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06/28/2007: "The Human Pin Cushion"
I had an appointment with my oncologist today. Dr. Tracy and her nurse went over the process of me starting the oral form of 5FU called Xeloda. Fluorouracil, or 5FU is the most common chemo drug for colon cancer and is also used for breast cancer and others. This was the drug that I had to be literally connected to for three days, as I carried and slept with an IV bag and a slow battery operated pump that pushed the drug into the port in my chest. I blamed this one for many of the side effects and drop in my immune system. Xeloda promises to be easier on me and this doctor seems more flexible in decreasing dosage or taking a break if my body has trouble. The one side effect that seems to be a big concern is hand and foot syndrone where your palms and feet get red and cracked. I will be using a prescription cream three times a day for prevention and healing. Lets hope that is the worst of it.
Today, before my appointment, I had blood work done as usualy, so I was talking with my friendly phlebotomist nurse (not lobotomist) about how often I have been poked and how I never seem to get used to it. She has been on the other end for 20+ years and doesn’t see how you could. She shared a few stories of people who had fainted or struck out at her. Made me feel better.
I came home from my last hospital stay with a blood clot so I am on the blood thinner, Lovenox. Unfortunately, I have to inject myself with it twice a day. It is supposed to go into the fatty part of the stomach (where you can pinch and inch). But, with 25 lbs missing, I can’t seem to manage much more than a flab of skin. Its one thing to turn your head and let someone else stick you. Its another to do it yourself. You don’t get to close your eyes and pretend you are somewhere else.
Friday, I meet with my neurosurgeon in a follow-up appointment. Looks like the incisions are healing well and the neck is feeling pretty good for two and a half weeks out. I even drove my car yesterday. The doctor’s pride will be hurt by the fact that I still have very little voice. Seems he nicked the vocal cord nerve. Not sure how long that will take to heal. And though he did slit my throat, this will be an appointment that doesn’t require a needle.
