Kathryn_in_MN

thready · December 2009

Kathryn, where are you? Thought you might be home from the hospital. How is it going
Jan

Kathryn_in_MN · December 2009

I am home
I got to go home at 6:3o last night. The PE is stable and they don't think it is going anywhere. I have no other clots in chest or legs. I'm on Lovenox shots (my husband gives them to me), and Coumadin. Tomorrow I have labs including INR.

Truth be told, my fighting spirit is pretty absent today.

Thrush is getting worse instead of better, and I've been on Fluconazole since Saturday. The onc on call tonight wasn't sure what to do. Fluconazole can cause problems with liver function, and so does Coumadin, and the two together are not good. Great... he told me to go ahead and take another one tonight, but make an appointment to see my onc or the NP tomorrow when I go in for my labs and INR. Next in line is probably liver failure at this rate.

I'm a mess.

I'm getting to the point of being more worried about all these poisons they have me on and their interactions, than the cancer...

Other than my 3rd cycle, this has really sucked. Big time. The third one I got my hopes up - I thought I could get through 12. Now I'm thinking I've only done 4, and already feel like I'd rather be dead most of the time. Not good. I've had one good week since October 22. The rest have been beyond awful. And the weeks proceeding that weren't a lot of fun with the infected port...

My list of complaints just grows and grows - and they aren't hypochondriac complaints - each time they turn out to be something serious. I'm getting tired of it. I just want to be "normal." No more in the minority side effects and problems...

Nauseated, stomach and intestinal trouble, bloody nose 3 times today (I've only had two ever in my entire life before this), can't stand my own body odors due to thrush, headache, fever, hot flashes, night sweats, chest pain (blood clot in the lung), exhausted with my heart pouding if I just go up and down my steps, and my list just goes on and on. I can't sleep - I'm too miserable. Very sad for someone with a high pain tolerance that doesn't usually complain about anything. I'm a wreck...

Blizzard here - hopefully no trouble getting in to the onc tomorrow.

Thanks for asking about me. Sorry to be such a downer with my reply.

grammadebbie · December 2009

Kathryn_in_MN said:
I am home
I got to go home at 6:3o last night. The PE is stable and they don't think it is going anywhere. I have no other clots in chest or legs. I'm on Lovenox shots (my husband gives them to me), and Coumadin. Tomorrow I have labs including INR.

Truth be told, my fighting spirit is pretty absent today.

Thrush is getting worse instead of better, and I've been on Fluconazole since Saturday. The onc on call tonight wasn't sure what to do. Fluconazole can cause problems with liver function, and so does Coumadin, and the two together are not good. Great... he told me to go ahead and take another one tonight, but make an appointment to see my onc or the NP tomorrow when I go in for my labs and INR. Next in line is probably liver failure at this rate.

I'm a mess.

I'm getting to the point of being more worried about all these poisons they have me on and their interactions, than the cancer...

Other than my 3rd cycle, this has really sucked. Big time. The third one I got my hopes up - I thought I could get through 12. Now I'm thinking I've only done 4, and already feel like I'd rather be dead most of the time. Not good. I've had one good week since October 22. The rest have been beyond awful. And the weeks proceeding that weren't a lot of fun with the infected port...

My list of complaints just grows and grows - and they aren't hypochondriac complaints - each time they turn out to be something serious. I'm getting tired of it. I just want to be "normal." No more in the minority side effects and problems...

Nauseated, stomach and intestinal trouble, bloody nose 3 times today (I've only had two ever in my entire life before this), can't stand my own body odors due to thrush, headache, fever, hot flashes, night sweats, chest pain (blood clot in the lung), exhausted with my heart pouding if I just go up and down my steps, and my list just goes on and on. I can't sleep - I'm too miserable. Very sad for someone with a high pain tolerance that doesn't usually complain about anything. I'm a wreck...

Blizzard here - hopefully no trouble getting in to the onc tomorrow.

Thanks for asking about me. Sorry to be such a downer with my reply.

Big Hugs and Lots of Prayers
Dearest Kathryn,

You are not a downer, you are AMAZING!!! You have been thru so much and have proven to be a real fighter. Just think of all you have accomplished...I have talked to Stage III patients who "don't want to go thru the side effects of chemo" and choose not to. You have chosen to fight and have had soooooo many complication, yet you continue to face this challenge head on. You have every right to vent and actually need to. This is a safe haven for you, not many people can understand the emotional and physical trials we go thru. They mean well but really don't get it. I think of you often and you are in my prayers. Remember we all need a safe place to come to for comfort and understanding and this is definately the place. I respect you and admire your tenacity in fighting this monster. You are truly an amazing women and are an inspiration to all. Thank you for always blessing us with your contributions to this forum. You are a very caring,giving person and I really appreciate and care for you. Big Hugs.

God Bless you,

Debbie (gramma)

VickiCO · December 2009

Kathryn_in_MN said:
I am home
I got to go home at 6:3o last night. The PE is stable and they don't think it is going anywhere. I have no other clots in chest or legs. I'm on Lovenox shots (my husband gives them to me), and Coumadin. Tomorrow I have labs including INR.

Truth be told, my fighting spirit is pretty absent today.

Thrush is getting worse instead of better, and I've been on Fluconazole since Saturday. The onc on call tonight wasn't sure what to do. Fluconazole can cause problems with liver function, and so does Coumadin, and the two together are not good. Great... he told me to go ahead and take another one tonight, but make an appointment to see my onc or the NP tomorrow when I go in for my labs and INR. Next in line is probably liver failure at this rate.

I'm a mess.

I'm getting to the point of being more worried about all these poisons they have me on and their interactions, than the cancer...

Other than my 3rd cycle, this has really sucked. Big time. The third one I got my hopes up - I thought I could get through 12. Now I'm thinking I've only done 4, and already feel like I'd rather be dead most of the time. Not good. I've had one good week since October 22. The rest have been beyond awful. And the weeks proceeding that weren't a lot of fun with the infected port...

My list of complaints just grows and grows - and they aren't hypochondriac complaints - each time they turn out to be something serious. I'm getting tired of it. I just want to be "normal." No more in the minority side effects and problems...

Nauseated, stomach and intestinal trouble, bloody nose 3 times today (I've only had two ever in my entire life before this), can't stand my own body odors due to thrush, headache, fever, hot flashes, night sweats, chest pain (blood clot in the lung), exhausted with my heart pouding if I just go up and down my steps, and my list just goes on and on. I can't sleep - I'm too miserable. Very sad for someone with a high pain tolerance that doesn't usually complain about anything. I'm a wreck...

Blizzard here - hopefully no trouble getting in to the onc tomorrow.

Thanks for asking about me. Sorry to be such a downer with my reply.

Kathryn
There is not much I can say except vent away. This is the place to do that - we all understand and we empathize. Let me just wrap you in a big cyber hug
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} to try to help you get through this. You are a fighter and an amazing person.

Vicki

lisa42 · December 2009

Kathryn_in_MN said:
I am home
I got to go home at 6:3o last night. The PE is stable and they don't think it is going anywhere. I have no other clots in chest or legs. I'm on Lovenox shots (my husband gives them to me), and Coumadin. Tomorrow I have labs including INR.

Truth be told, my fighting spirit is pretty absent today.

Thrush is getting worse instead of better, and I've been on Fluconazole since Saturday. The onc on call tonight wasn't sure what to do. Fluconazole can cause problems with liver function, and so does Coumadin, and the two together are not good. Great... he told me to go ahead and take another one tonight, but make an appointment to see my onc or the NP tomorrow when I go in for my labs and INR. Next in line is probably liver failure at this rate.

I'm a mess.

I'm getting to the point of being more worried about all these poisons they have me on and their interactions, than the cancer...

Other than my 3rd cycle, this has really sucked. Big time. The third one I got my hopes up - I thought I could get through 12. Now I'm thinking I've only done 4, and already feel like I'd rather be dead most of the time. Not good. I've had one good week since October 22. The rest have been beyond awful. And the weeks proceeding that weren't a lot of fun with the infected port...

My list of complaints just grows and grows - and they aren't hypochondriac complaints - each time they turn out to be something serious. I'm getting tired of it. I just want to be "normal." No more in the minority side effects and problems...

Nauseated, stomach and intestinal trouble, bloody nose 3 times today (I've only had two ever in my entire life before this), can't stand my own body odors due to thrush, headache, fever, hot flashes, night sweats, chest pain (blood clot in the lung), exhausted with my heart pouding if I just go up and down my steps, and my list just goes on and on. I can't sleep - I'm too miserable. Very sad for someone with a high pain tolerance that doesn't usually complain about anything. I'm a wreck...

Blizzard here - hopefully no trouble getting in to the onc tomorrow.

Thanks for asking about me. Sorry to be such a downer with my reply.

big hugs for you
Hi Kathryn,

I'm so very sorry to hear all you're going through. Don't ever think that anyone will think less of you for complaining! (at least not here on the board!) You're definitely going through a lot and need some extra support and encouragement. I wish I had some advice for you but, unfortunately, I really don't.
Regarding the thrush, though, are you already taking any probiotics? If not, you really really should be. I remember someone else on the board saying their onc was skeptical about it. Probiotics really aren't considered a supplement and all I've read about them is good. My oncologist is all for me taking them. I was suspecting my youngest daughter was having issues with yeast (thrush), and so I put her on them & she is feeling a lot better lately. I take them regularly too and I have a lot less gas and upset stomachs than I used to have. My daughter also had suffered most of the time from constipation and now that is better too. Supposedly the probiotics help regulate the digestive system whatever the issue is- constipation, diarrhea, or gas. It helps to regulate the digestive tract and helps it so the good bacteria come back again (thrush/yeast infections usually happen when there's not enough "good bacteria" left in the digestive tract/body to fight off the yeast, which is what causes the thrush. If the yeast in the digestive tract is killed off, then it will follow suit in the rest of your body, as well.
I know this probably won't do much for your other issues, but one issue possibly being helped could still be a very good thing.

Do take care- I'm praying for you
Lisa

thready · December 2009

Kathryn_in_MN said:
I am home
I got to go home at 6:3o last night. The PE is stable and they don't think it is going anywhere. I have no other clots in chest or legs. I'm on Lovenox shots (my husband gives them to me), and Coumadin. Tomorrow I have labs including INR.

Truth be told, my fighting spirit is pretty absent today.

Thrush is getting worse instead of better, and I've been on Fluconazole since Saturday. The onc on call tonight wasn't sure what to do. Fluconazole can cause problems with liver function, and so does Coumadin, and the two together are not good. Great... he told me to go ahead and take another one tonight, but make an appointment to see my onc or the NP tomorrow when I go in for my labs and INR. Next in line is probably liver failure at this rate.

I'm a mess.

I'm getting to the point of being more worried about all these poisons they have me on and their interactions, than the cancer...

Other than my 3rd cycle, this has really sucked. Big time. The third one I got my hopes up - I thought I could get through 12. Now I'm thinking I've only done 4, and already feel like I'd rather be dead most of the time. Not good. I've had one good week since October 22. The rest have been beyond awful. And the weeks proceeding that weren't a lot of fun with the infected port...

My list of complaints just grows and grows - and they aren't hypochondriac complaints - each time they turn out to be something serious. I'm getting tired of it. I just want to be "normal." No more in the minority side effects and problems...

Nauseated, stomach and intestinal trouble, bloody nose 3 times today (I've only had two ever in my entire life before this), can't stand my own body odors due to thrush, headache, fever, hot flashes, night sweats, chest pain (blood clot in the lung), exhausted with my heart pouding if I just go up and down my steps, and my list just goes on and on. I can't sleep - I'm too miserable. Very sad for someone with a high pain tolerance that doesn't usually complain about anything. I'm a wreck...

Blizzard here - hopefully no trouble getting in to the onc tomorrow.

Thanks for asking about me. Sorry to be such a downer with my reply.

Good to hear from you!
Katheryn,
Sorry, but I got a bit worried. Knew you would be coming home the first of the week and we had not heard from you.

Make sure you get labs checked, and tell your onc or NP about the bloody nose and bleeding. Clotting times could be too high and they need to adjust or you need to come off of lovenex or comidun
Kathryn, you might need to talk to your Drs about deficiency of protein C, protein S, protein Z, or antithrombin. These deficiencies can be caused my chemo, and you will need to be monitored so they don't come back again. Also it means a theraputic dose of one of the anticoagulants. I know there is also a genetic link that causes deficiencies of these proteins and Thrombolitic problems. Just a thought. I really don't want you to have to go through another PE or get DVT, that just adds fuel to the fire. (I just had "sunny side to this thought, and you can through rocks because some of these are soooo irritating. Your port will not get clogged if your blood is thin enough-let the rock rowing commense :{)

I know you have what we call around here-been pecked by a flock of buzzards, but you are working through all this, you are a hero!! and you are awesome, I know it does not feel like it but there will be better days!

Take care
Jan

robinvan · December 2009

Kathryn_in_MN said:
I am home
I got to go home at 6:3o last night. The PE is stable and they don't think it is going anywhere. I have no other clots in chest or legs. I'm on Lovenox shots (my husband gives them to me), and Coumadin. Tomorrow I have labs including INR.

Truth be told, my fighting spirit is pretty absent today.

Thrush is getting worse instead of better, and I've been on Fluconazole since Saturday. The onc on call tonight wasn't sure what to do. Fluconazole can cause problems with liver function, and so does Coumadin, and the two together are not good. Great... he told me to go ahead and take another one tonight, but make an appointment to see my onc or the NP tomorrow when I go in for my labs and INR. Next in line is probably liver failure at this rate.

I'm a mess.

I'm getting to the point of being more worried about all these poisons they have me on and their interactions, than the cancer...

Other than my 3rd cycle, this has really sucked. Big time. The third one I got my hopes up - I thought I could get through 12. Now I'm thinking I've only done 4, and already feel like I'd rather be dead most of the time. Not good. I've had one good week since October 22. The rest have been beyond awful. And the weeks proceeding that weren't a lot of fun with the infected port...

My list of complaints just grows and grows - and they aren't hypochondriac complaints - each time they turn out to be something serious. I'm getting tired of it. I just want to be "normal." No more in the minority side effects and problems...

Nauseated, stomach and intestinal trouble, bloody nose 3 times today (I've only had two ever in my entire life before this), can't stand my own body odors due to thrush, headache, fever, hot flashes, night sweats, chest pain (blood clot in the lung), exhausted with my heart pouding if I just go up and down my steps, and my list just goes on and on. I can't sleep - I'm too miserable. Very sad for someone with a high pain tolerance that doesn't usually complain about anything. I'm a wreck...

Blizzard here - hopefully no trouble getting in to the onc tomorrow.

Thanks for asking about me. Sorry to be such a downer with my reply.

Thinking of you...
Kathryn,

I'm so sorry to hear of your continuing struggles with chemo. Sounds like you need a break from it all. Grrrr...

Thoughts and prayers are with you... Rob; in Vancouver

coloCan · December 2009

thready said:
Good to hear from you!
Katheryn,
Sorry, but I got a bit worried. Knew you would be coming home the first of the week and we had not heard from you.

Make sure you get labs checked, and tell your onc or NP about the bloody nose and bleeding. Clotting times could be too high and they need to adjust or you need to come off of lovenex or comidun
Kathryn, you might need to talk to your Drs about deficiency of protein C, protein S, protein Z, or antithrombin. These deficiencies can be caused my chemo, and you will need to be monitored so they don't come back again. Also it means a theraputic dose of one of the anticoagulants. I know there is also a genetic link that causes deficiencies of these proteins and Thrombolitic problems. Just a thought. I really don't want you to have to go through another PE or get DVT, that just adds fuel to the fire. (I just had "sunny side to this thought, and you can through rocks because some of these are soooo irritating. Your port will not get clogged if your blood is thin enough-let the rock rowing commense :{)

I know you have what we call around here-been pecked by a flock of buzzards, but you are working through all this, you are a hero!! and you are awesome, I know it does not feel like it but there will be better days!

Take care
Jan

Tmorrow's another day
Here's hoping that you feel better than today, Kathryn.......Steve

Kathryn_in_MN · December 2009

coloCan said:
Tmorrow's another day
Here's hoping that you feel better than today, Kathryn.......Steve

Thank you everyone
Today's a new day. Better than yesterday. And tomorrow will be even better.

I got my last Lovenox shot tonight. Now I'll just be on Coumadin. I'm hiding inside (blizzard conditions here) till Friday when I have to go back for more labs for INR and liver function.

I took extra fluconazole and the thrush is starting to get under control. I'm still feeling pretty crappy, but compared to yesterday, a whole lot better!

They are talking about putting me on preventative fluconazole next time - take two on infusion day, and then daily at the start, instead of waiting till I see signs.

The dietician explained to me why I shouldn't take the probiotic (packed with several different bacterias) that I had been taking anymore during chemo - but instead only introduce one or two "good" bacterias at a time by eating yogurt or similiar. It did make sense. But I think I'm going to take the probiotic for the week leading up to chemo this time. I don't see how it can possibly make me any sicker than what I'm dealing with. I think it would help.

Shayenne · December 2009

Kathryn_in_MN said:
Thank you everyone
Today's a new day. Better than yesterday. And tomorrow will be even better.

I got my last Lovenox shot tonight. Now I'll just be on Coumadin. I'm hiding inside (blizzard conditions here) till Friday when I have to go back for more labs for INR and liver function.

I took extra fluconazole and the thrush is starting to get under control. I'm still feeling pretty crappy, but compared to yesterday, a whole lot better!

They are talking about putting me on preventative fluconazole next time - take two on infusion day, and then daily at the start, instead of waiting till I see signs.

The dietician explained to me why I shouldn't take the probiotic (packed with several different bacterias) that I had been taking anymore during chemo - but instead only introduce one or two "good" bacterias at a time by eating yogurt or similiar. It did make sense. But I think I'm going to take the probiotic for the week leading up to chemo this time. I don't see how it can possibly make me any sicker than what I'm dealing with. I think it would help.

I Take
The Probiotics, and it hasn't made me sick. My onc even gave it to her Pharmacist to make sure it was ok to take, and I'm still on chemo. It's good bacteria. When chemo kills all the bad and good bacteria in your immune system, the probiotics just replace the good ones, and it's helped me with a little energy, along with the Flaxseed oil, that I take, I do eat yogurt as well, I love yogurt.

I hate hearing all you're going through with this, chemo was pretty rough with me at the beginning as well, but it seems my body has adapted to it, hopefully you get a break from all this sickness, and start feeling good again! and it will, things can only get so bad before they actually start turning around, and I hope you do get better!

Hugsss!
~Donna

Kathryn_in_MN

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