Series III, Gemstar I, Day 1

I didn't report on my check up last Friday, too much weekend excitement. It went well-- had a good conversation with the Doc and he answered all my questions. He said the numbers were going the "right direction" and we agreed that the tumor near my navel that can be felt was smaller. So off we go on another month-- he will schedule a CAT for the first week of March--the next week off. The only change made is that my Xeloda is reduced to three tablets twice a day, from four. That is to try to avoid the mouth sores that led to cancelling the second series last month.

Since I was virtually "normal" at the end of last week--no Pred, no mouthwash, eating normally, bodily functions normal--I am going to try to better document the side effects as they appear in this series. Of course the accumulative side effect, losing my hair, continues.

So I started the Zeloda Monday morning, then had my infusion at 12:30 rather than early because of scheduling at the hospital. It knocked me down pretty good. I had my usual "Kennel Cough," shortness of breath with a nonproductive hacking. It ran longer than usual, was still going when I went to bed. It is gone this morning. The lungs seems to take the brunt of the infusion and I have some hot flashes as well for the first few hours. But between the two drugs, I spent most of the rest of the day in the recliner. I also had a restless night, as the pre-infusion drugs leave me a little jittery. I can make up for it today (Tuesday) with a couple naps, as we are getting a lot of snow and won't be going outside until it is time to clear the drive--likely not until tomorrow.