Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tired .... Tired ... Tired

Last night I made a decision not to go to class. I was just too irritated, tired and unfocused. I ended up going to bed at just after 7:00 pm. I took an Adivan around 7:30. I was sooo tired I can't even tell you. Shortly afterwords, I fell asleep and woke up around 12 hours later. This morning I had breakfast and once again fell asleep for about an hour and a half. I may do the same this afternoon. I'm just so tired.

Yesterday afternoon, I went and had my dry dressing changed on my PICC line. When the nurse took the dressing off, we saw a couple new irritations. The Friday before when she changed my dressing she said she was afraid the PICC line might come out if not secured properly so she may have secured it a bit too tight which caused some new sores. Her concern was that without this little lock 'thingy' we haven't been using ... because my skin is too sensitive, there is a chance my PICC could slip out.

She just reminded me to stay away from yard work. To be honest, I don't do much of anything anymore, so that isn't even a concern. My concern would be that I would inadvertently pick up something that is heavier than I should.

This particular nurse had a great suggestion and that was for me to always book appointments with her instead of a different nurse each time. That way she could see how the area was healing. What a great idea ... I'm all over that one. I no longer have to explain to each nurse all the different adhesives we've tried and yes my skin is that sensitive and so on.

So we are switching to dressing changes every two days and see how that goes.

So in our chit chat, we briefly talked about the Mayo Clinic, going to Mexico for treatment and the 'mashed asparagus' breakfast dinner lunch remedy. I still haven't heard any good reason to change treatments. I think what I'm getting right here right now is the best I can get.

I just received an email regarding a fellow metastatic breast cancer survivor. She passed away today. Thou I'd never met her I was told she was quite the lady ... a real fighter.

May you rest in peace, my fellow pink warrior.

19 comments:

Michelle said...

Oh that's sad Daria.

Mexico? It's interesting isn't it. I've had mum on some of that for a year now and so far so good, not for the lung though.

I hope you have a little magic in your day today Daria, I know it's hard to see it on chemo days, sending you a gentle hug and tucking you in xxxxx

Debby said...

Oh, Daria! You've got a lot on your plate right now, and I'm sure that the death of your friend was upsetting. Sleep as much as you need to, and when you wake up, you'll be ready to pick right up where you left off.

Renee said...

Daria I am so sorry for us when I hear that. Very sorry.

I know how tired you are. I understand.

If that lock irritates you, tell her not to put it on. I don't wear one.

You are an angel in this world Daria.

xoxoxo

Roxanne said...

I am so sorry for you for the loss of your friend.I am glad though that you are able to get that much needed rest. XOXOXO

Dee said...

I'm sorry to hear about the death of another woman with metastatic breast cancer. I hope she rests in peace.

It is so hard for me to take it easy when I'm feeling tired. I'm getting better at it, but still I try to do too much. So, take care! I'm glad you didn't go to class.

Take care of yourself.

Jill said...

Daria, I know it is so hard. I am glad you are getting some sleep but your body is telling you it needs it.It's a good thing to listen to your body!
I am so sorry that it ended this way for your friend.It's sad when we lose one of our pink warriors especially when we all fight so hard for our life.
Sweet dreams tonight Daria.
Hugs
Jill.

Holly said...

tired is so understandable and rest is a very, very good thing...i am deeply saddened by the death of another of our sisters....and, i get it about the PICC line. i had 2 more chemo tx's to go when mine gave out - why? because i was folding laundry and lifted my arms up to high to 'fluff' the sheets....having the PICC line was a big pain, but much better than getting an IV every time...hope it holds!

Beth said...

Hi Daria, sad news... Hope you're feeling better soon. I don't know how much chemo you have left, but have you considered a port instead of the picc, to avoid all these dressings? At least having the same nurse from now on will make things better.

Take care...

Anonymous said...

Very sad news about your friend. I am so sorry to hear that.
I think the idea of one nurse is a very good one. Hopefully between the two of you, you will find some solutions. Get lots of rest. Stay well.

Denise said...

I am so sorry that you are down.... I have no understand of where you are in this walk .... I dare not even try ..... I just know that prayer is heard and I will pray.. I pray for your spirit man, that you will be renewed in your spirit man and that joy will come from the inside where God lives..... I am sorry about your pink warrior that has gone on......... All of you ladies are warriors! Bless you my friend and peace to you........ I will pray.....

Sherry said...

There is a sadness we feel when a fellow warrior passes away. We may never meet face to face but we know one another because we've walked the same path. May her wings fly her far into new journeys.

As for you and sleeping...let your body have it's way...the best thing you can do.

And a brilliant idea Daria to have the same nurse each time...she sounds like a wonderful nurse...and a wonderful person!

Alli said...

Daria sorry about your friend.

Get as much rest as your body needs....
alli xo

Anonymous said...

Hello Daria
The best thing right now is rest.
You are a amazing woman, you are truly special. I enjoy reading your blog and find you to be a inspiration. Thank you

Sara Diana said...

Hi Daria,
My district nurse took photographs of my operation scar so that she and her colleagues could monitor its healing. The bruising was so so bad I had a haematoma which has only just clearing. It was a good idea, maybe your nurse should do that with your picc line? Its good to have continuity anyway, stick with the same nurse, its good for you x

Unknown said...

so sad dear one
glad you have slept,, and i can relate to the tiredness
sending love as always daria

Ces Adorio said...

Daria, I hope this comment finds you in a better state. I see you visit Renee regularly and I came here today to say hello. However, I noticed you don't have the Renee award in either blog. I am not sure if you choose not to post awards but if it is because it has not made its way here yet, I want you to have it today:

I Ces, happily present this award to you Daria! You are Renee’s Friend and should rightly have this award. I shall quote my dearest friend Bella from on here.

Bella says:

"This one is meaningful to me in three profound ways. Firstly, it was created in honor of Renee, one human being who has made such a difference in the lives of many just by being. Her honestly, wit, intelligence, and grit are a tremendous source of inspiration. She can elicit raucous laughter and guffaws in her banter, and then turn right around and offer the most heartfelt, gentle words of wisdom and emotional support. She is a spreader of love, simple and true. And her love is infectious.

Secondly, this award was created in collaboration with one of my best friends, Ces. She is, in Renee's own words, truly original. She is an incredible artist, both in pen and ink and paint. She is fiery passion with a gentle hand. She is laughter, fun, joy, intellectual stimulation, a sister. The concept and design of the award belong to Ces.

Thirdly, this is a brand new award, and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds its way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns…"

And now!
I present this award to you. here is the award logo. You can copy it from my blog:

http://cesandherdishes.blogspot.com/2009/03/renee-award.html

or at Bella's:

http://bellasinclair.blogspot.com/search?q=renee+award

There you go!

Barry said...

Sorry to hear about the death of your friend. Cancer is a terrible thing.

Sounds like you found a great nurse though! Some very caring people seem to go into cancer care.

My first chemo was canceled at the last minute yesterday and I was sent for a bone marrow extraction instead.

I'm not sure which would have been worse. But at least I don't feel tired this morning.

Anonymous said...

As i always said, you've got to stay positive at all times. Do not allow sad news to overwhelm your high spirit. You're of much better stuff. Hugs & kisses from all of us.

JoAnnA Pierotti said...

Dear Daria,
Bless you for leaving me a comment sending prayers for us. Two weeks ago to Ron had his brain surgery. Two years ago I battled Breast Cancer/stage III. Chemo is so hard and I give you a million cheers for doing it again. I don't know if I could be that brave again.

I will now keep you in my prayers. God bless you. Off to read more of your blog.

joanna