Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Xeloda – Day One

This morning I started my new chemo pills and about two and half hours later I felt a bit flushed and lite headed. Something was kicking in but I don’t quite know what. I’m being extra careful of what I eat and drink. I’m going to stay away from dairy products for a bit till I figure this thing out. My stomach gurgles every once in a while but not too bad. The only prescription I have to help with nausea and or stomach issues is Metoclopramide. I found it helpful when I was on Taxotere and I’ve been OK`d to go on this drug with Xeloda.

Last night I slept on my stomach for the first time in about a year. The reason I avoided sleeping on my stomach is because I had either a CVC on my chest or a PICC line on my arm and I was afraid I’d pull it out in my sleep. It felt really good sleeping on my stomach and very liberating not having any attachments.

This morning I went to the ‘living with cancer’ support group. At the end of it all, I asked if anyone would like to get together for coffee sometimes. Everyone jumped at the idea so I offered to take emails and organize it. Now to find a nice central location … with parking.

11 comments:

Sherry said...

Changes for you as you start this new drug...and look at you, organizing a coffee get together..I love how you keep savouring life and living it -- you are filled with spirit Daria!

Arlene said...

Your last bit of this blog entry certainly made me smile as it brought back memories of you doing the very same thing with our group back in 2000! And here we are still getting together every two weeks whenever possible. I know this new group will find you to be the treasure that we all do, and that they will gain strength, hope and courage from each other.

from one of the 'breast friends' support group ..... see you next Wednesday!

nollyposh said...

GOOd on you! <3

Karen said...

There is something so wonderful about being able to sleep in a particular comfy position! Especially if that position has been denied to you. Hope you have a wonderful night's sleep tonight.

Dr. Swill said...

I guess the good comes with the bad, but sounds like more good than bad!!!

I know how liberated you must feel after shedding your PICC line. It's how I felt when they finally removed my feeding tube after 2 years. I was like a kid again!!!

I know we need those things to make the journey easier, but I don't know how I lasted so long! I'm so happy for you and I hope this new med kicks some cancer butt!!!

I'm so happy to hear that you also have a great support group!

Hugs!

Peace B

http://beyondtheglassdoor.blogspot.com/

TNBCAmazon said...

Hi Daria,
Congratulations on being able to sleep on your stomach again! It must be nice to finally have that bit of control over your body back. I very much admire your spirit, and your willingness to find something positive in life...
Also, I am glad to hear that you seem to be tolerating the chemo pretty well so far. And hey, I hear no more steroids for you. That's an even bigger reason to celebrate.

So I hope that this new treatment does the trick for you -- and that the side effects may be minimal, as well well as tolerable.

Thinking of you even when I'm not posting...

Barry said...

I just started taking Paclitaxel today. At least it is a drug completely given at the chemo day care and not one I have to bring home and attempt to sleep with a pump and PICC line.

Taking Xeloda in pill form must feel totally liberating!

Carol Urban said...

I'm really glad the Xeloda is working out for you. Please make sure you drink enough fluids and eat enough while on this particular med!!

Big hugs on being able to sleep in a particularly satisfying position!

Renee said...

What a great idea to do with your group.

I forgot to tell you that I was put on B6? I think while I was on xeloda.

I never needed anything at all for nausea on xeloda. Just really watch the dairy.

Also make sure you put cream on every day and find out about the tykerb. Cream for your hands and feet.

I had diarrhea but nothing I couldn't handle.

My nurse told me that one lady was on it for three years it worked so well on her.

Love Renee xoxoxo

Bill said...

Daria:

Good vibes, thoughts, and prayers are coming up your way from down here in Denver!

Keep up the fight - you are an inspiration to the rest of us fighting this disease.

-Bill

The Dirty Pink Underbelly said...

Daria,

I, too, attended a cancer support group, for the first time, tonight. I was surprised to find THREE women in attendance with METS. On has it also on her liver and is on Xeloda also, though she calls it "Za-load-o'-crap". haha. I hope all goes well for you with this drug.

My eyes are finally being opened to being able to LIVE with METS, that it's not a death sentence. The group tonight was really great for me.

I still can't sleep though. But several people there confirmed insomnia to be a side-effect of Femara that they also had to deal with. I may have to ask my Dr. to change me to one of the other meds.

My prayers are with you!