Day after Port Removal

Well, guess I will get back on that Coumadin until I see doc Jan 15.

Ouch!

Back on Coumadin

This morning, I met Nurse Michael to do a final review on the clinical trial for the radiation treatment. Once the MRI and blood work comes back, we will know if I qualify.  Should know this week!  The computer randomizes the "arm 1" and "arm 2" (6 weeks or 3 weeks).  The "boost" is not a big difference from the standard treatment (1.0 vs 1.5). 

I mentioned to Michael that my symptoms were back from when the port had created the blood clots. Its been about 2 weeks since getting off the Coumadin. So, Michael wanted me to wait on drawing blood and let Doc Esther check things over.  I was holding my breathe a bit because I didn't want an extra test like the ultrasound. I wasn't on the schedule to see her today either.  Mike and I had a great conversation waiting for her.  I like to ask folks why they got into the oncology profession.  He said it was because of his grandma. 

He gave high recommendations of the doctors I have on my team as well.  He said that if he or a family member ever got cancer, he would go to them.  That is real encouragement for me.

Doc Esther came in and sat down in relief.  She had been on the go all morning.  She pressed my underarm and I winced in pain. 

Outcome:  Back on Coumadin

As long as it takes the pain away and prevents a blood clot from killing me, fine by me!

Note to self: Get a medical alert bracelet

I asked her why she was in this field and she said that she loves to learn and loves people more than test tubes.  I just love her! She is real excited that I am taking part in the trial.  She said that is the best way for docs to know what works and what doesn't.  30 years ago, most of it was a guessing game and it was so frustrating.  She also said that the treatments I got were all clinical trials at some point.  I'm honored to be doing it.

Four vials of blood work .... and I expect a call this week for a yes or a no on the trial.

I was so incredibly tired today.

Clinical Trial ~ Yes or No

Today was my follow-up with Doc Esther after my 6th & last chemo session.  She liked my numbers! Took me off of coumadin!!! And said that the welts I have from the chemo will begin to fade in about two weeks.  Also, she said my hair will begin to grow.  I've just about lost both eyebrows and I'm doing a lousy job drawing them in.  Not like my post Express Yourself

She also wanted to talk to me about a clinical trial to consider.  At first, I was all about helping other women by participating in research.  My grandpa did and my dad did..... but, I'm confused at all the language.  I have a few days to research, ask questions and then give them an answer.  Plus, I will need to be sure that I do qualify with some more testing.  Then I read about clinical trials and insurance.  Will this be covered?  That will be a BIG factor.

Any feedback would be appreciated



Next on the treatment schedule: daily radiation

Next visit to my chemo oncologist: August!

Side note: I asked Doc if I had aggressive cancer.  She said that because I tested positive on the 3 protein tests, that they had to "throw the book at me".  Hmmmm .... What are my chances of getting it again?  She said "we are going to make sure it doesn't come back again". 

I know there are no guarantees in life

But I do have faith.  I do have a positive outlook.  And I know this Doc knows her stuff.  So, even if that day should ever come, I pray I handle it with grace.

Chemo Session #4

Four down - two to go!

Matt is on spring break this week and was able to take me to my chemo session.

I was happy to be able to get the corner suite again! Nice and roomy.

Once we got settled in, I realized that I forgot the numbing cream! I will never do that again! My nurse, Chris, handled it like a pro and helped me through the initial injection. *shew* Nurse Chris is compassionate as well and I am a lucky girl :) Oh! guess what! Nurse Dawn is my sister's neighbor and our kids went to school together....small world ~

I completed my evaluation sheet (gauging pain levels, nausea, fatigue, etc). I felt like a wimp giving most of them a 9.  Matt reminded me of all the times I was crying during the past two weeks .... and not just because of Rickie.  So, 9 it stays.  Nicole (pharmacist) discusses the evaluation sheet and reviews the medications with us.  Since I will have my shot tomorrow, I need to start the claritin again.  Need to work on cleaning my bowels through fluid, fiber and prescription meds.  Not only does it help the digestive system, it helps clear out the chemo drugs.  Ok, I'll do better in that area. Also, since I can't take my pain meds during work, I can take extra strength Tylenol.  It gets difficult with the different meds I am on, especially Coumadin.

I showed my big toe off to everyone ... side effect or something else?  Doc determined that it was something else.  It had "trauma" and I just don't remember how.  Instructions ... keep it clean and wait for it to heal.  It may or may not fall off.  We shall see.

My numbers came back low, but good enough to proceed with the treatment.  Since the neuropathy and pain is hitting me hard, she is "taking 25% off the Taxotere".  Great! I do hope it helps. This one is a 3 hour drip with the ice on my hands and feet.

Doc had a high school student shadow her for the day.  That is very impressive to have one so young interested in doing this. 

As they prepared for my cocktails, the fabulous benedryl was injected and out I went.  I can never keep my eyes open! I only brought one thing to do (read) and never got to it.

By noonish, Christie arrived and the changing of the guards occurred.  She brought me some lunch and I am very thankful for the "extra" duty in getting it (silly girl).  I stayed awake the best I could so we could chat about all the things going on in life. 

Life does go on.
And the world keeps turning.

Then, one more announcement ... I was going to get my first blood transfusion after the cocktails were done.  This should help my energy level and feel like a new woman. (Adam is electing Wonder Woman complete with tights and a lasso) *geeze* ;-) 

My own blood was tested and determined to be A positive.  The unit I received was O positive.  I thank the person who gave their life source to me.

The clear tubes running from the bag into my arm looked like liquorice. Seriously.  The color was very rich and that's what it reminded me of.

I was the last patient to leave.  Everyone was very kind and thorough.  The last thing I want is to be a big wimp about this.  Indicating a 9 made me second guess myself.  But, I felt true to that number.

There is a basket of donated hats and I picked this one.  People are so nice :)

Ended the evening with nephew, Shane, visiting.  Wonderful!

Well, I better get some shut eye for work tomorrow.  May you have a safe St Patty's day out there.  Take care ~

First Follow-up Post Chemo & Hospital Stay

Very long day....but now that I am finally settled in my hospital bed (10:25pm), I'll try to recount the events of today.

My appointment with Doc Esther was at 1pm today.  My blood count (napir) was great and I got the opportunity to ask her a lot of questions.

First on the list was my port and the fact that I had deep blue veins showing through my skin.  It was still tender and sore.  Once she examined me, she decided to have an ultrasound done to check for blood clots.  Her assistant got it set up for 4:00 today and the work order said "Hold patient".  So, I wasn't going anywhere until the test was read and my doctor reviewed it.  So, I waited in the waiting room (good name to call the room) until I got antsy around 5:20p and asked them if I could go home.  The receptionist said my doctor is calling me on the hallway phone.  Doc Esther said that there were blood clots and that she wanted me to report to admitting in the main hospital.  Whaaa???? I wasn't ready for that! No overnight bag....what about my car?.....what about my husband?  (you should call him, she said).....my head is swimming (I know that, dear, but you just need to go to the admitting desk and they will take care of you).

I called Matt to tell him and he quickly made arrangements to get to the hospital.  Jasmine was with him as she was coming over for dinner tonight.  My brother-in-law dropped them off at the hospital so Matt could take my car back home (good thinking sis).  They arrived while I was still in the lobby waiting for my transportation.  We decided to get dinner at the cafe since I would be missing the dinner hour on the floor.  Salad was great ~

While we waited, Doc Esther walked by, saw me, and stopped to explain further what was going to happen.  Cumadine takes too long to take effect in the body, so in the meantime, I am to get shots of Lovenox in my belly. They have kits and will teach us how to self administer twice a day in the belly for five days.  Wow, what a turn of events!

So, I finally got settled in.  Family has gone home. Meds have been given. Shot has been given. Now, I've just settled back with the laptop that mom & Tommy got and listening to the constant beep in the hallway. 

The pharmacist will be here in the morning to show us how to administer the shot.  After that, I should be able to go home. 

I did call the doctor's office Friday about the port, but was told it was normal.  I mentioned that I didn't want to call and bug and Doc said "you have to be a bitch. you have to nag"  So, next time, I'm going to press harder because I did know something was "off" in my body. 

Some of the other questions:

1) pH balance and vitamin supplements (specially Vitamin D): Doc wasn't very keen on either ideas.  She said the kidneys already did a fabulous job of balancing the body.  If I drink milk, then I am probably getting enough Vit D.  Always room for better food intake and I know I need to do better in this area. Feedback?

2) Talked about the bone-crushing effects and the neuropathy. Doc said that each chemo treatment would have a different level of pain and symptoms each time.  She agreed to change my pain meds. (relief)

3) Talked about chemo and radiation treatment....staying on course? or any changes?  5 more treatments, plus 11 more for the Herceptin.  Then radiation.  Any chance we can cancel the radiation? "not a chance, there would be a 40% chance of canzer coming  back if we don't". hmmmmm

My notes are out in the car,  but this is what I remember so far.

My night nurse, Ashley, has been great.  She is personable and told me about her mother's experience (6 years survivor and doing well).  Her brother is studying pharmaceuticals in Germany and you can tell how proud she is of him.

Backyard

Getting tired, so I'll sign off for now.  I'll certainly keep you posted!
Sleep well ~