I had my third treatment today. It burned a little going in this time. The nurse got me with the first poke, but it was in a tenuous position, so had to keep still. My sister entertained us with a hand-held version of Family Feud, complete with commercial breaks and plenty of witty commentary.
My platelet count is a bit down, so the Dr lowered my dosage a bit. My white cell count is still down a little, but nothing worrisome. I'm starting to get dried skin on my face, and a bit of the unpleasant diarrhea (D) and constipation (C). It's hard to imagine kind of having both at the same time, but it's possible. The Dr said that he wouldn't be susrprised if I got a blood clot at some point. Pancreatic cancer and my history make this a definite possibility. So, I shall remain vigilant. He suggested drinking a lot of water on the plane so I'd have to get up and pee often. I hate that. But, I've been on the blood clot flight before and don't want to make that trip again. Almost didn't come back, last time.
By the time my appetite really comes back Wed/Thurs, then the treatment sucks that away nicely for the next few days. I've lost about 10 lbs since all this started. I'm really thankful I have the 'reserves' I do. :-) I'll be buying some Ensure for the hotel room while we're in Vegas. I'm pretty much packed. Just a few last minute things to throw in tomorrow.
Next week is my week off treatment (other than the pill I take). My Dr said that I seem to be tolerating it well, and that if I want to go back to work in some capacity, that would be fine. I'm waiting to hear from the person at work to let me know what all my options are for working and doing chemo.
At the next visit in two weeks, they will check my CA19-9 and see if it has moved from its original number. It can be somewhat of an indication on how things are going, but the ultimate answer lies in the CAT scan. We shall see.
So far just a slight headache, and I'm getting a little tired. Might blog from Vegas if I feel like it and can find a computer.
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4 comments:
Jane, How long does each of these treatments take? (Must be lengthy if you have time to see an entire floor show including commercial breaks!) Sounds like you need to book the aisle seat on planes for a while too. We love you.
Treatment takes about an hour from the time I get poked and then the infusion is done.
Dr. visit and scheduling take time before and after the actual treatment.
Have a great trip Jane and don't hold back at the buffet. I'm sure it'll be better than Chip's, but we'll do lunch again and you can tell me all about it. Tell Michael I really love that bike rack on my Jeep.
Hi Jane, Cousin Nancy here. Life sure has its ways of teaching. You are an awesome student, Jane! I've been reading your journal. You have a lot of friends & family praying for you. There may be times when you just don't want to say anything to Him. He understands. The rest of us will keep on talking to Him.
By the way, if you want to have fun, try shuffleboard along with the pool. (Not the kind you see on cruise ships.)
I'll be back. Love, Nancy
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