My numbers (blood counts) have definitely been affected by the chemo but not so bad that the infusion couldn't go forward. That, in and of itself, is a good sign that my immune system is responding. Dr. Thompson asked me how I would compare the Gem/Tax with the doxorubicin. Truth be told, the doxorubicin was easier, I think. There was breakthrough nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores, and tiredness, but all in all, they weren't too bad. But, I only had two rounds and I understand that the effects are also cumulative...so it may be that I just didn't have enough to have the full effects of red dragon.
But, it is conceivable that I may be on this combo for many cycles. I know a few people that have had 20+ cycles. If I even just get stability, my guess is that we'll ride the wave for as long and as far as it will take us. That being said, I think I probably ought to note what I have experienced so that I don't forget and I'll be able to remember the effect accurately so that if it does get worse, I'll have something to compare with.
The first day of Gemzar I had no real side effects. I slept...just because everyone recommended it...and I must have been tired because sleep came easily and I slept well that night as well. Bone tired exhaustion did occur from time to time throughout the 21 day cycle. It comes with little warning, but I'm extremely fortunate that I can just snooze when it hits.
Day 8 was they very worst of the cycle for me. I slept the afternoon away but as evening came my temp spiked at 103.4. It wasn't until early the next morning that my fever broke and I finally felt better. We ran through the after hours protocols but there was a break down somewhere. The afternoon of day 9 we had an appointment with Dr. Keedy and she suspected it was a reaction to the meds - she thought the Gemzar - instead of platelets crashing - since I was experiencing no more symptoms. I was a little anxious today about the Gemzar because of that experience, but so far, so good. Flu-like symptoms can be expected for 2-5 days after each infusion. And, I haven't had that either.
The second week I experienced constipation. Miralax took care of that. In all honesty, I'd rather have the diarrhea but the constipation wasn't a huge deal either.
By the last of the second week/third week, I experienced mouth problems. Not sores like the doxorubicin but it was as if I had drunk an entire mug of boiling water...like my mouth had been burned. Food didn't taste quite right, but I could brush and floss with no worries, in comparison to the doxorubicin, but I did find food tinny and needing salt.
Perhaps the most annoying thing was that by the end of the second week I started to experience nose bleeds. Probably due to low blood counts. Dr. Thompson told me today that the neulasta recommended by Dr. Keedy had been approved by my insurance! Yes! Although that brings its own kinds of issues, but I learned how to deal with them from the doxorubicin.
Breakthrough nausea actually happens from time to time but I honestly can't tell you whether it is the chemo or the tumors...perhaps it's both. But, compazine or phenergan takes care of it well...just adds to the tiredness though.
Finally, there are some weird events that happen sometime, without warning. I have no words to describe them. I have described them as kind of "out of body" events. Trying to analyze them hasn't really helped either. Sometimes it's like you just get kind of dizzy...but it isn't really dizziness...kind of like your body just isn't connected and you wonder if your legs will move or hold you...your head isn't really spinning but you don't don't feel sure at the moment. Just hard to describe. I'm wondering if it's related to hydration as it more often seems to come upon standing or walking...but not always. It's something I'm planning on working on this cycle because IF hydration is a factor, that's something I can do something about.
And, I really thought that the lumigan that I use for my glaucoma would protect my eyelashes. The doxorubicin didn't really take them all out - thinned them some but they were still there. That can't be said after a cycle of gem/tax...I have three lashes on my right eyelid, two on my left and one long one on my left lower. I played around with false eyelashes but some warn that the skin is so fragile on chemo that the adhesive may create wounds that risk infection. I see my ophthalmologist next month so by then I'll know if I'm going to be on the regimen for a while, if this will be something that will be dealing with, and I can ask his opinion.
My biggest complaint is really feeling like I'm a slacker or a flake. It's just that I can't seem to feel certain that at any given moment I'll be in control. I think that is part of the process of having to learn to thrive with cancer. Today I came home and appliquéd three leaves on the quilt I'm working on and then came into the bedroom and took a 2 1/2 hr. nap! What a joke! I'm having trouble deciding if I need the rest or if I'm just slacking. Rich keeps telling me to just roll with it...but I'm worried that could develop into quite a negative character trait. I did fix lunch and dinner! Lol! I've decided this round I'm going to set little daily goals and see how that works. Tomorrow I'm going to my water aerobics class and the appliqué on my quilt strip and setting the appliqué for the next strip, and go practice the organ. Wonder if I can manage that.
On the plus side - we did have the chance to head to Alabama to spend thanksgiving with Joey and Carlie, and the kids. It was such a pleasure and we really had a great time. The kids have grown so fast. It is hard to believe that Joey and Carlie are where Rich and I were just such a short time ago - at least to us! Lol! Time flies so quickly and in the middle of it, there is always the worry and stress of trying to always know what is the best way to respond to whatever is happening. In the end, it's all about love and teaching in the Lord's way. On Saturday we had to opportunity to attend a temple session with Joey and Carlie too. What a blessing. We heard from all the kids and our extended families too. That's what it's all about!
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