We arrived at the hospital today anticipating my 4th treatment; I got weighed, they took my vitals, accessed my port, then I was into see Dr. Basche. The first thing she said was that my eyes looked tired, and I agreed telling her I feel like they look withdrawn and glazed. Then she mentioned my nutrifill (sp?) levels - or the white blood cell count - was low (1.2, where they like it over 1.5). These being my first line of defense against fever and infection, and the fact that it's going around my house with Tori and now Doug, she suggested we skip today's treatment and do it next week when hopefully the levels will be back up.
My weight was down 6 lbs. from my last visit (to 123), with that along with the dryness I'm feeling (hands, mouth, eyes), she wants me to drink even more liquids than I already am, and increase my calories by way of perhaps adding vanilla ice cream into my Boost nutrional drink, and adding fruit/vegetable juices. I have to up my use of Imodium too. I've been eating every meal, but I'm suppose they've been smaller because my tastebuds are only at about 50% so nothing tastes "great" at the moment. Since I already had my port in, and I was dehydrated, the nurses infused a half quart of saline. It just took a little over a half hour.
In a way I was relieved because I didn't need to spend 3 hours in the chair today and that'll give me another week to continue feeling stronger. But on the other hand it strings it out another week at the end, and I don't get to open a Sharon-gift for another week. I DID ask the doctor hopefully, "are there ever any cases where someone doesn't have to have their last treatment?" The reply was "occasionally if they're not able to handle it we would skip the Oxaliplaten (3 hr. drip), and just send them home with the 5FU (fanny pack of meds). I was just looking ahead and wondering... hoping.
As good as I felt after leaving, Doug and I decided to check out the new outdoor area at the Park Meadows Mall. We strolled in the 60° sunshine past stores and fountains as the smell of the restaurants filled the air. We stopped in to a New Orleans-type fish restaurant who was all decked out for Fat Tuesday. Doug had a catfish Poboy and I had a grilled fish taco and brought the remaining 3 home for leftovers. They talked us into fried pickles. Anyone ever have those? Amazing!! The waiter sent me home with 3 strings of mardi gras beads, and ALL I had to do was ask for them. Another 10 minutes sitting on a bench drinking in the sun's vitamin D, and we headed home feeling like we just played hookie from school.
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9 comments:
Ok.
I'm relieved that they're treating you like an individual and not on some "standard" treatment - that they're acknowledging how this is affecting you and adjusting your treatment accordingly.
It IS unfortunate that it drags this out another week - but how wonderful that you were able take advantage of what a BEAUTIFUL day it was today!
I say we compromise, and I deliver the goddess "cranberria pistaccia" in the form of biscotti in the a.m. (you have to promise to to dip and chew REALLY well!!!)
Deal?
Yes, it's a comfort to be treated as an individual, and not just a cookie cutter cancer patient.
YOUR biscotti? You got a deal! I saw it on the counter already this morning, and am anxious to fix a cup of tea and dip away.
I wanted to say everything that Sharon said. Except, sorry I don't have any biscotti for you:)
Your Dr evidently picked up on your weakened state and recognizes your need for special treatment. Bless her with that exceptional medical ability. I want you to be her star patient.
It is best not to rush this gettin' well thing.Just draw it out and try to enjoy it. Putting time and space between the treatments may lesson the side effects and make them more tolerable. Oh, I hope so!
All my love
Thanks mom, I am glad to have gotten this extra week to rejuvenate. It's another nice day, so I think I'll take a walk around the neighborhood, then take a rest. I love you!!!
Deb
You are "one of a kind"!This unique treatment will serve you well. We will have a place by the fire for you this summer at We Be Jammin. You are always in our thoughts.
Bill & Deb
I love fried pickles! Yummmm!!! Keep up the good work!
Hey little sister,
So, they said your white cell blood count was down, and to take in more calories by adding vanilla ice cream to your 'boost'. I'm starting to see a connection here! Let's pump enough of that white vanilla ice cream into your system that it gets into your blood. Oh dear Debbie, I so want you to get strong and well. We need to get some meat on them bones! Do you like oatmeal for breakfast? Try Quaker instant oatmeal cinnamon roll flavor (prepared with milk) when all hot and bubbly from mw, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it, yum. Now you know how I keep my girlish figure!! (just kidding, I've been staying FAR away from ice cream, myself!)
I love you, get strong and get well. Kathy
Hey little sister,
So, they said your white cell blood count was down, and to take in more calories by adding vanilla ice cream to your 'boost'. I'm starting to see a connection here! Let's pump enough of that white vanilla ice cream into your system that it gets into your blood. Oh dear Debbie, I so want you to get strong and well. We need to get some meat on them bones! Do you like oatmeal for breakfast? Try Quaker instant oatmeal cinnamon roll flavor (prepared with milk) when all hot and bubbly from mw, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it, yum. Now you know how I keep my girlish figure!! (just kidding, I've been staying FAR away from ice cream, myself!)
I love you, get strong and get well. Kathy
I'm really liking the ice cream in the oatmeal idea. I just might have that in the a.m. It's not cinnamon roll flavor, but what the heck. I love you, Kathy, and appreciate your comments here. YOU get better too, then this summer we'll sit mom's settee (sp?) and talk and catch up! Miss you.
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