Cheryl is going to leave the building :)
Just thought I'd report in. It is now Day 10 after the first Irinotecan chemo infusion. As you all know, I've had quite the time of it and although I had prepared myself for possibly a couple days where I would have to slow down and take it easy... I had no idea I would have 8 days of sheer misery. Yesterday and today are much better... the cramping/spasms are down to a dull roar (3-4 out of 10 on the pain scale vs 15 out of 10 earlier in the week). I'm not eating much in the way of solid foods yet... but did manage to get two pieces of toast down yesterday and keep it down
This morning... I'm going to live dangerously and try some French toast ... if that works, then tonight will be either rice or quinoa and some shredded chicken.
But the big news... I'm GOING OUT TODAY!!! Tonight is the opening of a show that a bunch of friends are in and come heck or high water, I'm going to be there in the front row!!
I know I'm going to be kind of weak having not been out of the apartment, let alone far from bed for the past 9 days... but I'm bound and determined I'm going to go Wish me luck!
Cheryl
Comments
-
Cheryl,
Have a wonderful
Cheryl,
Have a wonderful time, you deserve it!!!
I hope the next cycle is not as hard on you. Christopher had his first (since September) folfiri plus avastin on Monday. He had atropine before infusion of the irinotecan and another atropine injection midway. Some nausea this week, but manageable with all the drugs (Emend, etc.)
Have fun at the show and let us know how it goes!
Big hugs,
Bill0 -
Cheryl
I find that the Folfiri hits me hard for about 8-9 of the cycle. Days 10 and 11 are slow and 12-13-14 give me a glimpse at what it might be like to feel good again.
Days 4-5-6-7-8 are the absolute worst - it's a tough drug and just as mean as its counterpart.
I just returned to work last week, but missed a day for Infusion and 3 days this week, because I was so sick, I just could not function.
So, when you "can" get out and around, it's always a nice break from being at home and close to a bed. Though, one has to rest most of those days.
So, giddy up and enjoy yourself.
And one other thing....I caught one of your posts about your nausea.
See if Canada offers ALOXI. It's part of my pre-meds package and really helps control nausea and vomiting. Wanted to offer this to you in the hopes that it might help you. Could be the ticket for you where the other drugs have failed you.
You asked for luck - you got it - now get goin'
-Craig0 -
Snow on the weekend???unknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Hahaha Kathy.... well that comment surprised me! While I was out tonight, walking from the car to the theatre in my goofy lightheaded, dizzy sort of gait, I remember thinking how lovely it was outside. I guess 44F is not considered warm, but it certainly didn't feel cold to me, either I'm no sure the West End is ready for snow! LOL!
Well, the report is in... I had the most wonderful evening!! Seriously... it was a real challenge to get there. It took me just over an hour to shower and get dressed. I felt so weak and dizzy so showering was iffy. Then once I was out of the shower and dry, I lost all my energy. So had to lie down before I could get dressed. When I did get dressed and then went to put a touch of makeup on, again, I felt like I needed to lie down. I really didn't think I was going to be able to get out of the apartment and my neighbour, Toby, when she came over to get the dog said, "I think it's a great idea that you are going to get out of the apartment and get some fresh air... but something tells me you are not going to make it to the theatre." Heck, this theatre isn't even far from home... all of a 7 minute car ride!
Well, I sucked it in and said, "Enough! Damn you cancer... you are NOT going to keep me from doing my favourite thing with my favourite peeps!!" So I left the building and yes, I drove to the theatre. I know, I know... that might not have been the smartest decision.... but it was a lot easier for me to be sitting in my car than waiting around for cabs. Once I was in my car, I was fine, and like I say... 7 minutes to the theatre. Pre-show, it was great to see friends who had also come to see the show.... but I have to admit, I was feeling a little dizzy and started getting short of breath standing around in the lobby... so I went into the house and got my seat.
Wow... what a magical time! From the minute the show went up (and yes, I was in the front row), my dizziness, shortness of breath, feelings of nausea, and feelings that my intestines have had a severe beating/bruising, just up and disappeared. I was taken up with the magic of showbiz, a very very funny show, put on by 5 extremely talented performers. The show called [title of show] is about two guys trying to write a musical about two guys trying to write a musical... and of course, there are also two gals in there so they can write them in too. It is a hilarious parody of musical theatre script writing and anyone who has ever been in a musical will get all sorts of references and innuendoes. The show is 90 minutes long without an intermission and it was 90 straight minutes of no chemo, no anti-side affect meds, no side affects.
After the show was over, of course there was the mingling and what not of opening nights and that's where I had to bow out early. I did get to see everyone who was involved in the show and many others who came to see the show, including my good buddy, Jay (who is in my new picture). Jay is a local Vancouver film and stage actor and one of my biggest supporters. I'm not sure those of you in the US and overseas may have seen films he's in, but most Vancouverites will all have seen him in something, even if they don't realize that's who he is . You can check his imdb list of film credits to see if you recognize any of the films -- imdb list of Movies
But alas... I gave a ride home to my friend, Scott, who lives 3 blocks up the road from me, and then came home and have settled in nicely. I know things are not back to normal quite yet, because I did get very lightheaded and dizzy while standing around after the show... and I found I was getting short of breath.
Kathy, I'm not sure how much lower they can change my dose. Sharlene (my onc) did say she was going to start me off on a low (but still effective) dose and if I tolerated it well, we could always up it. HA! I don't think upping it is going to be an option . I'm hoping I'm right in thinking that if it is creating this much havoc with my healthy system, then imagine what it is doing to those darn tumours in my lungs
Cheryl0 -
Glad you got outCherylHutch said:Snow on the weekend???
Hahaha Kathy.... well that comment surprised me! While I was out tonight, walking from the car to the theatre in my goofy lightheaded, dizzy sort of gait, I remember thinking how lovely it was outside. I guess 44F is not considered warm, but it certainly didn't feel cold to me, either I'm no sure the West End is ready for snow! LOL!
Well, the report is in... I had the most wonderful evening!! Seriously... it was a real challenge to get there. It took me just over an hour to shower and get dressed. I felt so weak and dizzy so showering was iffy. Then once I was out of the shower and dry, I lost all my energy. So had to lie down before I could get dressed. When I did get dressed and then went to put a touch of makeup on, again, I felt like I needed to lie down. I really didn't think I was going to be able to get out of the apartment and my neighbour, Toby, when she came over to get the dog said, "I think it's a great idea that you are going to get out of the apartment and get some fresh air... but something tells me you are not going to make it to the theatre." Heck, this theatre isn't even far from home... all of a 7 minute car ride!
Well, I sucked it in and said, "Enough! Damn you cancer... you are NOT going to keep me from doing my favourite thing with my favourite peeps!!" So I left the building and yes, I drove to the theatre. I know, I know... that might not have been the smartest decision.... but it was a lot easier for me to be sitting in my car than waiting around for cabs. Once I was in my car, I was fine, and like I say... 7 minutes to the theatre. Pre-show, it was great to see friends who had also come to see the show.... but I have to admit, I was feeling a little dizzy and started getting short of breath standing around in the lobby... so I went into the house and got my seat.
Wow... what a magical time! From the minute the show went up (and yes, I was in the front row), my dizziness, shortness of breath, feelings of nausea, and feelings that my intestines have had a severe beating/bruising, just up and disappeared. I was taken up with the magic of showbiz, a very very funny show, put on by 5 extremely talented performers. The show called [title of show] is about two guys trying to write a musical about two guys trying to write a musical... and of course, there are also two gals in there so they can write them in too. It is a hilarious parody of musical theatre script writing and anyone who has ever been in a musical will get all sorts of references and innuendoes. The show is 90 minutes long without an intermission and it was 90 straight minutes of no chemo, no anti-side affect meds, no side affects.
After the show was over, of course there was the mingling and what not of opening nights and that's where I had to bow out early. I did get to see everyone who was involved in the show and many others who came to see the show, including my good buddy, Jay (who is in my new picture). Jay is a local Vancouver film and stage actor and one of my biggest supporters. I'm not sure those of you in the US and overseas may have seen films he's in, but most Vancouverites will all have seen him in something, even if they don't realize that's who he is . You can check his imdb list of film credits to see if you recognize any of the films -- imdb list of Movies
But alas... I gave a ride home to my friend, Scott, who lives 3 blocks up the road from me, and then came home and have settled in nicely. I know things are not back to normal quite yet, because I did get very lightheaded and dizzy while standing around after the show... and I found I was getting short of breath.
Kathy, I'm not sure how much lower they can change my dose. Sharlene (my onc) did say she was going to start me off on a low (but still effective) dose and if I tolerated it well, we could always up it. HA! I don't think upping it is going to be an option . I'm hoping I'm right in thinking that if it is creating this much havoc with my healthy system, then imagine what it is doing to those darn tumours in my lungs
Cheryl
"...The show called [title of show] is about two guys trying to write a musical about two guys trying to write a musical..."
Sounds like Seinfeld, a show about nothing. Clever idea.
I looked at the list of movies and I noticed "Best In Show". That is one of the funniest movies ever! I think that how it portrays the people is spot-on as they say and there were so many great performances (and actors) in it. I can't place his character but I will keep an eye out for him next time I watch it.
I've found that while trying to get one's butt out the door can be very difficult, once you get out you almost always are very glad you did.
-p0 -
Thanks, Phil!PhillieG said:Glad you got out
"...The show called [title of show] is about two guys trying to write a musical about two guys trying to write a musical..."
Sounds like Seinfeld, a show about nothing. Clever idea.
I looked at the list of movies and I noticed "Best In Show". That is one of the funniest movies ever! I think that how it portrays the people is spot-on as they say and there were so many great performances (and actors) in it. I can't place his character but I will keep an eye out for him next time I watch it.
I've found that while trying to get one's butt out the door can be very difficult, once you get out you almost always are very glad you did.
-p
Hehe... yes, it was very Seinfeld'ish and some of the stuff that came out of it was hilarious! For instance, the name of the show [title of show] was because they didn't have a title for this show they were writing. And they had 3 weeks to write one and submit it and their application to a festival with hopes that it would be picked and then seen by a variety of producers etc. So when the application asked for "Title of show:" and they didn't have one, they just put those same three words in, hence the name of the show .
Ahh... Jay was the psychologist in "Best in Show". The one who is counseling the couple with the "Weinermaranger"(sp?) who was traumatized by seeing his owners make love . That film is a classic... on a few levels. Of course, one of my favourite being that it was filmed here in Vancouver so, besides all the "name" actors, everyone was local and it was shot around town at local landmarks. But what was really really neat about this film... there were only about 10 pages of actual script for the whole film... everything else was adlibbed/improv'd by the actors. That shows the calibre of talent that they could even pull that off. Imagine working on that film? It would have been hilarious from morning to night!!!
And yes... once I got outside and got used to the fact I was so lightheaded and dizzy I really had to be careful how I walked and how long I was away from something to hold onto or sit on, I really was thrilled to be out. Isn't it amazing when you haven't been out for not even that long, you really do become institutionalized... and when you then go to do something that was second nature to you before, you are now looking at it with whole new eyes? Where the theatre is located, it's less than a 10 min drive from my place in an area called "Granville Island". It's a very touristy area because of the location (fabulous views of the city, etc). They have all the tourist things... a public market, fresh food vendors where you can eat inside the market or out on the dock, a kajillion restaurants for this small island, then oodles of craft stores, artist studios, an Art school, 4 theatres, etc. etc. I have spent so much time down on GI over the years, what with different shows, different events, different fundraisers, eating out, etc. etc. But last night, when I parked the car and was walking to the theatre, I realized, "Wow... it truly is beautiful down here... no wonder if is so popular with everyone!"
Just some lighthearted ramble for the morning Today's adventures... I am having a meeting with my am650 Radio contact to go over some promo material for the upcoming shows. We had this meeting scheduled last week, but I was in absolutely no condition to go/meet anywhere, or even have her come to my place. So, 2pm I'll be off to Starbucks (our meeting place of choice) and then I'm going to attempt to do some grocery shopping if I can still stand and walk around
Cheryl0 -
I am so glad you were ableCherylHutch said:Snow on the weekend???
Hahaha Kathy.... well that comment surprised me! While I was out tonight, walking from the car to the theatre in my goofy lightheaded, dizzy sort of gait, I remember thinking how lovely it was outside. I guess 44F is not considered warm, but it certainly didn't feel cold to me, either I'm no sure the West End is ready for snow! LOL!
Well, the report is in... I had the most wonderful evening!! Seriously... it was a real challenge to get there. It took me just over an hour to shower and get dressed. I felt so weak and dizzy so showering was iffy. Then once I was out of the shower and dry, I lost all my energy. So had to lie down before I could get dressed. When I did get dressed and then went to put a touch of makeup on, again, I felt like I needed to lie down. I really didn't think I was going to be able to get out of the apartment and my neighbour, Toby, when she came over to get the dog said, "I think it's a great idea that you are going to get out of the apartment and get some fresh air... but something tells me you are not going to make it to the theatre." Heck, this theatre isn't even far from home... all of a 7 minute car ride!
Well, I sucked it in and said, "Enough! Damn you cancer... you are NOT going to keep me from doing my favourite thing with my favourite peeps!!" So I left the building and yes, I drove to the theatre. I know, I know... that might not have been the smartest decision.... but it was a lot easier for me to be sitting in my car than waiting around for cabs. Once I was in my car, I was fine, and like I say... 7 minutes to the theatre. Pre-show, it was great to see friends who had also come to see the show.... but I have to admit, I was feeling a little dizzy and started getting short of breath standing around in the lobby... so I went into the house and got my seat.
Wow... what a magical time! From the minute the show went up (and yes, I was in the front row), my dizziness, shortness of breath, feelings of nausea, and feelings that my intestines have had a severe beating/bruising, just up and disappeared. I was taken up with the magic of showbiz, a very very funny show, put on by 5 extremely talented performers. The show called [title of show] is about two guys trying to write a musical about two guys trying to write a musical... and of course, there are also two gals in there so they can write them in too. It is a hilarious parody of musical theatre script writing and anyone who has ever been in a musical will get all sorts of references and innuendoes. The show is 90 minutes long without an intermission and it was 90 straight minutes of no chemo, no anti-side affect meds, no side affects.
After the show was over, of course there was the mingling and what not of opening nights and that's where I had to bow out early. I did get to see everyone who was involved in the show and many others who came to see the show, including my good buddy, Jay (who is in my new picture). Jay is a local Vancouver film and stage actor and one of my biggest supporters. I'm not sure those of you in the US and overseas may have seen films he's in, but most Vancouverites will all have seen him in something, even if they don't realize that's who he is . You can check his imdb list of film credits to see if you recognize any of the films -- imdb list of Movies
But alas... I gave a ride home to my friend, Scott, who lives 3 blocks up the road from me, and then came home and have settled in nicely. I know things are not back to normal quite yet, because I did get very lightheaded and dizzy while standing around after the show... and I found I was getting short of breath.
Kathy, I'm not sure how much lower they can change my dose. Sharlene (my onc) did say she was going to start me off on a low (but still effective) dose and if I tolerated it well, we could always up it. HA! I don't think upping it is going to be an option . I'm hoping I'm right in thinking that if it is creating this much havoc with my healthy system, then imagine what it is doing to those darn tumours in my lungs
Cheryl
I am so glad you were able to go and enjoy yourself! Your description of short of breath, no energy, dizzy- that was me the last half of chemo on oxil. On top of that I was so fricken sweaty- the sweat would run down my face and burn the hell out of my eyes. And my oncologist would tell me that surely as sick as I was, that the cancer couldn't live through that! So I say, yes Cheryl- those dang lung tumors are NOT going to survive the battle! yeahhhhhhhhh0 -
Cheryl,Trapbear said:Cheryl,
Have a wonderful
Cheryl,
Have a wonderful time, you deserve it!!!
I hope the next cycle is not as hard on you. Christopher had his first (since September) folfiri plus avastin on Monday. He had atropine before infusion of the irinotecan and another atropine injection midway. Some nausea this week, but manageable with all the drugs (Emend, etc.)
Have fun at the show and let us know how it goes!
Big hugs,
Bill
Jim had problems til
Cheryl,
Jim had problems til they added the Atropine for him too. Are you getting that with your infusion? Made a big difference for him and had to be given first.
Enjoy the show!!!
April0 -
Hey Kathy, What's that youunknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Hey Kathy, What's that you say...play in the dosages? Maybe we'll ask Jim's onc about reducing things. He feels awful like Tina's George does. You say it's just as effective too? That would be so great.
April0 -
Going out is the best
I remember being in the hospital once for like 10 days this last fall. I was at home and found where my wife hid my truck keys. It took me just seconds before I was in my truck pulling out of the driveway. I really didn't go anywher. Just drove around twon for about 45min. It made me feel so alive just to be able to go out and do something even if all I did was drive around.
Good for you
Brooks0 -
Hi AprilNana2 said:Cheryl,
Jim had problems til
Cheryl,
Jim had problems til they added the Atropine for him too. Are you getting that with your infusion? Made a big difference for him and had to be given first.
Enjoy the show!!!
April
Yep... I had the injection of Atropine when I had my infusion... not infused, but by injection. Obviously, I'd say it didn't do a thing for me. Well, it may have for the day of infusion and the second/third day.... but come the 4th day, it obviously had worn off. Once I got the lomotil pills (that also have atrophine in them), that did WONDERS for the cramping/spasms and no longer was diarrhea an issue as far as needing to hang out very close to a toilet... but it hasn't done a thing for bringing everything back to normal. I'm still losing fluid faster than I can take it in.
Tonight... it's on to real food! I THINK my tummy can handle it... we shall soon find out! I have some Chinese delivery on the way.... soup, egg foo young and rice
Cheryl0 -
Get out and drive!just4Brooks said:Going out is the best
I remember being in the hospital once for like 10 days this last fall. I was at home and found where my wife hid my truck keys. It took me just seconds before I was in my truck pulling out of the driveway. I really didn't go anywher. Just drove around twon for about 45min. It made me feel so alive just to be able to go out and do something even if all I did was drive around.
Good for you
Brooks
I can soooo relate to what you wrote, Brooks! Like I say, the drive to the theatre was only a 7 minute drive... just over the bridge from where I live. But it was the freedom of being behind the wheel and if I wanted to drive further (and miss the show ), I could. I had that option!! I was so tempted to just go driving around the city... but, I knew that would defeat my purpose of going and supporting my friends in their Opening performance. So the theatre won out... but I know I have my freedom-mobile (car) and once I was sitting behind the wheel, the dizzies and lightheadness I felt when standing, disappear when I'm sitting behind the wheel FREEDOM!!
Cheryl0
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