This week I began my 7th cycle (of 12) and due to low blood counts combined with a touch of bronchitis, my doctor decided to go ahead with the treatment, less the oxaliplatin.
He seemed to think that a combination of the effects from my flu shot, the cumulative chemo treatments to date and the cough and congestion that I'm having contributed to the lower white blood cell count and lower platelet counts.
One of my other sisters is scheduled for her first colonoscopy today and I'm praying that she gets a good report after the procedure.
Thanks for your comment, Paul, and to all that have expressed their well wishes, positive thoughts and prayers for me. They ARE working and I thank you!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Birthday
Monday, October 6th (yesterday) was my 57th Birthday (but I don't feel a day over 56).
Just a quick note to thank everyone for the birthday greetings and well wishes!
I'm still fighting a nagging cold after 3 weeks now. Not sure if it was brought on by my flu shot last week, the weather, the chemo meds or just my weakened immune system?,
Just a quick note to thank everyone for the birthday greetings and well wishes!
I'm still fighting a nagging cold after 3 weeks now. Not sure if it was brought on by my flu shot last week, the weather, the chemo meds or just my weakened immune system?,
Saturday, October 4, 2008
October 4th - 2008
I've reached the halfway point of my chemo treatments but this week has left me with a few more 'strange' side effects.
I continue to have a lot of nasal congestion and spitting up phlegm as well as some body sores and mouth sores which I'm treating with Tom's of Maine anti-cavity and drymouth mouthwash and Nystatin powder for the welts/sores.
I'm tolerating it as well as can be expected though and just take it one step at a time. I think that the remaining treatments are going to be a little bit harder on my system and I'm trying to prepare myself for the changes that come with the colder weather such as cold sensitivity (neuropathy).
It's such a strange experience going through chemotherapy. Between the chemobrain syndrome and the constant changes that I've been experiencing, I never know what to expect when I open my eyes.
On a side note, we stayed up and watched the Red Sox win the second game of the A.L. Division Series against the Angels last night and looking forward to game 3 at Fenway on Sunday night. Go Sox!
I continue to have a lot of nasal congestion and spitting up phlegm as well as some body sores and mouth sores which I'm treating with Tom's of Maine anti-cavity and drymouth mouthwash and Nystatin powder for the welts/sores.
I'm tolerating it as well as can be expected though and just take it one step at a time. I think that the remaining treatments are going to be a little bit harder on my system and I'm trying to prepare myself for the changes that come with the colder weather such as cold sensitivity (neuropathy).
It's such a strange experience going through chemotherapy. Between the chemobrain syndrome and the constant changes that I've been experiencing, I never know what to expect when I open my eyes.
On a side note, we stayed up and watched the Red Sox win the second game of the A.L. Division Series against the Angels last night and looking forward to game 3 at Fenway on Sunday night. Go Sox!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The HALFWAY point !
Woooo Hoooo...
I'm almost finished with my 6th cycle which is the halfway point of my chemo treatments.
After tomorrow, I'll be going down the other side of the hill and having reached the top with feeling about as well as could be expected, I'm looking to finish all 12 cycles by Jan 1st.
One small step for those not afflicted, one GIANT step for those in the know and who have been there, or know someone who has been there.
I don't know why I'm ramblin' on....must be the chemobrain syndrome?
HALFWAY is GOOD!!!
Thanks to all for your support.
I'm almost finished with my 6th cycle which is the halfway point of my chemo treatments.
After tomorrow, I'll be going down the other side of the hill and having reached the top with feeling about as well as could be expected, I'm looking to finish all 12 cycles by Jan 1st.
One small step for those not afflicted, one GIANT step for those in the know and who have been there, or know someone who has been there.
I don't know why I'm ramblin' on....must be the chemobrain syndrome?
HALFWAY is GOOD!!!
Thanks to all for your support.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1st already !
I had a bad night with fever, chills, sinus congestion, sore throat and muscle aches, along with a rash that developed again under my left arm. I'm using Niacin powder for the rash and pumped the recommended dosage of Tylenol for the fever.
Went to bed at 9:30pm last night and woke up at about 2:00am literally soaked with sweat. I had to get up and sleep (or what should have been sleep) in a recliner.
More Tylenol this morning (2 at 7:00am) and took one more at 9:30am as I was leaving for the clinic.
Bloodwork looked good and temp was 98.7 (normal), so they proceeded to inject me with Fluorouracil and then re-connected me to the portable pump of 5-FU and sent me on my way.
Still not feeling great or 100%, but glad that I was able to continue treatments!
Oh yeah, my friend Rob got an excellent report from his follow up colonoscopy and is now officially cancer free!
Went to bed at 9:30pm last night and woke up at about 2:00am literally soaked with sweat. I had to get up and sleep (or what should have been sleep) in a recliner.
More Tylenol this morning (2 at 7:00am) and took one more at 9:30am as I was leaving for the clinic.
Bloodwork looked good and temp was 98.7 (normal), so they proceeded to inject me with Fluorouracil and then re-connected me to the portable pump of 5-FU and sent me on my way.
Still not feeling great or 100%, but glad that I was able to continue treatments!
Oh yeah, my friend Rob got an excellent report from his follow up colonoscopy and is now officially cancer free!
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