Back in the Saddle Again!

Well, after a 2 week break, I began my chemo again today. This time, we switched drugs. I was against the switch at first, but after a long, informative exchange with my oncologist, I agreed to the change.
It seems that using the 5FU, with my body already showing signs of toxicity, continuing with this drug would be like playing Russian Roulette. And, understandably, my Doctor isn't willing to play Russian Roulette with my life.
I was concerned about the effectiveness of the IROX (reportedly less effective), but my oncologist pointed out that at reduced dosages, the 5FU was no more effective. She feels that we have already lost valuable time and would prefer to move on with my treatment plan. If I stayed with the 5FU treatment, I could wind up back in the hospital and lose time again. Not going there!
So, today is the 1st day of my new regime. Hopefully all goes well. One plus, they did test to see if I had a sensitivity to the Camptosar and I do not!
If you should go out onto the information highway, I can tell you ahead of time, there is a host of information about my treatments and for as many different articles out there, there also that many different opinions as to effectiveness. So for now I am taking a side road, less confusing, less nerve racking!
See you all soon, Sherri

New drug: Irinotecan (Camptosar) + Oxaliplatin

A Little Levity Please!

Sometimes I get bogged down in seriousness, not that cancer isn't serious. But sometimes, you just have to let it go and find some humor or you will drive yourself crazy. In my case that could be a short putt! Just like when the doctors ask me if I am experiencing light headness or dizziness, I have to tell them that the dizziness is considered questionable by many who know me.

So I decided that I would take some time and write something light hearted and maybe even a bit funny. I know it will lift my spirits and I hope it lifts yours also.

Several years ago I was fortunate to come across a Book entitled, Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, then sit on the lid and laugh! It is written by Barbara Johnson. If you haven't read her, or even heard of her, I highly recommend searching her out.

so here are some Gloomee Busters:

1. Have you ever felt that even though you're taking things one day at a time, it's about 24

hours more than you can take?

2. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

3. If you can remain calm, you just don't have all the facts.

4. The soul would have no rainbows if the eyes had no tears.

5. God never has too say "Ooops".

6. If it's free, it's advice, if you pay for it, it's counseling, if you can use either one, it's a miracle!

7. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, It's not!

8. But even Kings can't rule the sky.

9. If you can't go around it, over it or through it, you had better negotiate with it!

I can't keep people from feeling sad, depressed or feeling sorry for me or themselves. What I can do is offer insight into what is happening with me and offer "Gloomee Busters" every now and then.

Until the next time, remember, Always Take Your Rainbow With You!

Sherri

Making Choices - Weighing the Odds

Today I spoke with my oncologist about my optioins for continued chemotherapy. As you know, I have a predisposition for a sensitivity to the 5FU. The new drug the oncologist wants to try, Irinitecan (Camptosar) has a whole host of its own side effects as well as not being as effective in treating my cancer and has a shorter survival rate. So herein lies my dilemma; am I going to be able to convince my oncologist to continue the Folfox treatments, maybe with some changes in dosage? I surely hope so, as it is a choice I feel is mine to make and one that I feel needs to be made. I did extensive research on the Irinitecan and feel it would be too much for my system, the side effects are much worse than anything I have already had and the outcomes are not very good.

So, everyone, keep saying your prayers, keep your fingers crossed, doing the happy dance, or whatever it takes to make the doctor agree with me to continue my current course of treatment. With a lot of prayer and little bit of luck, my body will adjust to this too!

Ahhh - Give me the simple life. Sherri

When the "C" word hits home.

I was first diagnosed with cancer on February 26, 2008. Since that day, I have been through a whirlwind of tests, seeing different doctors and having surgery on 3/18/08. At that time they did what is called a left hemi-colectomy, which is the removal of the section of my colon where the cancer was found. After the surgery I began chemo therapy on 5/5/08. Knowing that I had a predisposition to sensitivity to the one chemical (5FU) that is the standard course of treatment for my type of cancer. The doctor did reduced dosages, trying to build up my tolerance to the drug and all seemed to be going well until they added in Oxaliplatin, which boosts the 5FU.

So now, after a 6 day stay in the hospital, the oncologist is going to try to embark on a new course of treatment that would eliminate the 5FU. But there is a catch 22, I could also have a sensitivity to this new drug. Waiting for the test results on that one.

Anyway, the point of writing here today was not to give technical info, but a little background was needed before I say what is on my mind.

All of the above has happened and rather quickly. My life has changed dramatically, I am diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I have surgery, I begin chemo, I am no longer working and I didn't get the brass ring.

After going to the ER on Thursday, 6/12/08, knowing I was going to be admitted, several things happened. One was having to tell people over and over again that I had cancer. Saying it out loud so many times finally begins to wear on the nerves. The final straw was when they eventually took me up to my room, and I was being wheeled under the archway that said "Rosenfeld Cancer Center". That is when I lost it, that is when it hit home. The merry go round has finally begun to slow down and I can read the writing on the wall. And let me tell you, it is sobering. I really don't like this game, can we change the rules???

Sherri

My Stay at Hotel Abington

More specifically, at the Rosenfeld Cancer Center. It wasn't a planned vacation for sure, but a more or less pleasant stay regardless.

After my last chemo treatment (week 5) I started to feel badly. I tried to ignore the feelings as I had a nice long Cape May weekend planned with the girls. By Friday, the day we were to leave, I really felt lousy and had begun diarrhea. Over the weekend I developed abdominal pain and couldn't eat. So first thing Monday when we returned home I went to the oncologist where I got a 2 hour infusion of fluids. I had to return Tuesday for another 4 hour fluid infusion. After the infusion I came home and took a nap. When I woke, I was running a fever. As fortune would have it, I had the phone in my hand ready to call my Guardian Angel, Connie, when the phone rang and it was her! I asked her if she could come be with me, just knew I didn't want to be alone. Now mind you, she was relaxing in her pool at her home in New Jersey when I asked her to come over. Without hesitation, she was by my side as soon as she could get her things together and get over the bridge. As it turned out, we needed to make a trip to the ER Tuesday night due to my continued symtoms. They kept me all night long, did all types of tests then sent me home at 5AM. Wednesday was so-so. Connie made me dinner and I was actually able to eat for the first time since Saturday. The problem was that everything I ate or drank was going right through me, and I was still running intermittent fevers. So an early Thursday morning call to my oncologist sent me back to the ER where I was admitted.

Thus, my 6 day stay at Hotel Abington! I was poked at, peeked at and prodded for 6 days with no conclusion as to whether or not I picked up some dirty little bug or whether it was all due to a reaction to the chemo. I was dehydrated, my potassium bottomed out and my magnesium was too low, so I was given lots and lots of fluids and was not allowed to have food or drink by mouth. After all the tests, the general consensus was that it was my body reacting to the chemo drugs. So now they are looking for alternatives. Oh Joy!

Connie stayed by my side for 2 days, running back to my house in-between to take care of the house. She gave me one less thing to worry about! BTW, couldn't get through here without also sending many hugs and kisses to Robin. Without her love and support and help with my puppy, Rags, I don't know what I would do! Love you Robin!

And of course, thank you to all of you who called, sent cards and came to see me. The sad part is, I now have a bag packed and ready for any future stays at Hotel Abington. As much as I hope there are none, at least I will be prepared.

What a Girl Scout!

Sherri

Party Time - Chemo Week 5

COCKTAIL MIX OF THE WEEK I have now finished week five of my chemo. Today they added in the oxaliplatin, an IV drip that ran simoultaniousy with the leucovorin. Of course preceded by the complimetary anti-naseau medicine and an hore d'ouvre of Benedryl (to ward off any possible allergic reaction to the Oxaliplatin). And then I got a lovely dessert of the 5FU at the end.

Next week I only have to have blood work done, no chemo. If I tolerate today's party, and the blood counts are good little party goers and stay where they belong, then on the 16th I will get all the above, but come home with a pump for 44 hours that contains the 5FU. Then if all continues to go well, I will only have to go every other week for my cocktails.

So for today, the party is over. But I got invited to come again!

Sherri