...this time, though I must say my anxiety was riding high enough to move my 130/80 BP at check-in up to 156/90 within minutes of entering the ChemoSuite. I really didn't see sleep on the horizon...
Kevin and dd were there to help make me as comfortable as possible. For med prep I was given anti-emetics and another steroid (a lesser one, David, but we're prepared with something to lessen that tonight, and we are paying attention to them thanks to your caveat *bows - and ribbons - in thanks*). No antihistimines this time.
That was followed by the gemzar which was followed by the carboplatin, three hour total.
Kevin had the laptop so he could work while we waited. It also gave us the iTunes which we could both listen to since the Kevin the Geek was also packing a headphone splitter. *grins*
I remember the carboplatin being hooked up, but little else until Kevin woke me to say that we could leave. We were able to catch some lunch and still get Kevin back to work so the schedule for next week would be done.
We return next Friday at 7:45 for only the gemzar -- and the weekly vitals and counts.
The protocol will be both drugs on Wk.1, Gemzar on Wk.2, no drugs on Wk.3, just vitals and counts. CT's are scheduled every two cycles. Gemzar reportedly causes only hair thinning over time; am thinking I'm still going to shave my head, just a little later down the road. Lance Armstrong said he monitored his vitals and counts the same way he did his sports stats and we see it as a part of the weekly data generated by this new job of mine.
So far, I'm feeling pretty normal physically...jury's still out on the mental... We've heard that drinking lots of water helps push the chemical out; we're wondering if exercise won't help with that also, for as much as I can do. ...probably explore that this evening when all of the meds are on hand.
We were told they would provide us with out weekly vitals and blood counts for today and last Friday as well as some relaxation tapes. When this began, I was taking no prescribed medications; in front of me is a table full of pill bottles, cough medicine, nasal sprays and an inhaler *sighs deeply...without the inhaler*
A woman named Karen contacted me with a list of local resources for yoga, Mindful Meditation, healing touch and massage. Colleen sent a DVD that she and Doug recorded of 'Morning Yoga.' I've discovered Namaste Yoga and began taping some of those. Karen also mentioned the benefits of making her own fresh juices, and I'd sure appreciate any suggestions and recipes for exploring that option, starting with whether we want a juicer and if so... TIA
All of this is pretty foreign to me; I'm not that-side-of-the-brain sided *shrugs*
dd has taught me much about the benefits of massage therapy _before_ one is injured, or otherwise 'needing' it. I am much more in touch with healthful breathing as a result of massage. I'm convinced that the mind-body work I've been doing these past years helped me recognize early that I was having a negative reaction to the taxol lst Friday, and, perhaps, to the discovery of the tumor initially last March.
So much more to learn...
Karen's letter was also one of the most calming pieces I have read; thanks so much for that. Her's and the letter from Sally via Lisa moved me beyond words. I would love to share them here and have asked for permission to do so. In the meantime, know that you're all greatly appreciated.
Rodney, your metaphor is just too perfect! We trust that this means you made it safely home; regards to your Di Ana *waves* ...it might be time for me to reread that book *looks at the stack collecting*
David, your post was a pleasant surprise! Thank you so much for sharing. We realized again today how much yet how little we're told to expect. On the one hand, I can see that we can self-fulfill prophecy, but on the other hand, it would have been nice to know that I can expect a sore right lung area for a few weeks...up to a year. So far, the steroids have only immediately preceded the protocol, but what I experienced Friday night from that small dose coupled with your warning will keep me on top of that, yesiree.
And, Jon, please call again the next time you and yours are in the area. Sorry we missed you last week, and hope we'll have another chance to touch base. Blogged earlier to tell Deb that we had holes to dig. We still do *grins*
Hey, Michael, when you're ready to till again, let us know?
Sam, you is da Pip! Thank you for playing -- and for playing so well! *hugs* Reading you here reminds me that I've missed your writing. You're one of the reasons I log in here, as well, and I'm looking forward to more. Thanks, also, for taking time to stop in tonight; I'm uplifted -- and, no, I haven't hit the med stash yet, you shilly sit! *ducks*
How are all the rest of us doing???
*gets ready to enjoy a salmon steak and salad (with Kevin's homegrown basil)*
Make a great rest of it!
7 comments:
So far it all sounds better than expected. I'm glad David warned you about the steroids from his own experience-I've heard from others that they can make one a bit crazy/hyper, but have not had any personal experience *knocks on own head*(no other wood readily available).
I'm thinking more and more that mental attitude has as much to do with healing as the "wonders of modern medicine" (choke!). And I know exercise bumps up one's metabolism so seems it should help flush the chemo-poison out more quickly.
Must finish my comments later-gotta go pick up some new chickens for our flock.
Love you
N
Hi dp and Kevin,
I am glad yesterday was relatively uneventful. I hope you continue to feel as well as you do.
dp, let me know how you like Rodney Yee's tape. I have another one in mind if you like it.
As bird lovers, I know you will appreciate this. After 5 years, we have finally attracted a number of bluebirds to our yard. They have nested in a house that I quickly attached to our play structure when I saw some bluebirds passing through a couple of weeks ago. (The houses we set up in the prairie are always taken over by sparrows.) Anyway, there is a mother, father, eggs or babies in the house, and a "teenager" from the last brood that hangs around and they still feed. We have named it Joey Orlando, after Doug's 40 year old friend who still lives with his parents.
Doug took pictures of them on our deck. I'll send them when I figure out how to work his camera.
We love you a ton.
Colleen
Yeah, nancyturtle, much better than expected, from everyone's perspective from what I can tell.
Clearly lots of information to explore regarding the mind-body connection. We've made appointments at the healing touch clinic next week. Will let you know what we learn there.
I just don't think there's anything but good coming from my walking and gardenercize so it's remaining a daily task of this new job. Next goal is twenty-five loops (five miles) *grins*
How many and what kind of new chickens? How big is the current flock?
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Hey, Co!
Must say we were all relieved! We're now just waiting for any of the anticipated side-effects listed to pass.
Had an acid-reflux like feeling a couple more times than normal (I rarely experience that) so I took an anti-emetic this morning and so far we're knockin' on wood *nods*
I enjoyed the tape and think the routine there will work well. It's a short session and I think I could add another routine if you'd be so kind as to send it along. Thank Doug for me, too.
We envy you the bluebirds. Must say the indigo buntings were a terrific find in their stead, but our having been Bluebirds prior to flying up to Campfire Girls was, well... we envy you the bluebirds.
And, we'll look forward to the photos.
Five years is a long time to wait. It's how long we waited for our first oriel...then another three years for him...and now her to hang a bit closer *grins*
Our latest is Bardo, our now resident bard owl. He's been cruising back and forth about eight feet over the creek in the Wisconsin Garden. He spends a fair amount of time in the crotch of the tree right over where the comets swim. And lately he's actually been in the creek getting a drink! Of course he's rarely here when anyone else can enjoy him *shrugs*
Weather's nice enough to be outside, so I think I will.
Thanks for checking in!
We love you. *hugs*
-dp
I feel honored by Bardo's visit while I was there! Thanks to Kevin, I have photographic proof as well.
About the chickens:
A friend decided she was away from home too much to keep her flock, so we inherited it. It's hard to count chickens after they are hatched-they are always on the move. But we think we had thirteen hens and just added six more. Well, we'll actually add them to the flock in a few days, when they all forget they don't know each other. Now they are separated by a fence to avoid fights. We have only one rooster who actually lived with the new hens before he came to our girls a couple months ago. Most roosters won't allow a second in the flock.
How long does it take a chicken to forget?
If it's a barred owl, why doe it keep coming back?
Is it fair that Truly won BOTH 1st and 3rd, just because both his owners throw frisbees? What about the other dogs' feelings?
Thanks to Tye and Truly for baptizing my chair.
It was very reassuring to see DP after chemo. Looked damned good. It was nice to hang out and be "normal."
Yesterday was one of the 20 good days we get in Iowa, starting with flying dogs and ending with gardening, planting the results of a raid on the discount plants rack.
Truly asked me to pass on father's day wishes, Kevin. Happy Dad's to all who meet the criteria, loosely defined to include cats, pooches, and chickens who can remember.
Love, S.
I don't know how long, let alone if, a chicken can remember anything. They're not bright creatures. But if you keep two flocks separated but in view of each other for a few days, they will eventually go into the same coop at night on their own.
nancyturtle, hope the new ...blended... flock is doing well. How much has your egg production increased?
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S, Father's Day is _next_ Sunday, the 17th. Does this mean that you're going to get to celebrate twice?
Regarding the barred bard owl...careful, lest you find yourself being the banned bard, buddy.
...and here I was just rolling around the idea of a 'resident barred owl' being somewhat of an oxymoron.
It _was_ great being able to hang out again. Thanks to Jeff, Faith, you and Ty for taking time to cheer us on!
...the other dogs' feelings. Wow... *shrugs* *grins*
One of twenty days? ...that many, really? *looks forward to more than she usually counts*
Looks like the next week is going to be a bit warmer...
Make nice.
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