Meds

Pre-cancer medications.

These are the medications I took before cancer.  Right to left:  Naproxen (general pain when needed), Imitrex (periodic migraine - miracle drug for me), Valtrex (occasional cold sore), Nexium (daily for acid reflux), and hormones (for hysterectomy in Oct. but told to stop taking as soon as lump was found).  I would also take allergy pills seasonally, but not very often.  I tended to avoid medications as much as possible because I tend to like to let my body do it's job and try to heal itself. It's usually a last resort if I turn to medication, except for the Nexium and hormones.

Products and meds I now use regularly.

These are the medications I am taking right now, on and off, depending on Chemo, Chemo side effects, and general aches and pains.  From top left to right: Lorazepam (nausea and sleep), Prochlorper (okay daytime nausea), Pepsid (to take with Nexium if needed), Vicodin (pain), Clariton (take day before, day of, and day after Neulasta shot), Steroids (take am and pm day before, day of, and day after Chemo), Odansetron (best daytime nausea, $1,200/9 tablets), Lidocane (numbs port site), Magic Mouthwash (numbs mouth sores), Tylenol (general pain), Nasal spray (helps with dryness of nose and throat), Hydrocort (hemorrhoids), Carafate (coats throat - amazing!), Valtrex (occasional cold sore - prior), Nexium (daily for acid reflux - prior), Imitrex (migraines - prior), Benadryl (allergies - would take prior, as needed), Cough suppresant (dry throat), Lozenges (dry mouth), Artificial tears (dry eyes), Stool Softener (constipation), Anti - diarrheal (yes, you can get both). 









As I look around my room I see other things I use like every Biotene product available (mouth rinse, toothpaste, mouth gel, mouth spray, etc...).  Chapstick and various lotions because the Chemo dries you out both inside and out.  Chloreseptic spray when my throat is irritated at night.  A thermometer to take my temperature every night (it can't go over 100.5F or I have to get seen immediately as it may be an infection my body is incapable of fighting).  The salt/baking soda/water mouth gargle (works better than any bottled gargle, in my opinion).  Fluoride as both a paste (prescription) and ACT Dry Mouth fluoride mouth wash.




Cancer has certainly complicated things and I look forward to the day when life is much more simple again.  No more drug regimens, nightly routines, frequent appointments, isolation during my low white blood count days, ... and to having hair!

Surgeon Follow-up

Each round of Chemo tends to be different than previous rounds.  This round I have had extreme bone and joint pain.  I’m sure it’s from the white blood cell shot, Neulasta, since white blood cells are formed in your bones.  Saturday night I couldn’t get comfortable.  Sunday and Monday I was so achy and tired I was in bed all day.  I took Clariton which is supposed to help with that.  I took some Tylenol on Monday which helped some but if it happens again I am taking Hydroco.  There is no reason to be suffering like that when there are things that can help. My stomach has been more unsettled this time compared to past rounds.  Thinking of some foods just make me feel ill.

My surgeon, Dr. Brad Smith.

Yesterday I had an appointment with my surgeon Dr. Brad Smith.  He said everything looked good and if I had any problems or questions I could come in any time.  There was a very small amount of fluid on my left side but it will reabsorb.  Also, the lump under my right arm is pretty much gone.  That’s a very good thing.  I have really appreciated Dr. Smith’s compassion, sympathy, and expertise through this trial.  I am so grateful he was my surgeon. 

I am feeling much better today and have gotten a lot more of my energy back.  When I’m feeling the effects of Chemo I wonder if it will improve or if I will feel that way from now on.  I just have to keep reassuring myself that it will improve because it has every time in the past. 

This saying was on my niece Kylie’s door and is spot on:

“You never know how strong you are…until being strong is the only choice you have.” - unknown