Update on chemo treatments
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:57 pm
I thought I would post an update on my cancer journey. I know it's been a while but I wanted to see how things were going to go. I also have not had a lot of energy to sit too long at the computer!
I have completed my first 3 chemo treatments. Each time the side effects got worse, which the doctor said could happen. The last treatment, on 6/25 was the roughest. I have had a lot of joint, bone and muscle pain, each time lasting a little longer. I have also had bad stomach pain, gastritis like symptoms that also started radiating to my chest. I did end up in the ER one day because of the chest pain, but everything is OK with my heart. I am followed by a gastroenterologist, who said my tests do show irritation to the stomach lining. I am on a couple of meds to help with that, but it doesn't take away the pain completely. The chest discomfort makes it hard to breathe sometimes, so that is bothersome. I also feel very tired most of the time which is pretty much expected from what I'm told! But all in all I am doing well. My oncologist says my tumor markers and exams indicate that the chemo is working and he is very pleased (and so am I)! He says when levels drop as fast as mine have, it is a very good sign and the prognosis is much better! He will know more once I have the hysterectomy done. That is scheduled for August 3rd. He said today that if there is no sign of cancer after my surgery, I may only need 2 more chemo treatments instead of 3! I won't be really at ease until after the surgery and I know more about what the doctor finds.
Life sure is different when you go through something like this. It seems like my calendar is filled with weekly blood draws, IV fluids and doctor appointments, not to mention the appointments I take my mom to also! It makes you appreciate every minute you have and I look at things a lot differently too. But it has also drawn me even closer to family and friends and that is a blessing!
I worry about all the added stress on my dh. He works full time, does laundry, helps with supper when he needs to, takes care of me when I'm feeling bad plus takes me to the hospital for whatever I need if I can't drive. But he's been like that all through our 30+ year marriage! He's the best! Besides all that, he's so good about checking on my mom and helping her with whatever she needs. I feel so guilty that I can't do what I need and want to because of how I feel most of the time. I know he doesn't mind, he's worried about me and hates that I'm going through this. It's just a rough time right now, but I know we'll come through it, together.
I know there are a lot of people going through this that are having a worse time than me. I know that treatment is temporary so I can get through what I need to do! I do what I can, rest when I need to and I have so much love and support from my dh, family and friends! I know there is a purpose in all this and that I am bound for much greater things!
Thanks to you all for well wishes, prayers and messages you've sent me! You'll never know how much it has helped and how much it means to me!
I have completed my first 3 chemo treatments. Each time the side effects got worse, which the doctor said could happen. The last treatment, on 6/25 was the roughest. I have had a lot of joint, bone and muscle pain, each time lasting a little longer. I have also had bad stomach pain, gastritis like symptoms that also started radiating to my chest. I did end up in the ER one day because of the chest pain, but everything is OK with my heart. I am followed by a gastroenterologist, who said my tests do show irritation to the stomach lining. I am on a couple of meds to help with that, but it doesn't take away the pain completely. The chest discomfort makes it hard to breathe sometimes, so that is bothersome. I also feel very tired most of the time which is pretty much expected from what I'm told! But all in all I am doing well. My oncologist says my tumor markers and exams indicate that the chemo is working and he is very pleased (and so am I)! He says when levels drop as fast as mine have, it is a very good sign and the prognosis is much better! He will know more once I have the hysterectomy done. That is scheduled for August 3rd. He said today that if there is no sign of cancer after my surgery, I may only need 2 more chemo treatments instead of 3! I won't be really at ease until after the surgery and I know more about what the doctor finds.
Life sure is different when you go through something like this. It seems like my calendar is filled with weekly blood draws, IV fluids and doctor appointments, not to mention the appointments I take my mom to also! It makes you appreciate every minute you have and I look at things a lot differently too. But it has also drawn me even closer to family and friends and that is a blessing!
I worry about all the added stress on my dh. He works full time, does laundry, helps with supper when he needs to, takes care of me when I'm feeling bad plus takes me to the hospital for whatever I need if I can't drive. But he's been like that all through our 30+ year marriage! He's the best! Besides all that, he's so good about checking on my mom and helping her with whatever she needs. I feel so guilty that I can't do what I need and want to because of how I feel most of the time. I know he doesn't mind, he's worried about me and hates that I'm going through this. It's just a rough time right now, but I know we'll come through it, together.
I know there are a lot of people going through this that are having a worse time than me. I know that treatment is temporary so I can get through what I need to do! I do what I can, rest when I need to and I have so much love and support from my dh, family and friends! I know there is a purpose in all this and that I am bound for much greater things!
Thanks to you all for well wishes, prayers and messages you've sent me! You'll never know how much it has helped and how much it means to me!