Radiation - 28 (of 30)

Three treatments left, including the one this afternoon.  Taking Xeloda out of the equation helped with nausea but not much else.  The radiation oncologist is not keen to reduce the number of treatments given my particular case (I'm young, I had a nasty tumor) but he said if I did cry uncle he would listen.  Things went pretty much downhill since Monday and the pain got really terrible so I was given the okay to take oxycodone again.  I had some left over from surgery.  It didn't help a ton with the pain of the cramps themselves, but it is helping me get some rest otherwise.  It pretty much knocks me out for an hour or two every time I take it, so I'm getting a bit more sleep.  I had to start my leave yesterday as I can't work well when I'm on it (given the sleeping thing).

Last night was actually the first night I didn't wake up from pain.  I was all excited that maybe it was behind me, but as soon as I ate something, it was back.  It's been every so slightly better.  Maybe because I've eaten next to nothing all week.

Treatment today, tiny break with the weekend, then two more next week and I'm done... finally... now to let the oxy put me to sleep for a while...

Radiation - 24 (of 30)

Stupid side affects.  Ended up needing an infusion of fluids and magnesium as I'm wicked dehydrated, apparently.  I lost 4 pounds in the last week.  I have no appetite.  These cramps are awful.  I won't get home til maybe 8pm.  Boooooooo.

Thankfully I was told I could cease and desist my intake of Xeloda, chemo drug warrior princess, until Wednesday morning so I can try and recover somewhat from the side affects.  I meet my radiation oncologist that day also and I'm going to ask if I absolutely positively must have the "extra" 2 days of radiation, given how much this sucks.  It's all wait and see, all the time.

I guess as long as I'm not back in the ER with surgery the only option for relief, I'm ahead.  That's what I'll tell myself...

Nice days

Took a walk up the big hill with my boy.  Had to use the cane.  But I made it.  I'll collapse when I get home.  It was good to get out.

Radiation - 21 (of 30)

I am officially over this.  Gastrointestinal distress is totally for the birds.  I'm taking my cane to work again so I can lean on it if a cramping fit hits when I'm walking.  And also because I'm wicked tired by noon and probably wouldn't make it home without it.  And, it usually guarantees me a seat on the train, without which I also probably wouldn't make it home.  Whoever said radiation would be easier than chemo obviously didn't get awful stomach cramps.

2 more weeks, 9 more treatments.  I do have a week of leave at the end to rest and hopefully recover somewhat.  Still.  Even kittens aren't working now...

Radiation - 15 (of 30) - Halfway

Today marks the halfway point in my radiation treatment.  15 down, 15 to go.  Fatigue is starting to rear its ugly head.  The skin on my palms and soles of my feet is getting very dry and tight and starting to peel, thanks to chemo.  I'm also starting to have cramp-like pains in my belly; physically tolerable but they trigger flashbacks of how it all began, not cool.  Oh, and nausea.  I get that now too.  Luckily, all things considered, I have a stomach of steel, and haven't needed to take any of my (three) medications to address it.  I'm taking enough pills now as it is.

Neuropathy is also getting worse - tips of my fingers are numb now, matching my toes and the balls of my feet.

But you know- kittens make everything better, so here's a picture of ours.  15 down, 15 to go...

Radiation - 10 (of 30) - Jimmy Fund!

Here is a link to the blog post for the FitFest I signed up for:

http://www.jimmyfundfitfest.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1144910&supid=427430824

So that's cool.  Thanks to my universe of supporters I've crushed my fundraising goal - but if you're late to the party, donations still accepted :)

Today was the 10th treatment.  So far, mostly so good.  There are indeed side affects but it wouldn't be polite to discuss them here.  Fatigue of some kind does seem to be settling in already though.  That could be from the oral chemo as well.  Or from hustling to and from BWH every freaking weekday.  All the rest of my treatments are scheduled for 4:30pm; it takes me about 40 minutes to get there from work (subway), then anywhere from 60-90 to get home (bus-subway-bus).  All for a 15 minute treatment.

I also have bona fide neuropathy now.  My fingers tingle all the time and the tips of my toes are numb.  It didn't start until a few days after my last chemo.  My oncologist's assistant let me know it could take months to fade.  Thanks a bunch, evil drug oxaliplatin!  At least it isn't painful.  Just super weird and annoying.

Onward... and upward... sigh.