Symptom Update

Just a real fast update since several have asked.

As you know, my last chemo treatment of this cycle was Wednesday.  I got to Seton about 12:45 for check in and got to my room about 1:30.  It took them till about 4:30 to get started so we did not get out of there till 10:30 that night.  I had to take my oral agent when I got home at 11.  I think it left a hole in my stomach that night.  I could feel the burn in the morning.  

They weighed me at 193 lbs. so I finally realized that I must have about 30 lbs. of fluid accumulation from my abdomen down to my feet.  No wonder I can’t walk or sit for more than a minute at a time.  I spend most of the day semi reclined with my feet up.  My blood pressure was a little better this time around but still high.  Temperature and other vitals good!

I did not sleep very well as usual.  Up about every hour and a half.  Still can't lay flat on my back or sides.

I felt pretty tired and beat up all day Thursday.  Heart burn most of the day.  Could not drink fluids with out the hiccups.  Started getting tongue sensitivity.  It became more difficult to eat and drink through the day.  Felt wired but lethargic at the same time and could not take a nap.  Mostly read and channel surfed.

I think I had one of the worst nights ever last night.  Maybe 2 hours of sleep total.  Would get random jerking hiccups.  Would try and drink some juice and would get hiccups and spill the drink on me.  Horrible sore throat, could not swallow, breath, drink or sleep.  

Had to keep back and head elevated most of the night.  Did not even try to sleep after 3 am.  Felt like my throat was closing off my airway and I had to clear the airway to breathe every minute or so.

When I think back just two weeks ago, before the  hospital incident,  I was able to walk up and down our drive, practice Qi gong, cook, maintain my leg swelling, drive, sit and play the piano and function in most daily activities.  At this point, I can't do any of those things.  It is hard to walk from one room to the next.

I am sure all this will pass or morph to something else in the next few days.  I am just lying low and hoping all will pass soon so I can be prepared for the next round.  Needless to say, I am not very fun to be around!

Till next time,

B