Treatment
I know it's been a while. So I'll give y'all an update. My first week of interferon SUCKED! I threw up constantly, could barely eat and I got sick of crackers real fast. I also lost 10 pounds! So I told my doctor and she felt so bad about it. She temporarily stopped treatment because it was raising my liver enzymes WAY too high, like 300 over. So I spent the last week getting blood drawn and eating up a storm haha. Oh, and Matt is finally my boyfriend! YES!! He's such a sweety.
Anywho, today I was given the ok to do treatment again. They included a steroid and only gave me half the original dose of interferon. So much better! Well they gave me a LOT of fluids so I've been peeing a lot, but the big thing is I'm not sick and I can hold down food. I did have a stomach cramp and a headache, but I imagine it's an easy fix.
My liver is good, I'm feeling not horrible but very hot, in the not sexy way and I am almost halfway done with my first month! Praise God! Oh, no lymphedema! Healing very well, I can lift my arm high enough to wash my hair, shave (ish), the good stuff.
Anyway, thought y'all would like to know what's new! God bless lovelies!
If God is for us, who can be against us?
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Re: Treatment
aldakota22 - (2/22/2012 - 8:33pm)Really happy that you are feeling well enough to get back on treatment.even at reduced doses it will work for you.My prayers with you and keep us posted.
Re: Treatment
gabsound - (2/22/2012 - 8:36pm)I'm glad to hear you are healing well. It amazing how important the little things are, like being able to shower and wash your hair (especially without having to plastic wrap yourself and drag a drain in with you)!
Interferon is a tough treatment. My oncologist started me off at a low dose and escalated up to my max. I remember that feeling of being hot and chilled. I alternated Tylenol and Ibuprofen as needed. I was always way worse at night and not as bad during the day. It's doable.
Please get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. I had really bad dry mouth- couldn't keep enough fluids in me. Food will taste good again once you are done! Hang in there.
Julie in Las Vegas
Re: Treatment
Lilylove414 - (2/22/2012 - 9:10pm)Thanks y'all! I know exactly what you mean about fluids! I keep alternating what I drink so I won't get sick of it. Now that the drain is gone showering is awesome again! I just stand there and bask! My oncologist started me off on the high dose and my liver was like...hey....I hate this. I hope she keeps me on the reduced dose! Food tastes a bit better already, but it's still kinda metallic. I heard fruit smoothies are the way to go, so we'll see.
Getting winded easily is kind of frustrating. Going up the stairs is like going on a jog lol. I think I'm going to start exercising and doing what I can so I can stay somewhat energized. I already found I love yoga!
Oh I ignored plastic wrapping in the shower. It just made me mad! I have 2 more weeks until I do my treatment at home. I'm looking forward to picking my own time. I'm determined to make the full year. If I have to sweat a bit at night I think I can manage it, God made the shower. :)
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Re: Treatment
gabsound - (2/22/2012 - 10:55pm)I also remember that feeling of fatigue. I felt like each of my legs weighed another 50 lbs
Julie
Re: Treatment
scots - (2/23/2012 - 8:04am)The fatigue/ getting winded was one of may worse side effects.
scot