HamburgerBrad
brad's Cancer Blog
October 3, 2008
| Chemo update | Views: 398 |
I suppose an update is in order… Last Thursday (Sept 25th) I began my third round of chemotherapy (correct my terminology if it’s wrong). Since all my central lines had been removed, I got my first doses with a peripheral IV. Talk about pain and discomfort. The Oxaliplatin made my whole arm unbearably sore, followed by the Gemzar which made an already sore arm burn horribly for another 40 minutes. My nurse friend had taken her lunch break from the inpatient section of the hospital to talk to me and help me through the worst of it, for which I was incredibly grateful. The following day (Friday, Sept 26th) I was back in the hospital for a cystoscopy and stent placement. For my sake, I’m glad that I didn’t look up what a cystoscopy was before the procedure. It turned out that the “enlarged lymph node” was enlarged to 7cm and partially compressing my right kidney. The stent was placed to relieve the pressure and improve my impared renal function. Thanks to the first doses of the chemo and the immediately following surgery, I felt absolutely horrible for almost the next full week.
Two days ago I was back for a PICC line placement and a check up with my cardiologist (who subsequently had to respond to a code in the ICU). Yesterday I woke up feeling almost human, only to go back in to recieve just the Gemzar. It went well and I felt fine the rest of the day as well as today. Now I get to look forward to having the next two weeks off and hopefully getting some things accomplished on my old volkswagen.
Thanks for your support -
Hi there buddy,
I was just thinking about you, was wondering what was going on. So here you are!
I don’t understand most of the medical terms. But if this makes you feel better, I am for that.
I have a friend that is going through something like you are doing and he sometimes talks about what he is going through.
But what I do know that I can support and love you and those that are in your family.
Hug Sherri
Hi Brad.
Just wanted to tell you that I admire your strength. I am also on chemo right now, and I know it is not easy, to say the least. You sound so strong and calm. Hope you enjoy next two weeks doing what you love and get recharged both physically and mentally.
Yuyu
Hi Brad,
Thanks for the update. Please stay strong. Keep the updates coming.
XO
Kathleen
You are my hero. I can’t believe everything you’ve gone through. Everytime I feel bad, I think of your strength and hold on…
((hugs))
Sonia
“cystoscopy” is Latin. The original meaning was “Huge hose used to make our enemies cry”
The first time I got the pure pleasure of riding that snake I almost passed out, now it is just part of the insurmountable joy that is cancer. My doctor always tells me “relax you may feel a slight pressure as I go through the prostrate.” If by slight pressure he means mind numbing discomfort then he is right on target. If he actually means slight pressure then he is a low down lying weasel. Maybe it is perspective. Maybe he just needs a good thrashing…lol
Now onto the business at hand, do tell about the old VW. I build VW Trikes. The old air cooled technology is wonderful. Working on VWs is a constant source of fun and relaxation. I am glad to hear you have it as a diversion.
Prayers and well wishes to you
Mac
Hey, Brad: thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Whenever we don’t hear from anyone for awhile, we know they’ve had to undergo some yucky treatment or take a dip on the cancer roller coaster. Don’t mean to minimize your pain, but all these procedures are helping to save your life. I’m taking Herceptin which, I understand, has been on the market less than 3 years.
But, anyway. Since we all have the good fortune of knowing Mac, do we really need anything else?
Enjoy!
wow, mac, that makes me glad I was under a general anesthesia for the procedure. Let’s hope they repeat the favor when it comes time to remove the stent. As far as the VWs, I have a 1953 bug that’s about two inches off the ground and a 1970 Baja, which is my current project.
I know what you are talk about “Been there done that” I was put out. But it has to be done,sorry.
Hug to all Sherri
Brad are you kidding? What is a PICC line. Is that a portocath. Are you referring to all the lines removed (is that veins they need to use for inserting the i.v.?) How about that I am a plain dummy when it comes to all those words. Sounds dreadful what you went through but it also sounds like others know what you are talking about. I hope the drugs are working. Oh yea…. 3 weeks off. Hope you have the time of our life reving up that beetle. Got any pics of it? You are doing a great job being STRONG LIKE BULL. Hope you have the time of your life these next few weeks. You deserve it.
Take care friend.
Weezie
Just wanted to welcome you and make mention that we have the same hair cut!
Brad,
I just found you on the site Journal. Don’t know why I hadn’t seen you before. I love your attitude. There is something about the way you write that always sounds positive and strong, even when the news is not so good. I understand your problems with your lines. I was on chemo almost continuously (several different ones) for a year, all through peripheral lines. They burned out every accessible vein I had, and scarred all of my deep veins. At one point early on I had a PICC line when I was in the hospital, but they pulled it on my discharge. Not a good idea. The chemo nurses hated me coming in for treatment as no one could start an IV. But my oncologist didn’t want a semi-permanent line due to the chance of infection. Finally the nurses wrote a note to my Doc. begging. So I got a Port. It is under the skin on my upper chest and has to be punctured each time I have blood drawn or get treatment. I am glad to have it. Sorry, I guess I got carried away with my own story here. This is a great site with so many great people. So much support. Some give you prayers, some great advice, and some make you laugh out loud. Then there is Mac, who does all three! Hang in there and enjoy the time with your Bugs! Oh, I just had my second dose of Gemzar, the first was with carboplatin. They wiped out my white and red blood cells, and my platelets. It’s always something… hope you have better luck! Gaile