymore. I can't do this for (now) 14 more weeks. Most days, I would rate the pain at a three or four on the 1-10 pain scale. Today's was easily an eight or nine.
Nope. I can't do this. Well, let me correct that statement. If I had a choice, I would say that about breast cancer. "I can't do this." However, I can do this, and I am doing it. If I find no relief, I guess I'll have no more say about the headache than I do about cancer. However, as amazing as my health care providers have done in preventing or minimizing side effects, I'm sure they'll have something I can try.
I thought I may have cut caffeine too quickly, so I added some back. It's not caffeine. I thought it might be from one of my medications, but I haven't taken any medications in over a week. It's not medication. I thought that it may have something to do with lack of sleep, but I've been taking a sleep aid two out of three days, and am now getting plenty of sleep on those nights. It's not lack of sleep.
I started noticing, over the past five days or so that I don't usually wake up with it. Maybe I have NEVER had it first thing in the morning, but I'm slow to connect the dots (or sometimes even recognize the dots,) remember?
So I've been pouring over my short-hand type notes, and trying to figure it out. I noticed that I got it not long after eating a square of lasagna yesterday. Kevin and I discussed that it could be cheese or some component in that dish, so I decided to note what I have recently eaten when this stupid headache shows up.
This morning I had no headache. I always feel so good as I head out to work! Plenty of energy and no headache. When I got there, I put in a couple of hours and decided I was hungry. I ate some cantaloupe that I had cut up and brought along, as well as a trail mix granola bar. Not even ten minutes had passed before my head started to ache.
The headache was still there at lunch time, so I thought, "In for a penny, in for a pound!" and ate my leftovers. By the time I hit the eight hour mark, I couldn't take any more and I headed home. I've been in bed since I got here, wishing my head would just STOP already.
My final observation is that my head didn't hurt while I had all the other side effects. Remember what I ate during that time? Nothing, unless I forced down chicken noodle soup or mac-n-cheese. Bland foods. I'm now wondering if it will stop hurting if I switch back to only bland things. That will be the next thing I try, if left to my own devices.
I hope that I won't be, though. I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow morning. I'm going to talk this out with her and see if she has any ideas. A week or so ago, I joked, "Well, at least I only have to deal with this for 16 weeks." It's not funny anymore. I can't do this for (now) 14 more weeks. Most days, I would rate the pain at a three or four on the 1-10 pain scale. Today's was easily an eight or nine.
Nope. I can't do this. Well, let me correct that statement. If I had a choice, I would say that about breast cancer. "I can't do this." However, I can do this, and I am doing it. If I find no relief, I guess I'll have no more say about the headache than I do about cancer. However, as amazing as my health care providers have done in preventing or minimizing side effects, I'm sure they'll have something I can try.
Friday, June 22, 2012
So Much for 40 Hours
This is the week I was going to work 40 hours. All I had to do today was seven hours and 45 minutes. No biggie. I've felt fine most of this week, and I got in early, so it should have been smooth sailing. Should have been.
About an hour in, my nose just started gushing blood with no warning. Well, what an interesting development. And I was glad I had a spare shirt in my car. It took over ten minutes to get it to stop, and the whole time I was thinking, "I think this is on the list." There is a list of side effects that, if they happen, I am to call any time, day or night. When I finally got it stopped, I checked the list.
Yup. It's on the list. I didn't call right away, though. I knew the office would be open in less than an hour, and it had stopped bleeding, so I waited until the office opened at eight and called. I had to leave a message, but I got a call back in under five minutes. The told me to come in for a blood draw. I may need a platelet transfusion. Shit.
They flushed my port, drew the blood, and left the port accessed, just in case they needed to do something, and then the wait started. The nurse, whom I love, told me they'd put a "stat request" on the blood work with the lab. I had electronics to entertain me, so I was fine. After 30 minutes, I heard her ripping into someone in the lab. It was funny. She is grandmotherly and sweet and it was funny to hear that side of her.,
After 45 minutes, the results came back and she said all was OK. I went back to work, knowing I could still get that 40 hours I was seeking. I worked about an hour and a half and started feeling kinda crummy. My headache was a bit worse, and then my face felt hot. I checked my temp and it was 99, so I decided that it wasn't in the cards to get 40 hours this week. I left at the 38 hour mark.
Now I'm home, in the recliner again, and just tired. I hope I feel better for the weekend, since this process starts all over again on Wednesday. I am relieved to know that my blood counts are in an acceptable range. That will make me feel better if any other weirdness pops up this weekend.
(Just so there is no confusion, nobody but me is pushing for 40 hours. My employer is being amazing about letting me work whatever I can, and Kevin can't believe I'm getting in the number of hours that I am. I just want to do 40 on the off week, since I'll always be short on the chemo weeks.)
About an hour in, my nose just started gushing blood with no warning. Well, what an interesting development. And I was glad I had a spare shirt in my car. It took over ten minutes to get it to stop, and the whole time I was thinking, "I think this is on the list." There is a list of side effects that, if they happen, I am to call any time, day or night. When I finally got it stopped, I checked the list.
Yup. It's on the list. I didn't call right away, though. I knew the office would be open in less than an hour, and it had stopped bleeding, so I waited until the office opened at eight and called. I had to leave a message, but I got a call back in under five minutes. The told me to come in for a blood draw. I may need a platelet transfusion. Shit.
They flushed my port, drew the blood, and left the port accessed, just in case they needed to do something, and then the wait started. The nurse, whom I love, told me they'd put a "stat request" on the blood work with the lab. I had electronics to entertain me, so I was fine. After 30 minutes, I heard her ripping into someone in the lab. It was funny. She is grandmotherly and sweet and it was funny to hear that side of her.,
After 45 minutes, the results came back and she said all was OK. I went back to work, knowing I could still get that 40 hours I was seeking. I worked about an hour and a half and started feeling kinda crummy. My headache was a bit worse, and then my face felt hot. I checked my temp and it was 99, so I decided that it wasn't in the cards to get 40 hours this week. I left at the 38 hour mark.
Now I'm home, in the recliner again, and just tired. I hope I feel better for the weekend, since this process starts all over again on Wednesday. I am relieved to know that my blood counts are in an acceptable range. That will make me feel better if any other weirdness pops up this weekend.
(Just so there is no confusion, nobody but me is pushing for 40 hours. My employer is being amazing about letting me work whatever I can, and Kevin can't believe I'm getting in the number of hours that I am. I just want to do 40 on the off week, since I'll always be short on the chemo weeks.)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The Headache and the Sleeplessness
The headache persists, but I conquered the other monster last night. I took an OTC sleep aid and went to my bed at 7:00. I got as comfortable as possible (pillows under my knees, shoulders supported, etc) and listened to some guided imagery type meditation tracks that had been suggested to me by some other wonderful ladies going through this breast cancer maze with me. You may want to check them out. There are tracks for almost any condition/need, from allergies to weight loss.
I've never been "into" meditation, done yoga, etc, but I am willing to try anything to get rid of this headache, and to achieve a good night's sleep. I listened to the headache track, which did seem to help. If nothing else, it helps you relax. All I know is this: The combination of what I did last night caused me to conk out before 7:30 and sleep until 3! WooHoo!
I'm not taking anything for the headache today. It's not helping, other than taking the edge off, so I'm going to tough through it for a day or so and see what happens. I plan to out-stubborn the dang thing. I plan to concentrate on posture and breathing today, and avoid Tylenol unless it just gets so bad that I can't stand it. I've conquered the food beast, the sleeping beast, and have only one beast left to tame. That means I can throw all of my energy at slaying that one beast.
Wish me luck. I'm going in!
I've never been "into" meditation, done yoga, etc, but I am willing to try anything to get rid of this headache, and to achieve a good night's sleep. I listened to the headache track, which did seem to help. If nothing else, it helps you relax. All I know is this: The combination of what I did last night caused me to conk out before 7:30 and sleep until 3! WooHoo!
I'm not taking anything for the headache today. It's not helping, other than taking the edge off, so I'm going to tough through it for a day or so and see what happens. I plan to out-stubborn the dang thing. I plan to concentrate on posture and breathing today, and avoid Tylenol unless it just gets so bad that I can't stand it. I've conquered the food beast, the sleeping beast, and have only one beast left to tame. That means I can throw all of my energy at slaying that one beast.
Wish me luck. I'm going in!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
FOOD!
Not much of a post. I still have a headache today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. Also, there were two different 1-hour segments in which I'm certain it was gone. I don't know if my friend Susie's chocolate and diet Coke cure worked, but it was fun to try.
This afternoon, I had a craving for chips, so I hit the vending machine. Not only did I buy a bag of Sun Chips, but I ate them, too! And they were good! I thought myself lucky to have enjoyed something after craving it, and then I headed home. Kevin fixed my a/c last night, so the ride home was much more comfortable, and I noticed that I was kinda hungry. Hungry for anything.
I came home and had leftovers from last night, and it was good! Sweet merciful crap! I think I like food again. I hope this wasn't a one-day deal. I'm full for the first time in a week. It would be nice to know that the appetite thing is something that I only have to deal with for one week out of the two-week chemo cycle. We'll see.
This afternoon, I had a craving for chips, so I hit the vending machine. Not only did I buy a bag of Sun Chips, but I ate them, too! And they were good! I thought myself lucky to have enjoyed something after craving it, and then I headed home. Kevin fixed my a/c last night, so the ride home was much more comfortable, and I noticed that I was kinda hungry. Hungry for anything.
I came home and had leftovers from last night, and it was good! Sweet merciful crap! I think I like food again. I hope this wasn't a one-day deal. I'm full for the first time in a week. It would be nice to know that the appetite thing is something that I only have to deal with for one week out of the two-week chemo cycle. We'll see.
Monday, June 18, 2012
In Search of 40 Hours
The plan is to get 40 hours in at work on my non-chemo weeks. I had it worked out in my head. This should be the week that I can do it. No appointments, no steroids, and no shots. Why won't my body play along nicely? LOL
I woke this morning with the alarm, which is a first in a week. It means I got more sleep than I had been getting lately. I woke when Monica got home from work, and one other time, but was able to go back to sleep after a while. This should have made me feel good this morning, but I could tell that something wasn't quite right. I showered and started getting ready, since my morning shower often fixes things that aren't quite right.
I took my temperature, since I'm supposed to call if it reaches 100.5. 99.7 was the first reading, 99.9 was the second (when I got to work,) and I had a major headache. I do NOT get headaches, so it was consuming all of my concentration, so I took a couple of Advil. It knocked the temp down to a normal person's normal (I usually run low, but whatever) and took the edge off the headache.
I got my eight hours in today, but it wasn't a joy ride. I still claim to be quite blessed by not being nauseous so far. Most food still doesn't sound good, and when something DOES taste good, I take advantage and eat before it loses it's appeal. Dinner was great today until I was about 3/4 of the way through, and suddenly it was gross. LOL Oh well. I'll keep buying chicken noodle soup and crackers and be thankful that I can hold it down. So many people cannot do that while doing chemo.
I plan to turn in early tonight and wake up tomorrow without this pesky headache. I've alternated Advil and Tylenol all day and choose not to do this again tomorrow. I choose not to have a headache. I choose to feel good tomorrow. I certainly have a new appreciation for anyone who works all day with a headache. I have friends who get them frequently, and I cannot imagine.
I woke this morning with the alarm, which is a first in a week. It means I got more sleep than I had been getting lately. I woke when Monica got home from work, and one other time, but was able to go back to sleep after a while. This should have made me feel good this morning, but I could tell that something wasn't quite right. I showered and started getting ready, since my morning shower often fixes things that aren't quite right.
I took my temperature, since I'm supposed to call if it reaches 100.5. 99.7 was the first reading, 99.9 was the second (when I got to work,) and I had a major headache. I do NOT get headaches, so it was consuming all of my concentration, so I took a couple of Advil. It knocked the temp down to a normal person's normal (I usually run low, but whatever) and took the edge off the headache.
I got my eight hours in today, but it wasn't a joy ride. I still claim to be quite blessed by not being nauseous so far. Most food still doesn't sound good, and when something DOES taste good, I take advantage and eat before it loses it's appeal. Dinner was great today until I was about 3/4 of the way through, and suddenly it was gross. LOL Oh well. I'll keep buying chicken noodle soup and crackers and be thankful that I can hold it down. So many people cannot do that while doing chemo.
I plan to turn in early tonight and wake up tomorrow without this pesky headache. I've alternated Advil and Tylenol all day and choose not to do this again tomorrow. I choose not to have a headache. I choose to feel good tomorrow. I certainly have a new appreciation for anyone who works all day with a headache. I have friends who get them frequently, and I cannot imagine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)