Effects of Last Chemo; Waiting for Testing...

Hi Everyone,

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I last updated this blog.  I have no good excuse, except maybe being tired and depressed part of the time.  I didn't really want to write those words, but they're true.  I was hoping to be past all that by now, but I guess it takes time to get better.  I've been taking an anti-depressant for over a month now, but the doctor says it sometimes takes 6 to 8 weeks to really work.  I've never liked taking any pills or medications -- and I still don't -- but under difficult circumstances you do what you have to do to get through.  Anyway, I hope it will work for me.  Trying to be patient...

I feel that my last chemo treatment set me back a little (in side effects), but I am gradually getting better.  And the chemo seems to be doing its job:  my CA-125 level went down to 7 last time!  Praise God!

I had another allergic reaction to the carboplatin immediately after the last treatment -- a red rash on my hands, arms, and stomach.  I had been given Benadryl at the beginning, but still got the rash.  Fortunately, no itching and no trouble breathing.  Just a slight feeling that something was sitting on my chest.  The nurse gave me more Benadryl until the rash went away.  Thank God it was the last treatment!

At my request, the doctor reduced the amount of paclitaxel for the last treatment.  But she didn't reduce it by very much and the neuropathy in my hands and feet is a little worse now.  I was afraid of that.  After the 5th treatment it had been subsiding, but now it is more noticeable.  It's not as bad as some people have it, I know.  The tingling/ numbness sensations come and go.  My hands aren't so bad -- usually it is because I am laying on them that they go numb, but my feet get tingly throughout the day and night.   During the day, I can try to ignore it, but at night it is so irritating!  And sometimes it just feels downright painful, especially at the end of a busy day when I am just wanting to relax in bed.  Massage helps a little.  And my sleeping pill helps too, for a while.  :)

The doctor is letting me continue with my low-dose estrogen patches for about another month and then I have to stop.  I am still experiencing temperature swings, especially at night, so am wondering what it will be like without my patches....  God, please be with me.

On the brighter side -- I have finished my 6th (and hopefully last) chemo treatment!  Yay!  In 4 days (July 20) I will have a CT scan and blood draw, and in 10 days (June 26) I will meet with my doctor to discuss the results.  (I have already posted this on Facebook and asked for prayers, but some of you who follow my blog aren't on Facebook.)  I am trying not to be nervous about this, but it is hard.  I just want a clean scan, and to begin healing, to get my energy back -- and also my hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes!  And I want this cancer to stay away forever.

I've been getting out a little more.  Went to church Sabbath before last, and it was good to see everyone.  Drove myself to Walmart the other day.  Feels good not to be dependent upon others for transportation!

I thank all of you for your prayers and emails and cards and FB posts and texts and phone calls.  And I thank God for answering your prayers and being with me and taking such good care of me!

Much love to you all.  I promise not to keep you waiting; will let you know what the doctor says as soon as I can.
Caroline ♥