Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Chemo Yesterday

I had my chemo treatment yesterday. It was quite uneventful ... which is a good thing. My appointment was in the afternoon and by that time all the beds were in use and I ended up in a chair. Call me spoiled but I like the beds better.

Last night, I went to bed at about 9:30 and woke at 12:15 just a few short hours later feeling hot and with the need to go to the bathroom. I had two bouts of diarrhea. Fell asleep on the couch at about 2:30 and slept till about 6:30 when I woke with a need to go to the bathroom one more time ... diarrhea.

I started chemo in August of 2008 and in March of this year the dosage was dropped by 25%. When I had full strength, I struggled with constipation and now with the reduced dosage I struggle with diarrhea.

I had half a protein bar and half a cup of coffee for breakfast. After having a shower, I’m feeling like getting out and about to enjoy the last couple of days before the remaining side effects of the chemo kick in.

18 comments:

Tracey said...

Just what you don't need on top of chemo!

Stay rested and try to eat some dry toast to line your tum too xxx

Jean said...

Stay strong! This can't be at all easy or even tolerable. I'm thinking of you.

Sara Diana said...

Pity about the bed. Do your chairs recline? The ones in our suite do and they are very comfy. Luckily my chemo is administered by a nurse so as long as they can canulise me it is quite a quick process. Hope you keep well x

Jill said...

Darn that diarrhea!If you feel like getting out for awhile you definitely should but make sure you rest and eat a little.
After my 3rd one landed me in the hospital mine was reduced as well.
Take care Daria.

Beth said...

Yes, get out and enjoy some nice weather (until pj time)! I'm feeling much better right now, thanks for your support!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh Ackkkk hon.. I'm so sorry you feel punk!! Huge gentle hugs, Sarah

Michelle said...

Erk. Poor you. xxx

Tina said...

I like the reclining chairs. The beds are in separate rooms, and I like to be out where I can see everything. And I ALWAYS get a heated blanket! :)
Enjoy your time before the side effects kick in. I usually end up feeling like I should use that time for housework..yuk!
Take care!
Tina

Silver said...

A little walk is good.. do have a good rest.

~Silver
Reflections/
Tantalizing Treats

Paul Serchia said...

Take care of yourself, Daria! I've been following your adventures ever since you popped up on my blog a while back. Be strong! -Paul

Bill said...

Hang in there Daria! Thanks for your kind words and support on my blog - it's good to have connected with you.
-Bill (from Denver)

Anonymous said...

Oh man, it's always something with that damn chemo! Seriously, I don't know which is worse - going constantly or not at all! Both, I hate. Hope you got out and about for a bit today - gorgeous out there.

TNBCAmazon said...

Well, at least you say the chemo itself was uneventful, thankfully. But the diarrhea is a bummer. It is strange how the same drug just at different dosages can have such divergent effects. In any case, I admire your spunk to venture on out after all and enjoy the last few good days. You go girl!!! Hope you had some fun today.
Oh, and do remember to take the Ativan for sleep to balance out that awful decadron...
Feel better!

Anonymous said...

Thats chemo..... unfortunately
Rest as much as you can and when you feel better enjoy the weather
Take care of yourself.....
Stay well Daria

Carol Urban said...

The results of my PET scan are that it looks like my cancer is back. There is a spot on the right ovary. There are at least four lymph nodes involved this time. One near the pancreas and others in the chest.

They want to biopsy what's in the chest. They aren't sure it's cancer. It could be an infection. They don't want to start chemo until we know what we're dealing with. He's only focused on one and that one is less than half an inch in diameter.

I don't know any more than that. I won't know more until I hear from my oncologist on 7/28. Yesterday's meeting was with my surgical oncologist in Pittsburgh.

They said they already know I respond well to chemo, it did extend my life one year already, so I'll do the same chemo (Folfox regimen) if it turns out to be cancer.

That's about it. Sorry it is bad news but it could have been worse. I cried all afternoon now I'm done crying about it and will deal with it.

We have not shared the news with family and my son Ralph & bride Jessica are still on their honeymoon. We won't tell anyone until they get back.

Peggy said...

It's those darm side problems..so sorry! You seem to have your window of opportunity pretty much down pat. I'm learning so much from you, thank you!!!!

Michelle said...

Ugh, sorry to hear you are feeling awful right now. Hang in there and hopefully you'll be able to enjoy the next few days :) Thinking of you...

~Michelle

Glynis said...

I much preferred the beds, too. I sure hope you are okay now and that the worst is over for this time around. Blessings x