So much has been happening since my last blog a month
ago. I’ve had many improvements in my
health.
·
I’ve been gaining weight. I’m triple digits now, baby!!
·
I’ve been
able to cut down on using supplemental oxygen.
·
I’ve been
going out more. Mostly for errands, but
I did go to dinner when some friends invited us over.
·
The tumor markers have continued to drop. Two tumor maker tests are done with each lab
draw and the markers indicate the spreading of disease if they increase or the
decline of disease if they decrease.
·
After
about a five week period of having no fluid around my lungs some fluid has been
accumulating again. I’m glad my
pulmonary doctor advised against removing the pleural catheter back then. I’ve been draining 200-500 mls (approx. 6-17
ounces) of fluid about every five days recently. Back in October 2014 when we first discovered
the fluid on an x-ray I went to the hospital and had two liters drained
off. Imaging the trouble I had breathing
then by thinking of a two liter bottle of soda lying on your lung as you try to
breathe! I’m thankful I’m able to drain
the fluid now if any accumulates.
·
Lastly, my recovery time after chemotherapy has
been decreasing. At first it took about
eight days for me to recover, but now it’s down to three or four days. Side effects I’ve experienced other than
losing my hair are muscle/bone soreness, flushing, numbness in my fingertips,
mild loss of taste, hot/cold flashes and emotion overload (this one is always
fun for my husband!). I did have nausea
the first time and one instance of diarrhea also.
Some of the improvements I mentioned may not
seem like much, but now I recognize how much I took for granted when I was
healthy.
We’ve added hyperthermia to my treatments each time. Hyperthermia is a form of radiation but can
be done two ways. One uses micro-waves
and the other uses hot water. I have the
latter. I lay on a table and six temperature
sensors are taped to my torso and chest. Then a large 18”x18” plastic bag filled with
water (similar to a hot water bottle) is placed on top of the sensors. Tubes are attached to the bag and are
connected to a machine that heats the water and regulates the temperature to
109 degrees. Once the sensors read a
temperature of 109 degrees the clock begins.
The table is inverted (to help situate the water correctly over each
sensor) and I stay that way for one hour. I can pick a movie to watch or I can sleep or
choose some soothing music to listen to.
Except for being inverted (it’s not much), it’s mostly a calm, soothing
treatment that’s warm and relaxing. What
if you have to pee, you ask? That was my
question too. I’m supposed to drink at
least a couple quarts of water each day!
I was about 40 minutes in when I asked that question. We had to take off the water, unhook the
sensors, level the table, get a gown on and walk down the hall to the
bathroom. Then redo everything to hook
me back up and wait for the sensors to reach 109 degrees again then start the
clock for the remaining time. The procedure
isn’t supposed to be broken up like that so the nurse said I’d have to use a
bed pan next time!! In the future, I’ll
cut my water intake that day!
Hyperthermia is done within 24 hours but preferably right before or
right after chemotherapy. It heats up
the cancer cells making them more vulnerable to the chemo toxins.
I leave soon for my fifth treatment at CTCA. My doctor has several tests and scans
scheduled prior to my scheduled chemo, which he’s actually called ‘tentative’
depending on my results. We will discuss
future treatment options this visit.
Last visit I finally did something I had been longing to do
on the previous trips…BINGO!! Yeah! There are always activities going on at CTCA
that anyone can participate in. I’ve
seen Bingo going on several times (in the dining room) when I’ve been eating
and I’ve wanted to play but I’ve been too tired. I finally decided to jump in and have some
fun! I ended up winning twice. I got to pick my prizes. There were some really nice prizes. My husband didn’t stay to play. He went back up to our room instead. After I had been gone for a while he came
back down to bring me my room key so I wouldn’t have to wake him up if I came
in late. But when he got to my table I
was nearly falling asleep over my bingo card!
He kept pointing out calls that I had on my card but wasn’t seeing
because I was deliriously tired! Haha!
It was 8:30pm. Earlier that day,
I had chemo and included in the ‘pre-meds’ that I was given was Benadryl. I’m a lightweight when it comes to medication
so it was all I could do to stay awake. I
had so much fun playing and met two couples also. It’s easy to meet people at CTCA. Most people are very friendly. We met another man on the elevator who shared
his amazing story with us. We ended up
praying with him and rejoicing with him over his healing progress. CTCA has such a positive and supportive atmosphere. I get excited to go before each trip!
We’ve received many gifts from you. Financial gifts and other gifts too…protein powder,
clothes, books, hats, scarves, visits, meals, etc. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’ve blessed us so much. Last trip there were a few people who gave us
some money or made a donation using Go Fund Me right before we left. It turned out to be the exact amount we
needed to pay for lodging, gas, supplements and meals! God is so amazing to supply for what we
need!
In closing, I thank you for taking time to read about my
progress. I appreciate the messages I
get with questions or congratulations.
You really make me feel special to have so many that care about me. I’ve included a few pictures for you. I wish you could all come with me to CTCA and
experience these wonderful things I’m writing about. The next best thing is sharing pictures instead. Shown below are the cafeteria and the
reception desk at the Infusion Clinic where I go for chemo and vitamin
infusions. Lastly, is a picture from a
friend that brought a huge smile to my face.
I don’t support Relay for Life for personal reasons, but my friend participates
each year celebrating her mom’s VICTORY over cancer. Below is a picture of my friend’s
contribution to the relay in my name. I
love what it says. If you talk about me,
use words like ‘winning’, ‘healing’, ‘fighting’ and ‘overcoming’. The Bible says the tongue has the power of
life and death, so use your tongue to speak ‘LIFE’ for me!!
Upon returning from this upcoming visit to the cancer
center, I’ll try to update you sooner rather than later.
Love, Darlene
