Thursday, May 31, 2012

SIDE EFFECTS: at 9 Weeks

WARNING: Casual readers of this blog may find some details uncomfortable. I've included them to help fellow patients or those researching the idea of undergoing treatment. I apologize for any discomfort this may cause.



In no particular order:
  • Fatigue
    This is the norm now. I've learned to do less and be happy with the little things, like fixing breakfast for the family or going to the grocery store.  Those are big feats now and I am appreciative when I can accomplish them!  I move much slower these days and don't pressure myself about it. It is what it is.
  • Shortness of breath I often have to stop and catch my breath, especially if I'm walking and talking at the same time (which doesn't happen much these days).  I sit as soon as I stop moving, lean on walls if I'm standing, or prop my legs up if lounging for a time.  This is especially true if I'm talking.
  • NauseaPretty non-existent nowadays.  I suppose I'm getting used to it all.
  • Lack of appetiteI can eat ok but can be picky.  That's not like me. 
  • Rash and pruritus (itching) - NEW CHANGE
    No apparent rashes. HOWEVER, my skin feels like porcupine needles are constantly sticking me.  Ugh!  So itchy-burning annoying!  Once you start scratching, it itches everywhere! This was especially the case last night - made it hard to sleep. Only 3 more weeks left of Incivek so hopefully these symptoms will then disappear all together.  Until then, I will continue to use non-comedogenic, fragrance-free shower gel and lotion.
  • That other minor skin irritation
    You know, the one I said is located under the behind... Even less of an issue than before. I use medicated wipes and occasionally Preparation H for relief.
  • Emotional irritability/sensitivity
    I'm much more in control of this now.  Thank God! When I sense it coming on it's essential I find a quiet place to sleep more.  I also communicate this to my spouse and, simply, do less.
  • Sensitivity to acute loud sounds and bright light
    This fluctuates but is very present.  I wear sunglasses indoors where the light is bright on a regular basis.  Car alarms are very irritating.  So are loud squeals.  As a mom, I'd learned to tune them out over the years, but I'm not able to manage that nowadays.
  • Low Grade Fever and headaches
    It's NOT an every day thing. Yeah! But I'm better at sensing when it's bout to come on. When I take Ibuprofen and/or Theraflu it helps so much!  Taking Theraflu at night has helped me sleep better too.
  • Hair thinning
    This has slowed down a bit, perhaps because I'm not treating my hair while on treatment.  It still falls out but my new growth gives it body (since it's afro-ish...).
  • Muscle weakness AND soreness (NEW)
    I feel my muscles getting tired just from walking up the stairs sometimes. My muscles have also felt sore, as if I had been working out or something.  (Yet I'm not working out at all these days.  It's bummer.)
  • Neupogen AND Procrit (NEW)
    Both are injections to help my bone marrow produce more white and red blood cells, respectively. They typically wear me out! My body runs really hot while on these drugs, I feel more fatigue and weak.
  • Female issues
    Early/Late, inconsistent/extended cycle with cramps and body aches. I usually have regular and predictable ones.
  • NEW: Forgetting
    This is a funny one.  My mind does not work like it used to.  It's has a slower processor and limited memory.  In conversation, I forget what I was talking about after the slightest interruption. Sometimes I forget even while not interrupted.  It's difficult forming sentences because my vocabulary seems to be limited too.  Sometimes I can't find the right word to say.  I'm usually a LOT sharper than this, so this is new for me.  I find it quite comical though.  If you ask me to remember to remind you to do something, you better make sure I enter it in my phone WITH an alarm, or I will likely forget.  Oh well. So far, I hadn't inadvertantly shop-lifted or burned anything down, so...

Monday, May 21, 2012

NEWS FLASH: I'm an "UNDIE!!!!!"

I received great news this morning!  I'm an "UNDIE!!"  Yahoo!
My test results showed that the virus was undetectable, hence the endearing name, "undie."

What does this mean in terms of treatment duration?  Nothing.
My treatment duration remains the same at 48 weeks. I have 40 more to go.

Being an undie at 8 weeks is exciting though!  You see, the sooner I'm an undie, and the longer I remain an undie on treatment, the greater the chance the virus will not return post treatment.

Every 4 weeks I'll be checked for "undie" status.  Every 4 weeks I hope to remain an "undie."  If the virus returns on-treatment, that could spell trouble.  We don't expect that to be the case.

To hear how I've been doing, read the previous post.

Thanks for the gift of your time, allowing me to share my journey with you is a blessing!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

7 weeks, 5 Days - Test Time...Too Much of A Good Thing

Today I went in for the second "UNDIE" test.  Will the virus be undetectable this time?  I sure hope so!  The sooner I'm an "undie"  the lower the chance of a relapse once treatment stops.  We never want to see this virus again!

I should hear the viral load results sometime on Monday.  The goal: undetectable!  Last month my viral load dropped from 5.5 million to less than 43.  AMAZING!  That means these powerful pharmaceuticals are doing their job.  Hopefully it will be even better news this time!  I'll definitely keep you posted.

I did receive the basic test results back for my complete blood count (CBC).  The results: TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING...

Monday, May 14, 2012

7 weeks, 2 days - I Thought I Was Getting Used to It...

For the past couple of weeks I had been feeling great!  My head was clear. No fog or heaviness. And I had extra energy!  I was exercising at a decent intensity, I was pretty clear in the head, I was moving around quickly, light-footed, hopping up the stairs, being silly with the kids, less napping, more chatting, and spending more quality time with my hubby...

It was the closest I had felt to normal since the first week of treatment.  It was AWESOME!  My blood counts were looking decent too.  So decent that my docs increased my meds (the Pegasus, specifically)!  This is good news because the more chemo my body can handle now, the increased likelihood that the virus will not return once the treatment ends.

I was getting used to it all.  I really was.  So I thought.
Until now...