Chemo - Cycle 1, Second Monday.. Two drugs.

Today I got both chemo meds:  Gemcitabine and Docetaxel. 

I thought they'd be administered at the same time.  I should have asked.  Not that it mattered.  Ninety minutes for the Gem and sixty minutes for the Tax.  I did get to knit this time... thanks to Joni in the lab who installed the IV when I got my bloodwork drawn.  I'll ask for her next time. 

And the extra hour gave me time to watch Futurama, a Bones re-run (the one with the dead polygamist... but that's another blog...)  and finish (aka run out of yarn) for the gray turban.  (we'll see if it fits or if I need to modify).  I cast on for a black beanie hat in Knitpick stroll black.  It's stash yarn that needs a good light to knit... and the infusion chair is perfect. Plus I like the circulars for the knitting.... rather than the long straight needles. 

No side effects, pleasant company (a woman and husband chatting in the next chair.  Overall a good experience.  I super hydrated.... ended up needing to use the bathroom several times.  They've got grape juice in the infusion center lobby... yum.  

I left a Burn Notice book for the Infusion lending library.  They've got a great Star Trek fiction library...I'll be adding knitting books and general interest books as I go.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Research update. Letrezole use for 10 years post breast cancer.

Below is a link to the original article. I realize that links don't live forever, so I've copied the article. I am currently on Letrezole.... and having bone pain. --Although that is something I'll be discussing with the doctor at Friday's appointment. Remember there are no easy answers... so a way to prolong life, also has side effects... pain, and reduced bone density. I'm grateful that I've drank as much milk as I have during the past decades. Hopefully, that will help strengthen my bones during this treatment. This also shows how treatments can cross from one cancer to another. I'm not sure there are any official treatments for my cancer, it is just too rare... so we keep trying new and interesting treatments. Washington Post Article about breast cancer and Letrezole Extending anti-estrogen therapy to 10 years reduces breast-cancer recurrence, new cancers CHICAGO — Researchers said extending hormone therapy to 10 years reduces the risk ...
Read more

Possible scenarios.... outcomes... and preparing for the future.

In the first days of this adventure, I found this TED talk. Baba Shiv talks about giving up the driver's seat TED Talk .  With this rare form of cancer, I choose to listen to my oncologist, and follow her directions.  My goal is to live another 10 years.  My roommate challenged that recently.  His sister has battled a variety of cancers for many years.  She's tenacious, intelligent and currently in remission.  Cancer has become a chronic disease for many.  I don't know.  I don't have the data (until the results are reviewed by my physician) from the latest CT with contrast scan.  I've gathered the old CT scans from other facilities and will be taking them to Moffitt next Tuesday.  Then... well, then we'll have a battle plan.  Overall, I'm working on multiple outcomes.  I need to be prepared.  For example, I'm going through my bookshelves and discarding many books.  Why?  I may be moving to a different home....
Read more

After waiting.... more waiting

It's been a long two months since I last wrote. I've been battling fatigue and depression while waiting for a clinical trial to open.  Parts of the problem are physical, lung tumor is pressing against lung, making it harder to breathe.  I've also got a painful cough.  Nights I've been taking fever reducers, then sweating.  This past Monday, I was admitted to the hospital for a clinical trial (I'm very excited). Only the fevers prevent me from starting the trial.  So we've run tests to find if there is an infection.  No.  Virus? No. They're giving me a week's antibiotics, and Advil to keep the fever down.  Next Monday I start the study.  I'm in the hospital basically for the next 3 weeks, Monday through Friday.  (as per research protocol. I'm ready for something to happen....
Read more