Yep, that's what I feel like I have with the newly placed port. BLEH. I hate the idea of something being inserted under my skin that I can feel. Gross. It made the chemo go better for me, but I also think that it is easier for the CTCA, which I really don't care about. :) It is all about me. It was worth it to not have that terrible burning in my arm after wards. The surgeon told me after out chat about the procedure that I would think to myself that I would wish I had done this a while ago. Wrong-o! I do what I have to do, but I much prefer to me all myself without plastic under the skin plugged into a super vein. If I could have it out tomorrow I would. Well if that wasn't running on about stuff I really can't change. :)
I do have some good news to share which I am super excited about, my new drug cocktail is doing super super super awesome! The way that we can tell is they did a tumor marker (measured through a blood draw) and it went down a bunch! That is a huge blessing and relief. I received another dose of it yesterday and am taking my at home chemo so I am looking forward to the next appointment because we get to see the progress (please continue!) on a PET. Then maybe we can talk about how long to be on drugs AND how long to have the port.
It has felt like a long time since we have had good news. Last year in July the bad news started and just kept on rolling. Sometimes I can't believe it has been a year that we have struggled through this setback. However, I am very hopeful for this to be the last of the cancer and turn it out for good! Thanks friends for your prayers and for your support. :)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Wow, has it really been that long since I have updated the blog?! What a slacker!
Well, the last time I updated I had the last of the chemoembolizations, thank goodness! Since then, I have had the same chemo cocktail that I had before the embolizations, it lasted for about three weeks, then I had a week off. Not too terrible. There were some side effects but nothing too out of control. Then we went to the CTCA and they can tell if I am still making cancer enzymes through a blood test and it really didn't seem to indicate the super awesome-ness that should have been there. Crap! So new chemo cocktail was prescribed for July 26th, I have just finished that today. I have one part iv chemo and the other part pill chemo. I have had the take home so far it is ok. I will be going back Monday for some more chemo and a port. Who wants more procedures and scars, I do!
The first treatment of the new iv drug was not fun. It burned the veins in my arm terribly and the burning and tingly vein feeling did not go away for a long time. It is my bet that I get at least 5 more of these treatments, I cannot imagine having pain while getting chemo and then going home with it. It probably didn't help that I fell asleep and thought I was all good, and woke up to super tingly veins, but too bad. There was no time that day for a port and I was going home with that chemo administered.
Other highlights of the past couple of weeks include: 1. we met the most horrible "helpful" nurse that works for my oncologist, totally messed up our schedule and didn't listen (I cannot even explain how awful it was). We actually complained officially about her. 2. My hair has not all fallen out. 3. I am having weird side effects, like my fingertips are super sensitive and the palms of my hands are like thin skin and cracking, so weird. That means I cannot even open any plastic toppers because it hurts! What a mess! Other weird side effects, there can be super sensitivity to cold on this regiment, like your throat and face. For example ice water could make pain in your throat for a while. Fortunately I do not have that but I do have a bit of cold sensitivity for ice water. Not enough to curb eating ice cream, whew!
I think that is all the exciting news. I do have to say I am feeling better so to me that means that the chemo and chemoembolizations are doing their good jobs.
The first treatment of the new iv drug was not fun. It burned the veins in my arm terribly and the burning and tingly vein feeling did not go away for a long time. It is my bet that I get at least 5 more of these treatments, I cannot imagine having pain while getting chemo and then going home with it. It probably didn't help that I fell asleep and thought I was all good, and woke up to super tingly veins, but too bad. There was no time that day for a port and I was going home with that chemo administered.
Other highlights of the past couple of weeks include: 1. we met the most horrible "helpful" nurse that works for my oncologist, totally messed up our schedule and didn't listen (I cannot even explain how awful it was). We actually complained officially about her. 2. My hair has not all fallen out. 3. I am having weird side effects, like my fingertips are super sensitive and the palms of my hands are like thin skin and cracking, so weird. That means I cannot even open any plastic toppers because it hurts! What a mess! Other weird side effects, there can be super sensitivity to cold on this regiment, like your throat and face. For example ice water could make pain in your throat for a while. Fortunately I do not have that but I do have a bit of cold sensitivity for ice water. Not enough to curb eating ice cream, whew!
I think that is all the exciting news. I do have to say I am feeling better so to me that means that the chemo and chemoembolizations are doing their good jobs.
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