I experienced a side effect from the Taxatere which I was prepared for, skin rash, but it will not go away. By day 8 my rash was out of control. I spoke to Dr. Garg on Saturday and he urged me to go to the ER. He was concerned the rash developed into Steven Johnson syndrome. The Bloodwork all came back normal. I followed up with the Dermatologist on Monday and my arm was biopsied in 2 places. They are checking for Vasculitis. In the meantime, I was given 2 prescriptions which have helped greatly. Stitches will be removed in 2 weeks.
I follow up with Dr. Garg on Thursday and he will assess how he wants to proceed with the remaining Chemo treatments.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Treatment 5, Downhill from here
July 15: Treatment 5 over and making my way down. It feels great to know I only have 3 more to go! Yippee!!
I was on pins and needles going into treatment 5 because the Infusion Nurses had trouble drawing my blood from the port. She had difficulty getting the blood return. After 1 hour and many various contortions of my body, success! After all that, she told me she suspects my port is infected and that I should have it checked by Dr. Garg. He was my next appointment.
Dr. Garg reviewed my bloodwork and he said it was perfect. With no other signs of infection, ie: fever, feeling over the top lousy, he did not suspect the port was infected. However, he decided he wanted a second opinion from my Vascular Surgeon. So my chemo was put on hold. After spending 2 1/2 hours at the hospital I returned home and waited for the call. Within the hour, I was back in the car to the Vascular Surgeon's office. I saw another doctor in the
practice because mine was on vacation. Dr. John told me I am experiencing a rare, allergic skin reaction to the port. Why me? I keep breaking out in a bumpy, itchy rash that is very "angry" looking. He said this is not very common and with 4 treatments to go, "suck it up". Considering the condition of my veins in my right arm, I have no choice. He cleared me for Chemo.
Fortuntately, the Infusion Center was able to get me back on the schedule for Friday. I did not want a delay. My nurse told me that in 15 years, she has never seen a skin allergy to a port. I wish the black cloud over my head would go away!
My infusion took 5 hours and went well. They added prescription strength benedryl to my cocktail and it knocked me out. I was asleep within 20 minutes. The only side effect I need to watch for with this course is Neuropathy which is nerve pain in the hands and feet. This would be a very good time for that black cloud to disperse!
Every considered, I feel okay. I am very anxious to get my life back! I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it gets brighter every day!
I was on pins and needles going into treatment 5 because the Infusion Nurses had trouble drawing my blood from the port. She had difficulty getting the blood return. After 1 hour and many various contortions of my body, success! After all that, she told me she suspects my port is infected and that I should have it checked by Dr. Garg. He was my next appointment.
Dr. Garg reviewed my bloodwork and he said it was perfect. With no other signs of infection, ie: fever, feeling over the top lousy, he did not suspect the port was infected. However, he decided he wanted a second opinion from my Vascular Surgeon. So my chemo was put on hold. After spending 2 1/2 hours at the hospital I returned home and waited for the call. Within the hour, I was back in the car to the Vascular Surgeon's office. I saw another doctor in the
practice because mine was on vacation. Dr. John told me I am experiencing a rare, allergic skin reaction to the port. Why me? I keep breaking out in a bumpy, itchy rash that is very "angry" looking. He said this is not very common and with 4 treatments to go, "suck it up". Considering the condition of my veins in my right arm, I have no choice. He cleared me for Chemo.
Fortuntately, the Infusion Center was able to get me back on the schedule for Friday. I did not want a delay. My nurse told me that in 15 years, she has never seen a skin allergy to a port. I wish the black cloud over my head would go away!
My infusion took 5 hours and went well. They added prescription strength benedryl to my cocktail and it knocked me out. I was asleep within 20 minutes. The only side effect I need to watch for with this course is Neuropathy which is nerve pain in the hands and feet. This would be a very good time for that black cloud to disperse!
Every considered, I feel okay. I am very anxious to get my life back! I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it gets brighter every day!
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