Today was a major day - Grady's circumcision and my Chemo session IV.
They expect him to be pretty tired and sore for a few days - they just got home about an hour ago, so we will see how the next 48 hours will go. Since I am a bit toxic for 48 hours, I can't hold him until Sunday afternoon -- waaaah!!
Kathy drove me in for my chemo session today; it was great to have her with me. Karen was planning to come too, but she ended up getting a bad cold last night and we figured it was for the best that she stay home. I missed her, but as it turns out, there are very many more opportunities to have a "chemo buddy" along.
I met with Dr. Kentley today; she said the plan was to have 12 more chemo sessions with a different drug - this time Taxol. So, beginning Friday, July 13th, I will have chemo once a week for 12 more weeks. This drug is supposed to have less side affects, but can have some consequences at the beginning - i.e. swelling in the throat, chest pain and other allergic type reactions. I will be taking a strong antihistamine about an hour before treatment. They will check me every 15 minutes to make sure all is well, so the first one will be long.
The rest of the side affects are somewhat similar to the Adriamyacin: loss of hair, low blood counts, numbness, pain and burning in the hands and feet, slow heart rate, changes (darkening) of fingernails and toenails, nausea, sores in mouth, tiredness, change in taste of food, headaches, skin rashes (sounds fun doesn't it!) Oh well, if I get these things, I know it will be working on the bad cells too.
After the 12 weeks of Taxol (ends September 28th), I will then see the surgeon to make plans to go under the knife - probably a month or so later. At that point, I guess I will have to be off work for a couple of months - darn! See, there's a silver lining to almost everything.
Signing off for now,
XOXOXOXO
Jan
Holly smokes hang in there Janice Jean!!! Damn you know we’re going to have one BIG ASS PARTY when this is all over!!.....oh if Grady could only talk,…. but I bet you can pretty much tell what he’s trying to say!!,…so how much does Grady weight now??,…about 5 pounds 3 ounces???...ha,ha,…hey I hear that one from Frank!!!
ReplyDeletewith love always
Hee, hee, Terry - you are funny! We are hoping Grady will forget that day and hope he doesn't all of sudden start talking - I guess it would sound somewhat like this - @**#$%&*?????!!!!
DeleteHe lost a little weight at the beginning like they all do, but I think he has gained it all back. They have another doctor's appointment for him next week, I think so we'll have an update then.
Yes, the BIG ASS party -- I hope my big ass doesn't get too much bigger - no drinking for me until at least October, they say.
ugh! Not fun (chemo or circ)!! Jeez, 12 weeks, once a week - thankful they have a plan, but so sorry you have to go thru this crap! So nice Grady is there to brighten your day! Great big hug to you, and I will be home soon - I will be expecting you to have something I can help you with!! that's an order!
ReplyDeleteLove Ya, Judi
Also, Jan I am available on Friday July 20, or the 27th, or both, if you don't have someone already scheduled to go with you those days. Would love to be your chemo buddy!
ReplyDeleteHey Judi,
DeleteWould love to have you as "Chemo Buddy" either of those dates. Both are open as of now, so take your pick.
What time do you get in on July 4th?
Can't wait to have you back in town.