Monday, November 16, 2009

Blood Work And Oncologist Visit

I just got back from the clinic. My time there was a bit long because the lab was running behind. We didn’t have all the results of all my blood work back but we had enough for the oncologist to send me to the pharmacist for my Xeloda pills.

In my visit with the oncologist, I brought forward a couple issues. The first issue being that I have a crackling kind of sound coming out of my lungs. It occurs in the evening when I’m laying down to go to bed. It’s not a new side effect but it is definitely more noticeable. I also mentioned I was coughing more and had some signs of shortness of breath. The other side effect I mentioned was the swelling of my feet. She didn’t seem too concerned and said we’d keep an eye on both issues.

I also asked her about taking the Xeloda pills. The prescription says I should take the pills twice a day ... so my question was ... should I set an alarm for 6:00 am? She said no ... just take them when I wake up in the morning and then in the evening with my supper. The one thing I was reminded to do that I wasn’t doing was to drink lots of water. She said we need to flush the Xeloda out of my system ... especially my kidneys.

That is about all I remember for now.

10 comments:

Michelle said...

They want mum to start on this Xeloda too, and another thing. I don't think she will. But you never know do you.

Drink the water! Get that crap out of you.

xxxx

Sherry said...

Great reminder about the water...it's so important in the flushing that's necessary to help your body!

Peggy said...

Daria;

I go tomorow to the clinic and blood work. Always hate this trip.
I know that you understand friend!

Tina said...

I'm supposed to drink water also to flush the chemo out of my system. My oncology nurse told me the drugs can irritate the bladder if they stay in there too long. I have trouble doing this because my chemo gives me the extreme cold senstivity, and I hate warm water! But I do try...

SweetAnnee said...

Not a drug I had heard of ..checked it out.
I have metastic Breast Cancer..BUT I'm not taking any drugs right now
Thank You God!!

and yes..water drink water drink water drink

Barbar said...

I admire the bloggers of cancer survivors, for sharing their plight with others. Last winter, when I was on chemo, (breast cancer) I was so down, I shared very little about my cancer. Then spring came, my hair grew back, and I stepped out the door to face the world. My blood count is still way to low, but I'm still here to fight another day.

Renee said...

Love you Daria. Keep the faith.

xoxoxo

donna peach said...

Dropping by to say hi. Keep an eye out on that shortness of breath and other symptoms. Remind your doctor about it, too. Been busy here with side effects :). Heading to doctor's appt now. Hugs

Carol Urban said...

Xeloda turns into 5-FU inside the body. So even though I can't do Xeloda I can tolerate the 5-FU. Remember what I told you and drink plenty of water. You don't want to go toxic.

RivkA with a capital A said...

Hey Daria,

I was diagnosed with brain mets in June and I fell off the planet. Sorry for disappearing.

I'm doing better now and also on Xeloda. It makes me very thirsty, all the time. Keep a bottle handy - it helps to drink more often.

I drink water for the most part, but also a lot of milk.

I posted a couple times about Xeloda

I'm in the middle of writing you an email.

I also added you to my blogroll, so I will be able to see when you post.

Keep the spirit!
RivkA