Black cat.
Yesterday, Tuesday, was my second Kyprolis drip for my maintenance plan. Bilirubin was down from last week and barely in the range for approval from Dr. Sarriera to proceed. Got the approval and drip was started and we were out of there. Said goodbye to Elaine and Shannon - see you next week. Got our car from the valet parkers - see you next week.
Well, that wasn't so. I, once again, got the shivers. Started about the same time as last week, around 9:45 and lasted till around 11. They weren't as severe as last week but they were strong especially the last 1/2 hour. So this morning, Wednesday, I emailed Desiree as to what happened. Desiree wasn't in so Beth relayed the message to Dr. Sarriera. He immediately ordered chest X-rays, urine culture and blood cultures. So my see you next week was squashed. Bill and I made the trip in to the Cancer Center for my tests. Results in a few days.
I have never had a blood culture done before. My lab tech, Caesar, asked me a bunch of questions and said - I will be back. I have to go get the bottles. Okay, what bottles? I sort of thought maybe it was for the urine culture. He comes back with these 4 bottles that look like miniatures you buy at the liquor store. Continues to put the lines in my port to draw blood. I finally asked him what the bottles were for. He explained he had to hook each of them up to my port line and draw blood in to them. The liquid that was already in the bottle was the concoction to test for bacteria. He flushed my line and took a sample of blood to make sure it was accessed right. He then takes one of the bottles and hooks it up to my line and the blood just flowed nicely in bottle one, then two, then three and four. Labels them and puts them in bags to be sent to the lab for testing. Process amazed me. He then had me a cup and shows me where the bathroom was. All that finished, I head for registration for the chest X-ray. Once X-ray done we head back home. When we left, we didn't say see you next week.
Last night on the way home from Sandy and Denny's, a black cat ran out in front of us. Most of you know how superstitious I am about that. Bill just pulled the car over. I got out and walked around the car 3 times. Got back in and we continued on our way home.
Quote:
There is a "can" in "can"cer and we can beat it.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Tommy
Wanted to do an update on my Kyprolis drip maintenance plan. Had my first Kyprolis drip last Tuesday, February 20th, starting my maintenance plan. Took a bit to get my labs back and then my bilirubin was up. 1.7 And we know that anything over 1.5, the nurse has to call Dr. Sarriera's office to get approval to order the Kyprolis. This seemed to take a bit also. Finally got approval, Kyprolis ordered, drip started and done. Went home for a bit and then to Sandy and Denny's for dinner.
Around 9:30 PM, I started to feel a little cold. Had the fan on and figured it was that. Then I started to shiver. Just a gentle shiver. This lasted about 1/2 hour. Around 10 the shivers worsen so I decided to go to bed. By then I was so cold. I piled more blankets on the bed. Dressed in very warm pjs and socks. Crawled under the 4 blankets and the shiver got worse. I was shivering so hard it hurt. I have never had the shivers like this. Started to get a bit scared so woke Bill up. He was concerned too as to what was going on. He rubbed my back and my arms till, even though I was shivering so hard, I feel asleep. Around 2 we both were awake and the shivering had stopped. We sure didn't have any ideas as to what caused this.
I emailed Desiree in the morning the details of what happened. Also, that my sinuses were hurting and I had a dull headache. She told Dr. Sarriera my situation. He felt that I may have an infection somewhere. Prescribed an antibiotic for 10 days. Bill and I think it was some reaction to the Kyprolis even though I have been taking this drug for the last 6 months. A reaction because this was the only med I took that day. No steroids. No 11 Cytoxan pills. We will see this week. My second drip of Kyprolis is Tuesday. Let's hope Dr. Sarriera is right.
My cat Tommy is 14 years old this year. He seems to be pretty healthy. Although I think he is getting skinny and sure does sleep a lot. Right now he is snuggled against me and sleeping. He was a little mad because I have my laptop on my lap where he likes to lay. Love my Tommy!!!
Quote:
Keep smiling and one day life will get tired of upsetting you.
Wanted to do an update on my Kyprolis drip maintenance plan. Had my first Kyprolis drip last Tuesday, February 20th, starting my maintenance plan. Took a bit to get my labs back and then my bilirubin was up. 1.7 And we know that anything over 1.5, the nurse has to call Dr. Sarriera's office to get approval to order the Kyprolis. This seemed to take a bit also. Finally got approval, Kyprolis ordered, drip started and done. Went home for a bit and then to Sandy and Denny's for dinner.
Around 9:30 PM, I started to feel a little cold. Had the fan on and figured it was that. Then I started to shiver. Just a gentle shiver. This lasted about 1/2 hour. Around 10 the shivers worsen so I decided to go to bed. By then I was so cold. I piled more blankets on the bed. Dressed in very warm pjs and socks. Crawled under the 4 blankets and the shiver got worse. I was shivering so hard it hurt. I have never had the shivers like this. Started to get a bit scared so woke Bill up. He was concerned too as to what was going on. He rubbed my back and my arms till, even though I was shivering so hard, I feel asleep. Around 2 we both were awake and the shivering had stopped. We sure didn't have any ideas as to what caused this.
I emailed Desiree in the morning the details of what happened. Also, that my sinuses were hurting and I had a dull headache. She told Dr. Sarriera my situation. He felt that I may have an infection somewhere. Prescribed an antibiotic for 10 days. Bill and I think it was some reaction to the Kyprolis even though I have been taking this drug for the last 6 months. A reaction because this was the only med I took that day. No steroids. No 11 Cytoxan pills. We will see this week. My second drip of Kyprolis is Tuesday. Let's hope Dr. Sarriera is right.
My cat Tommy is 14 years old this year. He seems to be pretty healthy. Although I think he is getting skinny and sure does sleep a lot. Right now he is snuggled against me and sleeping. He was a little mad because I have my laptop on my lap where he likes to lay. Love my Tommy!!!
Quote:
Keep smiling and one day life will get tired of upsetting you.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Murphy!
Today, Tuesday was my first day of maintenance. As much as I have looked forward to being in remission, having all my labs good, biopsy good, I had a bit of trouble this morning knowing that I was once again starting chemo. I have had a few days here that I felt almost normal. No pills to worry about taking other then my Acyclovir, Lyrica and 3 vitamins I take in the morning. No 10 steroids by 10:30 Tuesday morning. No Cytoxan, my 11 chemo pills I take at 10 PM Tuesday nights. No Kyprolis drips Tuesday and Wednesday. No foggy head for a few days. No insomnia from the steroids. No fatigue on Friday and Saturday. I knew I would have to do some sort of chemo for my maintenance plan but I guess I had hoped it would be in a pill form not a drip. This damn Myeloma cancer lives in my somewhere and Dr. Sarriera felt the Kyprolis is keeping it at bay and wants to continue on with the drip. I trust him and his decisions. Just was a bit hard for me this morning. I kept this all to myself so not to upset me to the point of tears (shared with one person) and upset Bill.
Just the way I was feeling one year and seven months later. Believe me, I am not ungrateful!!
I feel better tonight as I write this. I know that my maintenance plan is 1/3 of the chemo meds that I was taking. So anxious to see what, if any, side effects I may have. If anything, I feel the fatigue will hit but not as severe. This plan has me only going once a week, Tuesdays, for three weeks and then one week off. We can handle this. This treatment will be monitored by my labs every 8 weeks, at which time I will have an appointment with Dr. Sarriera. You know, it's nice knowing we don't have to travel to the Cancer Center tomorrow.
Today my appointment was at 1. As we backed out of the garage, I noticed Murphy (Gery and Michelle's beautiful dog) was getting a bath. He has a pretty kiddie pool as his tub. Gery was washing him and we blew our horn. Gery looks up and waves to another car that was going by not us. Made me laugh and made some of my feelings disappear. Thanks Murphy for needing a bath!!! Extra treats for you.
Quote:
You have been assigned to this mountain to show others it can be moved.
Today, Tuesday was my first day of maintenance. As much as I have looked forward to being in remission, having all my labs good, biopsy good, I had a bit of trouble this morning knowing that I was once again starting chemo. I have had a few days here that I felt almost normal. No pills to worry about taking other then my Acyclovir, Lyrica and 3 vitamins I take in the morning. No 10 steroids by 10:30 Tuesday morning. No Cytoxan, my 11 chemo pills I take at 10 PM Tuesday nights. No Kyprolis drips Tuesday and Wednesday. No foggy head for a few days. No insomnia from the steroids. No fatigue on Friday and Saturday. I knew I would have to do some sort of chemo for my maintenance plan but I guess I had hoped it would be in a pill form not a drip. This damn Myeloma cancer lives in my somewhere and Dr. Sarriera felt the Kyprolis is keeping it at bay and wants to continue on with the drip. I trust him and his decisions. Just was a bit hard for me this morning. I kept this all to myself so not to upset me to the point of tears (shared with one person) and upset Bill.
Just the way I was feeling one year and seven months later. Believe me, I am not ungrateful!!
I feel better tonight as I write this. I know that my maintenance plan is 1/3 of the chemo meds that I was taking. So anxious to see what, if any, side effects I may have. If anything, I feel the fatigue will hit but not as severe. This plan has me only going once a week, Tuesdays, for three weeks and then one week off. We can handle this. This treatment will be monitored by my labs every 8 weeks, at which time I will have an appointment with Dr. Sarriera. You know, it's nice knowing we don't have to travel to the Cancer Center tomorrow.
Today my appointment was at 1. As we backed out of the garage, I noticed Murphy (Gery and Michelle's beautiful dog) was getting a bath. He has a pretty kiddie pool as his tub. Gery was washing him and we blew our horn. Gery looks up and waves to another car that was going by not us. Made me laugh and made some of my feelings disappear. Thanks Murphy for needing a bath!!! Extra treats for you.
Quote:
You have been assigned to this mountain to show others it can be moved.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
COW VS WOW
Yes. We got the news, we got the news. The icing on the cake. The last piece we needed. The results of my biopsy.
Dr. Sarriera knocked on the door before coming in and scared Bill and I both. Making us all laugh. He shook our hands and started by listening to my heart, checking my eyes, looking in my mouth, feeling over my head. Then asked my how I was feeling. Awesome was the word that came out. He said he was so glad to hear that. Told me to sit down in a chair and he would show us what info he had for us via the computer. Come on. Tell us what we want to hear.
He pulled up the biopsy report. Read a few things to us saying what we wanted to hear. All things looked good. Nothing showing up. Feels we won the battle and would be able to start on a maintenance plan. There is one more report he is waiting on from the biopsy but doesn't feel this will be a problem. So it's all good? Yes, all good! Wonderful!!!!
Dr. Sarriera reviewed my light chain reports. Same as before. Not concerned at this time. Bilirubin will be watched as usual. My "M spike" is still zero. And all other labs are where he wants them to be.
All is good. We know there is that minute, hidden piece of Myeloma somewhere that can attack at any time. BUT all is good right now and we will continue with a maintenance plan to prevent it from causing a relapse.
Dr. Sarriera then explained what he has determined to be the best maintenance for me at this time. I will no longer have to take the Dex and the 11 Cytoxan chemo pills. Did I hear you say no Dex? This coming from Bill. That put a big smile on his face. I will still have the Kyprolis drip but only once a week instead of twice. That will be for 3 weeks on and 1 week off. That's it. Just the chemo drip, once a week. No Dex and no Cytoxan. Just Kyprolis. He will want to see me every 8 weeks, with Myeloma labs done the week before. This will be Dr. Sarriera's way of monitoring my disease. Of course, if I have problems anytime before that visit, I can call his office.
The new plan will start next week. Will continue forever. However, Dr. Sarriera did say that maybe somewhere down the road, he may change it to every other week. And if I need a week that I may not be able to make it to the Cancer Center for treatment (traveling etc), he doesn't have a problem with me missing a week. That's it. See you in 8 weeks.
I will be watching to see how I will react to only the Kyprolis without the other two meds and only once a week. Will I still be fatigued, foggy headed, have the sinus pressure etc? We shall see.
We made my new appointment for 8 weeks to see Dr. Sarriera. The other Kyprolis drip appointments will be made by Champa, the scheduler for oncology doctors. My next appointment is at 12:30 for my 3 month Zometa drip.
Off we went to the library on the second floor to give them more brochures about our support group. Then up to 5LP to give the receptionists their Valentine box of chocolates. Lunch. Then to 2 ACC to see Pat and give her a box of Valentine chocolates. Talked with her a bit. Registered at 2 ACC to get my Zometa. Drip done for another 3 months.
Tonight we had Gery, Sandy and Denny over for dinner. Great time with some great friends. Missed Michelle though. And thank you Gery for the beautiful yellow roses. A gift for me because of my great news today.
When they were pushing me in to the OR for my biopsy, the nurse that was accomplishing me said to the guy behind me pushing - wait, COW in the road. No sorry, I meant to say WOW in the road. Of course, I was curious and had to ask. She explained that COW meant computer on wheels. Their computer stations inside the OR that are on a stand that is on wheels to be able to move around as needed. They were no longer allowed to call it that because a patient thought when they said that they were referring to a person. I am serious. So now it's WOW which means web on wheels.
Quote:
Nothing is impossible. With prayers, love and courage, you will win the battle over cancer. Never give up.
Yes. We got the news, we got the news. The icing on the cake. The last piece we needed. The results of my biopsy.
Dr. Sarriera knocked on the door before coming in and scared Bill and I both. Making us all laugh. He shook our hands and started by listening to my heart, checking my eyes, looking in my mouth, feeling over my head. Then asked my how I was feeling. Awesome was the word that came out. He said he was so glad to hear that. Told me to sit down in a chair and he would show us what info he had for us via the computer. Come on. Tell us what we want to hear.
He pulled up the biopsy report. Read a few things to us saying what we wanted to hear. All things looked good. Nothing showing up. Feels we won the battle and would be able to start on a maintenance plan. There is one more report he is waiting on from the biopsy but doesn't feel this will be a problem. So it's all good? Yes, all good! Wonderful!!!!
Dr. Sarriera reviewed my light chain reports. Same as before. Not concerned at this time. Bilirubin will be watched as usual. My "M spike" is still zero. And all other labs are where he wants them to be.
All is good. We know there is that minute, hidden piece of Myeloma somewhere that can attack at any time. BUT all is good right now and we will continue with a maintenance plan to prevent it from causing a relapse.
Dr. Sarriera then explained what he has determined to be the best maintenance for me at this time. I will no longer have to take the Dex and the 11 Cytoxan chemo pills. Did I hear you say no Dex? This coming from Bill. That put a big smile on his face. I will still have the Kyprolis drip but only once a week instead of twice. That will be for 3 weeks on and 1 week off. That's it. Just the chemo drip, once a week. No Dex and no Cytoxan. Just Kyprolis. He will want to see me every 8 weeks, with Myeloma labs done the week before. This will be Dr. Sarriera's way of monitoring my disease. Of course, if I have problems anytime before that visit, I can call his office.
The new plan will start next week. Will continue forever. However, Dr. Sarriera did say that maybe somewhere down the road, he may change it to every other week. And if I need a week that I may not be able to make it to the Cancer Center for treatment (traveling etc), he doesn't have a problem with me missing a week. That's it. See you in 8 weeks.
I will be watching to see how I will react to only the Kyprolis without the other two meds and only once a week. Will I still be fatigued, foggy headed, have the sinus pressure etc? We shall see.
We made my new appointment for 8 weeks to see Dr. Sarriera. The other Kyprolis drip appointments will be made by Champa, the scheduler for oncology doctors. My next appointment is at 12:30 for my 3 month Zometa drip.
Off we went to the library on the second floor to give them more brochures about our support group. Then up to 5LP to give the receptionists their Valentine box of chocolates. Lunch. Then to 2 ACC to see Pat and give her a box of Valentine chocolates. Talked with her a bit. Registered at 2 ACC to get my Zometa. Drip done for another 3 months.
Tonight we had Gery, Sandy and Denny over for dinner. Great time with some great friends. Missed Michelle though. And thank you Gery for the beautiful yellow roses. A gift for me because of my great news today.
When they were pushing me in to the OR for my biopsy, the nurse that was accomplishing me said to the guy behind me pushing - wait, COW in the road. No sorry, I meant to say WOW in the road. Of course, I was curious and had to ask. She explained that COW meant computer on wheels. Their computer stations inside the OR that are on a stand that is on wheels to be able to move around as needed. They were no longer allowed to call it that because a patient thought when they said that they were referring to a person. I am serious. So now it's WOW which means web on wheels.
Quote:
Nothing is impossible. With prayers, love and courage, you will win the battle over cancer. Never give up.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
28,800
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the day we hear about my biopsy. My icing on the cake! The last piece we need. No detectable Myeloma in the bone marrow is what we want to hear. Appointment with Dr. Sarriera is at 10 AM. The results and then we decide if I go to on with cycle 7 or go to a maintenance plan. So much depends on that result.
My support group meeting was last night. My "put some happy" in my life. As Bill and I are walking in to the church where our meeting is held, I hear this - Oh my! Look at you. No hat and you have hair. Wow. So happy for you. Awesome! This was our meeting leader, Ken. He noticed right away. Made me feel great. Then as the members came in, Kathie, one of the couples that sit with us a lot, looked at me when I said hello to her. A look of who are you? I finally told her and she too was ecstatic. Several other members also made remarks. Benn being one.
First we ate our dinner provided by Kelly who works for Celgen, a drug company that is the manufacturer of Ravlimid. The most widely used drug for Myeloma. The one I am allegoric to.
We then had a speaker from the IMF (International Myeloma Foundation). IMF is our sponsor. Really a great foundation. Check them out if you get a chance. Website is myeloma.org A lot of info about Myeloma.
One of the programs they have is called Black Swan. This is a program is working to find a cure for that little bit of Myeloma that we can't measure or find. That little minute, hidden piece of Myeloma we harbor even though all our numbers are good. The IMF continues with their research until a cure is found for Myeloma.
After the speaker, we started around the tables like we do each meeting and we tell our stories. I started. First - I am Kathy but many of you don't recognize me because I do not have a hat on and I have hair. It's has grown in nice all but the spot in the back from radiation. But that piece is growing too, just slower. And since I don't see it, it doesn't bother me. A big round of applause!! Next-I was diagnosed in July 2016, transplant in November 2016, relapsed, been on a treatment plan for 6 cycles, waiting on results from biopsy. All my numbers are where they should be and no signs of Myeloma at this time. A big round of applause!! Next-And finally my doctor told me that I was in REMISSION!!! Couldn't have done it without my caregiver, my husband. And another big round of applause!! I felt wonderful and full of "happy"! My support group!!!
Bill and I wanted to leave early. We had some PA visitors (Sandy and Denny) to pick up at the airport. The excitement of them being here for a bit and the wonderful feeling from my support group, well, what can I say. Anyway, Benn is headed for a bone marrow transplant April 2nd. He and his wife, Carmela, will be on vacation the week of our next meeting. Will not see him for several months. I didn't want to leave without saying something to him and giving him a hug. I walked around the tables to his, hugged him, told him good luck. He told me I looked wonderful and was so happy to hear my good news. Hugged Carmela and she told me she was going to start a blog once Benn was ready for his transplant and would send me the site. This will keep me aware of his blight with the transplant.
Did you know that you, on an average, blink 15 to 20 times per minute, 1,200 times per hour and 28,800 times a day? Information I learned today while in a doctor's office. Thought I would share it for what it is worth. :)
Quote:
Stand in your light and shine brightly because that is how you will defeat darkness.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the day we hear about my biopsy. My icing on the cake! The last piece we need. No detectable Myeloma in the bone marrow is what we want to hear. Appointment with Dr. Sarriera is at 10 AM. The results and then we decide if I go to on with cycle 7 or go to a maintenance plan. So much depends on that result.
My support group meeting was last night. My "put some happy" in my life. As Bill and I are walking in to the church where our meeting is held, I hear this - Oh my! Look at you. No hat and you have hair. Wow. So happy for you. Awesome! This was our meeting leader, Ken. He noticed right away. Made me feel great. Then as the members came in, Kathie, one of the couples that sit with us a lot, looked at me when I said hello to her. A look of who are you? I finally told her and she too was ecstatic. Several other members also made remarks. Benn being one.
First we ate our dinner provided by Kelly who works for Celgen, a drug company that is the manufacturer of Ravlimid. The most widely used drug for Myeloma. The one I am allegoric to.
We then had a speaker from the IMF (International Myeloma Foundation). IMF is our sponsor. Really a great foundation. Check them out if you get a chance. Website is myeloma.org A lot of info about Myeloma.
One of the programs they have is called Black Swan. This is a program is working to find a cure for that little bit of Myeloma that we can't measure or find. That little minute, hidden piece of Myeloma we harbor even though all our numbers are good. The IMF continues with their research until a cure is found for Myeloma.
After the speaker, we started around the tables like we do each meeting and we tell our stories. I started. First - I am Kathy but many of you don't recognize me because I do not have a hat on and I have hair. It's has grown in nice all but the spot in the back from radiation. But that piece is growing too, just slower. And since I don't see it, it doesn't bother me. A big round of applause!! Next-I was diagnosed in July 2016, transplant in November 2016, relapsed, been on a treatment plan for 6 cycles, waiting on results from biopsy. All my numbers are where they should be and no signs of Myeloma at this time. A big round of applause!! Next-And finally my doctor told me that I was in REMISSION!!! Couldn't have done it without my caregiver, my husband. And another big round of applause!! I felt wonderful and full of "happy"! My support group!!!
Bill and I wanted to leave early. We had some PA visitors (Sandy and Denny) to pick up at the airport. The excitement of them being here for a bit and the wonderful feeling from my support group, well, what can I say. Anyway, Benn is headed for a bone marrow transplant April 2nd. He and his wife, Carmela, will be on vacation the week of our next meeting. Will not see him for several months. I didn't want to leave without saying something to him and giving him a hug. I walked around the tables to his, hugged him, told him good luck. He told me I looked wonderful and was so happy to hear my good news. Hugged Carmela and she told me she was going to start a blog once Benn was ready for his transplant and would send me the site. This will keep me aware of his blight with the transplant.
Did you know that you, on an average, blink 15 to 20 times per minute, 1,200 times per hour and 28,800 times a day? Information I learned today while in a doctor's office. Thought I would share it for what it is worth. :)
Quote:
Stand in your light and shine brightly because that is how you will defeat darkness.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
It is my hair.
Today was the end of cycle 6. Is it the end of my treatment plan moving me on to a maintenance plan? Could be. The bone marrow biopsy results will be the deciding factor. The bone marrow biopsy results will soon be back to Dr. Sarriera so he can make the decision as to where to go from here. Well, first I have to have the biopsy done. That's this Friday, the 9th. Have to be at the hospital at 9 for registration. Ugh. Surgery is scheduled for 11. Takes about 30 to do. Prep time takes longer than the surgery.
My 24 hour urine collection starts in the early AM tomorrow and goes to early Friday AM. This is a note to self so when they ask when was the last time I did this, I can refer back to my blog. I have referred back several times when I can't remember when I did something or when they had me do something they couldn't remember. Like earlier, I couldn't remember when my last bone marrow biopsy was done. Found it here. Even found out they did it on the left side the last time. So will be asking them to use the right side this time. Good info to keep me remembering. One of the reasons I started my blog in the beginning. That and to express my feelings, good or bad, during this battle. And what a battle it's been. Soon to be 2 years. Still fighting!!! Still praying!!!
Had a few chemo moments this week. I was taking my 11 Cytoxan last night and started to panic. Ran to find Bill and was hysterical saying that I took my Cytoxan last night, Tuesday, and took them again tonight, Wednesday. OMG, what was I to do?? Well, Bill told me that it was Tuesday and not Wednesday and I was to be taking them. Took me a bit to calm down. Then tonight I told him that I had to fast starting 12 PM tonight for my surgery tomorrow. Well, tomorrow is Thursday and not Friday. Duh. I hate when this stuff happens. I know it's chemo brain. Ben has the same thing happening too. I also have trouble remember words when I am talking. Like I was trying to explain or ask Bill something about, uh, uh, uh, my iPad. Maddening.
I have worn a hat for so long, removing it when I get hot. Lately there has been several times since I have stopped wearing hats, I was hot and reached up to take my hat off only to find out I didn't have one on. It is my hair making me sweat. It is my hair up there. It is my hair that's taken so long to get to a point I could have Cynthia (my hairdresser) cut and style so I can go out without my hat. It is my hair that I can even use a blow dryer on. It is my hair all salt and pepper looking; more pepper. The only spot that isn't covered by much more than peach fuzz is the area when the radiation zapped it. But it's growing slowly but surely. I don't feel uncomfortable going anywhere without a hat. I can't see the back anyway. It is my hair.
Quote:
I will say having someone pick you up when fall, stand by your side through every appointment, every treatment, there for bad news and there for good news, there to hold you when you cry, laugh with you at your stupid mistakes and this list goes on, is invaluable.
I
Today was the end of cycle 6. Is it the end of my treatment plan moving me on to a maintenance plan? Could be. The bone marrow biopsy results will be the deciding factor. The bone marrow biopsy results will soon be back to Dr. Sarriera so he can make the decision as to where to go from here. Well, first I have to have the biopsy done. That's this Friday, the 9th. Have to be at the hospital at 9 for registration. Ugh. Surgery is scheduled for 11. Takes about 30 to do. Prep time takes longer than the surgery.
My 24 hour urine collection starts in the early AM tomorrow and goes to early Friday AM. This is a note to self so when they ask when was the last time I did this, I can refer back to my blog. I have referred back several times when I can't remember when I did something or when they had me do something they couldn't remember. Like earlier, I couldn't remember when my last bone marrow biopsy was done. Found it here. Even found out they did it on the left side the last time. So will be asking them to use the right side this time. Good info to keep me remembering. One of the reasons I started my blog in the beginning. That and to express my feelings, good or bad, during this battle. And what a battle it's been. Soon to be 2 years. Still fighting!!! Still praying!!!
Had a few chemo moments this week. I was taking my 11 Cytoxan last night and started to panic. Ran to find Bill and was hysterical saying that I took my Cytoxan last night, Tuesday, and took them again tonight, Wednesday. OMG, what was I to do?? Well, Bill told me that it was Tuesday and not Wednesday and I was to be taking them. Took me a bit to calm down. Then tonight I told him that I had to fast starting 12 PM tonight for my surgery tomorrow. Well, tomorrow is Thursday and not Friday. Duh. I hate when this stuff happens. I know it's chemo brain. Ben has the same thing happening too. I also have trouble remember words when I am talking. Like I was trying to explain or ask Bill something about, uh, uh, uh, my iPad. Maddening.
I have worn a hat for so long, removing it when I get hot. Lately there has been several times since I have stopped wearing hats, I was hot and reached up to take my hat off only to find out I didn't have one on. It is my hair making me sweat. It is my hair up there. It is my hair that's taken so long to get to a point I could have Cynthia (my hairdresser) cut and style so I can go out without my hat. It is my hair that I can even use a blow dryer on. It is my hair all salt and pepper looking; more pepper. The only spot that isn't covered by much more than peach fuzz is the area when the radiation zapped it. But it's growing slowly but surely. I don't feel uncomfortable going anywhere without a hat. I can't see the back anyway. It is my hair.
Quote:
I will say having someone pick you up when fall, stand by your side through every appointment, every treatment, there for bad news and there for good news, there to hold you when you cry, laugh with you at your stupid mistakes and this list goes on, is invaluable.
I
Monday, February 5, 2018
Dee
Tomorrow starts my Cycle 6, week 3, day 1. Then day 2 on Wednesday. Maybe, just maybe, this will be my last cycle and I will be able to go on maintenance. Bone marrow biopsy this Friday will be the deciding factor. So we need not to find any Myeloma in the bone marrow. I won't know that until I have my appointment with Dr. Sarriera on the 14th. That's Valentine's Day so I am thinking he should have a big box of chocolates for me.
The weekend was pretty good for me. Friday, of course, I was out of it most of the day. Fatigue really sets in that day. Saturday, just some sinus pressure and a dull headache. Finally broke down and took a Tylenol. Helped. Michelle and Gery came over Saturday evening. So nice that we are all no longer sick and can visit. Was a long time, either we were sick or they were. Sunday, good day. Got a manicure and then went to pick up Mom. She wanted to watch the game with me. And boy did she watch it. Such screaming, clapping, jumping up and down for an 87 year old!!!! She, I guess you figured, was for the Eagles. I said this before, but it amazes me how much she knows about football. Past and present. Monday, feel pretty good. Took mom home and mailed some packages. So my Saturday, Sunday and Monday were pretty decent days for me. And tomorrow, I start back on the Dex and chemo. A few days of foggy head and just not feeling that great. Looking forward to Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
With a heavy heart I have to say my sister-in-law, Dee, past away on Saturday, Feb 4th. What a special lady she was. We will miss her so much. She loved her family and they were her first priority. She loved her extended family. Bill and I will not be able to attend the services because of my schedule of treatments and surgery on Friday. Breaks my heart to no end. I know my nephew Markie and niece Mitzi understand but it still hurts me. Dee, I will miss you!!!
Quote:
Today will never come again. Take time to care. Let your words heal and not wound.
Tomorrow starts my Cycle 6, week 3, day 1. Then day 2 on Wednesday. Maybe, just maybe, this will be my last cycle and I will be able to go on maintenance. Bone marrow biopsy this Friday will be the deciding factor. So we need not to find any Myeloma in the bone marrow. I won't know that until I have my appointment with Dr. Sarriera on the 14th. That's Valentine's Day so I am thinking he should have a big box of chocolates for me.
The weekend was pretty good for me. Friday, of course, I was out of it most of the day. Fatigue really sets in that day. Saturday, just some sinus pressure and a dull headache. Finally broke down and took a Tylenol. Helped. Michelle and Gery came over Saturday evening. So nice that we are all no longer sick and can visit. Was a long time, either we were sick or they were. Sunday, good day. Got a manicure and then went to pick up Mom. She wanted to watch the game with me. And boy did she watch it. Such screaming, clapping, jumping up and down for an 87 year old!!!! She, I guess you figured, was for the Eagles. I said this before, but it amazes me how much she knows about football. Past and present. Monday, feel pretty good. Took mom home and mailed some packages. So my Saturday, Sunday and Monday were pretty decent days for me. And tomorrow, I start back on the Dex and chemo. A few days of foggy head and just not feeling that great. Looking forward to Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
With a heavy heart I have to say my sister-in-law, Dee, past away on Saturday, Feb 4th. What a special lady she was. We will miss her so much. She loved her family and they were her first priority. She loved her extended family. Bill and I will not be able to attend the services because of my schedule of treatments and surgery on Friday. Breaks my heart to no end. I know my nephew Markie and niece Mitzi understand but it still hurts me. Dee, I will miss you!!!
Quote:
Today will never come again. Take time to care. Let your words heal and not wound.
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