Drew Carey And The Million Dollar Challenge

Drew Carey will give 1 million dollars to LIVESTRONG if he gets 1 million followers on Twitter by December 31st, 2009. And if he doesn’t get a million he will prorate it to however many followers he has by the end of the year.

Cool eh!

Xeloda Side Effects - Cycle One

I sure want to thank everyone who has left comments and sent emails on their experience with Xeloda. I have a bit more confidence taking it now that I have an idea what to watch for when it comes to too much Xeloda.

One of the side effects the oncologist told me to watch for was red swollen hands and feet. She said if my palms become red and swollen to the point I can’t see the creases, I need to call the triage nurse immediately. I’ve already experienced the redness on my hands and feet. I see it first thing in the morning. It’s like I got sunburn on the palms of my hands and bottoms of my feet.

I’ve only got this evening and tomorrows Xeloda to take and then I’ll be done with 14 days of pills. After that I have one week with no pills which will end my first three week cycle.

How Am I Feeling?

Well I’ve been feeling mildly nauseated and a little headachy. My head feels full and sound seems to be amplified. It’s like I’m hypersensitive to stimulus. Unfortunately this makes me easily agitated.

Last week I said my coughing had improved ... well that was short lived because I’ve been coughing a bit more. I think the fluid around my lungs must be getting worse because I’m also experiencing some shortness of breath.

As far as fatigue goes ... it’s not too bad but I have been sleeping like 10 hours a night.

All in all, I feel ‘grumpy’ in the mornings and better in the afternoons.

Canadian Cancer Society - Join The Fight - Visit FIGHTBACK.CA

WARNING: COURSE LANGUAGE

Keeping Busy

Yesterday afternoon we had our Breast Cancer support group coffee. As always, it’s nice to get together with the ladies. Everyone seems to be doing well.

I came home and feverishly worked on my school project. It is a group project ... so there are three of us working together. My task was to create a survey for a group of employees. We are analysing training for a company’s department. Last night I emailed the first draft to my partners ... hopefully, with a little fine tuning, it will be what we need. I’ve still got a cover letter and letter of agreement to put together. Normally, this isn’t something I’d like to be doing but it keeps my mind occupied so I’m OK with it.

With regards to the new chemo, Xeloda, I’m still feeling pretty good. I’ve had a couple of bouts of diarrhea. I’m hoping it’s because I added some dairy products back into my diet. I’m eliminating those immediately. My other challenge is eating first thing in the morning and then later in the evening. Xeloda has to be taken with food twice a day.

Maybe I could ask the Xeloda blogger followers how you handled taking the pills. Did you take those 12 hours apart ... if not, how many hours apart? What time do you take the pills? What type of food do you eat when you take your pills? I don’t digest well late in the evening and therefore am looking for something simple to eat when I take my pills ... any suggestions?

Virtual Flowers

Michelle, a fellow breast cancer survivor sent me some flowers via email. Please stop by her site, Michelle's Next Phase and send her some 'positive vibrations'.

Xeloda Week 2

Well the good news is that I still don’t have any real side effects of the Xeloda. I’ve been feeling pretty good.

I just got back from the ‘Living with Cancer’ support group and later today I have my class.

My mind is a bit blank so I think that is all for now.

Race To End Women's Cancer Marathon In Washington, D.C.

I’ve been asked to help promote the Race to End Women's Cancer Marathon that will take in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 7:00 am.

Here is the 31 second PSA.

Family Time

Yesterday we were over at my sister A and her husband's place for lunch. Her daughter was in from out of town and we wanted to make sure and get a visit in. We ended up having a nice lunch and spending most of the afternoon together.

This morning, it was off to breakfast with my other sister D and my mom. I brought my chemo pills along so I could take them at the restaurant ... still not quite used to the idea of taking chemo by pill. As far as side effects go, I’m doing real well ... in fact I have none to speak of. Of course I know that could change any day but I'm happily appreciating each day I have no ill effects.

Just woke up from a nap so I think that’s all for now ...

Happy Halloween!

Xeloda – Day 4

Well I’m glad to say I don’t have much to report when it comes to Xeloda side effects. The odd time I have a gurgle in my stomach but really that is all. I’m careful to eat small non-dairy meals and so far so good.

My biggest challenge has been to eat as soon as I wake so that I can take my chemo pills shortly afterwards. Prior to this week I’d probably have my first bit of food around 10:00 in the morning and even that might just be a fruit or a bit of yogurt. The pharmacist said I should take Xeloda within 30 minutes after a meal … and a fruit just doesn’t cut it as a meal.

Xeloda – Day 3

When I brushed my teeth last night I had a little blood on my toothbrush so the gums are getting a bit sensitive. My eyes are still watering from the Taxotere and may continue to water from the Xeloda.

Today I had an appointment at the clinic to finish off the study I was on. The only concern I brought to the oncologist is that the top of my left foot was a bit swollen and sore. She looked at it and said ... let’s just watch it for now. It might just be a build-up of fluid from a pair of tighter shoes I’d been wearing, as my legs are still retaining quite a bit of water. On a positive note, since I’m no longer on Taxotere or the steroids, that swelling should go down. And that pouch of fluid under my chin should start disappearing too. My face will start returning to normal as opposed to the round faced I developed... and my chemo belly should also go down. I can’t even tell you how good that makes me feel.

My next appointment is almost three weeks away. Hooray!