Last Tuesday, April 21, Rachel took me to an appointment with Dr. Nabell (who I usually don't see during infusions). I had realized that my heart had been pounding for the past week and a half or so...even when I was just sitting, I could feel my heart racing in my chest. Sure enough, my blood pressure was up, and the blood counts showed some elevated numbers. Dr. Nabell said the steroids that I was given during and after infusions could definitely be pushing my heart, etc.
SO, she revised the amount of the steroid shot given right before the infusion, told me NOT to take the steroid pills that were prescribed for 3 days after the infusion, and gave me a prescription for Verapamil, which she described as a beta blocker and would help with my symptoms.
The lesser doses of steroids made me nervous, since I know they have helped me with the first initial days and it had been expressed to me that they were great in keeping my energy up.
BUT I got the Verapamil filled immediately that day, and the next day when I went in for my infusion, my blood pressure was already in normal range. And my heart hasn't been beating in my chest as before.
I also had an echocardiogram done yesterday (Tuesday). This is basically like a sonagram that they do to check on a baby, but they do it to view and hear the heart. The technician said she thought things looked good, but obviously, the doctor would need to review it. My next appointment with Dr. Nabell is next Tuesday (May 5).
The primary bummer from the April 21 appointment was that Dr. Nabell said she believed I need radiation regardless of whether I have a mastectomy or not. She said she reviewed my info with another doctor, and they agreed that they believed the initial site of cancer was right beside the lymph node that basically swallowed it, and so that area needs to be radiated. Decisions will be made in the last months of chemo treatment in terms of surgery and radiation or just radiation. Right now I'm just trying to process this, and I'll learn more about what the treatment is like and what it means as time goes on. I was definitely hoping that possibly surgery would end everything and I could avoid radiation, so I'm wrapping my head around that.
Last week's infusion went fine, with no surprises. Bill took me, and we had a lovely Fish Market dinner BEFORE my appointment. Got home, and just chilled.
On Thursday, I got out in the afternoon to go to church to see the car ministry give a car to a mom and her 23 year old son. The son has been battling leukemia since he was 19, and has recently come out of remission. It was a joy to be with several car ministry folks to turn over the keys to this wonderful mom.
That was the last time I was out of the house until yesterday, when I went for the echo.
I had intended to get out in the morning to go with Bill for his consult with the gall bladder doctor at Kirklin. BUT when I woke up yesterday, I was very nauseated and weak. It occurred to me (finally) to take one of my anti-nausea pills (which I take as needed), and after 4-5 hours, I felt better. Bill took me to the echo, and then we even went to the grocery store (I was out of my Greek yogurt!).
Bill's appointment was very productive. He met with the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and everyone else who will be involved with his surgery. He went through pre-op, and has everything ready to go. They will go in through his belly button! Who knew? Surgery is scheduled for Friday, May 8, and will take between 4-8 hours. They were very thorough with him about their expectations, which is very comforting. No lifting or heavy work for a couple of weeks, but the following week at some point, he could work as long as he feels like it. They don't anticipate any complications or major issues. Bill will certainly be glad to have this part over, as it's been a concern for how he feels on a daily basis.
So, I'm very happy that we have some things planned, that I am managing my meds and figuring out what to do when I feel crappy. I appreciate everyone's patience in me getting any info out. The weakness in mind and body is very different and difficult to explain. So grateful for my friends who continue to bring meals twice a week.
Caden turned 10 last weekend!! What!!!??? Rachel, Steven and Caden were out of town, so we'll have our time with him this Saturday. So looking forward to it! Ben wants to take him to the zoo or the science center, and we'll have our celebration at some point during all of that.
Ben is working individual days/weeks with different school system bands around the state. He's looking forward to creating new associations/friendships, while expanding his resume! MJ will be starting an internship/job at Children's Hospital emergency room soon.
Love y'all!
Love you! The post on thankfulness is awesome!
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