A week since my last posting. The days between reaped a step forward in my treatment plan and the start of pulmonary rehab.
I had a productive meeting with Dubovsky on Tuesday. We decided upon the treatment regimen. It will be full doses of carboplatin and alimta, beginning as soon as I am feeling okay. Alimta is a newer generation chemo, only takes 10 minutes to administer, and I am not expected to lose my hair. There will be a minimum of two doses, and up to four, depending on what I can tolerate. The doses will be 21 days apart. This combination is less toxic than what we had been contemplating, but stronger doses than what I have received previously. We are meeting this Thursday, and if I am up to it, treatment will start that day.
The rehab is basically cardio and weight training in a gym. My favorite activities in my favorite place. Right now, I require oxygen to participate, but the therapist, as do I, think it will be great for me.
The problem still is the "feeling okay" part. I just don't. There is the low grade fever that plagued me daily for 5 weeks, and that still comes and goes. It came to my attention that the drip drip cough cough that I have been experiencing could be as simple as a sinus infection. I started on some antibiotics yesterday, which already seem to be helping, albeit the fever persists. But I am waiting, patiently or not, for the day when I "feel good." That magic moment when I can smile spontaneously, eat without feeling like it's a chore, and drive a car.
Still putting one foot slowly in front of the other.
Elyse
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About Me
- Elyse
- After suffering from a persistent cough for months, and failing to get multiple physicians to pay attention to me, on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, I was diagnosed with bronchialalveolar carcinoma. Lung cancer. Genes (or whatever) trump a healthy lifestyle.
11 comments:
Ali,
I see you are still jabbing
that's all that matters.
"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even."
It's even now and you know when you thought you were defeated -- now it's time to win. Modern medicine will help to get you the quality of life back - your will to win will assure everything else. LH&P - Steve and Family
Here's some topical stuff - this is how we roll....
There was a big meeting this week between Vice President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Dick Cheney. Or as they are calling it, “plugged hair meets plugged arteries.”
I prefer to call them “foot-in-mouth meets shot-in-face.”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for emergency assistance for the auto industry. She said it was an absolute emergency. But since it was Nancy Pelosi, no one could tell from her facial expression that it was an emergency.
The National Enquirer says that after campaign staffers blamed her for losing the election, Sarah Palin went on a rampage . . . yelling and screaming and throwing things. But see, that’s the National Enquirer. Are you going to believe them? These are the same people who said a year ago that John Edwards was having an affair.
Top Ten Highlights Of The Dick Cheney/Joe Biden Meeting
10. Cheney barred the door and yelled, "You'll never take me alive"
9. It was three hours of Guitar Hero
8. Biden gave Cheney the number for his hair-plug guy
7. Enjoyed a nice lunch interrupted by two shotgun blasts and a heart attack
6. Lynne Cheney blinking out in Morse code — "Help me. Help me. Help me."
5. Cheney had to leave early to get Bush's head unstuck from a microwave oven
4. Had a heart attack during a heart attack
3. They agreed the "Late Show Fun Facts" book may just be the thing to bring this country together
2. For about 20 minutes, Cheney's pacemaker got HBO
1. Upon seeing Biden, Cheney muttered, "I was hoping for the Alaskan broad"
Sarah Palin might make a guest appearance on “Desperate Housewives.” When John McCain heard this, he said, “I’d like to be on ‘Bonanza.’”
Sarah Palin says she wants to be bipartisan; she would like to help Barack Obama. And I thought, Hasn’t she helped him already?
Obama is organizing his Cabinet. This is a high-pressure time for him. Meanwhile, John McCain is at an Applebee’s blowing on his soup.
Barack Obama has named Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff and he is bringing in Madeleine Albright to be part of his transition team. It looks like Obama is bringing back all of our favorites from the Clinton administration. Except for that heavy-set intern.
Earlier today, President Bush was in New York and he gave a speech about the financial crisis and other problems facing the country. The speech was called “So Long Suckers.”
In Washington, D.C. today, Dick Cheney gave Joe Biden a tour of the vice president’s living quarters. Afterwards, Biden said he loves the house, but he’ll probably turn the dungeon back into a rec room.
The Republican Party is considering choosing an African-American Republican to be their party’s chairman. Unfortunately, neither guy wants the job.
American Express is in financial trouble and reportedly wants a $5.5billion loan from the government. Unfortunately for American Express, the government only takes Visa and Diner’s Club.
People in L.A. have been participating in an earthquake drill. Authorities are saying the drill has been a huge success — apparently people in L.A. are used to things being fake.
Barbara Walters is doing a special on the man who got pregnant. If you get a sex-change operation then find yourself pregnant, you may want to ask yourself how good the doctor was.
All I’m saying is, if you get a sex-change operation, hang onto the receipt.
It's great to get an update (as always). I know you like having a plan even if it doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Glad to hear the pulmonary rehab is welcomed and remember, there are triathletes that need oxygen!!! Keep pushing - you've shown us all how far you go just by putting one foot in front of the other!!
Just want you to know we are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers.
Terri & Barry
ditto Terri and Barry!
Elyse, thinking of you. We celebrated Vinson's (and incidentally mine) b-day yesterday with star wars party that included water baloons to destroy a death star, zip-line and cool science experiments! Needless to say- totally worn out- at least the adults.
Glad you have the course of action for the next phase of the journey and sending thoughts and prayers that you start feeling as good as the progress you are making. Sending love and hopes for a visit-was thinking this weekend, but will check in as with start of a new regiment might want a pass. - Michelle N.
Time to SHOP! Find your credit cards & call. Hugs, Susan
hope all is well, can't find your email, so sending you good thoughts to your blog. italy is great, i highly recommend you take a trip with my sister-in-law after your chemo. it is laughter all the way. loving the wine food and shopping. talk to you soon
Weather has gone back up to 60 during the day which is great running weather! Chase ran a 4.43 40 yd dash with track coach today--at 14 that is just so awesome! At 16 he claims I wont be able to catch him when he does something wrong! HAHA. He is going to do indoor winter track and is super excited. He said to tell Brent "Hey dude!" I think ET is going to Univ of Utah! You know it's all about being close to the ski resorts. ;) He is considering law. What?? So HELP! What kind should he do, what undergrad degree?? He's so good at being friends with everyone as you know! Wish I was there to hang out. SW had 50% off flights but doesn't come to Atlanta--what's that about? Well I miss you, love you and am praying for you. BIG HUG! Bridgette
One day - in the tnot too distant future - you will go through an entire day where you don't even think about this, I promise. xxoo
Here's to a brighter future!
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