I am so anxious to be done - so this far into it, I am really counting down - only two more treatments to go. I did the infusion on Monday, February 27 and got the pump off on Wednesday, February 29 - Leap Day! Once again they only did the one chemo drug this time - in addition to the steriods, benadryl and anti-nausea medicine. Although the treatment seemed to take about the same time this time as it had previously - we did spend a lot of time waiting for Dr. H to come and talk to us before we got back to do the treatment. I had asked Dr.H what would be coming next - and he said that they would have me come in every three months for awhile, then every four months, then every five months, then every six months before they stretched it out to a year. And with part of the checkups there will be bloodwork - so I asked him about keeping my port in for awhile, and as long as I get it flushed once a month it shouldn't be a problem. As a matter of fact he said he's known people that have kept them for quite some time. I cannot do blood draws or blood pressure on the left arm - because of the lumpectomy from the breast cancer so that only leaves my right arm, and I do not have very good veins. I never look forward to having my blood drawn - except out of the port - and that's only with the Emla cream.
The only side effect I have had this time is having trouble sleeping - I was up in the middle of the night for several hours on both Monday and Tuesday night. Last night I slept pretty well, but felt like I was still catching up. Also have had some more diaper rash this time. I have cut back on the Welchol, as Dr. B told me to do that if I was having any problem with constipation - which I have had, even without doing the chemo drug I thought was causing it. I haven't been so good about drinking a lot of water - and need to do a better job of that. One other side effect has been that I have been very tired this week - I imagine that will not get any better until I am completely done.
They decided not to do the neupogen shots this time - they will do my bloodwork on Monday, March 5 and see where my white blood cell count is. That would be great if it stays at a good level and that I wouldn't have to get any more shots through the end!
The laundry hamper is FULL of dirty clothes, so I imagine I will try and see what I can get done with that this weekend! John and Jeff are going to Sioux City to a Swap Meet - taking Jeff's car to promote GOTRA - so I'll have plenty of time to get something done.
There have been a couple of things going on at church - Pastor Jon's father-in-law (Jen's dad) had been admitted to the hospital in Arizona and wasn't doing too well - so Jen had flown out to be with him. He then took a turn for the worse - so Jon and the girls flew out as well. He had been put on hospice and they were thinking it was only a matter of time. Please keep the Ashley's and the Mitchell's in your prayers. Also one of our senior high kids has just been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma - they put a port in right away and have done one round of chemo already (he spent three days in the hospital). They are treating this very aggressively and we are very optimistic that he will be cured. In the meantime he and his family all need your prayers too please!
I really would like to thank everyone for all of their prayers and good wishes. On those days when I am feeling down (which doesn't happen too often thankfully) I just think about all the people that are supporting me and have been throughout this whole journey! I couldn't have kept my spirits up without all of you! Thank you.
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