Ahhh..the joys of "cancer life"! haha Let's see...got my tumor marker results back last week and it wasn't as good as we had expected. We started out at 170 then down to 114 and this last one was only 108. So not much progress on the last one. Normal is 38. So we are going to get another bone scan done next week and try and figure out exactly where we are at, if we have just hit a plateau or ???
I was told that Chemo may send me into full blown menopause and it has officially hit me, hot flashes and all. The only relief my oncologist can offer is a drug called Effexor and I'm not to the point yet that I want to be taking another drug..so for now I'm just going to endure it.
Today, I had a tooth crack and break which happens to be an issue right now because of the Zometa that I get once a month with my chemo. Zometa can have some ugly side effects relating to the jaw if there is any infection in the mouth. So major dental work is not good. I am going to look for an oral surgeon and see how serious he feels this is..until then my doc is not giving me Taxol (my chemo drug) in case any dental work is imminent that could lower my white blood cell count. I don't quite understand that all right now but will probably have a better idea soon.
Thats is for now...stay tuned!
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Oh Laura, sounds like you are having a hard time at the moment, so sorry things are not going your way. Thinking of you and sending much love to you,
ReplyDeleteChris and Ray
The more I think about all this, I just can't believe it--good things have got to be heading your way soon. You're in my every thought and I've been praying hard for you. Love you a ton, Ma
ReplyDeleteI knew there were some nasty side effects of all this stuff, but you have had more than your share. Lucky you are so strong -- but you are probably tired of hearing that. Try not to dwell on that marker number too much. Just got news from our former pastor about his marker numbers. They were pretty discouraging for a while, but are now looking better, even great -- and they have been adjusting his chemo program since last June. I suspect plateaus can be pretty routine. I know you don't want to be reminded, but you told me the doctor said this was a long journey. Hang in there. We are all so proud of you and and will be right here hanging in there with you. Love you. Judy
ReplyDeletethinking of you...... my 2cents is stay away from the Effexor. My sister and I both had "issues" when trying to STOP taking it. So, let's consider this is Friday and your BAD week is over. Have a great weekend! Love, Marilyn
ReplyDeleteI hear there is a light at the end of the tunnel..... Sometime that is hard to believe, but try not to give up.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps, we are feeling your pain. Maybe not physical but emotionally.
Much love little one, Aunt Carol
Hang in there my sweet niece. We love you and are thinking about you all the time.
ReplyDeleteLots of love princess, Aunt Sherry
Laura, you don't know me, but I graduated fom High School wth your Mother and she has kept me posted about your situation. She may or may not have informed you of my situation but I am going through chemo treatments as well. I must say your an inspriation with such a great attitude and helps keep me on the positive side also. I had gone thrugh chemo ending in October and my first PET scan ater that indicated I was cancer free. Bummer..... two months later that was proven wrong and now it is in m kidney, some lymph nodes and my scalp. They are treating it with some pretty strong chemo and plan a stem cell transplant later. Enough about me. I just wanted to let you know I was praying for you and your Mom and thinking of you often and to let you know your attitude is an inspriation to others. May God bless you for that.
ReplyDeleteArt Siebels
A prayer partner
Hey there Laura,
ReplyDeleteWow, you've had a plate full of trouble lately! Sorry about the long gap between posts-you're still in our thoughts even when we're not writing.
I know you hate being inactive, but try to give in to the fatigue when you need to. The body works and heals itself better when it's rested.
Maybe now's the time to catch up on your movie watching: especially funny ones. Maybe we should all come up with a "Best Movies to Watch During Chemo" list. I'm pretty sure it's a list no movie critic has come up with yet (although maybe I'll go google that to check, you never know) I recommend The Big Liebowski, along with the Police Story and Airplane series, although I know they're not everyone's cup of tea (Michael hates them, that's for sure, ha ha).
About the hot flashes: I guess my two cents is that Effexor was not a good option for me either. Too many side effects, I only took it for a few days and had to quit. At least it's winter now: throw open the windows, dresss in layers, and warn Chris that he's going to be cold a lot for a while!
Happy Valentine's Day and remember that Michael and I are still thinking about you, even when we're blog deliquents.
Lots of love, Susie