Week #4-Approaching Half-Way Point. By Lori Schulte — 2 hours ago I am posting once again from Fargo as I tackle week number four of my chemo and radiation treatment. This afternoon was radiation treatment #15 of the proposed 35 treatments. The treatment on Thursday morning will officially put the first half behind me, and begin the home stretch! I am still scheduled to complete treatments on January 14, 2015! I will have Christmas Day and New Years Day off, otherwise I will continue with radiation five days a week. I am still receiving Chemo once a week on Tuesdays. Tomorrow will be the fourth chemo infusion. They will likely discontinue the chemo before the last week or two of radiation. They do not want the side effects of the chemo to prevent the completion of the radiation. The main side effect Ive suffered from the radiation has been a sore throat. It gets worse as the week goes on and through the weekend, and then gets better just before the next weeks treatments begin. I believe that fatigue is beginning to creep up on me, but is not an issue yet. They say the sore throat and a sore chest will intensify, and I will get a severe burn on my neck and upper chest. Theyve given me an arsenal of pain killers to use as things start to get tough! The chemo hasnt been real bad so far. I receive a series of medicines and fluids on Tuesdays ahead of the chemo, so I actually feel the best on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The medicine appears to wear off by Thursday, so Thursday and Friday have been my worst days. My worst side effects have been extreme flu-like symptoms. Aches and pains and a real run-down feeling. Each week it seems to be a little worse and last a little longer. My appetite seems to come and go, but I continue to eat as well as my sore throat allows. They had anticipated I would lose my hair, but it remains in tact! They also anticipated I would get extreme cold sensitivity in my fingers and toes. This was my worst fear getting chemo in Fargo in December and January where it is seldom sunny and 75! I have not had this issue yet. I am very lucky! I continue to drive home on Fridays and return to Fargo on Monday. I have been very fortunate to have someone accompany me at least half of the time. Rick Stoveland was kind enough to ride to Fargo with me this morning. Thank you Rick! Being at home three nights and two days makes the week in Fargo go so much faster! I keep very busy during the week keeping up with business matters and staying in touch. I have been so fortunate to be able to continue to get around on my own and stay healthy. The goal at the Roger Maris Cancer Center is to get me through the treatment without being hospitalized. A special thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support, cards and letters and so many acts of kindness. We couldnt fight this battle without you! Jim and Lori
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:46:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015