Saturday, January 30, 2010

Bad Medicine

I got some steroids to help with my edema in the brain. The swelling around
causes the headaches, sight loss and hearing loss , plus ringing in the ears.

This drug is wicked.. I can barely eat anything without getting ill.


[edit]Side effect If dexamethasone is given orally or by injection (parenteral) over a period of more than a few days, side-effects common to systemic glucocorticoids may occur. These may include:

  • Stomach upset, increased sensitivity to stomach acid to the point of ulceration of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
  • Increased appetite leading to significant weight gain
  • A latent diabetes mellitus often becomes manifest. Glucose intolerance is worsened in patients with preexisting diabetes.
  • Immunsuppressant action, particularly if given together with other immunosuppressants such as ciclosporine. Bacterial, viral, and fungal disease may progress more easily and can become life-threatening. Fever as a warning symptom is often suppressed.
  • Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, irritability, euphoria, mania
  • Osteoporosis under long term treatment, pathologic fractures (e.g., hip)
  • Muscle atrophy, negative protein balance (catabolism)
  • Elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver degeneration (usually reversible)
  • Cushingoid (syndrome resembling hyperactive adrenal cortex with increase in adiposity, hypertension, bone demineralization, etc.)
  • Depression of the adrenal gland is usually seen, if more than 1.5 mg daily are given for more than three weeks to a month.
  • Hypertension, fluid and sodium retention, edema, worsening of heart insufficiency (due to mineral corticoid activity)
  • Dependence with withdrawal syndrome is frequently seen.
  • Increased intraocular pressure, certain types of glaucoma, cataract (serious clouding of eye lenses)
  • Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, erythema, impaired wound-healing, increased sweating, rash, striae, suppression of reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria.
  • Allergic reactions (though infrequently): Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema.

Other side-effects have been noted, and should cause concern if they are more than mild.

The short time treatment for allergic reaction, shock, and diagnostic purposes usually does not cause serious side effects.


I can't take this drug anymore. My stomach feels like acid is eating me up and I'd rather have
a headache for now than all the side effects.

It's strong and addicting and I am done with it. To me the treatment is worse than the
disease.. Ugly drug.

Friday, January 29, 2010

A Great Source for Cancer Patients



We have a great organization here in Peoria, IL
for cancer patients and their families and caregivers.
It's the Cancer Center for Healthy Living
They offer SO many services and they really are compassionate
with all of us.
It's everything from support groups , library services, massage, exercise & more
It's services are either free or so very reasonable most patients can afford.
I believe an hour massage is 25.00.. and done by a professional.

If you are in the area of Peoria, please check them out. If not, get with
your public officials , other patients, doctors and anyone you know
and try to form a new Not for Profit. It's so worth it.



Thursday, January 28, 2010

A Rough Couple of Days

In a sunny mood today
even if it is cold


Tuesday evening I started getting ill. I was up all night in and out
of the bathroom..till about 5 AM . Then I slept and laid in bed all day.
Felt like I'd NEVER eat again..UGH.

Last night I had a wicked headache..but slept good and woke up refreshed.
I am planning on going to the movie "The Lovely Bones" today with a
friend. We both read the book a few years ago. If you haven't read it, I
recommend it.




So glad I feel better. My ribs hurt from throwing up so much.
Remember all those in need of prayer .
There are MANY!!
Let me know how you are doing.
fondly

Friday, January 22, 2010

Oh My ..it's perfect.


Even though my breast surgery is all done..my nipple isn't right, it doesn't stick up
like my real nipple does and the color isn't right at all

This is PERFECT ..easier and I must get some.

OH ..I have another MRI scheduled for Fri. 2/5 and Doctor for Mon 2/8 for results.

Thank you Lord!!!





Thursday, January 21, 2010

An Update





Ice storm yesterday & today. I have to stay in despite the
need of Beauty Aides. LOL
***********

I talked to my primary care doctor, my oncologist, the doctor at the Gamma Knife Center..and got my reports (not films) of all my MRI's. We have decided to have another MRI in 6 weeks.
I am comfortable with that.. and I can always call the doctor, if I get more symptoms.
(headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, etc.)

So for now..I'm going to take a small dose Decadron daily to reduce swelling in my head. (it's a steriod. UGH) I hope to have better news in 6 weeks.

Keep praying (for ALL who need it) and I will too. God is in charge.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I'm Up in the Air

I don't want to leave everyone wondering, but I am
wondering what is going on.

I never got news from my Neurosurgeon(Dr. JK) about my
MRI on Friday the 8th
I had my appt with my Oncologist on Friday the 15th who
also gets my results. She told me I had new tumors in
my left side in the back , and old tumors that were growing
again...getting bigger..She sent me to the Neurologist ASAP.

On Monday the 18th I saw( I'll call him Dr. JM ) one of the doctors in the group and he said the same thing. New tumors..old tumors growing again..and
too big for Gamma Knife. Possibly I need brain surgery to cut the tumors out
since Gamma Knife and Whole Brain Radiation didn't seem to get rid of them.

At the patient discussion last night , Dr J K. said he saw
NO tumors..the film just shows old things and
nothing new is going on.
Dr.JK (he's the boss of the group) told Dr. JM to have me tested again in 2 months.

When I got the call today from Dr. JM..I asked if he
agreed with that. He said it could be possible.....BUT he
would show another surgeon my films etc..and call me back.
*I hope tomorrow*

OK..I have NO confidence in anyone right now except my Oncologist.
I do NOT know WHAT to do.

Perhaps..I will call my oncologist tomorrow and ask her
opinion..and for another referral. I just want to be SURE
that I am getting the right diagnosis..as the doctor who read the MRI,
and typed the report, my oncologist and Dr JM all say I have new and
active tumors.. This is making me physically ill.

I need prayers for the ability to get the correct answer and to
feel confident with it.



Friday, January 15, 2010

Test Results


Not too happy with my new doctor at the
Gamma Knife Center



My Pet Scan shows my body still free of cancer
The MRI showed my brain has new tumors.

My oncologist has set up an appt. with my
Neurosurgeon on Monday to discuss the
results of the MRI & our plan of action.
I missed the time last week & the Neurosurgeon
was suppose to call with my results. He didn't and now
there seems to be some sort of mix up . I must
say THIS is very frustrating and I don't
know who to call.

We'll see what Monday brings.

JOYS

I have some lotion I love from C. O. Bigelow ~Winter Lemon
My wonderful husband
Friends who care
MadMen is going to run season 3 again soon




Saturday, January 9, 2010

Look I Finally Succeeded


I finally succeeded in capturing an imagine of our resident
Pileated Woodpecker. Seldom seen in our area & only in the
Singing Woods.

It was too overcast for a picture, but the video worked fine.

I have actually prayed for this for a few years
In April we will have lived here 5 years.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Merry Thought of the Day


Straight through the chill of winter days
As clear as anything,
Through all the murk & misty ways,
I see the coming Spring.

And clear above the noisy swell
Of winter's arctic blast,
I hear the bird notes sweet that tell
Of June days come at last.

Old Winter's ways speak not of rue
To me, things drab and gray
The point the path that leads us to
The flowers of May!


John Kendrick Bangs~Published 1918

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Snow and Cold















We got more snow last night and today
About 4 more inches. It has been
below zero the last few days, warmed up
today (15 degrees) . It's going
to get cold again tonight and
stay that way for a while.

I have my Pet/Ct scan and my MRI
tomorrow starting at 8:15.
I'll have results next week.

my BFF Marcia, her grandson
Hunter who had the bone marrow transplant
got to go home on New Year's Day.
He's doing quite well, after a long span of
sick and scary months

and see some pictures!!