I am two weeks into my clinical trial now, and the chemo is not the worst part. The thing that is more aggravating right now is the chest drain that was put in three weeks ago. I had been having some fluid buildup in my chest before the chemo started, but since the drain has been in, that seems to have stopped.
So now I am waiting to hear from the pulmonary folks at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center that I can get the drain removed ASAP. I had a chest X-ray this morning that hopefully will show there is no fluid hanging around to justify keeping a tube in my chest any longer.
As for the chemo, I am getting into the rhythm of how that is affecting me, and it's not horrible.
The best part, if feeling a little bad can be good, is that I seem to be seeing some side effects of the chemo pills that I take every three or four days. I'm taking that as a sign that they are the real deal, not placebo pills. So, yes, I actually welcome feeling a little lack of energy and some intestinal distress for a day after I take the pills if that means I am throwing more live ammunition at my sarcoma and not duds.
Among my many blessings, I am thankful for the medical attention I am able to receive at OSU and The James Cancer Hospital. It is good to have sarcoma specialists in our backyard and access to a clinical trial dedicated to fighting leiomyosarcoma, the particular kind I have.
And I am more blessed than you can know by the expressions of love, support and prayers that I receive in comments to this blog and on Facebook. They lift me and give me strength.
Please know that if you do comment on this blog, most comments show up as "anonymous," so leave your name if you would like me to know who you are.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful Thanksgiving!
6 comments:
The blessing of improved health is the greatest thing to celebrate at Thanksgiving! We continue to cheer your on with lots of prayers. (PS - those chest tubes are so necessary, but such a relief once removed.)
🤗🙏🙏
Glad to hear you putting all the years of writing experience to. good use by chronicling this battle. God Bless you and Top Cat. Even in the tough times we can find reasons to give thanks. Much love and 🙏🏻
Love that you can put a positive spin on a horrible disease and sending you all the best vibes for success in this trial.
Weirdly I am thrilled that you are feeling “chemo-sick”…as a fellow fighter I get it and I know you can push through those symptoms. Also…having had drains too—-I HOPE IT COMES OUT!!!!! Such a bizarre and uncomfortable feeling!!!! Keep going Mary. Keep. Going. ♥️
God Bless you, Mary. I know you are a fighter and it does sound like you're not getting the placebo.....hip hip hooray....and hope you can get some turkey in you too. continued prayers
Mary - your grateful heart is only matched by your tenacious spirit. Hope your holiday is filled with family & a little parade viewing. 💜 to you - Darcy
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