Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Great Results!
Sherry started her third round of chemotherapy today, with Rituxan, the cultured antibodies.
She also got the results from last week's MRI, and it is GOOD NEWS!
The mass has reduced in size considerably, and (deciphering the jargon) it seems that it no longer is pressing on the kidney. We hope this will mean she can get rid of the nephrostomy (the tube coming out of her back) soon.
She also got the results from last week's MRI, and it is GOOD NEWS!
The mass has reduced in size considerably, and (deciphering the jargon) it seems that it no longer is pressing on the kidney. We hope this will mean she can get rid of the nephrostomy (the tube coming out of her back) soon.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Relaxing Memorial Day Weekend
Sherry is taking it easy this weekend. I'm on call, so she has some sleep interruptions, and she has a crick in her neck, but otherwise she is feeling good.
Today she's reading a book, sharing her recliner with a heating pad.
Today she's reading a book, sharing her recliner with a heating pad.
Friday, May 27, 2005
MRI
Sherry got the MRI today, and results should be in Tuesday.
She drove to and from the hospital for it, and is feeling pretty good.
She drove to and from the hospital for it, and is feeling pretty good.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Feeling better
No decision has been made on removing the nephrostomy yet. Sherry has an MRI scheduled for tomorrow, but it may not happen, since insurance approval is still pending.
She is feeling better now, but losing more hair (including eyelashes). She exercised some today, and is not usually nauseated. She eats pretty much what she wants, but not very much at a time.
She is feeling better now, but losing more hair (including eyelashes). She exercised some today, and is not usually nauseated. She eats pretty much what she wants, but not very much at a time.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Going to Dr. Today
Sherry has an afternoon appointment with her hematologist today.
This is the time when he gave her hope that she could have the nephrostomy removed, so we're anxious to hear whether that is possible yet. Much of the discomfort is (we think) caused by infections that originate with the nephrostomy, so if it can be removed, she should feel better.
The big question is whether enough kidney function has returned in the endangered kidney.
She feels nauseated much of the time, as if there is not enough room in her belly.
This is the time when he gave her hope that she could have the nephrostomy removed, so we're anxious to hear whether that is possible yet. Much of the discomfort is (we think) caused by infections that originate with the nephrostomy, so if it can be removed, she should feel better.
The big question is whether enough kidney function has returned in the endangered kidney.
She feels nauseated much of the time, as if there is not enough room in her belly.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Still Home
Sherry didn't sleep well, but she's so far avoided going to the hospital. She's been drinking lots of water and taking a dreaded antibiotic (undesirable side effects), and now toast and apples for breakfast. Cooking odors bother her, so we're working around that.
She couldn't sleep in the middle of the night, and Kyle was awake, too, so they watched Finding Nemo together. We all slept late.
She couldn't sleep in the middle of the night, and Kyle was awake, too, so they watched Finding Nemo together. We all slept late.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Fever
Sherry has been feeling what may be the beginning of a kidney infection today. She called her doctor and got some medicine, but started drinking cranberry juice to head it off. She's had a bit of fever, but not quite high enough to go to the hospital. We're watching it, and she has a bag packed in case we have to leave.
Less Aches, More Nausea
Sherry is beginning to feel better. The aches have not gone away, but they are less of a problem. She's now dealing with nausea, but still improving from earlier in the week.
We're hoping for a restful weekend.
We're hoping for a restful weekend.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Flu-like and weary
Sherry has not felt good last night or this morning. She said it's worse than any flu she's had.
Her body aches, and she doesn't want to be touched.
At this point in the previous chemotherapy cycle, she was in the hospital (because of a kidney infection), getting morphene on demand. This time she feels the effects.
Her body aches, and she doesn't want to be touched.
At this point in the previous chemotherapy cycle, she was in the hospital (because of a kidney infection), getting morphene on demand. This time she feels the effects.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Aches and Pains, but still busy
Sherry got her Neulasta shot today, to head off the problem of low white blood cells. On the first chemotherapy cycle, she got this shot after her white blood cell count hit bottom, but this time we hope to keep that from happening by getting the shot before the chemotherapy depletes them.
She was already feeling "achey", with flu-like feeling in her bones. This injection will add another pair of aches in her hips when it shifts her bone marrow into overdrive.
Still, she was doing dishes when I called. She's also teaching Kyle, so it hasn't put her in bed.
She was already feeling "achey", with flu-like feeling in her bones. This injection will add another pair of aches in her hips when it shifts her bone marrow into overdrive.
Still, she was doing dishes when I called. She's also teaching Kyle, so it hasn't put her in bed.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Sore Throat
Sherry was able to accompany Kyle and me to church this morning, but her throat is very sore now.
She's using ice chips, special mouthwash, throat lozenges, and a non-alcoholic pina colada. Each gives some relief, but not for as long as we would like.
She says her condition is in line with the effects of the previous cycle, so it doesn't worry her too much.
She's using ice chips, special mouthwash, throat lozenges, and a non-alcoholic pina colada. Each gives some relief, but not for as long as we would like.
She says her condition is in line with the effects of the previous cycle, so it doesn't worry her too much.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Mild Irritations
Sherry is having "not a bad day". She has some soreness in her mouth and a sore throat, but otherwise is okay.
We're planning to try out the blender with some smoothie recipes soon.
We're planning to try out the blender with some smoothie recipes soon.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Wrapping Up Cycle Two
Sherry returns the pump this afternoon, still feeling good. She's working hard at staying well hydrated, and has thick ankles to show for it.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Finishing up Cycle Two
Sherry is tired (and a little stressed), after a day of chemotherapy. She'll be taking Prednisone pills and carrying her 2-day companion (Adriamicyn pump) everywhere for a while. She noticed her legs are swollen. She's been hydrating herself well for this, and we're hoping that will help reduce some of the symptoms. We think dehydration contributed to the side effects last time, since she couldn't eat or drink before the Central Line was installed, and chemotherapy followed immediately after it was done.
We stocked the freezer with popsicles, and we have the ice shaver standing by to ease the mouth injury that should already be beginning (she said her tongue already feels funny).
We stocked the freezer with popsicles, and we have the ice shaver standing by to ease the mouth injury that should already be beginning (she said her tongue already feels funny).
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Round Two Begins
It's been a fine weekend, and a long one for us. I took Monday off to make the trip to Fort Worth easier. We got to visit relatives, and have a leisurely trip back.
Sherry gets Rituxan today: cultured antibodies. Benadryl comes with it, to relieve side effects.
She has been in good health with little pain, but a little dread for this week.
Sherry gets Rituxan today: cultured antibodies. Benadryl comes with it, to relieve side effects.
She has been in good health with little pain, but a little dread for this week.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Almost ready to start again
It's the weekend, and (other than some sniffles) she's feeling good. We're hoping to do some visiting and take it easy before cycle 2 begins on Tuesday.
Maybe some Mexican food this weekend.
Maybe some Mexican food this weekend.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Still Good
Sherry is still in little or no pain, enjoying her "week off". She's been working through medical bills, insurance, and other paperwork, along with teaching Kyle. She gets tired, but her energy is increasing slowly.
She approves of the photo I posted (below).
We watched The Incredibles and National Treasure this week: two great movies.
She approves of the photo I posted (below).
We watched The Incredibles and National Treasure this week: two great movies.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
A Week to Feel Good
Sherry is in good spirits, and without pain. She's glad to have some time to be "normal". Sure, she has the nephrostomy tube and bag to deal with, and there's the central line with its two connectors, but no pain is a great feeling.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Good Report
Sherry saw the hematologist today. She's scheduled to start her second round of chemo on
Tuesday, May 10. It should be the same routine as last time, with Rituxan on Monday and the others beginning Tuesday, returning the pump on Friday.
In the meantime, she has a week to feel pretty normal. Her white blood count this morning was 23,300. That would be suspect for an infection if she hadn't had a drug designed to boost the levels.
Tuesday, May 10. It should be the same routine as last time, with Rituxan on Monday and the others beginning Tuesday, returning the pump on Friday.
In the meantime, she has a week to feel pretty normal. Her white blood count this morning was 23,300. That would be suspect for an infection if she hadn't had a drug designed to boost the levels.
Great Weekend
Sherry had a very nice weekend. Not much pain, and she was even able to go shopping and out to eat with me. This was our birthday weekend (mine and Kyle's), so that made it even better.
She even made cookie bars for us!
She still tires easily, but her strength is beginning to return.
We expect to have another week before the second round of chemo begins, but we'll find out today when she visits the hemotologist.
She even made cookie bars for us!
She still tires easily, but her strength is beginning to return.
We expect to have another week before the second round of chemo begins, but we'll find out today when she visits the hemotologist.
