Thursday, January 21, 2010

Two weeks of Gemzar

So the second week of Gemzar infusion has been more difficult than I had hoped. Primary problem is coping with the constipation which is incessant, but I also have increased mouth soreness which completely voids any sense of taste. That makes it more difficult to eat. Have to eat to live. Nonetheless, I got out Wednesday to have lunch with two very dear friends and to have a nice long visit. An outing like that tires me rather quickly so it's back home for a deep nap. I seem a bit better this Thursday morning, so perhaps the infusion is waning a little and I will have a couple of better days.

This week was an untested one and I can certainly see why my Docs thought a week on, a week off was a good way to start the Gemzar experience. I wanted to see if the side effects were Gemzar or Zaloda, found out in no certain terms. Next week should be fun. Day by day continues to be my plan. Will get out today and get some fresh air, that always helps.

7 comments:

  1. We hope the fresh air helps, Richard! Your days sound tough, hang in there, taking it day by day sounds like the right attitude...much love, Marion and Bob

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  2. Around here, a little fresh air goes a long way today. Hope you got some before the raw, chilly winds picked up. A good day for napping and resting; I hope you were able to find something soothing to eat. Continued love and prayers...

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  3. We are tracking along with you from Wisconsin...just wish we could go ahead and break a path for you Uncle Dick. Your writing is so purely honest it hurts and makes us a laugh at the same time...the menu from the BB game was a rip! Have any advice for Sunny? She's been asked to audition for a vocal music scholarship at Ripon College, no idea what that entails. Ernie says he will build you anything you want...translation: Love you little brother. E,J,&S

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  4. I'm sure your dr will be checking, but just thought I'd mention that the mouth thing might be thrush. Mom had it when she first moved to the nursing home. There is a swish and swallow treatment that can take care of it. I hope it is something that can be relieved that easily. Hugs, ave

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  5. Listening to the wind chimes this morning and thinking of you. Wishing for sun and an early spring so the fresh air will be accompanied by light and green things.

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  6. Do contact your oncologist, Dick. Mouth sores are a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, and there are a number of prescription "magic mouthwashes" to help with that.

    Unfortunately, food just won't taste the same, so keep experimenting and looking for things you find satisfying and are able to stomach. You may be surprised to discover they are foods you wouldn't have much enjoyed before now :-)

    You are doing all of the right things, Dick! The combination of nourishment, LOTS of fluids, and activity, as tolerated, will get you there! Along with renewing naps along the way.

    Continuing to send healing energies, love and prayers your way!

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  7. Just want you to know I'm checking in on you every day and keeping you in my prayers! Enjoy the fresh air and here's hoping you soon feel up to some McFries and McBurgers again and can TASTE them!

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