So much for my hope that the effects of the taxotere would be comparable to the first four treatments. I feel like I was hit by a truck. My mouth and throat are sore, the fatigue is more pronounced, my muscles ache and my toe nails look like they are wanting to fall out. They're tender but so far not to the point where I can't wear shoes. Using tea tree oil on finger and toe nails in hopes they can be saved. Only time will tell. The eyes have started randomly watering, now that's a fun side-effect, so I decide it's time to update my glasses. One more expense I hadn't planned on, but I can tell contacts are not going to be an option soon. Dr gave me some steroid drops for my eyes, that should keep them moist (watery). The option is for them to dry out, guess people will just have to get used to me looking like I'm crying for no apparent reason. Bald, fat and weepy, I'm a real catch.
Well the hope that the insurance company would be logical and agree with my oncologist that moving treatments back to Monday would not be an issue has been dashed. Sure I can go back to Monday, if I pay for it. Jeesh, what difference does it make to them? But with furlough coming it just makes it a pain to do Tuesdays. I hope they'll let me move my furlough day to Tuesdays for those three weeks. Can't anything be easy?
Had to go in on Tuesday instead of Monday due to the holiday. The center was very busy as all of Monday's patients had to be moved to Tuesday. The holiday did make it possible to go to my nephew's graduation, but I hope it doesn't mean I'll have to stick with Tuesdays for chemo days here on out. Surely the insurance company will let me move back to Mondays (yah right).
It is my last time with my chemo nurse S as she got a better job closer to home. Sad to see her go but know she's found a good opportunity for her. Now there is only one drug and this is given through the IV, so no more having to get the red stuff pushed by hand. This means it should go faster, but still have to watch for side-effects. Not sure what to expect with this one, hope side-effects are minimal.
Still waiting for IRB approval on the dissertation, so making some edits and doing some research on who to invite to participate, but getting anxious waiting to get started. Not sure how the timing is going to work out with chemo treatments and then surgery. I'm hoping I can work the three survey rounds around my treatment schedule. Just hope I'll be able to make it so that I can go to Gainesville in the early fall to defend. I really don't want to pay for another semester, not to mention I am really ready to graduate. Hoping to have a social life in 2014, but first to get through 2013.
Well the boss gave notice and will be moving on. She called to tell me as I was home dealing with the after effects of the last chemo. Totally unexpected but just one more change to deal with. Of course that also means I will be taking on the role, all the responsibility and none of the authority, or pay, until they can hire someone. Oh wait we're in a hiring freeze. Oh goody, this should be fun.
I actually manage to get out of town. Thanks to Mom and Dad and the RV I am actually able to go to Arizona to see my nephew graduate. It's a drive by in the truest sense of the word. Two days up, see graduation, two days back. I barely make it through graduation. Sitting on bleachers in the Arizona heat is not my idea of a good time, and the body is extremely unhappy, but what can you do? It is a nice ceremony and I actually managed to get a picture of him walking across the stage. Good thing for telephoto. I know Mom and Dad would have liked to have spent more time out there, but they sacrifice for my sake. Mika is allowed in the house and is introduced to the two cats. It is mostly peaceful, but I'm sure all animals are relieved when we pack up and go.
His graduation is also my boss's last day. Selfishly I'm worried about still being able to work from home as the Col is getting ready to PCS as well. At least there is one department head left who will be acting as our supervisor. I really do need to start playing the lottery.
After today there are only four more to go - only. The fatigue is becoming more pronounced and my weight continues to go up, and up. I'm still working, writing the dissertation, and working on a paper, but joke that its a good thing I have to wear ID at work so I can remember what my name is. I think I need to add an "If found return to ...." message on the back. Everything is harder, the poor puppy is getting shorter and slower walks. Good thing her grandpa is around a lot to take over the walking duties. Missed one day of work last round, we'll see how this time goes. Got to keep an eye on that leave. Haven't done FMLA paperwork, and hope I won't have to, but I suppose it's good to know it's there just in case.
Of course the upcoming furlough may work in my favor as far as leave goes, but I can't really afford the pay cut. These out-of pocket expenses are starting to add up, but I've gotten a pretty eclectic collection of head scarves thanks to some friends and family. Everything from leopard print to pink to Bronco's colors. For once I can actually color coordinate my wardrobe. Wonder if there is someplace to donate these things once I'm done?
Red blood cell count was borderline this time. Also had low platelet count but Dr B gave the go ahead for the chemo. Really didn't want to get off schedule so while I expect the fatigue to come hard and fast I would rather move on than wait longer. Will be sure to force the fluids, bran, and prune juice to keep things moving this time. I feel like a woman twice my age and my diet sure looks like it. Have to limit eating raw veggies due to neutropenia and supposed to stay away from empty calories, but these days I really only listen to the carb cravings. Mmm tortillas .... time to try to eat something I think.
