After Thursday’s ‘last big chemo’ treatment on October 1, I was a mess. Not a hot mess. I was a nauseated, sick, mess. It was officially the worst week ever. I could not keep anything down starting on Sunday evening. On Tuesday I broke down, called the oncologist and had to get some IV fluids and anti-nausea to combat dehydration. On Wednesday, I was back at the doctor again – for more fluids and anti-nausea meds. They even did an X-ray of my digestive tract to see if there was a blockage. There was no blockage. I had to reset my system, drink clear fluids and try to keep something down. Finally on Thursday I started to come out of the nausea-haze and by today, I was eating semi-normally.
My mom and dad were wonderful to me – taking me back and forth to the doctor, picking up medicine, dealing with my kids. The nurses and doctors I dealt with were also wonderful to me – doing everything they could to help me feel better. I cannot tell you how glad I am that was the last chemo treatment. There were points this week when I thought I was going to die. I did not feel strong, brave, or positive. I did not think ‘I could beat this thing.’ My thoughts were ‘why is this happening to me?’ and ‘can someone please put me out of my misery?’
Someone has to find a cure to this. Someone has to figure out ways to treat cancer where the treatment is not worse than the disease. Everywhere I turn this month I am reminded about breast cancer. I don’t need any more reminders. I don’t care about seeing pink on everyone. I just need it to be gone.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Yesterday - LAST CHEMO!
Yesterday I went to the oncologist for my “big” chemo treatment. This is the 3.5 hour dose that usually leaves me sick and run down for about 5-6 days. Of course I was dreading it, but going into it I knew these poisons were working, so I think my outlook the next few days will be better.
I also met with my doctor to discuss my treatment plan. More good news! Yesterday was my last chemo treatment! She thinks the last scan results were so positive, she recommended a scaled down version of meds for the next year or so. Here it is:
Herceptin (by IV) – every three weeks, instead of every week. This drug has been relatively easy for me to take, with very few side effects.
Xeloda (orally) – take every day for two weeks, then take a week off. This drug combined with Herceptin, targets cancer cells by inhibiting the ability of the cell to produce or repair DNA and making the cell unable to reproduce – which shrinks the tumors. Of course there are potential side effects (like I would get off easy, right??). These can be fatigue, diarrhea, and itchy, red, scaled hands and feet to name a few. Weird, huh. I will try and not anticipate the worst!
Tests and scans – periodically I will get PET/CT scans to check the progress of the tumors, and Echocardiograms to check my heart muscle. Sometimes Herceptin can affect the heart. The next PET scan will be in January.
Other interesting news from my visit yesterday… I scored a new wig and a new baseball hat- hair combo. There is a box of free hats and accessories at my doctors office for anyone to use – and I certainly took advantage! I think the wigs look – well- as good as wigs can. It is nice to have options.
So – with this being my last chemo – I can expect to start growing hair in the next few months. Maybe I’ll have some hair on my head by Christmas! Yay! I know I should not sound so shallow. However, it is all about ‘normalcy’ for me. And the best news of all is knowing I won’t ‘feel’ as terrible as I do after chemo, and I can start to get my life back, get more energy back and start looking forward to a cancer-controlled future.
An extra-special cancer-fan shout out goes to my mom, who continues to come with me on my treatments and help me remember all the questions I should ask the doctor. I could not get through this this without her. I love you mom!!!
I also met with my doctor to discuss my treatment plan. More good news! Yesterday was my last chemo treatment! She thinks the last scan results were so positive, she recommended a scaled down version of meds for the next year or so. Here it is:
Herceptin (by IV) – every three weeks, instead of every week. This drug has been relatively easy for me to take, with very few side effects.
Xeloda (orally) – take every day for two weeks, then take a week off. This drug combined with Herceptin, targets cancer cells by inhibiting the ability of the cell to produce or repair DNA and making the cell unable to reproduce – which shrinks the tumors. Of course there are potential side effects (like I would get off easy, right??). These can be fatigue, diarrhea, and itchy, red, scaled hands and feet to name a few. Weird, huh. I will try and not anticipate the worst!
Tests and scans – periodically I will get PET/CT scans to check the progress of the tumors, and Echocardiograms to check my heart muscle. Sometimes Herceptin can affect the heart. The next PET scan will be in January.
Other interesting news from my visit yesterday… I scored a new wig and a new baseball hat- hair combo. There is a box of free hats and accessories at my doctors office for anyone to use – and I certainly took advantage! I think the wigs look – well- as good as wigs can. It is nice to have options.
So – with this being my last chemo – I can expect to start growing hair in the next few months. Maybe I’ll have some hair on my head by Christmas! Yay! I know I should not sound so shallow. However, it is all about ‘normalcy’ for me. And the best news of all is knowing I won’t ‘feel’ as terrible as I do after chemo, and I can start to get my life back, get more energy back and start looking forward to a cancer-controlled future.
An extra-special cancer-fan shout out goes to my mom, who continues to come with me on my treatments and help me remember all the questions I should ask the doctor. I could not get through this this without her. I love you mom!!!
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