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| It feels good to sit up. |
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| Dad and Mom |
Side effects are really a misnomer. Because you can't really feel the main effect of a drug (the healing), all you really notice are the side effects. Maybe we should call them "noticeable effects" or "all over awful effects", because believe me, side effects are never good. Side effects never improve your skin or make your teeth whiter or hair glossier.
No, side effects are brutal, and Mom is starting to feel them pretty badly. She's been on a high dosage of steroids and chemotherapy for a number of weeks, and now she's in week three of radiation therapy. Between the three, she's suffering crippling exhaustion, hot flashes, shaky hands, increased appetite, brightly flushed skin in some areas where the radiation beam is aimed, and terribly dry, paper-thin skin on her hands. Not to mention the terrible hematomas on her arm from an extremely untalented phlebotamist.
Today she made us all nervous when we noticed swelling in her face. It turns out this, and the swelling in her right hand and foot, are also on the list of notorious side effects. Weight gain is to be expected in patients on high steroid doses. It's not uncomfortable, thankfully, and we can help by giving her a good, healthy diet. (It would be nice if the hospital would help us out, there. Sugary danishes for breakfast? Really?)
Only 7 more radiation treatments to go! Way to hang in there, Mom - we're all so proud of you.
10 comments:
If she is getting blood draws and stuff through her iv regularly maybe the can give her a picc line. Its a special type of iv that can be used to draw herblood for labs and what ever she is getting iv can go in via it. Its more if a long term iv...can last for several months if need as opposed to a normal iv which only last a few days. They use ultrasound to find a large vein in the upper arm and then guide it in and thread it all the way up the arm to juts above the heart. It stand peripherally inserted central catheter. It may be something to ask the Dr about if she is going to be having blood drawn and stuff through her iv for awhile. She can even go home or to the next facility with it if she will need iv stuff later too.
Sorry she is starting to feel the side effects if all her treatments but hopefully in the long run they will be worth it. Tell her to hang in there! I know you guys will continue to support and encourage her and you guys do a great job of doing so. Everyone keep up the good work!
Amy
Judy, sorry about all the side effects. I can identify with some of them. This, too, will pass. Thinking of you every day.
Nancy
Mrs. Worrell looks great! I'm so glad she's doing so good!
These are a lot of side effects! Hang in there Mrs. Worrell! It's almost over!
Get well soon Mrs. Worrell!
Judy you look great! Live that smile! So glad to hear about your field trip!! Praying for you and counting down the radiation treatments with you. Give your precious girls a big hug for keeping us all up to date on how you are doing!! Love you!!!
So glad you were able to go outside yesterday. It was a gorgeous day! Much love from the Terrys. We think about you everyday. :)
My mom suggested a picc line too.. I really Mrs. Worrell nd I am glad she got to go outside
I'm so glad you got to venture outside. You look great! It's amazing what change of scenery and sunshine will do for you. Lots of love!!!
Brandi
Judy, I have kept up with you every day since your kind daughters started the blog. You are in my prayers, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Lynn Etheridge
Judy,
What a treat to get to go outside! You look like you feel better. I hope so. I am back in town and hope to see you in a few days.
Love you, Luanne
P.S., thank you for linking to Bob on your blog! That was so nice of you!
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