carolmcb's Cancer Blog
October 24, 2007
| Grocery Shopping Day | Views: 409 |
Well, today is Wednesday and it’s grocery shopping day. This is my husband’s favorite day of the week. He gets a 5% discount at Publix. It’s my job to look up the specials and create the shopping list. We then go to the store and and buy our food for the week. Since it’s only the 2 of us and I’m not eating much but eggs and potatoes now, the cart is kind of bare. Sad to see 2 rapidly aging folks walking around the store with an almost empty cart.
I didn’t get outside yesterday despite the best laid plans. Just as we were getting ready, the cold front came through and I couldn’t face being hit by all that wind. What a terrible excuse because that’s what it was, an excuse. I just didn’t want to have to fool with a scarf or hat in that wind. No hair and I confine myself to the house. That’s sad and stupid. Yesterday, I felt better than I had in 2 weeks.
Well, today is grocery shopping day and I now have go go out in damp, still windy 56 degree weather. Have I ever shared how much I hate cold weather? I hate dark skies and cold weather!
Friday, I see my oncologist and am scheduled for chemo. I say scheduled for chemo since the doctor will have my latest test results and could decide to stop or change the chemo. Now, I move deeper into to the realm of constant uncertainty with all of you. My chemo therapy is:
1st Friday – Taxol and Avastin
2nd Friday – Taxol
3rd Friday – Taxol and Avastin
4th Friday – no chemo
Then the cycle is to begin all over this Friday. I am scheduled to see the oncologist on each 1st Friday of chemo.
The initial schedule then called for a full round of scans and tests to see if the chemo has had any effect. If I’m basically holding my own or improving, the next round of chemo will take place. Avastin can have some nasty side effects that trump hair loss and nausea. Those effects can include stroke, heart problems, severe hypertension, etc.
The Avastin treatment showed a slight disconnect in my treatment. When I showed up for my 3rd Friday of chemo, I got the port set up and the usual vials of blood drawn. This happens in the cancer clinic. You then go to the Infusion suite, check in and wait to be called for your broken chair in your own private chemo room. I’m sitting in the waiting room and a nurse comes out and asks “Where is your urine sample?” I have no idea what she is talking about since all they ever take is blood. She then says something about getting a cup and disappears. She doesn’t return for 15 minutes. I sit there scared wondering what in the world is going on. When she finally returns, I ask her what is going on, is there something wrong? She is surprised that I haven’t been told that, after the first Avastin, I must have a urine sample before any other Avastin is administered. This is not the first disconnect. Sure, this one is small except for the 15 minutes of waiting to be told what was going on. Any way, then it is time to give the sample. On chemo days, I don’t drink many liquids before I go to the medical center and I don’t drink much once I get there. This probably isn’t wise but I have so many IV fluids running through me that I have to take me and machine to the bathroom multiple time during the treatment. What a hassle especially after all the pain killers they pump into you. I walk into walls. Well, I have almost nothing to donate to the cup. The lab was able to use the little I was able to give and over an hour later I got to start chemo over 2 hours late. What fun. Now, it’s up to me to find someone in the cancer clinic to take my urine sample on the days I am to get Avastin. I feel like an employee that hasn’t been given all of the tasks that I am expected to perform. Well, I learn it all somehow.
Thanks for your support -
Sending love your way!
Hugs Sherri
great to hear from you, Carol! sounds like you are really getting a handle on things out there. keep up the good work. cancer doesn’t have you…you have cancer. remember you are the one in control, even though it doesn’t always feel that way. I have been inspired this week by a woman named Kris Carr. She is the author of “Crazy Sexy Cancer” and she has a documentary on tonight on TLC. You should check out her website and her book. She has some great tips and insights. I continue to be inspired by people on this blog site as well. We are all in this fight together so don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Peace, love of yourself, and power to you!
Josi
Ah Carol, my heart goes out to you because of the battle you’re in. Girl, just hang in there. I’ve had my share of disconnects, too, and they’re frustrating and a major inconvenience.
Let us know how you’re doing on Avastin. I’m familiar with the major side effects. My doctor had wanted to put me on both chemo and Avastin but I opted to go with just chemo. The side effects of Avastin intimidated me.
Of course, that could change if the scan results come back and shows that the chemo has had no affect on the lesions. I suspect that’s when I’ll have to reconsider the Avastin.
Take one day at a time. Cherish your moments together and take it easy on yourself. If you don’t wanna go out because you don’t feel you look good, then don’t. Learn to listen to your body and also get plenty of rest.
Hugs coming your way…Grace