Yes, yes I know it has been a while since I wrote anything, same old excuses as I always give. I had my 5 th cycle almost 2 weeks ago, adriamycin and cytoxan which were new drugs to me. I was pretty nauseated for quite a few days, and really really fatigued, took all my effort just to get off the couch and shower. The fatigue lasted about a week but not as severe as it was initially. All in all I am feeling great and I now know I have one week of feeling like crap but 2 weeks of feeling well which feels so good. I think with the first 4 cycles I got used to just feeling well when I got hit again;at least this time I have extra time to recover. The only other side effects I am /have experienced is occasional numbness to my toes, change in nail color and texture to my nails, hot flashes and chemo brain, at least I can blame my forgetfulness on that anyway. There is now light at the end of the tunnell, I've had a total of 8 chemo treatments and only 3 more to go.
I am still working usually at least 50-72 hours a pay period( every 2 weeks), yes I miss looking after patients but it is also nice to work for a while in an area with no stress. At least at work I have something to occupy my mind, at home I'd be staring at the walls and feeling sorry for myself, so I am glad I am able to work at the moment.
I saw the plastic surgeon last week and he seemed nice but more importantly I saw pictures that helped me come to terms a little more as to what to expect. Surgery is scheduled for dec 10th 7.30am bright and early!
I am so grateful for all the support and help I have received, gardening, meals and transporting Fiona, to general concern and well wishes.
I became an Aunt today, my step sister had a little baby boy, unfortunately we won't be able to see him for a while as she lives in Scotland.
Fiona is still doing well, seems to be enjoying school, continues with cross country and started driving school last night and looking forward to actually driving.
I'll keep you all informed of any new developments.
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4 comments:
HI Karen,
It's me MEM,
Just Hello today. Glad you are feeling better. Work has been so busy that I am a little bit jealous of your distance from the stress factory. It sounds like you are feeling better in terms of going into surgery. It also sounds like you have confidence in your plastic surgeon and that's a good thing. Let's have a hoorah for 3/8 left. And although stressful ...you are right......it provides a distraction. MeM
Hi Karen,
It's me again. I am sorry but I had to write to you because everyone is letting me deliver all the bad news. It appears that you will have no choice but to stop all this illness business and get well soon. First of all, the proposed transaction to move Australia next to the California border is over. Apparently the USA does not have sufficient funds to continue negotiating this deal. They over-extended their credit by involving themselves in a $700 billion dollar transaction which created a deficit in their bank account. The end reslults.......The Australians are seeking another buyer. So, you better plan on traveling there yourself (as per your previous plans).
Next, you know that in the age of technology you can set up a video cam and say HELLO to your new nephew. It is as easy as having a teenager in your home....... YOUTUBE! It is the wonderful and accessible option for those who are unable or unwilling to travel. Besides,I would hate to think of what will happen to that young lad if his Auntie Karen does not acknowledge his birthday. Think of it! The poor lad will begin to resent the world and turn to RAP music. This will lead to a life of crime and anarchy. You can believe me when I say that I do not want to be subpoena to testify about your unwillingness to meet the young lad. I have no FIDC rating and therefore will definitely disavow any knowledge of you and this blog path.
Now on the medical front: I believe that fatigue is the hallmark of most chemo drugs but especially of Adriamycin & Cytoxan. I think there is something to your suspicions that the rest periods between treatments are exacerbating the side effects of the drugs when you received the next treatment. It is almost as if you recover enough but not fully before you get hit again. Which in turn, makes you feel more sick. The numbness is interesting because I thought that Taxol was the chemo agent that produced this side effect more often. Keep us informed because it educates all of us.
Lastly, my friend I am glad to see you coming down to have lunch. It beats being in the dungeon all day. I am a bit nervous though because the winter season is coming and I can see that a lot of our coworkers are showing signs of URI and that's not good for you to be exposed to.
Now, one last point because I dont want this posting to be shorter than a trilogy. Fiona how is driving coming along? I heard there was a recent accident involving 13 parked cars being sideswiped and some street lights being knocked down. I hope you were nowhere near the iccident.HA! HA! HA! HA! No, I am sure you are doing fine. Karen this is probably the best time not to have hair because it would all be turing GRAY! Just remember that in the end they all do just fine. Plan on buying yourself a new car with all the millions that CNA will be getting for you in negoiations. Oophs did that slip out!
Hi Karen! Been about time you wrote something! Just kidding. Glad to hear you're feeling ok & also happy that you have only 3 more cycles to go. Woo hoo! Can we have another party? Hee hee. Congrats on becoming an auntie, too.
Note to Mem: I thought the 'War & Peace' chapters were done. I know, I know: YOU are the official blog 'bloviator,' and whatever you say goes. Just kidding, Mem.
Well, take care, Karen & maybe I'll run into you sometime this week.
KaT
Hi Karen,
HI Karen, I hope you are feeling better. You looked simply exhausted the last time I saw you. I am at home sick and medicating myself with food and teas. I feel fat not better. I will try & say away until I feel better. Don't want you near my bugs.
I was glad to see as luck would have it that we were able to run into that " female paramedic". I hope she enjoyed the punch in the arm. If I had to pick any of the female medics...she was the one I would have said was that stupid. Yes, she gabs like a man but she is nice as well.
NOTE: to Kat........You are quite the LION! Yes what I say goes because my grandmother told me I was the BOSS. She is the higher authority on this planet earth. XXX
Note:To Karen. When we are both feeling better we need to talk about the new proposed pay scale. Until then Rest and be well.
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