Just a quick note to let you know....
I am tired, not necessarily sleepy... just..... tired. The last couple of days I have spent a good share of the day just laying around. I have accomplished a few small projects on the computer, but no yard work :) or housework.
I did get to Daniel's football game Monday night. I rode with a friend to Pilot Rock, and then when I got there I did a lot of leaning on Preston. It felt better to stand, but I wore out quick. Preston was great to just put his arms around me and hold me up! :)
Tuesday I laid around more, but saved up enough energy to attend the beginning of our Ladies Bible Study in the evening. We are doing Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself I am expecting this study to speak to my heart and challenge me in new ways. God's timing is always right!
Today, I have finished a few more small computer projects and just got back from the church preparing for Pioneer Clubs tonight. I have done what I can... must let the rest go, but I think everything is ready to go!
I have had some bodily "plumbing" problems today. Just couldn't get things moving. Quite uncomfortable... but I am happy to report...this afternoon the situation is much improved! Too much laying around and not enough water drinking. (I think)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Chemo #2
Short Version; Chemo #2 went uneventfully, but I am finding I am more tired than last time. I bet I will be sleeping more in the next few days.
THANK YOU! to all of you who are praying I am clearly aware of the power of your prayers. What a blessing. THANK YOU to all of you who have taken the time to leave comments or send me email, facebook messages or other words of encouragement! I am amazed at your outpouring of love! Thank you!
Long Version: Friday, September 25th I had my second chemo treatment. Some of you have asked where these treatments take place.
The Providence St Mary's Cancer Center is in Walla Walla Washington, about a 25 minute drive for us. This is where we go for shopping and medical care most of the time. If we want some serious shopping we go to Kennewick, Washington (1.25 hrs way) That is Preston humoring me as I take pictures.
To the left of the main entrance to the cancer center is a nice little garden area , with benches a bell and stream.
THANK YOU! to all of you who are praying I am clearly aware of the power of your prayers. What a blessing. THANK YOU to all of you who have taken the time to leave comments or send me email, facebook messages or other words of encouragement! I am amazed at your outpouring of love! Thank you!
Long Version: Friday, September 25th I had my second chemo treatment. Some of you have asked where these treatments take place.
The rounded building you see behind the garden is where chemotherapy takes place. Unfortunately the garden is at the patients back. I think they should turn all the chairs around so the patients can see into the garden. I love the little stream, the bridge, and all nice ornamental grasses. 
The area for treatment is a big semi circle with the nurses work area in the hub of it. That way the can see everyone. I believe there are 12-14 stations, I haven't counted them. I will have to do that next time ;) After blood lab work, and my meeting with the Dr. & nurse, I am escorted to the treatment area and get to select a chair that is empty. This last Friday, there were two empty chairs to choose from. The nurse gently nudge me to the last one. Apparently the other ones partner patient was having a difficult time. The fellow next to me was older, and getting what appeared to be blood transfusions. His wife was very nice, he was pretty quiet. This is the set up and my chemo nurse. 
My chemo drugs are docetaxel (Taxotere) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). They also give me ondasentron (Zofran) & dexamthasone (Decadron) as anti nausea meds. It is administered 20 min. before treatment is started, and then I get a two day supply to take home. They do a great job. I also have lorazapam (Ativan) to take as needed for nausea, vomiting, anxiety, sleeplessness. The only thing I have used this for so far is the sleeplessness and it has been very helpful.
This time I read a magazine, and listened to music on my iPod, I was also able to chat on Facebook with my kids (Ben & Kendra), my sister (Lura) and a high school acquaintance Lesa Mecham. It surely made the time pass quickly! Thank you for taking the time to check in on me! I did have some sensations that told me my body was getting foreign chemicals in it, sinus pressure, and a sort of tightness in my chest, but it was not disturbing.
When treatment was done I got a shot in my arm of something that is supposed to boost my bone marrow into working harder at manufacturing blood cells. I was warned that it will cause low back pain, because that is where the bone marrow manufacturing happens. I have already experienced some of that with the 1st treatment. They just suggest using Tylenol or Advil for the discomfort. The wife of the patient next to me told me they had found that walking was a big help too. I had already observed that to be true and was glad to have it confirmed.
After treatment we got in the car and headed to Mt Hood for a Oregon Camp Cedarbrook Board Retreat. This was a working retreat where we reviewed the 2009 camp week and begin planning the 2010 year. I had several reports to give as the Camp Director, and Preston also is involved as Business Manager, now Treasurer.
Right off all of the women (and it is mostly women) wanted to see my head. I mentioned wondering if I should just shave my head bald. They began seriously discussed the fun of giving me a Mohawk with what was left of my hair and taking pictures.. then finishing the job. They began to scrounge around for a razor.. and found a couple. They appeared to be new. At this point I put on my director hat and said... Let's get camp work done first. By the time we were done with camp work they had forgotten about it, as I had hoped. They are truly a fun group of people who are a great support to me. It was good to be with them. We accomplished everything we needed to and are off to a great start for OCC 2010.
By the time it was time to go home, Saturday afternoon, I was truly spent! We got in the car and turned on our book on tape (The #1 Ladies Detective Agency,) which my sister Lura suggested and I reclined and zoned all the way home. Upon arrival at home I crashed on the couch, interacted a bit with Daniel and then went to bed. I slept well and was able to attend the church service today. My week always goes better when I am able to worship my wonderful God with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Here is the condition of my head as of this morning.
Pretty thin! I am still debating on whether to shave it or, out of curiosity, let nature take its course.
I am anticipating a slow and sluggish week. I would like to go to Daniel's JV football game Monday night (in Pilot Rock), women's bible study (we are starting a Beth Moore Study this week Living Beyound Yourself, on the Fruit of the Spirit) on Tuesday night, and at least make an appearance at Pioneer Clubs on Wednesday night. We will have to see what I actually get done.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Hair....
Short Version: Hair is falling out, it is a messy affair.
Long Version:
They (Dr & Nurses) told me it would be 10-14 days from my first chemo treatment that my hair would leave me. So on Day 10 (9/14) I thought... well here goes.......nothing happened!
Day 11: still nothing.... that I noticed at least.
Day 12: I noticed unusual hair loss in an area other than my head which will remain unnamed.
Day 13: I began to notice that my eyelashes weren't as long and thick as in the past. They have always been one of my vanities. The last time I looked I still had short sparse eyelashes... not what I am used to.
Day 14: Noticing a bit of hair from my head in the shower. Wiped it up with a towel.
Day 15: Quite a bit of hair in the shower. I also notice that running fingers through my hair becomes hair in my hand.
Day 16: Lots of hair in the shower... and after I toweled off even more. What a mess! I decided to just leave it there till the tub dried... then vacuum it up. I constantly feel like I need to brush off loose hair... kind of like after a haircut, but the falling hair never stops. Thank goodness wearing a wig or scarf keeps the falling hair under control. With all the hair falling out you would think it would be all gone now.. but noooooo. It is amazing how much hair one person has on their head! .....to think that God has them all numbered. Amazing!
Day 17: The shower of falling hair continues... I am looking ridiculous, battling a war on pride whether or not to take a picture and share the ugliness.. One of the things that surprises me is that my scalp feels a bit irritated, kind of prickly. I hope that goes away when all the hair is gone. Anyone want to guess on when the last of my hair is gone?
The camera won, what is the fun of sharing this journey without
pictures...
My next Chemotherapy treatment is Friday 9/25. I am to show up at the Walla Walla Cancer Center at 10:20 for lab work, then an appointment with the Dr. Q at 10:40... Treatment starts after the Dr.Q. appt. When the treatment is done Preston & I will head directly to a cabin on Mt Hood for Oregon Camp Cedarbrook Board Planning retreat. They tell me I will be better able to do this trip immediately after treatment than 2-3 days later. Thankfully the retreat is at a cabin, if I need to I can lay down and rest. Please pray that treatment goes uneventfully, and that the OCC Board retreat goes smoothly, that God would direct in reviewing and planning.
Thank you for all of your comments, encouragement and prayer. God has blessed me in many ways: being able to take one day at a time, strength for each day's tasks, and a sense of humor. Don't forget to pray for Preston and Daniel as they have to look at me everyday... at my worst. :) (They have been wonderful!)
Long Version:
They (Dr & Nurses) told me it would be 10-14 days from my first chemo treatment that my hair would leave me. So on Day 10 (9/14) I thought... well here goes.......nothing happened!
Day 11: still nothing.... that I noticed at least.
Day 12: I noticed unusual hair loss in an area other than my head which will remain unnamed.
Day 13: I began to notice that my eyelashes weren't as long and thick as in the past. They have always been one of my vanities. The last time I looked I still had short sparse eyelashes... not what I am used to.
Day 14: Noticing a bit of hair from my head in the shower. Wiped it up with a towel.
Day 15: Quite a bit of hair in the shower. I also notice that running fingers through my hair becomes hair in my hand.
Day 17: The shower of falling hair continues... I am looking ridiculous, battling a war on pride whether or not to take a picture and share the ugliness.. One of the things that surprises me is that my scalp feels a bit irritated, kind of prickly. I hope that goes away when all the hair is gone. Anyone want to guess on when the last of my hair is gone?
The camera won, what is the fun of sharing this journey without
pictures...
When I am home I cover my balding head with a bandanna or scarf... and I am very thankful for my beautiful wig to wear in public. This last week I substitute taught at our local middle school for 3 days. It went really well, and my wig was a hit! I wonder if the students responded differently to me because of my great new hair style?
My next Chemotherapy treatment is Friday 9/25. I am to show up at the Walla Walla Cancer Center at 10:20 for lab work, then an appointment with the Dr. Q at 10:40... Treatment starts after the Dr.Q. appt. When the treatment is done Preston & I will head directly to a cabin on Mt Hood for Oregon Camp Cedarbrook Board Planning retreat. They tell me I will be better able to do this trip immediately after treatment than 2-3 days later. Thankfully the retreat is at a cabin, if I need to I can lay down and rest. Please pray that treatment goes uneventfully, and that the OCC Board retreat goes smoothly, that God would direct in reviewing and planning.
Thank you for all of your comments, encouragement and prayer. God has blessed me in many ways: being able to take one day at a time, strength for each day's tasks, and a sense of humor. Don't forget to pray for Preston and Daniel as they have to look at me everyday... at my worst. :) (They have been wonderful!)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Blood Work and Chemo #1 Followup
Today, I had my first blood test and followup appointment with Dr. Quackenbush.
My white blood cells are low, but that is expected at this point.
They asked about my symptoms:
Nausea? None to speak of, a few occasions of a touch of queasy, but no nausea or vomiting. I told him I do everything I can to avoid vomiting. He agreed, that was how he would handle it too.
Sores in the mouth? no sores, but I can tell there could be and my mouth feels and taste funny. The nurse suggested that I rinse my mouth 4-5 times a day with a solution of baking soda and water (1 tsp/1 cup) to prevent sores, and get rid of the chemo inside my mouth. I am very pleased to hear about this trick.. I will be doing it!
Constipation or diarrhea? A little of both, but not uncontrolled or problematic at this point. Still working on the perfect solution.
I mentioned that I had a lot of low back and leg pain early on. A constant ache. Dr. Quackenbush indicated that it was my bone marrow kicking it all on its own, and seem to be happy about that. I didn't particularly like the discomfort but it is comforting to know it is a good thing happening.
I forgot to mention that I am not sleeping really well. You can pray about that with me. I would love to sleep all night.
I asked again about virus and flu concerns, and timing of getting a flu shot. I should get a flu shot on any day but a chemo day. He said I should live an active life and not to worry beyond what I normally would about the viruses going around. So... "Yes you should go to the football game tonight, and be sure to yell at the coach to put Daniel in the game."
I got my first call for substitute teaching this afternoon. I will be doing Junior High Social Studies Tuesday 9/15- Thursday 9/17. I have done long term sub jobs for this teacher on more than one occasion in the past, so it shouldn't be too hard. Pray that my strength holds out! I think it will be fun to be in the classroom. Get acquainted with the kids again.
I did purchase Wig #1 All of your interest and votes were really fun to receive and read! Thank you for sharing in my life in this way. Here is what it looks like after a trim.
I wore my new hair to church on Sunday and received many delightful comments. The one that I enjoyed the most was at a potluck picnic after church. Preston and I were sitting at a picnic table enjoying our wonderful lunch and one of the ladies came up to him and said "No Arlene today?, Where is Arlene?" to which Preston replied, "She is right here."
After my appointment today I went to JoAnn's and purchased some fabric to make some scarves to use when I don't want to wear my new hair, like when I am gardening, or cleaning house, or....just plain lazy. They has shown us some that they had to share at the cancer center, but the fabrics just were not me. I was looking for things that were not as calico looking, and that had wonderful color. (The red one has little paw prints in the corners of the plaid. I chose that one for WMHS game days...a bit of school spirit for Daniel :). Our JoAnn's just doesn't have much to choose from. But is will be a great start! The little triangle of fabric in the bottom right corner was shared with me by the cancer center. I took it to measure it. I plan to take it back.
You can get two scarves out of a yard of fabric, by cutting a 36" square into two triangles. I think take one of each to the cancer center.
My white blood cells are low, but that is expected at this point.
They asked about my symptoms:
Nausea? None to speak of, a few occasions of a touch of queasy, but no nausea or vomiting. I told him I do everything I can to avoid vomiting. He agreed, that was how he would handle it too.
Sores in the mouth? no sores, but I can tell there could be and my mouth feels and taste funny. The nurse suggested that I rinse my mouth 4-5 times a day with a solution of baking soda and water (1 tsp/1 cup) to prevent sores, and get rid of the chemo inside my mouth. I am very pleased to hear about this trick.. I will be doing it!
Constipation or diarrhea? A little of both, but not uncontrolled or problematic at this point. Still working on the perfect solution.
I mentioned that I had a lot of low back and leg pain early on. A constant ache. Dr. Quackenbush indicated that it was my bone marrow kicking it all on its own, and seem to be happy about that. I didn't particularly like the discomfort but it is comforting to know it is a good thing happening.
I forgot to mention that I am not sleeping really well. You can pray about that with me. I would love to sleep all night.
I asked again about virus and flu concerns, and timing of getting a flu shot. I should get a flu shot on any day but a chemo day. He said I should live an active life and not to worry beyond what I normally would about the viruses going around. So... "Yes you should go to the football game tonight, and be sure to yell at the coach to put Daniel in the game."
I got my first call for substitute teaching this afternoon. I will be doing Junior High Social Studies Tuesday 9/15- Thursday 9/17. I have done long term sub jobs for this teacher on more than one occasion in the past, so it shouldn't be too hard. Pray that my strength holds out! I think it will be fun to be in the classroom. Get acquainted with the kids again.
I did purchase Wig #1 All of your interest and votes were really fun to receive and read! Thank you for sharing in my life in this way. Here is what it looks like after a trim.
I wore my new hair to church on Sunday and received many delightful comments. The one that I enjoyed the most was at a potluck picnic after church. Preston and I were sitting at a picnic table enjoying our wonderful lunch and one of the ladies came up to him and said "No Arlene today?, Where is Arlene?" to which Preston replied, "She is right here."
After my appointment today I went to JoAnn's and purchased some fabric to make some scarves to use when I don't want to wear my new hair, like when I am gardening, or cleaning house, or....just plain lazy. They has shown us some that they had to share at the cancer center, but the fabrics just were not me. I was looking for things that were not as calico looking, and that had wonderful color. (The red one has little paw prints in the corners of the plaid. I chose that one for WMHS game days...a bit of school spirit for Daniel :). Our JoAnn's just doesn't have much to choose from. But is will be a great start! The little triangle of fabric in the bottom right corner was shared with me by the cancer center. I took it to measure it. I plan to take it back.
You can get two scarves out of a yard of fabric, by cutting a 36" square into two triangles. I think take one of each to the cancer center.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wig #4 ---Preston's Perogative
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wigs
My great friend, Karen Albert and I had a girls night and went to try on wigs, take pictures and have dinner! We had a very fun time! I have 3 good choices for a wig.
See what you think and post your votes. 
#1This one is the closest to my natural hair color. I like the feel of this one. If feels friendly, maybe a bit flirty... fun. We would trim the bangs so they are not in my eyes.
#2 Preston, and Jan at the salon, think this medium brown is great for my eyes and completion. This one is closer to lengths I have been wearing, just a bit darker than my hair currently is.
#3 A longer version, close to my own hair color. It would be trimmed up out of my eyes.
Friday, September 4, 2009
First Chemotherapy Treatment
My first chemo treatment went well. No complications or misery! :) Lots of very nice nurses. Lunch was tolerable for hospital food. My question on that is - Why did they ask me to fill out MY requests for lunch and then bring me what they pleased? :)
I was able to listen to great music (loud enough to drown out hospital noises) on my Ipod, lay back and take a nap! A great way to pass the time! I did take books, but didn't use them much. I did have an inspiration about one of my landscaping projects in the barnyard. Now I just need to convince Preston it is truly inspiration. Two years ago we had to replace a bunch of 8 in steel irrigation pipe. It was cut into hunks and laid in pile. I think those could be interesting sculptural additions to the barnyard. I am thinking in a group of 3 or so, they could be used to hold pots or flower arrangements or.... use your imagination. Preston seeing lots of hole diggin... draggin his feet.....
It did take 4 hours with all the discussion of drugs side effects and how to take care of myself, and then the treatment. As I was laying there with the drugs going into my vein the thought occurred to me "Oh my, what am I doing, can't go back now, where is the road taking me." But peace reigned and the thought became resolve to take it one day at a time, remembering this is a short term bump for a long term benefit.
On the way there we stopped at a place that sells wigs. I tried on a few, and selected 3 from a catalog they will be ordering in and I will try them on later this next week. I think I will take my camera and take some pictures. I will post them and you can cast your votes. (I still have veto power ;)
So far I feel pretty darn good. Thank you for all of your prayer, concern and encouraging notes.
I love you all and thank God I have a wonderful, supportive circle of friends! You make a difference!
P.S.
I just have one question : Who are you "Keeper of the cheese"? :)
I was able to listen to great music (loud enough to drown out hospital noises) on my Ipod, lay back and take a nap! A great way to pass the time! I did take books, but didn't use them much. I did have an inspiration about one of my landscaping projects in the barnyard. Now I just need to convince Preston it is truly inspiration. Two years ago we had to replace a bunch of 8 in steel irrigation pipe. It was cut into hunks and laid in pile. I think those could be interesting sculptural additions to the barnyard. I am thinking in a group of 3 or so, they could be used to hold pots or flower arrangements or.... use your imagination. Preston seeing lots of hole diggin... draggin his feet.....
It did take 4 hours with all the discussion of drugs side effects and how to take care of myself, and then the treatment. As I was laying there with the drugs going into my vein the thought occurred to me "Oh my, what am I doing, can't go back now, where is the road taking me." But peace reigned and the thought became resolve to take it one day at a time, remembering this is a short term bump for a long term benefit.
On the way there we stopped at a place that sells wigs. I tried on a few, and selected 3 from a catalog they will be ordering in and I will try them on later this next week. I think I will take my camera and take some pictures. I will post them and you can cast your votes. (I still have veto power ;)
So far I feel pretty darn good. Thank you for all of your prayer, concern and encouraging notes.
I love you all and thank God I have a wonderful, supportive circle of friends! You make a difference!
P.S.
I just have one question : Who are you "Keeper of the cheese"? :)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Treatment Plan
Short Version: 4 treatments of chemo... 3 weeks apart starting Sept 4th, then 37 daily treatments (5 days a week) of radiation, followed by 5 years of Arimidex.
Long Version:
Dr. Quakenbush shared the study results with us this morning. My tumor is Estrogen and Progesterone receptive. The characteristic of this tumor also have a 22% chance of recurrence throughout my body. Chemo would lower that by a 3rd. Because it is hormone receptive the 5 years of hormone treatment is strongly recommended. Radiation is to eradicate all the possible suspicious cancer cells that may be lurking in my right breast.
We were very pleased with the information we received and feel confident we have chosen the right course of action. My young age (52) encouraged me to agree to the chemo. Three months of a little misery and inconvenience is worth the insurance that I will have an increased chance to have the opportunity to enjoy our retirement years, and any possible grandchildren (should any of my kids decide to have kids).
Chemotherapy begins tomorrow 9/4/09 at 10:00 A.M. the drugs of choice are taxotere & cytoxan. It will take 4 hours to administer. All the usual side affects are indicated for these. They say they have it all figured out how to control nausea and vomiting. We shall see.
Hair loss is a given. (apparently in about 10-14 days) I have made an appointment with my hairdresser to get a shorter cut next Wednesday. That might help with the freak out factor! :) I also have an appointment with a gal recommended for wig advice tomorrow at 9:00 A.M. All the cancer caps and scarf treatments I have seen still look like cancer caps. Marti H. (Oncology Community Coordinator) shared a scarf with me and showed me what it looks like then you tie it on. She is very enthusiastic about the scarf approach. She did say that most teachers opt for the wig because it reduce the questions from students. As a substitute teacher that might be something to consider. I just don't know. What will be the best fit for me? Part of me just want to go bald. It might be cooler (a hot flash remedy :), but I might have a really ugly head and it might be disturbing to others. I don't even like the way I look with a wet head. hmmmmm. May be I should get a wig in a hair style I have always wanted, but couldn't do because of my uncooperative hair. I also thought about getting a bunch of new hats and just have fun with hats. That seems like a lot of work. One wig....lots of hats. Could be fun though.... There are so many decision. I just want to take a nap :)
Other possible side effects:
Fatigue: caused by either low red count (anemia) and/ asthena- total body toxicity
Low blood white count: Which causes a risk for infection-- I need to take my temp twice a day with my very own thermometer...no sharing :)
Numbness in fingers and toes- will go away after treatment
Burning in mouth
Brittle Fingernails --- dang, I was hoping it would strengthen my nails --- I have always had brittle and wimpy nails
Constipation/diarrhea --wonder which this will be---can you have both?
The Arimidex is one of the newer drugs on the "market" for hormone receptive tumors. This would start after Chemo and Radiation. It is more easily tolerated than tomoxifen and has less side affects. It has two side affects that put me off. Bone loss is one, Dr. Q assured me that they monitor bone density throughout the treatment and make indicated adjustments to treatment or add other drugs to prevent bone loss. The other is joint pain. He told us that regular exercise is the best remedy for that. It works... if you do it. That would be good for my general health. I hope I can follow thru on that for 5 years.
If all goes well we should be done with Chemo and Radiation by mid January. This is great! We have a wonderful opportunity to accompany some great friends (Tim & Karen Albert) to Hawaii around MLK Day. We are planning to accept this invitation, it will be a great thing to look forward to, and wonderful respite from treatment and winter. We are praying I will be free to go, we can gather the funds, and I will be up to enjoying it! Dr. Q says we must go! :)
Long Version:
Dr. Quakenbush shared the study results with us this morning. My tumor is Estrogen and Progesterone receptive. The characteristic of this tumor also have a 22% chance of recurrence throughout my body. Chemo would lower that by a 3rd. Because it is hormone receptive the 5 years of hormone treatment is strongly recommended. Radiation is to eradicate all the possible suspicious cancer cells that may be lurking in my right breast.
We were very pleased with the information we received and feel confident we have chosen the right course of action. My young age (52) encouraged me to agree to the chemo. Three months of a little misery and inconvenience is worth the insurance that I will have an increased chance to have the opportunity to enjoy our retirement years, and any possible grandchildren (should any of my kids decide to have kids).
Chemotherapy begins tomorrow 9/4/09 at 10:00 A.M. the drugs of choice are taxotere & cytoxan. It will take 4 hours to administer. All the usual side affects are indicated for these. They say they have it all figured out how to control nausea and vomiting. We shall see.
Hair loss is a given. (apparently in about 10-14 days) I have made an appointment with my hairdresser to get a shorter cut next Wednesday. That might help with the freak out factor! :) I also have an appointment with a gal recommended for wig advice tomorrow at 9:00 A.M. All the cancer caps and scarf treatments I have seen still look like cancer caps. Marti H. (Oncology Community Coordinator) shared a scarf with me and showed me what it looks like then you tie it on. She is very enthusiastic about the scarf approach. She did say that most teachers opt for the wig because it reduce the questions from students. As a substitute teacher that might be something to consider. I just don't know. What will be the best fit for me? Part of me just want to go bald. It might be cooler (a hot flash remedy :), but I might have a really ugly head and it might be disturbing to others. I don't even like the way I look with a wet head. hmmmmm. May be I should get a wig in a hair style I have always wanted, but couldn't do because of my uncooperative hair. I also thought about getting a bunch of new hats and just have fun with hats. That seems like a lot of work. One wig....lots of hats. Could be fun though.... There are so many decision. I just want to take a nap :)
Other possible side effects:
Fatigue: caused by either low red count (anemia) and/ asthena- total body toxicity
Low blood white count: Which causes a risk for infection-- I need to take my temp twice a day with my very own thermometer...no sharing :)
Numbness in fingers and toes- will go away after treatment
Burning in mouth
Brittle Fingernails --- dang, I was hoping it would strengthen my nails --- I have always had brittle and wimpy nails
Constipation/diarrhea --wonder which this will be---can you have both?
The Arimidex is one of the newer drugs on the "market" for hormone receptive tumors. This would start after Chemo and Radiation. It is more easily tolerated than tomoxifen and has less side affects. It has two side affects that put me off. Bone loss is one, Dr. Q assured me that they monitor bone density throughout the treatment and make indicated adjustments to treatment or add other drugs to prevent bone loss. The other is joint pain. He told us that regular exercise is the best remedy for that. It works... if you do it. That would be good for my general health. I hope I can follow thru on that for 5 years.
If all goes well we should be done with Chemo and Radiation by mid January. This is great! We have a wonderful opportunity to accompany some great friends (Tim & Karen Albert) to Hawaii around MLK Day. We are planning to accept this invitation, it will be a great thing to look forward to, and wonderful respite from treatment and winter. We are praying I will be free to go, we can gather the funds, and I will be up to enjoying it! Dr. Q says we must go! :)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
