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 kbienapfl's Cancer BlogJuly 23, 2008
I am still in the hospital. When I was initially admitted on Sunday, it was due to pain and constipation. From there, it was upgraded to the three P’s. If only it were that simple. Somewhere between Sunday and Tuesday, the three P’s became less of a priority. It appears my body is fighting something. The professional community is at a complete loss as to what has taken over my body. I have been running a steady temp. It has spiked up to over 101 degrees, which is high for me, as my average temp is in the 97’s. Add to that the fact that my blood pressure is lower than my average of 100/70. It’s been as low as 70/50. (A person feels pretty lousy when it gets that low.) Due to the concern about fever and blood pressure, I am being pumped with antibiotics, copious amounts of fluid and two units of blood. I’ve had more blood draws than you can imagine and a echocardiogram. I’m sure I’m missing a few things in there…but you get the idea. The plan was to leave tomorrow for Illinois to begin my next round of vitamin C treatments. Until I have my pain under control and the specialists in infectious diseases have figured out what is causing havoc in my body, that plan may be shelved. We have decided we want to complete my radiation treatments and continue with the infusions at CTCA. The difficulty is getting my doctors here in Minneapolis to agree to my travel without answers to their current concerns. In a word, this week has been frustrating. Okay…two words. Frustrating and scary. Updates will follow. I am very aware there is a high level concern and wanting to know ‘what’s up’. I wish I had more to tell you. I know that there are many wonderful prayers and positive intentions being sent my direction. Please know that I appreciate the time that you take to think of me and the energy that you provide. 
July 21, 2008
Typical Monday morning conversation; So…what did you do this weekend? My response would be ‘I tried to control the pain that has been continuing to build. On Saturday, Dick and I ran errands. I should restate that. Dick ran errands. I sat in the passenger seat and watched him run in and out of stores. Saturday night I found myself very restless and without sleep. The pain that I had been experiencing in my rib area turned into spasms. Add to that the gastrointestinal problems I am experiencing from the pain meds I had been taking…I had a ‘trying’ weekend’. When one lacks sleep it is difficult to think straight. Many things run through a worn and weary brain. My thought process concluded that I was experiencing liver or kidney problems, as the pain I have been experiencing is in that area. All I know is I was very uncomfortable. Sunday morning greeted Dick with me in tears and asking that he take me to the emergency room. The emergency room decided a CT scan was in order. The results came back with what appears to be erosion of the bone between ribs 9 and 10 on my right side. Bone mets. It has been confirmed with me that erosion of bone is uncomfortable and painful. It’s nice to know I’m not a wimp. From the emergency room I have been admitted into my very familiar room at Fairview Southdale. Room 819 is going to be known as my signature room. I am going to start decorating it and adding my own personal touches to it soon. Funny…but not so much. It’s a private room. That is always appreciated. Right now the focus is to get my pain under control using various forms of morphine. We are also working on getting my intestinal disturbances under control. From there discussions will be taking place with regards to a treatment plan regarding my rib area. The word ‘radiation’ was thrown into the conversation yesterday. Ugh! As the next few days unfold the plan will become clearer. Right now we are dealing with the three P’s….pain, poop and plan. It’s been a difficult twenty-four hours. I feel as if the wind has been knocked out of our sails. We had been living with such high hopes as we felt the Vitamin C infusions were assisting me in turning the corner. I’m not ending that part of this fight…just taking a bit of a detour. Oh Kathy, I am so….sorry that you continue to go through more than any person should have to go through. Just know that I faithfully uplift you in healing prayer each day. My prayers also include Dick and your children. Shalom, Lily Kathy – It was great to see your face pop up in the most recently updated posts, but I am sad to hear about how much pain you are in. Oh how I wish I could help out. Just know I am thinking of you and sending you some healthy vibes your way. Kathy Just wanted to let you know you and your family are always in my prayers and 3 Churches are Dear Kathy; It is with great amazement that you are able to be so honest about your pain to us all and we are forever grateful that this site allows you to do this kind of venting. I did not know you were taking Vitamin by injection and I just saw a queereie from Gemma about that very thing. Maybe if you have a chance you might want to address that with her and your feelings about that therapy. This is not a nice time for you and your family as it means you have to reorganize your thoughts and plans which is always tiring and difficult. Let us hope that there is a good treatment pain plan for you as this is the one thing that is so important for your mental health and stability. Prayers are always good and I offer them to you too. However it is always the Dr.’s that seem to have the immediate possible answers for the pain process. You have been very courageous and it sounds as if you are still in there fighting your way through the massive and complicated life of a cancer patient. We love you and hope that your strength follows you wherever you go.
July 7, 2008
I am in the final week of the four week trial here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion. Have you heard? We have reason to celebrate! Last week I was experiencing rather extensive back pain and spasms. The doctors wanted to run a CT to rule out a few of their concerns. Although the CT did not give answers as to my back pain, the scans did show tumor reduction! I received the great news right before leaving for the 4th of July holiday. We’re all extremely happy around here. Dr. Stephenson sat with me this morning and explained that the largest and fastest growing tumor in my right lung is showing great response to the Vitamin C infusion. In his words, the tumor is showing necrosis. Basically, the tumor is dying from the inside and any blood supply is quickly being cut off due to the Vitamin C. We are still working out the ‘what next’ details. They have invited me back for the next phase of the study. They would like me to take a month off. At that time, if there is not significant change in tumor growth, I will be a guinea pig for another four week experiment. Seems worth it to me! Isn’t that some of the best and most incredible news you have heard from me in a long, long time? My big tumor is dying! Blessings to all of you. You have played a HUGE role in this and deserve your own congratulations and celebration! Oh….and I think I figured out the back pain. Please don’t refer to me as the Princess and the Pea or Goldilocks….. The bed that I have been sleeping on is too soft. That is incredible. Great News! That is so fantastic! What great news. I am so happy for you and glad to hear about those results. What a great gift for the 4th of July. Really kind of a miracle I would say! Most curious about the Vitamin C treatment that you are on. I want to show your letter to my Oncologist just because I like talking to him about various cancers. Is there a technical name for the trial and treatment? There is always a need to share such good news. Happy Joy Happy Joy. Love coming your way! Sherri
YIPEE Kathy, just what many of us have been praying for! Lily
That is incredible! YEAH! Extraordinary! Let us know the details as they progress. Your success gives hope to so many. = ) That is great news! I hope you had a nice 4th and I hope to see you soon!
THANK GOD ! I am soooooooooo happy to hear such GOOD NEWS. It gives us all hope for the future. My love, thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Love and hugs, Joyce
June 23, 2008
Last week was a rather long and grueling week. I apologize for not updating and letting you know how the trial has been going. Where to begin…where to begin…. First, I will begin by thanking all of you for the prayers that have provided this amazing opportunity. As the days have passed, I am learning more and more how fortunate I am to be involved in this trial. There are many, many people requesting to be a test subject. Fortunately for me, unfortunately for others, the criteria is very strict and CTCA must be very selective when accepting their candidates. The first week of the trial was rather grueling, which helps me understand why they are so selective. Candidates must be healthy (well, as healthy as you can be with Stage IV cancer!) Having gone through my cleanse and clearing the toxins out of my body has assisted me greatly with my energy levels. My days begin at 5:45 a.m. to get to CTCA by 7:30 a.m., as the commute is about 45 minutes. The first thing we do upon my arrival is vitals, urine and blood tests. They are required to test my kidney’s, liver and other blood levels. Once that is approved…the infusion is a go! The infusion generally starts at about 10:00 a.m. During the infusion, my vitals are checked every 15 minutes, including constant monitoring of an EKG machine that sends signals to the intensive care unit via satellite. I have been keeping ICU very busy, as we have learned through this that I am bradycardia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradycardia). Evidently monitors are going off in that department as if I am code blue many times throughout the day. So…the infusion begins. After a bit of time thirst begins. Along with a 1500cc IV bag, I am drinking about a gallon of water during a 2 hour period. I don’t need to tell you what happens when the body is saturated with fluids. So, before I know it, I am signaling to my nurse that I need privacy for a the portable potty, as I am not able to move too far from my bed, as I am hooked up to monitors. Urinating every fifteen minutes gets very old. Last week the days were very long. Monday I was in the center from 7:30 a.m. until about 5:00 the next day….constant monitoring and very little sleep. Thursday required that I have several blood tests, at various intervals, the last being 11:00 p.m. That had me settling in my bed at Basia’s at about 12:30 a.m. I don’t know about you…but for me, that’s a very long day! Earlier in the week, Dick and I decided I needed to fly home for the weekend. I arrived in Minneapolis at about 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. When I saw my bedroom, I dived for the bed and stayed there until about 9:00 a.m. There is nothing like your own bed! This week and next will be a bit less intense. My days will last until about 2:00 p.m. and then I will free to do as I wish. There is really not much else for updates. Boring…I know. The big results will come at the end of the 4th week. Dick and I plan to spend that weekend in Chicago. We have a hotel booked on Michigan Avenue with the plan to celebrate and rejoice in good news. The most difficult part of this journey has been being away from Dick and Eileen (and Bert). Vacations are one thing. Being away under these circumstances, one finds themselves in need of comfort, hugs and familiar surroundings. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. You are all my hero’s! Just wanted to jump in and say hi, I am so proud of you and love you much!
June 17, 2008
Hello All, Thank you for your continued prayers and support. You are all amazing and wonderful co-fighters! I had not posted in a bit of time. You are probably confused as to what has been going on since my last ‘Disappointment’ post. If you would like to go to my regular blog, you will find that I have moved on from my unfortunate news in April. http://kathybienapfl.blogspot.com/ Can’t keep a good girl down! I thought I would answer your inquiries. It seems this study has piqued some interest. I came upon the Phase I trial by searching various cancer treatment centers two weeks ago. After reviewing the criteria for this specific study, I sent an email and received a response shortly thereafter. It was a flurry of activity two weeks ago, as they received, reviewed and accepted me within days. The study itself is free. Fortunately, CTCA is in the town I was raised in, which means I have friends and family near by. Because of that, I have received gracious offers to have me stay with them, as lodging, car rental and incidentals are not covered in the study. I drove down from Minnesota, so I am able to use my own car and I do not have to deal with car rental. Breakfast and lunch is provided by CTCA as you are under their care during those hours. My insurance company is not involved, as this is an FDA approved trial. The only time my insurance would be billed would be for pre-existing care items, i.e.; diabetes supplies, etc. if I required those. The program is a four week program. I am free to do as I please after vitals on Friday mornings. The study does not involve weekend time. CTCA has not shared specific results from other test subjects. They are accepting 18 participants at this time and I am about the middle number.The people at CTCA are great! Truly caring and empathetic people. I do not have very much interaction with the regular staff, as I am working with the research team in their own little corner of the world. If you have further question, please do not hesitate to ask. My prayers and good thoughts to all of you.
June 16, 2008
Thought I would take the opportunity to post an update. I am currently resting in my hospital room at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Today was my first full vitamin C infusion. The procedure went well. Notice I didn’t describe it as ‘very’ well. There were a few very tolerable side effects. One of them was being sick to my stomach. I don’t care for that so much. Tomorrow’s infusion will be better as they will adjust certain dosages. Hey…I’m a breathing petri dish in a Phase I trial. These things are going to happen. My diagnostic testing last week returned good results! I am very happy and relieved to report that there has not been significant tumor growth in my right lung. That is a reason to celebrate in itself. The best news is that my scans showed that these tumors are still just hangin’ in my right lung. No migrating to other organs! YES! One concern I had during all of my testing was that my blood counts or kidney function might cause me to be ineligible for the the trial. More good news….I am a very, very healthy specimen. As I was educating myself on this specific trial, I found a website describing the individuals involved in this trial as ‘one foot in the grave and the other foot on a banana peel’. How dare they! I’m very far from that, thank you very much! My days over the next four weeks will be very busy. I am required to be at the hospital every Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. My infusions and observation take place until about 2:00 p.m. daily, with the exception of Friday (they let me go early on Friday’s). After that I have a rigorous schedule of acupuncture, massage, reiki, massage and more massage. Hey somebody has to do it! My dear friend, Basia, lives about 45 minutes from CTCA and is providing a relaxing and comfortable environment in her home. She even has a sweet puppy that enjoys sitting in my lap (sorry Bert!). A home away from home. We juice and create healthy food concoctions together. We’re having fun getting healthier as we learn. Thank you, Basia. Your gift of hospitality and friendship will be forever appreciated. There’s the update. I am an official test subject. It’s hard to believe sometimes. Me…the girl from Zion, could be setting the course for future cancer treatment. Cool, eh? Here’s the deal. I’ll keep the positive attitude…you keep those wonderful prayers coming. Good things are bound to happen. My love to all of you. hi! im happy to read your blogs..help those who do not have money Juicing is too cool. Prayers and well wishes to you as you blaze a trail we may all be able to follow. God’s work indeed Mac Hi Kathy, I am so….glad to hear that upbeat, happy gal again! You know those healing prayers keep storming the heavens for you. Shalom, Lily Kathy, That is great news Kathy. What a cool program. I will be praying for positive results. Kathy,
April 16, 2008
The trip to Cabo San Lucas was glorious. The home was just as I had remembered from the last visit Dick and I enjoyed. The beautiful weather allowed for daily morning walks and sitting around the pool for hours taking in the healing powers of the sun. Evenings in the hot tub allowed for great conversation…and we never solved the problems of the world. I was blessed to be surrounded by two wonderful, caring and fun loving friends. A very special trip indeed. Returning from Mexico was a busy time, as it gave me few days to prepare for my upcoming surgery. Knowing one is not going to be able to physically be involved in spring cleaning, digging in my garden and comfortably breathing in the fresh air of the season found me a bit melancholy. With that, the surgery was bringing me great hope in life…my own spring renewal. This week started with diagnostics at Mayo; blood tests, pulmonary function tests and a final CT scan. Our meeting with doctor Cassivi was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. I packed my bags, finalized personal paperwork, gave Bert (our super dog) a hug and let him know I would see him in a few weeks. These past days have been very emotional. Leading up to this final appointment was torturous for both Dick and me. We arrived for our appointment yesterday afternoon. Dr. Grothey saw us first…which I found surprising. This appointment was scheduled with Dr. Cassivi. The first words Dr. Grothey asked were ‘how are you feeling?’ How am I feeling? I am feeling great. I’ve been off chemo, enjoyed warm weather with friends…life is great! He asked again. My mind raced. Oh no….please, don’t tell me surgery is off! My suspicion was correct. He explained to me that after further review of my most recent CT scans and the placement of one specific tumor, he felt the surgery would not benefit me. Doctor Cassivi joined in our conversation and was in complete agreement. Basically, what they told me is what I had been told last June. I am inoperable. They could remove some of the tumors. Unfortunately, they would have to leave most of the tumor in my pleaural lining. With that and the risks involved, they felt it was not in my best interest to pursue the surgery. I was told to enjoy the Spring. Enjoy the feeling of being whole and healthy. Take a break from cancer. Dr. Grothey said he would see me in June and see if there were any trials we might find beneficial. In the end, Dick and I knew they were kindly telling us to go live life and continue with the positive attitude that has carried me through so much. I know that so many of you have been praying for me. Although not directly involved, I am aware that you have been feeling anxious and concerned about the procedure. So much energy being given. Thank you. I awoke this morning numb. Tears have been pulling themselves up from deep inside my gut. I’ve barely spoken a word to Dick. We just sit quietly together not knowing what to say or do. Give me a few days….this lost feeling will turn around. I already have a plan. Exercise, yoga, meditation and hire a nutritionist to help me figure out how to make food that is good for you taste good. The most important thing I am going to do is wake up each day with a deep appreciation of having the opportunity of doing so. Things happen for a reason. Although it feels like my life has been pulled out from under me….giving up is just not my thing. Hope, love and the power of prayer. That can’t be taken from me. My need (our need) for your prayers has not ended. Now, more than ever, I will be reaching out to you for your energy. I am always being asked ‘what can I do for you’? My answer has not changed….pray, pray, pray. oh no kathy! I know I should say something positive and cheerful but all i can think of is, no, no, no. I hate this stupid cancer crap. I will pray for you. Oh Kathy, I am so sorry for your disappointing news, I truly feel awful and so…sad. Please know that I will continue to storm the heavens with healing prayer on your behalf. One of my recurrent anal cancer sisters went to an eastern medicine practitioner in Boston and she feels so much better after spending time at his retreat. I believe his name is Master Lee. If you are interested please let me know and I will obtain further info for you. God Bless. Shalom, Lily Kathy, I’m so happy you had a wonderful time with Hubby. Tom and I send all our love to you and Dick and your family and friends that are holding you both close to their heart. Sherri & Tom Kathy, Cheryl58 Kathy; I can hear in your last posting a kind of sadness and anger for your recent news of no operation. I presume the Drs. feel that this would not assist you and perhaps make you a lot weaker in the short run. My experience with Drs. They have vested a lot of time in their patients and that they must know ( in your case) the pros and cons of such a surgery and what benefits you would receive from going through this ordeal. It sounds as if you are feeling physically ok and that is a good sign. Living in the moment can bring you such joy and that is what I heard from you regarding your trip with Dick. Nothing like a ray of sun to ease the soul. I know you are feeling down and confused and of course you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel those thoughts. I think fear is such an awful word. It plays havoc on our soul, but it does give us a chance to kick ourselves, get back up and move towards a feeling of gratitude for what we have now. Easier said than done. The fact that we are always under medical scurtiny and filling our calendars with medical appts., tests etc. brings this to the surface constantly. I don’t have an answer on how to alleviate the stress but to have joy in what you do today. If you have a moment try going to pbs.org and click on Take One Step/Cancer. This is a group of Drs. who are surviving with Cancer and how they treat their patients. I really learned a lot and hope that you might too. Take care of yourself each and every day. You need the strength so that you can enjoy the moment. Prayers from Canada. Weezie Hi Kathy, just wanted to let you know that I continue to keep you in my healing thoughts and prayers. You are an inspiration to me and many others who have/are/continue to battle this beast. Shalom, Lily Hi Kathy,
April 1, 2008
Today was ‘Target Tuesday’. Between Eileen’s schedule, my heath complications and travel, we have not had an opportunity to enjoy our special day together in quite some time . We went out of our way today knowing this would be the last Tuesday we would spend together for several weeks. It’s amazing how good one can feel when no longer being pumped with chemo. The trip to Sacramento last week was a reminder of how it feels to live fully. It feels pretty darn good! The days started early and ended late…and I was able to keep up! Good thing, as I leave on Thursday for the planned girls trip to Cabo San Lucas. The trip to Mexico will be all about rest and relaxation. The plan is healthy eating, meditating, reading and soaking up the sun. (Okay, I might slip a Margarita or two in there as well.) I should be well prepared for surgery upon my return. Planning for surgery is a very strange experience. When I had surgery last June, it was within days of learning that the cancer had spread. Being given time to physically prepare myself is quite difficult on the psyche. I don’t know what is causing the most trepidation…the surgery or the recovery. I have a very good memory…and it hasn’t forgotten the experience of a less complicated surgery. My surgery date is actually April 16th. We misunderstood Dr. Cassivi when he scheduled time on the 15th. The 15th is meant as a final review of the procedure. We will be advised that day of the actual surgery time on the 16th. So….the 16th will be the day I would really appreciate your prayers. I am going to ask if you could also send positive energy and prayers to all of the individuals that will be involved in my care as well. Hey…I’m going to be sleeping and on happy drugs! My blessings and well wishes to all of you. I wish I could wrap my arms around each and every one of you and thank you personally. Kathy, Hi Kathy, I am sending you all of my healing thoughts and prayers and will pray that your physicians will be guided by God. You continue to be an inspiration to all of us have battled this demon called cancer. I look forward to hearing about your positive surgical experience, uncomplicated recovery as you claim victory over disease! Shalom, Lily
March 12, 2008
Dick and I tried to mentally prepare ourselves for our meeting at Mayo today. My PET scan took place at 11:00 a.m. Our appointment to meet with the doctors was not until 4:00 p.m. Of course 4:00 p.m. dragged on to 4:45 p.m. Early on, we both agreed, if there is only one doctor in the room, Dr. Grothey, the scans were not good. When we were called in for the appointment there was only one person waiting in the room for us. He immediately introduced himself to us as the lung surgeon’s assistant. The first thing he did was hand me a pamphlet on lung surgery. He told us it would be a few minutes, as both Dr. Grothey and Dr. Cassivi were discussing the details of my case. I turned to Dick with a smile….it’s a go! My PET scan results came back showing no progression. The cancer has not spread to other organs. That, in itself, is a tremendous relief. Both doctors entered the room. Dr. Grothey introduced his trusted colleague and told me he would leave us to talk for a bit and that I was in good hands. I think this new doctor in my life wanted to get a good look at me. Size me up….see if I was worth surgical odds. He quickly learned that he is working with a true fighter. Before I knew it, a surgery that I was told was impossible was being scheduled. April 15 is generally not a day most Americans look forward to…dreaded Tax Day. For me, April 15, 2008 will mean I no longer have cancer in my body. It’s not an easy surgery. It’s not a quick recovery. It is the beginning of a new life for me. Miracles do happen. Silver linings can be found. Prayers are answered. I am on a high. My words may not make complete sense. I needed to communicate the high points. I will provide more detail after I have allowed my new reality to be absorbed. Heavy hitters….I asked and you provided. Thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough. More details to follow. For now, I need to rest and enjoy a pleasant night of dreams….dreams with a future. i will pray for you and sand you 100 angels to take care of you and pray to GOD with all my hard lots of love soledad
THANK GOD, KATHY. THAT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL NEWS. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN. April 15, 2008, will always be a special day in your life. I will continue to pray each day for you and your complete recovery from this awful cancer.
Love & Hugs, Joyce Spectacular! What a difference a day makes. Dream sweet dreams… dreams without fear… dreams with visions of what your future might bring. Dear Kathy, I have been uplifting you in my healing prayers Kathy and I am delighted that your fantastic medical team gave you the words of hope that you and many others were praying for! During the next month get lots of rest and pamper yourself, think beautiful thoughts of what life will be like once this blight has been removed from your body once and for all. Eat extremely healthy, drink lots of pure water. You continue to be an inspiration to many of us “survivors” Shalom, Lily Kathy, What an encouraging report! I am so thankful to God and happy for you. The hymn says, “This is a day that the Lord had made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” I will be praying for you in the coming weeks. Hi Kathy, I know your special day is coming up next week and I wanted to let you know I continue to claim victory over disease for you. Please let us hear from you before you surgery. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as you are able after surgery! Shalom, Lily
March 10, 2008
As a separate post, I wanted to share with you a story Dr. Grothey shared with us today. He had a patient about five years ago that had stomach cancer with a very poor prognosis. The patient was given the protocol of 5-FU (my first treatment therapy). The patient had a severe reaction to the treatment. His body responded to the therapy as if he had been given a dosage 100 times the amount given. He should have died. This man was very lucky. He ended up in the hospital for three months in a coma. When he awoke from his coma he had been completely cured. He recently celebrated his fifth year of being cancer free. I believe Dr. Grothey shared this story with me for a reason. I am holding on to that hope and believing that things happen for a reason….miracles take place every day. One year ago today, my wife was diagnosed with bile duct cancer that had consumed over 75% of her liver. Today she is miraculously cancer free. To see her story go to www.cindysmiracle.com Neill Dear Kathy, I wanted to let you know that I continue to follow your blog and every day I uplift you in my healing prayers. I believe in miracles and like you I believe nothing that takes place in our lives is happenstance. You have been an incredible inspiration to me when I was going through treatment for invasive anal cancer. Sending you all my healing thoughts and energy. Shalom, Lily Prayers to you as you continue on your Journey. Every story of survival. Every single entry on every single blog, shows the strength of the human spirit that God had given us to carry our crosses and follow Him. Peace of Jesus and healing to you. Miracles happen every day. I know it is hard but please try to hang in there and don’t give up. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you every day. Joyce
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kbienapfl
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06.22.08 - 
Chris and Jaime 
Brian Aagaard 
Thanks for your support -
Kathy,
I am surprised that our symptoms parallel each other so closely as of late. Last week, the week following my first treatment with taxotere, I ran a fever of 101.1, my neutrophils were down to almost nothing. The pain in my back was intense. The skin hurt, the muscles and my kidneys were very tender. My liver has the cancer now so that hurt too. I have an old mets, from last year, of my 10th rib and that hurt so much. I was weak and ran a low grade fever for days. I was so constipated as I had increased my fentanyl patch from 75 mcg to 100. I was taking dilaudid every 3 hours around the clock. I finally took so much Senakot that I got diarrhea. The pain kept up as did the low grade fever. My blood pressure was below 100 and so I had postural hypotension, I swooned and swayed whenever I sat up. My Doc of course was on vacation. The doc I saw wanted to put me in the hospital on IV antibiotics. But I had an important wedding and asked to be treated at home. I was put on Levaquin as an antibiotic and got 5 injections for my white count. I had a huge back spasm just as I started my toast to the bride and groom. It was so intense I thought we would have to call 911. But it passed. My final point is, it all passed. Today I just returned from checking my white count, and it was fine. The xrays and blood and urine cultures came up with no source for the infection. But it did go away, and today I feel great. It took a week. So hang in there. Hopefully you will come out the other side too any day now. I dread my next treatment in a week. I don’t want to go through this again.
You are in my prayers. You are not alone. So many of us are traveling a similar road, and we are all there for each other. I admire you for your tenacity. I am looking into CTCA because of you. Keep us posted. I know how much that rib pain can hurt, but the second it is treated the pain subsides. Much love to you. Gaile
Yikes! scary stuff indeed. Rest up as much as you can. let your body fight it’s fight. You and your family are in my thoughts.
My dear friend I will keep you and the family close to my heart.
Love Ya all