My kitchen windowsill pharmacy. Can't read the labels anymore so I mark the tops w/a Sharpie. From L to R : SLEEP, POOP, SORE THROAT, SWALLOWING, COUGH, NAUSEA, HEADACHE, VITAMIN. The KISS theory (Keep It Simple Stupid) at work. Had a rough day in treatment yesterday. A new infusionist, Kay, poked my arm high and didn't hit the vein, it swelled up and she had to poke me again, this time near my wrist. Let's just say the pain was "memorable" and I'm still feeling it today. God, I hate needles, but who doesn't ? Apparently chemo is hard on veins with a tendency to shrink them -harder to stick that garden hose in them. The effects of chemo last about two days but are tolerable, mostly body soreness, a slight headache, ringing in the ears and being tired. Met with Dr Henning again and the reports are still good. Both he and my oncologist have told me if the treatments weren't working, I would be having some very unpleasant side effects, like night sweats, nausea, chills and numbness/tingling in the arms and hands. They constantly ask if I have these symptoms so I have a feeling they're more common than I care to think. Can't imagine others going through that, especially those that are infused multiple times weekly - no time to recover. The only side effects I have now from radiation are skin redness and I've lost my voice - Joann loves the latter...We now stand at 13 more radiations and 2 cocktails before Christmas and the 2 big cocktails in January.The dates keep changing. May get the final CAT scan in February instead of March - the one that counts.
Talk to ya again Friday.
LIVESTRONG
Dad,
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good attitude. It seems like every time I check the blog, you pick up a couple more followers. Hopefully the last couple chemo-treatments go smother in the 'finding the vein with the needle' dept. Stay strong, we'll see you soon.
Ken, you don't have to worry about losing your voice...Jo & I don't listen to you anyway! LOL!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, sorry that you had to get "poked" twice; that is no fun. The good thing is that you're getting closer and closer to that Dec. 22 date. Then when the two big cocktails come in Jan. we'll be right there with you in mind and spirit. Wishing you only good stuff....
Deb & Rick
You can't fool me for a minute Deb - you two can hear what I think.
ReplyDeleteKen,
ReplyDeletesounds like you and the drs. have everything under control and it all sounds like it is working...that is so good to know! Joe and I are headed out this afternoon to Port Austin; we have tickets for " the nutcrackers nuts" at the PACP....by the name of the play it should be pretty amusing :)..
Keep up the good work and tell Joann I said Hi!
Lorraine
Uncle Kenny,
ReplyDeleteI think about you all day, and pray for your health every night. I was looking at pictures the other day of all of the "Machala" kids at the cottage. Boating, fishing, Ryan and I putting make-up on before we went on the boat. haha! Those were the times of our lives! What a great childhood all of us kids had. I hope that brings a smile to your face. Many more great memories to look forward to. Your positive additiute will get you through this. I love you! Tell the family Hi for me. I'll be talking to you soon! This blog website is so amazing. Love, Jennifer LIVEstrong!!!