Wigs and worries

I posted a pic on Facebook this morning with me wearing the wig I got from Cancer Carepoint this week.  They provided a wig, hat and halo (picture a bald man's fringe on the sides) all for free.  My friend Sheri went with me to give her advice.  I decided I wanted one for David's wedding next Saturday, so that if there are any pictures with me I appear to have hair.  It's a little warm and itchy, so I will still use my chemo caps too.  Around the house I just rock the bald look.

I saw the doctor on Thursday and she confirmed the positive scan results and my tumor markers continue to trend down.  Those are good things for this drug, so I will continue for at least another three months.  We are going to move to a four week schedule so my next chemo won't be until May 16.  Hopefully, this will give me a little more break from some of the side effects.  The acupuncture is helping with neuropathy in the feet and relieves the hands a bit too.

I'm frustrated with breathlessness that seems to be getting worse.  I made a Target run on Wednesday for just a few things and had to stop twice to rest. I know it's the weight gain and inactivity that are contributing to the problem.  After chemo, one of the medical assistants walked me to check my Oxygen levels.  I had to stop twice circling the building once, but they deemed my level fine. The doctor ordered some additional tests to rule out issues because it is interfering with my day-to-day activities.  So a CT scan on Wednesday afternoon 4/24.  The pulmonary function test isn't available until the end of May.  The echo-cardiogram hasn't been scheduled yet.  They told me to call and I got a voicemail and no return call so I will try again on Monday.  Meanwhile, I am going to try to move more, not panic, and focus on my nutrition despite the wonky tastebuds.

Spring Break was restful, but uneventful.  Back to work on Monday for three days, then my Thursday appointments (acupuncture and support group). Friday, I head out with Mom and Dad for wedding weekend.  Cliff flies into Sacramento Friday afternoon.  Wedding Saturday afternoon and then home on Sunday.  Hopefully, the side effects won't knock me down too much and I'll be able to enjoy.

I will miss Easter Services and dinner tomorrow, because Sunday's are my worst day for aches/pain but I hope that those that celebrate have a Happy Easter.  As always, thanks for the support--reading. listening and helping me navigate this crazy disease.

Scan day...

Today was scan day which carries it's own set of issues.  When the tech greeted me, he was quite excited to share it was a "new machine" and that meant more accurate results.  My internal reaction was "oh no!" as usually it means more precision and thus the results look worse not better.  The new machine meant new trailer so now the little prep room holds two patients.  The tech was a great stick so he was able to find my vein with no issues and the radioactive glucose amount is less so no scary looking metal encased syringe but a regular looking syringe that isn't quite so intimidating.  Then the marinating for 45 minutes while the glucose makes its way through your system.  The new machine has a larger diameter so it didn't feel quite as closed in going through the tube and the scan time was shorter.

So, all that to say the new machine also led to early results.  Dr. J already emailed me to let me know that the medication is working and most areas are stable and even some improvements.  I'll know a bit more when I see her face-to-face next Thursday but it means this drug has been effective.  It's been a lot tougher to manage the frustrations of the side effects with this drug but if it's working and I can still live my life, I'm grateful.

Doctor did mention the possibility of moving to a 4 week (28 day) cycle if the scan was good.  My hope and prayer is that this was good enough to do that.  Having an extra seven days to recover would be good.  Right now, I have about 10-14 days of yuck with different side effects at different points.  Just as I start to be able to taste things, get my energy back and feel almost "normal" it's time to start the process all over again.

Meanwhile, Sharks are in the playoffs and I will join Dad for our first round game tomorrow. Next week is Spring Break and sunny weather is predicted, so I hope to enjoy the early part of the week before chemo on Thursday. Unfortunately, the post chemo aches and pains, mean I will most likely miss Easter services and dinner as Sundays are usually my hardest day physically.  The weekend after Spring Break, my nephew, David is getting married so despite my side effects I will be with the family in the Sacramento area to celebrate!  There is more good than bad in my life and I need to keep the focus on the positive despite how I feel some days!

Thanks my friends and family for reading and continuing to support me with your good thoughts and prayers.  That gives me more strength to keep on keeping on then you'll ever know.