kbienapfl
kbienapfl's Cancer Blog
November 12, 2007
| Return from Paradise | Views: 775 |
I’m sitting in my infusion chair at Mayo going between two moods. The highs and lows of my current life are swinging like a pendulum. The balancing act can be difficult and I do all I can to stand firm footed without falling to either side.
The girls trip in the desert was awesome! What could be better than enjoying paradise with four amazingly intelligent and fun loving women? The days consisted of sitting around the pool sipping on champagne, retail therapy, yummy food and then ending each day in the hot tub giggling like teenagers with more adult beverages of choice. Although, if my memory serves me right, menopausal women giggle much more than teenagers. Maybe I should refer to the hot tub experience as giggling like middle-aged women.
I flew into Minneapolis last evening, threw my luggage in the back of my car and proceeded to drive to Rochester. I then booked myself into the hotel and mentally prepared myself for today. Thus…. the pendulum swing.
The plan had been that the current infusion would be the first of the every three week regiment. I was looking forward to having the infusion, knowing I would not be feeling well for a few days this week. That was okay, as I knew I would be coming out of it with extra time to recover and live a “normal” life. I guess the stars are not aligned….that plan has been thrown out the window.
Evidently, my blood counts are still bottomed out. My doctor explained that if I were go to the three week infusion, as outlined previously, I would most likely end up in the hospital come Thanksgiving, fighting for my life and trying to get fevers and infections under control.
The thought had been that with the additional time off these past weeks, my blood would recover and I would be strong and ready to kick this beast with stronger infusions. Not only is my blood not healthy, I am having to accept decreased dosages of chemo and adding Neupogen injections to the mix. (Yes, I said the “N” word!) The doctor is being kind and only requiring four injections.
Needless to say, this has been an emotional morning for me. It’s difficult living in paradise one minute and then having to accept the wise words of Dr. Bad News.
Alas….at least I had the opportunity to experience paradise and I still have the memories of California to get me through it. I have Sue and the girls to thank for that. Thank you, ladies!
Oh….and if the above doesn’t make sense, I have my infusion of Benedryl to thank for that! Apologies in advance.
09.13.08 - 
Chris and Jaime 
Brian Aagaard 
Thanks for your support -
Kathy, I so sorry about your blood counts. What’s the plan now? Let us know.
Benadryl helps me a great deal. The oncologist never explained about the pretreatment regime before they infuse the chemo drugs. Thanks to the Benadryl I can snooze through about half my treatment. I also just found out that the chemo nurses are able to dispense other drugs during the chemo infusion, as long as they do not interfere with the other drugs being given. If needed, I can have more drugs to make me snooze. I have resisted temptation so far.
In any event, please do let us know what the doctor’s plan is now.
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
I know the shots are horrible my mother hates them, they put her in so much pain! I am so sorry I am sure things will get better!
Yuck! I hated Neupogen shots. They were painful. I’m glad you had fun on your girls’ trip…and I agree, you needed it especially before facing the next infusion. I’m sorry to hear about your bloodwork, though. That just sucks. And feel free to be incoherent all you want, you can re-read it during your “sane” stage and have a good laugh. Hugs and prayers…Grace
Hi Kathy, ever since I found this anal cancer blog and read your profile I have kept you in my thoughts and prayers. I will be having my 1 year diagnosis anniversary coming up and everything I thought I had forgotten about the painful treatment (given by an arrogant and disrespectful radiation oncologist) comes back in waves that overcome me at times. Please know that I will keep you in thought and prayer during your treatment. Shalom, Lily
Thank you for your kind words. Now that I am home I am relaxing and enjoying he evening with my family.
Lily, you will find this interesting. The difficulty I am experiencing…and will continue to experience with my poor bone marrow production is due to my radiation treatments. The pelvic is a large producer of marrow. Once it’s shot…it’s a goner. Bet you don’t remember being told about that…I certainly don’t! I also learned that mitomycin is a marrow culprit as well.
The things we don’t hear or want to acknowledge when fighting the beast.
I am looking forward to learning more from all of you.