Days 3 & 4 of Round One

Feb 14, 2013 Dawn Melanoma 4 Comments

Round One of Chemo DONE!!!!

(click to flail)

Day three (yesterday) was an early start. Gave some of my blood away, this time extra so that they could cross type and match (or something) just in case my hemoglobin was still too low and I needed a transfusion.

We finished up and went to the infusion center, ready to wait. And wait we did. And wait. We finally got in the room and were put back in a corner, between a quiet guy and a guy who would NOT shut up talking to his 90 year old mother, for whom he wanted to plan a party.  He kept yelling out random names and WHO ELSE? WHO ELSE? What’s your Nephew’s NAME? And everything he yelled, he repeated at least twice. Mike and I were very close to smothering him with a pillow. The day went fine. I was the patient used as a re-certifier (again) for giving a specific drug/dose method, so that made things take a bit longer. The nurses, while nice and fine, were certainly not nearly as (a) concerned or (b) forthcoming about my blood, potential transfusions or anything else going on.  We were happy to head home.

Day Four (Today):

Much later start today, as blood draw wasn’t scheduled until 12 and infusion at 1. That meant we could get the boys up and to school without too much drama, which made things much better for everyone.

This time we were put in the back corner of the infusion room. My first nurse was…well, she was fine.  Nothing wrong, just doing her job. She got me started with only a couple of hiccups and we were on our way. Not once did anyone mention my potential transfusions. Not once was anyone concerned with my bright red face, bruises or lab results.

So I did what any smart, aware woman would do – I called my doctor (one floor up, btw) and asked for the answers I needed.  I know nurses are overworked and that they do the work of many. I wasn’t looking to get anyone in trouble, so I just called. Besides, they would have had to call up there anyway.

• Turns out, NO, I don’t need to go in for blood work OR a transfusion tomorrow morning (that would have been a very annoying drive out for nothing!).
• I need to get my blood tested on Tuesday and Thursday of next week.
• I need to be sure to rest, eat many small meals of whatever sounds good to me and my appetite allows.
• I have to be sure to stay on top of my meds for nausea and pain.
• I need to call if I have any issues or problems, especially with shortness of breath or extreme fatigue.

And I need to keep moving when I can, rest when I can’t.

In three(ish) weeks, we’ll do it again.

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Just for the record – I honestly have no idea what to expect.

I know I’ll be tired and fatigued – not only because of the chemo in my body and my body working so hard, but also because every med I’m on has dizziness, fatigue and lack of appetite as side effects.

My taste buds have already changed a little bit. I have the distinct feeling that there will be absolutely nothing normal about what I can and cannot eat for quite some time. Just as long as I can find something(s) good to drink and eat, I’ll be alright.

I have no clue when I’ll lose my hair. I’m fairly certain I will, so I have a couple new hats on order. The boys have requested no wigs, which is fine by me.

The only thing I know 100% for sure is that there is probably no such thing as normal in cancer or any other illness / disease. And that’s just how it is.

Day 2 of the Great Chemo Adventure

Feb 12, 2013 Dawn Melanoma No Comments

Today was slightly strange in the world of Dawn and her Great Chemo Adventure.

First, we misjudged the time it would truly take to get the boys up and to school (early) so we could get to U of M on time. Actually, it wasn’t so much the time at school, though that could’ve gone better, but more, it was the traffic. People apparently really cannot handle the roundabouts during rush hour. Nor can they drive well when they are lost.

We finally got there about 15 after 9 (I was supposed to do blood draw around 8:30, oops) and my blood draw-er was fantastic and fast. Sat around in infusion for about an hour while Mike went to get some breakfast and shake off the morning drive.

While I was getting my IV, we found out that my hemoglobin was low. Thus began the oddities of the day.

Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low hemoglobin count is a below-average concentration of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin proteins in your blood.

Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include: Cancer

 

First, they were going to add a bag o’blood to my infusions today.  But first they needed to take more blood to cross match and type or something. Then they were going to add two bags. Then none. Then tomorrow, but only if numbers weren’t rebounding. Then not tomorrow, but Thursday, if numbers weren’t rebounding. Finally, they decided that I would be getting a blood draw tomorrow, type and match blood draw on Thursday and a blood draw on Friday, with the understanding that if my numbers do not rebound, I will hang out for a blood transfusion!

Ok then!

All in all, the infusions were good today. Late start meant we were there longer than expected, but not too late to be unable to get the boys. I wasn’t nearly as sleepy today since I was able to sleep last night! Plus, the meds I’m on have definitely been helping with nausea and pain. Helllllo morphine!

So day 3 will be blood draw and 2 chemo drugs as well as pre-meds and hydration bags. I can handle that.

Taking the next step

Feb 6, 2013 Dawn Melanoma 8 Comments

Mike and I spent a few hours of our day at the U of M Cancer Center today for a blood draw and visit with my oncologist. We got the results from my last scan.  It wasn’t great.

There has been growth between scans and it seems the last infusions of IPI haven’t yet (or may not) kicked in. While it’s still possible that I could be a late responder to the IPI, it isn’t a wait he is willing to bet on, so we’re moving on to the next step.

Chemo. 3 kinds even! (Overachiever, I know). I’ll start on Monday (even earlier than most since I get to have an MRI of my noggin at 6am). I’ll get my cocktail for four days and then in 3-4 weeks I’ll do it again.

Of course, the side effects are nausea, fatigue and hair loss, so that will be fun!

But, it’s the next step, and I’ll take it.

As always, all prayers, thoughts, good mojo/juju, whatever are appreciated. Also, any tips or tricks you know of won’t be turned away!

(cross-posted)

scan tomorrow

Jan 30, 2013 Dawn Melanoma No Comments

Tomorrow is scan day! As much as I hate the fasting, contrast, IV contrast and oogly feeling I get from it, I’m ready.

I’m very much looking forward to it for a few reasons.

First, we’ll know whether the IPI infusions are starting to kick in (shown by shrinkage). The tough part is that there could have been increased growth before it kicked (kicks) in, so it might be hard to determine effectiveness. It’s odd to say oh hey, here’s this drug for long-term treatment to shrink those nodes/cancer cells, BUT they will likely get bigger before they get smaller.  That’s why the wait for 3 weeks before the scan – to give it time to kick in. I also could be a late responder to it, since it stays in my system for a LONG time.

Second, I’m interested to know if the new mets they saw on my scan a few weeks ago have gone away or not, since none of us were expecting them. Cancer cells are pretty damn sneaky – they come and go as they please.

Third, I’m looking forward to finding out why I’m having this soreness in my abdominal area and the hardness around my belly button. It could be inflammation, it could be intestinal, it could be side effects from the meds. No matter what, it’ll be nice to find out so we can get it taken care of! Having slight nausea and pain is really no fun!

Of course, my results won’t be until the following week when I see the doc, but getting the scan done is a step in the right direction of not waiting anymore! In the meantime, I’m still on the Z and the side effects come and go as they please. Last night it was knee joint pain. This morning it’s my fingers. Never a dull moment.

I’ll keep you posted.