Pain Level 8

ToBeGolden said:

Good Day Today!

Well everything is relative, so even "good day" has an altered meaning. Good compared to the previous week.

Well, I was dehydrated after the day of vomiting. Got 4 hours of IV Fluids. I think the cause of the severe nausea was the Fenantyl Patch. So the vomiting stopped after the patch was removed for 12 hours. Still some nausea, but controlled with meds.

I learned a clinical test for dyhydration. That is to take the patient's blood pressure while sitting, and then 2 minutes later while standing. If dehydrated there is a big difference between the two blood pressures. Mine were (about) 149/?? sitting and 104/?? standing. Don't know what would be the normal range.

Finished 3/5 radiations. Apparently, the tumor shrunk. At least the pain is down from 8 to 4 (without oxycodone). I take the pain med to sleep and I might take it before a long car trip (like to the hospital/clinic). Pressure on my back greatly increases the pain.

I've had 1/4 chemo treatements, which constitute the first round. After each round, a CT will determine whether the chemo is doing any good. Let's hope and pray.

It is hard to concentrate, post, or do anything. But I will attempt to post at least a couple of times a week.

I am able to eat bland food. My current favorite is Cream of Wheat with Whey Protein Powder mixed in. Even the thought of something sweat or fatty will make me vomit. It takes forever to eat; two hours for a bowl of hot cereal. But I got a bowl of Cream of Wheat down, a scrambled egg, and a litter of water all down this morning. It's hard to imagine that this is a great accomplishment, unless you've been here. Rick.

I  imagine that moving to a level 4 from a level 8, is almost a reason to start singing!  Everyone of the pain meds will affect somebody with nausea...gotta try them out just like the nausea meds to see which ones work.  Most you have to have something on your stomach before you take them, or it's a guarentee you'll be bowing at the throne.  Glad they figured it out quickly for you. 

You betcha a bowl of Cream of Wheat...plus a scrambled egg and liter of water are great accomplishments....it takes some real fortitude to do it.....so a pat on the back for you, Rick!

Tucking you into my pocket for a good CT at the end of this round.

p

ToBeGolden said:

Challenge to Maintain Weight

 

Well, maintaining my weight has once again become a challenge. The first time was during initial radiation for laryngeal cancer. I successfully met that challenge. While everyone predicted I would lose 30 pounds, I actually gained 8. The challenge at that time was pain from swallowing.

 

Today the challenge is nausea. Absolutely everything I eat makes me nauseous, even with Ondansetron on board. However, in the first half of the day I've been able to get down 3 Bisquick pancakes (with fresh cut strawberries) and an 8 oz. milk shake (whole milk, ice cream, and whey protein powder). So, it's a start; but is it enough?

 

 

Because of the restricted esophagus, and the consequent mental energy needed to insure everything is chewed into a mush, I have reverted to liquids and stuff like pancakes which dissolve. The blended cabbage is been temporarily abandoned. (Just can't face eating cabbage at the moment.)

 

 

With medication, the pain levels have been acceptable.

 

Rick,

you certainly have had a lot to deal with lately. it's good to hear that you've done well to get the right help, and that radiation will shrink that tumor. That you found the culprit of nausea in the patch, and  that you are getting relief when you need it with lesser drugs. And to be eating!  You are my hero. I am sure it doesn't feel great, but from what i can see from the sidelines, you are managing really well.

you are in my prayers.. 

kari

I am sorry you are not feeling well. Thinking about you.