Had my first treatment yesterday. Met with the doctor first, he told me he was disappointed that I never got on the B arm of the study however there are still good results with the Gemzar, and if the tumor didn't respond then we'd look at other options. He did mention that it was the toughest of the drug combinations, I think he meant side effects.
Prior to starting the medication they gave me benadryl and tagamet as the docetaxel can have a significant immediate allergic reaction, these were given to minimize any effects. So with only 2 hours sleep the night before I managed to snooze with a little help from the benadryl.
I must admit it was emotional starting the treatment, I guess reality set in, but on the other hand it is the beginning of fighting the disease. The first drug lasted just over 2 hours with no ill effects. The second drug Gemzar burned like hell, you could see the white streaks all the way up the vein, we had to wrap the arm with a hot pack and dilute it more. So that vein is now shot. Hopefully it won't be so bad next week. Yesterday and today I felt fine, a little tired at times but otherwise ok. Had to have IV fluids this am and drinking plenty of water, this will be repeated after every treatment, just to flush out the kidneys. It seems most of the side effects, nausea, fatigue and joint pain will happen within next day or so, although it is very individual, so we'll see. I actually went into work and did chart Quality assurance for 4 hours. The more I can work when I feel well the better.
Thank you again for all the love, support and encouragement. It is awesome. Karen
20 comments:
Karen,
On my birth I was given to you, a little baby bright and true,
you were three when you were given to me…
At two, not fully able to stand alone I’m sure you assisted when I took the ‘throne’,
At three its easy to see why nature demanded that I listen to thee… you were six and twice my size!
At six I by then was up to tricks, naughty being my second name in amongst this big game…
At ten you wanted nothing to do with me by then, I was exploring outside the den, naughty as ever before feet never touching the floor,
At twelve Ali and I would catch a glimpse and giggle at you and John having a ‘winch’, when mum wasn’t looking you’d give us a pinch,
At fifteen I was all grown up, or so I thought, you took me on holiday, you and John
and surprise, surprise, I did but abscond,
At seventeen I decide to leave the den, there was as I thought no space for me then…
At twenty three I often visit your place, made welcome by a feed a smile and a warm space,
At twenty seven I remember sisterly times, you a new mother provided space for me to respond to you as the sister I could be,
Although the tyranny of time and distance has moved us apart you remain my ‘big sister’ within my heart,
Thinking of you
Hugs Hazie.
Karen,
I'll bet it was emotional starting the treatment because as you said, reality 'sets in' and now the crap physical effects of the fight ahead.
I can understand you wanting to go to work while your feeling reasonable, it can, as you said, be great to keep you focused on something else. Your blogg page is a great idea...it took me few trys to gain access, not as computer savy as I think I am!
Anyway... hope to be able to join 'the crew' of positive energy in you and surrounding you.
Thinking of you a great deal.
love and hugs
Hazel
I think I have managed to find my way on to this"blog".I would like to thank all the people(friends and family) who are following Karens progress(and it will be progress!) to finally destroy this horrible disease.Moral support is so important,and Karen you are blessed to have so many people who love you.But there again who could not love you.
Dear Karen
with every spare thought i have i wonder how you are feeling ..especially after the chemo 2days on. I will see if i can get you in tomorrow to hear from you how you feel. I hope that you are one of the lucky ones with minimal side effects from the chemo Karen. My fingers and toes are all crossed.
Now the first thing i saw on the blog today was the new hairdo ...it is fantastic!!! Just think when the chemo is over and your hair starts growing in you may even have curlier hair than me!!! :0)
Good to hear you are drinking lots of water and no doubt really thinking about the energy type of foods (sorry, i can't help thinking of the nursing type things and practical stuff)
Karen i see you are continuing to get more and more friends onto your site as they find out about the blog and how to get comments into your site. Well done hazel and dad for managing to get onto it!!!! :0) I think soon i will be scrolling through loads of comments! Of course you went into work karen...i wouldn't have thought any differently from you!
LOTS OF LOVE , ALWAYS alison xxx
Hi Karen,
Thinking about you and hoping any effects from your first chemo are bearable. Reading the comments on your blog is not a great idea when your as hormonal as I am.... have put some tissues beside the computer! Say hi to Fiona and tell her she can e mail me anytime. I am going to try and get the photo to her that she asked for.
Thinking and praying,
love Jackie x
Karen,
Your attitude has been amazing from day one & I want you to know just how impressive you are! You keep up the good fight! We're all thinking about you and hoping & praying for the best. Excellent job on the blog by the way! Just wish I hadn't read Crazie Hazie's post -- I don't like to go to work crying.
Hugs &
Love, Stanley
I was emotional for you as well...I'm sure it didn't help but know that my heart is out to you. You are an incredible woman...I knew that already but your attitude throughout this blog just confirms it! You are in my thoughts and prayers each day...Tori and I will stand each day and lift you up to Jesus to take you into His loving care. I just pray for this fight to be bearable for you! Much love, Kim
Hi Karen! OMG: Hazel's entry is VERY touching! I love your blog. And yes, I love your new 'do, as well as the pic of you and Fiona. You're so strong, Karen, and that's what I love about you. It was great seeing you at work yesterday. Seeing you just made my day. You're such a trooper!
Always in my thoughts,
Kat
P.S. Say hi to Fiona for me
Hello: Karen
How are you doing? Do not worry my friend you going to beat that. Be sttrong just like I tell my brother. He is in Chemo too. You need something do not think twice I be there. Tell Fiona Mom is the most beautiful person in and out. Time to take care of Mom and give support. Prayers are going like missiles to you kid.
yaya
Karen,
I will walk, skip, hop, and yes, even run for you. This is the very least that I (we) can do for all that you have and will go through. Stay strong and positive, but if you need a crutch, I will be there.
Renee
Karen,
The power of prayer is amazing. It will be from My lips to God's ears for you daily. Love the new hairdo and love you too. I'm just a phone call away for you and Fiona too, I'm a devoted Grandma and if Fiona just needs a while away I will be happy to be on call for her. Be Brave my friend.
Karen,
I have been thinking about you everyday since you told me the news. You and Fiona are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Please let me know if there is anything that scott and I can do for you or fiona. Call us anytime if we can help you with anything.
Love,
Sona
Karen, Second day in and it's amazing the number of comments you have from family and friends. I am glad you are putting in some time at work. It's funny how we all look so forward to retiring, but when unantacipated circumstances find you in a place when everyone would understand you not working, that's what you want to! Life seems to throw us curve balls and you are hitting a home run. Keep it up! Janet M
Okay Hazel no more sentimental journeys -- I can't handle any more tears! :)
I met a lady today in our shop who was buying (and ordering) really nice knit hats. She has had 4 months of chemo and some side effects but had continued to work. In many ways she reminded me of you and your positive outlook.
All the comments are great -- it's nice to also feel like we are all here together even though so many are miles away.
Keep up the positive thoughts -- you will beat this.
Lots of love -- Tricia
Ok now that I finally learned how to use this "blog" thing, I can finally leave my message. Karen I know you felt very tired today but you looked great. You know that you are not walking through this time alone. You have strength in numbers. I'm sorry the chemo hurt at the insertion site and the pain is still there. But the pain will fade just as the villianous CA cells will. Think of something more painful.......EPIC. Think of something more pleasureable mud in CR. YC
Karen,
I can see by reading your posts (Hazel's) that you have not only been a faithful mother and friend, but you have been a faithful sister as well. What a wonderful life example you been for Fiona.
It was so great being able to see you this week. I think we all just needed to see that you are okay.
I know that no one truly understands how you feel unless they have stepped in your shoes, however, I can see how the start line to your treatment was emotional. I actually felt on "edge" all day.
Know that we are on the sidelines cheering you on.
With Love,
Sherry
hi karen
it's eileen using your dads address. we've been reading your site every day and have been so heartened by the love and support everyone has shown. it leaves little to say that hasn't already been said except, if the love, courage and determination you've shown is anything to go by then
"victory is assured" lots of love to you and fiona.
Hi Karen!
I hope all is well for the CR trip and wedding. I am thinking of you often. Your haircut is darling!!!
I am so glad to keep up-to-date with your and your progress via blog. Amazing things we can do these days.
I hope you are feeling Ok, and will enjoy reading about your experience in CR.
Please say hello to your beautiful daughter, Fiona.
Victory will be yours!
With lots of love,
Jeannie
HI
I am not sure what happened to a comment that I thought I posted a few days ago, but I am posting this one now (I hope this one works).
I had said that you were doing so well on Day 5 and that although you probably were wishing that you could be actively taking care of patients, I was THRILLED to have company at work - in my "wee" office.
Now it is Sunday night and once again the night before a chemo treatment. Your determination to win has definitely kicked in and I am sure that the chemo tomorrow will follow your lead - kick the tumor's butt!!!!
I know that you had some side effects this week, but you are strong and I know that you will stay strong (of course you will) and please let your friends and family help you (as they are).
The chemo itself is nasty (without a doubt), but each minute the drug is infusing is a minute in time that your body is using the medication to fight the battle - and totally get rid of the bad cells. Please try and focus on that and let your mind and your body work together to get well.
You have only a few more days until you are in Costa Rica and even if you are tired again this week after treatment, you can rest under the blue sky and be surrounded by friends that love you.
Not only will you have your friends with you while in Costa Rica, you will have Fiona by your side. She is so amazing - I always knew that she was special - but her caring spirit is shining bright as she stands right next to you on your path.
Hold on tight to all those who love you and remember - tomorrow will come and tomorrow will go, but your battle plan will be strengthened with another chemo treatment part of the past !!
Hugs,
DM
Hey: Girl
How things are going? I know by my brother that Taxol is strong medicine. He got that too.Thinking of you and praying as hard as I can.
Edna say hello. We are here. Anything you need.
Love you : Yaya /Edna
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