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Day 6 - hurting
By Joppette
on March 19 2012 at 8:56 am
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56, Female
MI, United States
Member Since: July 25 2002
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It's not your typical Day 6 or any other numbered days that we reference here at QSJ. This is day 6 since beginning my second stint with chemotherapy to kill lung cancer. Day 1 was spent at the hospital. It wasn't bad. The accomodations were really nice! Big comfy chairs, TVs, lots of folks to chat with, a fantastic cafe', wonderful resource room, and gardens galore to walk through to enjoy God's creations. Very nice all in all.
Day two was ok. Nothing was really happening other than being able to get a lot of errands done, and chores around the house. I'm always thankful for days like that.
Day three it started. First was nausea. Not awful, just that low grade kind that prevents any kind of appetite. But not puking is always good, so I was thankful. Felt achey, kind of like the beginning of how we feel when coming down with the flu, aches, kind of chilled, nauseated, and tired. I didn't get much done this day.
Day four I began to take the nausea medication every four hours. I called the pharmacy to find out what the maximum amount was that I could take and found out I took it already. A friend said to call the doctor, even if it is the weekend and get Zofran. So I did, and he did, and it helped immensely. Nausea issue went on the back burner. Muscle aches were more pronounced though. The arm where they put the chemo in hurt like the dickens. They normally put it in a port in the chest, but I didn't have a port yet, so they did it IV. I won't do that again. The arm hurts, is red, and swollen. The place where the chemo went in feels hard and swollen. I treated that with ice for pain, and will call the doctor today to see if everything is okay.
They told me to be ultra conscious of ringing in the ears. In the first few days I noticed it getting more pronounced but didn't want to make a big deal out of it. But by Day four I realized it is loud, and I am concerned. The loud ringing means the hearing is being damaged, and I could potentially lose it. I have a few friends who have hearing aids in both ears as a result of this. If this continues, they will have to stop one of the chemos and find another way to kill the meanies in my body.
Day five was Sunday. The day started well! Nausea was kept under control, and I didn'r feel too bad. We went to church, and then headed out to do errands. I was driving, and after about a half an hour, pulled over and asked R to take over. I was crashing fast and didn't trust myself to drive anymore. The day got rougher after that. I spent the rest of the day in bed, soft plush blankets surrounding me, and slept the day away.
Today is day six. The ringing is still an issue. The arm hurts like hell. The muscles ache, and cry for relief. I am taking two kinds of morphine for the pain, and it's helping, but if I'm honest, it just makes me sleepy so I sleep and don't feel the pain anymore. The nausea is still being kept at bay with Zofran, so at least that is good. I don't have the option to stay in bed today. I have an appointment I can't cancel, so will have to hit coffee and food soon to try to get over the malaise. I will call the doctor today too.
I begin the whole regime again on this Wednesday. I'm thinking he's going to change the chemo that is causing the hearing loss. So I don't know what to expect.
Not much to add. I have taken time to enjoy the unusually warm weather. The flowers are budding, and they are fragrant and beautiful. The animals are acting like Spring is here too. It's all good stuff.
This whole thing will be completed by Mid-May. This will hopefully kill any uglies in my body and buy me a few more years of life.
Judy
Living with lung cancer since 2007, and still doing it! Smoke free.
QD: 12/3/2004
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Message by skipper8
on March 19 2012 at 10:01 am
Location: Canada Joined: July 02 2002 Posts:
12291
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Chemo is so destructive , unfortunately , not just on cancer cells......
I will know you get through the next round , swinging and fighting as always... Be gentle with yourself and DONT OVER DO !!
~~The time is always right , to do what is right ~~ KTQ ~~Kathy
QD- 21-11-11 :)
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Message by mars'
on March 19 2012 at 10:25 am
Location: Canada Joined: August 15 2002 Posts:
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my thoughts and prayers are with you. warm wishes
look to the rainbow, mars'
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Message by mroxanne
on March 19 2012 at 10:53 am
Location: United States Joined: March 03 2010 Posts:
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I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with everyone. It is so important to talk about these things and I hope it helps you even a small amount. My brother is in your exact shoes so I can see exactly what you are talking about. He has gotten through it pretty well and I pray you will too. Pampers yourself as best you can and get lots of rest. Take care.
Roxanne
Quit March 1, 2010
Commit to the Quit one day at a time.
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Message by Pykke
on March 19 2012 at 1:16 pm
Location: United States Joined: July 21 2002 Posts:
6206
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Thanks for letting into your ordeal...Many prayers go out to help comfort you....Blessings!!!!!!!!
Pykke
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Message by Dewey
on March 19 2012 at 6:01 pm
Location: Australia Joined: March 21 2010 Posts:
2121
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Just know that thoughts and prayers are heading across to you from the land down under.
Dewey
Going my way
Quit Date: 22.03.2010
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Message by I'm done
on March 19 2012 at 9:21 pm
Location: United States Joined: June 20 2006 Posts:
1346
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Take care sweet lady. I know this is so difficult for you and I thank you for sharing your journey with us. It has to be a wake up call for people. I pray the worst is behind you.
The first two weeks of your quit will be the hardest thing you do in your life unless you must quit again. Not one puff! --Janet--
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Message by Vicki
on March 21 2012 at 1:46 pm
Location: United States Joined: June 28 2004 Posts:
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You are in my thoughts and prayers Judy. Sending you huge hugs.
Vicki
Quit July 15, 2007 10:30 AM
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Message by Here I go Again
on March 21 2012 at 2:10 pm
Location: United States Joined: November 23 2007 Posts:
1597
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long distance hugs...
Quit Date 01/20/09
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Message by PackyLou
on March 25 2012 at 4:11 pm
Location: United States Joined: September 13 2007 Posts:
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Hi Judy,
had to do a 'search' to find you here...I was thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. Sounds like you are making the best of it and once more, sharing your experience, strength and hope with us. I wish I lived close enough to visit, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I appreciate the fact that you reached out to me when I was new, I have the saved emails still- that really touched me.
Love always,
Barb
"I took the road less traveled by ~
and it has made all the difference..."
QD: 9/10/07
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Message by skipper8
on April 03 2012 at 1:54 pm
Location: Canada Joined: July 02 2002 Posts:
12291
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Sending you all my best thoughts today on your quitaversary !!! Hope you and everyone is taking good care of you!!
~~The time is always right , to do what is right ~~ KTQ ~~Kathy
QD- 21-11-11 :)
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Message by ltlsqueak
on April 05 2012 at 9:19 am
Location: United States Joined: March 19 2010 Posts:
4029
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I hope that you are managing ok. We miss you!!! (((hugs)))
Do you mind sending me the website for Cancer Support that you visit? I have a friend in need.
Hope you have a nice Easter. Been keeping you in my prayers!!! 
Sherri
Quit date: March 22, 2010
Nothing worth having in life is ever easy.
BELIEVE in yourself!
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