Downside of Chemo Treatment

Heather has just finished her first 5 days of Temador; and although it could have been worse, it was no picnic for her. She takes the pills at night before bed to help avoid being sick, but she was sick all night her first night anyway. The following day (Tuesday) she slept off and on between being sick. But, she had to take the pills again at night. She came to our house on Tuesday so that she was here in case she got so sick again. Tuesday night brought another night of being sick and achy. By Wednesday, she was miserable, so off to Dr. Popa's we went. We found out that she was dehydrated - even though she drinks water nonstop. In addition, she was low on potassium. So, she had a 2 hour saline with potassium and more anti-nausea medication infusion. I learned what a dehydrated tongue looks like as well as veins. We are all rookies at this rodeo, and we know we have a lot to learn.

Heather returned to work on Thursday, but continued to feel very tired. Friday was the same. She slept from Friday night at 9:00 until Saturday at noon. She was up for about 1 hour, and then she slept another 3-4 hours. She just needs to sleep and sleep and sleep. And, she is not eating. She ate about 2 bites of applesauce and a few sips of soup today. She is not eating because she is not hungry and feels sick if she does. She has begun to lose weight, but I think once the initial chemo has run its course, she might feel better for a couple of weeks before it all starts again. After her 23 days off, her next treatment will be 390 mg instead of 285. In addition to her chemo treatment reactions, her Raynaud's phenomenon is driving her crazy! Her feet and hands are itching, and last night Heather was miserable with it. The Raynauds usually does bother her more this time of year, but on top of everything else, it is one more annoying issue.

After her next round, we will be headed to San Francisco for another MRI. We hope to learn more between now and then so that we have more questions in our quest for answers - answers that will someday help Heather.

Our next big fundraiser is going to be February 6 and 7 at the UNO hockey games. The players will wear special jerseys for brain cancer and those will be auctioned during the game on Saturday. In addition, during January and February 6 and 7, we will raise money with people putting money in players and coaches' jars to see who raises the most money. That person will have his head shaved at center ice after the game. More details will emerge soon, but I think it will be a fun event.

I don't know if I will write again before the holidays, so I wish you all a happy holiday season!