Aa
New Update from Crecco
Hi All,
I am sorry I have not been around too much this week, but have been sleeping quite a bit. I do not feel too bad, just really tired. But I wanted to let you know what I found out on Mon.
As you know, my CA had taken a big jump and the Dr wanted to see me a week early. We went over my CT scans and over all things still look pretty good. There are still a few spots in my liver and some fluid, but no major changes. I did voice some concerns as the last time my CA started jumping like his, we missed some spots in the liver on the CT scan and only found them from a PET scan. So he agreed and I will have a PET/CT scan done tomorrow. He also decided to change my chemo again, which I was expecting. I am now on oral Etoposide. I do not know a whole lot about it and was just curious if anyone else has been on it and how well it worked for you. I am on 100mg a day for 21 days and then 7 days off. I guess that it is supposed to be rather hard on blood counts as I am now back to having weekly blood work done. The up side is that I now only have to make 1 trip to Effingham a month instead of once a week.
As most of you that have been here awhile know, someone in my family takes me to Effingham for every Dr appointment that I have due to the fact that during my very first chemo I had a reaction to the Carbo. So my mom and my sister refuse to have it any other way. Well, guess what? I have decided to put on my big girl panties and I am taking myself to Effingham tomorrow for my scan for the first time in almost 3 years! But I decided this on my own. My sister cannot take me as she will be working and she told me to call my DIL. I said ok, but made up my mind then. I still have not told her what I am doing. And as for my Mom, well, she took a vacation this week and is in Colorado. I told her on the phone last night and there really was not much she could say. I am sure I will hear about it, but hey, it will be done and over by then.
The very worst part of the week came on Tues. For some reason, my face started itching badly that day where my shingles had previoulsy been. I was miserable and could not even get to sleep that night until almost 2 am. I called first thing Wed morning and was told the the shingles are trying to come back! They immediatly called in a prescription for me and when I am through taking it, I am going to have to take a lower dose daily for an indefinate period of time. As of now they are not real bad. My face is all red again and itching like crazy, just a little swelling, but hopefully I got started on the meds early enough that they wil not get as bad as before.
So this week has been a wild one so to speak. Hopefully the scan tomorrow will correspond with the CT scan and things will look alright.
I am going to try to catch up on posting and answering my messages and notes. It may take a little while but I will get caught up.
Love you all,
Chris
I am sorry I have not been around too much this week, but have been sleeping quite a bit. I do not feel too bad, just really tired. But I wanted to let you know what I found out on Mon.
As you know, my CA had taken a big jump and the Dr wanted to see me a week early. We went over my CT scans and over all things still look pretty good. There are still a few spots in my liver and some fluid, but no major changes. I did voice some concerns as the last time my CA started jumping like his, we missed some spots in the liver on the CT scan and only found them from a PET scan. So he agreed and I will have a PET/CT scan done tomorrow. He also decided to change my chemo again, which I was expecting. I am now on oral Etoposide. I do not know a whole lot about it and was just curious if anyone else has been on it and how well it worked for you. I am on 100mg a day for 21 days and then 7 days off. I guess that it is supposed to be rather hard on blood counts as I am now back to having weekly blood work done. The up side is that I now only have to make 1 trip to Effingham a month instead of once a week.
As most of you that have been here awhile know, someone in my family takes me to Effingham for every Dr appointment that I have due to the fact that during my very first chemo I had a reaction to the Carbo. So my mom and my sister refuse to have it any other way. Well, guess what? I have decided to put on my big girl panties and I am taking myself to Effingham tomorrow for my scan for the first time in almost 3 years! But I decided this on my own. My sister cannot take me as she will be working and she told me to call my DIL. I said ok, but made up my mind then. I still have not told her what I am doing. And as for my Mom, well, she took a vacation this week and is in Colorado. I told her on the phone last night and there really was not much she could say. I am sure I will hear about it, but hey, it will be done and over by then.
The very worst part of the week came on Tues. For some reason, my face started itching badly that day where my shingles had previoulsy been. I was miserable and could not even get to sleep that night until almost 2 am. I called first thing Wed morning and was told the the shingles are trying to come back! They immediatly called in a prescription for me and when I am through taking it, I am going to have to take a lower dose daily for an indefinate period of time. As of now they are not real bad. My face is all red again and itching like crazy, just a little swelling, but hopefully I got started on the meds early enough that they wil not get as bad as before.
So this week has been a wild one so to speak. Hopefully the scan tomorrow will correspond with the CT scan and things will look alright.
I am going to try to catch up on posting and answering my messages and notes. It may take a little while but I will get caught up.
Love you all,
Chris
Good luck Chris -- I wish there was more that I could say to help but did want you to know that I too am thinking about you
Jeanne
Jeanne
I will be looking forward to hearing the good report from the PET scan. My dad's wife had great results and no problems with the Etoposide. She had enough tumor shrinkage that they can now do the surgery. I am so thankful. Marie
Oh yeah, BEEP, BEEP!
Leadfoot granny is on the road!
PS, I finally got my speeding ticket paid!
Love you,
Chris
Leadfoot granny is on the road!
PS, I finally got my speeding ticket paid!
Love you,
Chris
You guys are all just amazing! I cried when reading all of your well wishes and support.
(Ok, I get emotional at times) What would I do without you?
To let you know, I got on the medication soon enough that the shingles did not get the chance to reach the full blown stage. Thankfully!! I have just had a lot of itching, but no swelling or any breakout.
The PET scan went fine and I will call tomorrow and see if they have the results yet.
Also I had no problem in driving to Effingham. (and I knew that I wouldn't, just try telling that to my mom or my sister) after all, I drove right through there on my way to Springfield!
So far the Etoposide has not been very difficult. The first few days I had some nausea and some diarhea but nothing that got out of control. I have also been really watching what and how much I am eating and that really helps. (I am also hoping that I can lose a little weight too!) I get my blood work done tomorrow but as I am not feeling too bad, I think it should be alright. I will also have them check my BP as I was told that this drug can cause LOW blood pressure. I am kind of hoping that I will be able to go off of the BP meds, but will just wait and see.
So even though the CA has jumped rather high again, I am not going to complain. I still feel pretty good and still able to get out and about (and drive myself to Effingham!)
What more could I ask for? I have decided to just be happy that I am still alive and still able to live on my own and still feel good. I am almost at the 3 year mark. As I never thought I would see it, I feel like I cannot complain. When I think about how I felt 3 years ago, well, I can do nothing but be thankful that I feel the way I do today.
I love you all and am keeping each and every one of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Chris
(Ok, I get emotional at times) What would I do without you?
To let you know, I got on the medication soon enough that the shingles did not get the chance to reach the full blown stage. Thankfully!! I have just had a lot of itching, but no swelling or any breakout.
The PET scan went fine and I will call tomorrow and see if they have the results yet.
Also I had no problem in driving to Effingham. (and I knew that I wouldn't, just try telling that to my mom or my sister) after all, I drove right through there on my way to Springfield!
So far the Etoposide has not been very difficult. The first few days I had some nausea and some diarhea but nothing that got out of control. I have also been really watching what and how much I am eating and that really helps. (I am also hoping that I can lose a little weight too!) I get my blood work done tomorrow but as I am not feeling too bad, I think it should be alright. I will also have them check my BP as I was told that this drug can cause LOW blood pressure. I am kind of hoping that I will be able to go off of the BP meds, but will just wait and see.
So even though the CA has jumped rather high again, I am not going to complain. I still feel pretty good and still able to get out and about (and drive myself to Effingham!)
What more could I ask for? I have decided to just be happy that I am still alive and still able to live on my own and still feel good. I am almost at the 3 year mark. As I never thought I would see it, I feel like I cannot complain. When I think about how I felt 3 years ago, well, I can do nothing but be thankful that I feel the way I do today.
I love you all and am keeping each and every one of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Chris
Hi Chris,
Just checking to see how your test went. I am praying for your results and think of you daily, with love - Deandra
Just checking to see how your test went. I am praying for your results and think of you daily, with love - Deandra
Hi Chris,
Sorry I have not been on much, but I think of you all daily. Please be VERY careful driving to Effingham. Remember I know where you live and how the road is kinda curvy in places. I am praying that you PET scan will come out just fine. I am sorry that the Shingles are trying to come back. Hopefully they have it under control. Please know that you are in my prayers. I miss you all terribly. Love ya, Kasie
Sorry I have not been on much, but I think of you all daily. Please be VERY careful driving to Effingham. Remember I know where you live and how the road is kinda curvy in places. I am praying that you PET scan will come out just fine. I am sorry that the Shingles are trying to come back. Hopefully they have it under control. Please know that you are in my prayers. I miss you all terribly. Love ya, Kasie
Hey there,
I am sorry you are still feeling yuk with the shingles, they do hang around in stressful situations, so its like a big vicious circle, and sounds like they were probably causing the jump in numbers.
Hope you are feeling better soon. My prayers and love are with you.
Love and peace...Kim
I am sorry you are still feeling yuk with the shingles, they do hang around in stressful situations, so its like a big vicious circle, and sounds like they were probably causing the jump in numbers.
Hope you are feeling better soon. My prayers and love are with you.
Love and peace...Kim
I am sorry to hear you still have shingles. Valtrex helps me with cold sores, which I get in abundance but you've probably had prescriptions for everything related to herpes at this point. I hope all goes well - driving can be cathartic - I just got back from DC seeing my grandbabies - 9 hrs of smooth sailing until 13 miles from home. I take my favorite CDs and sing til I make my own sunroof. I also make myself stop at every other rest area and get out and walk around to prevent blood clots and back pain.
Playing off bohan54, I can hear your gorgeous granddaughters singing "Go, Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go!". And I hope the scans show that you can be the Little Old Lady from Pasedena if you want! Hugs, Chris P
Playing off bohan54, I can hear your gorgeous granddaughters singing "Go, Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go!". And I hope the scans show that you can be the Little Old Lady from Pasedena if you want! Hugs, Chris P
Baby you can drive my car, yes your gonna be a star, and baby I love you. Beep, beep, beep, beep, yeah!
Dear Chris,
As I told you previously I have had shingles my whole life it seems. It wasn't until I had Gemzar that it got really bad. I used to get one small spot right above the back of my knee, but with chemo it went haywire. Luckily, I didn't have anything as bad as yours was, but I found that the eczema cream I used was also good for shingles. It is not OTC which is good considering it is like 250.00 a tube, but with ins it was only 10. for me. Elidel. It works wonders. Even used it on my daughter's poison ivy once. See if your GP has some samples of it and give it a try.
Hope everything goes well today.
Love,
Jan
As I told you previously I have had shingles my whole life it seems. It wasn't until I had Gemzar that it got really bad. I used to get one small spot right above the back of my knee, but with chemo it went haywire. Luckily, I didn't have anything as bad as yours was, but I found that the eczema cream I used was also good for shingles. It is not OTC which is good considering it is like 250.00 a tube, but with ins it was only 10. for me. Elidel. It works wonders. Even used it on my daughter's poison ivy once. See if your GP has some samples of it and give it a try.
Hope everything goes well today.
Love,
Jan
Good Luck!! So sorry to hear of the shingles.Please post when you get your pet-scan results.
Take Care,
Terry
Take Care,
Terry
Was on oral etoposide for 3 months. Did experience mouth sores and developed tongue nueropathy... understand this is very rare. Had a major problem with my insurance company covering this drug despite the all chemo is covered clause. Also had problems with the mail order company ( Pharmacare ) that supplied it because of problems they were having with the insurance company contract...not mine personally but company wide. Etopside needs to be refrigerated so if you have it delivered be mindful that it should not sit on your stoop all day in the sun.
Enjoy your cruise into the sun.....hope the shingles hit the road...Withe
Enjoy your cruise into the sun.....hope the shingles hit the road...Withe
My dad's wife just finished her chemo which was cisplatin and etoposide. She did fine. She said her blood counts were okay and she felt okay. I hope you have an easy time with it and get great results. I am glad they are letting you get a PET scan. I go to the doc today to get the results of my CT and if anything looks off I am going to push for a PET scan. I had a scare last night. I had quite alot of blood in my stools. Sorry for being gross, but it seems this ovca has brought one disgusting thing after another to me. It is a little better today, but still is there. I will tell my onc, but expect her to say the usual, "Oh, don't worry about it." Love, Marie
Wow...as usual you have way to much going on,girlfriend!!! I hope those nasty shingles go away..it sounds like you caught them before they had another chance to get bad again. I also am alot like you...my sis does not let me have chemo without her there just in case...as I had a reaction to my very first dose of Taxol. I hope your PET goes well and that your oral chemo works for you....hope your feeling better soon. I'm also not feeling well myself...just had my second dose of Navelbine and got very sick,vomited and then slept for the next 13 hours..this was yesterday...I'm feeling better but tired today. Sending (((hugz))) your way~~~Joanne
Thinking of you often and wishing you good luck tomorrow...I am glad to hear the latest from your Doctor..Just take it easy and I pray that those shingles arent to bothersome...Please post when you get your pet-scan results...Love, Gia
Please be careful while driving but I understand totally !.Does one good sometime, to just do what one decides to do !!
Sorry about the Shingles , but I know you're relieved to have caught it in time. Just take care and keep in touch,
Sandy
Sorry about the Shingles , but I know you're relieved to have caught it in time. Just take care and keep in touch,
Sandy
Chris, there is something about driving that must get to us, my kids have been so worried about me driving, especially after dark. today was a very special day, all my kids are here and we went out and spent the evening with Leslee, Then I went over to another sons house to make potato salad it was afet 9 when I left, very dark, but I made it. I had shingles one time years ago, mine was around the waist, they gave me some kind of shot and they went away and never came back. I have been thinking about all of you and wondering how everone is, sure hope the etoposide works for you , Les was on it for a short while. Take care Hun , marty
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Chris,
Great to hear from you. I was thinking about you just the other night and wondered if you were laying low for a while. Sometimes that's what it takes to get to feeling better. Do be safe tomorrow, but I have no doubt you'll be just fine. There is something liberating (at least to me) about traveling on your own to get these things done. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have extra support there, but I also feel when I go on my own, I'm taking charge and not relying on anyone else to take care of me. It reinforces the whole thing of doing my part to fight the monster.
Good luck with your PET scan. Hope you get good news!
Love,
Gail
Great to hear from you. I was thinking about you just the other night and wondered if you were laying low for a while. Sometimes that's what it takes to get to feeling better. Do be safe tomorrow, but I have no doubt you'll be just fine. There is something liberating (at least to me) about traveling on your own to get these things done. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have extra support there, but I also feel when I go on my own, I'm taking charge and not relying on anyone else to take care of me. It reinforces the whole thing of doing my part to fight the monster.
Good luck with your PET scan. Hope you get good news!
Love,
Gail
Hi Chris! Please be careful when driving home. I can tell you have made up your mind not to ask for help with that. I can see those big girl panties from here!
So sorry you are getting shingles again. I guess the virus never goes away but my goodness! It could have stayed away for a while. It's good you knew what to look for and got the meds.
I hope you get some good news from your PET.
Take care and thanks for the update.
L
So sorry you are getting shingles again. I guess the virus never goes away but my goodness! It could have stayed away for a while. It's good you knew what to look for and got the meds.
I hope you get some good news from your PET.
Take care and thanks for the update.
L
Way to take control! It does a body good. Speaking of which, good luck with your PET. Hopefully, you won't have to wait long for results. We are watching a lymph node by my liver. It has not grown in 3 months so we continue to wait. I had to take the shingles meds twice to finally get rid of them. It was interesting what Marleerose wrote about staying on Valtrex 1x daily. I have to remember that. Good luck & God bless.
Judy
Judy
Hey Chris...good luck with your PET scan tomorrow. I've never had one of those before... I'm sorry you had to switch your chemo again, but hopefully this etopiside won't be too hard on your system. Maybe you can get some of your energy back...
Safe travels...I'm sure you'll be just fine :) Please let us know the results when you get them...
Take care,
Love Becky
Safe travels...I'm sure you'll be just fine :) Please let us know the results when you get them...
Take care,
Love Becky
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