First of all, I want to apologize for not putting up a blog post for 10 days… I know there are so many people following my progress on here, and I’m sorry to have not provided an update. I do appreciate everyone who has reached out asking about me this week, though!

The truth is, everything has mostly been fine. In terms of side effects, all the normal ones were much milder this time around – except for a brand new one which has thrown a major kink into things, and ultimately has me going into surgery tomorrow…

 

ARM PAIN

As I mentioned on my last blog post on the day of Chemo, everything went well on the day of treatment. Everything continued to go well for several days after.  But then my arm started to hurt.

On my first chemo, they used my left arm. On this second treatment, they used my right arm – also my dominant arm.

It was about Friday, maybe Saturday, when it started to hurt. It was a very mild, bruise like pain at first. But it gradually worsened as the days went by. By Tuesday, I could no longer fully extend my arm.  Tuesday was also the first day I reached out to Dr. Stevens’ office about the pain.  They said to just watch it an try hot compresses.

By Wednesday, the pain was sever enough to that I could no long where shirts with sleeves. It was painful to the touch and throbbing for most of the day. Even typing irritated it – which sucks, because I type all day for work. This also contributed to not wanting to do a blog this week.

Today, I called the doctor first thing and they asked me to come into the office, which I did this afternoon.

 

PORT SURGERY

At Norton’s, they discovered I have a minor blood clot which is causing my severe discomfort. Normally, they would prescribe a blood thinner to handle the situation. However, since this has happened, they no longer want to use my arms for Chemo.

They want to insert a Port.

Since my next chemo treatment is coming up this next Tuesday, this means they needed to get me into surgery quickly. And my quickly, I mean tomorrow morning at 9am!  They really don’t mess around in Dr. Stevens’ office!!

A port is a small device surgically implanted just under the skin and which attaches to the veins. My next six chemo treatments will utilize the port to deliver the drugs, rather than my arms.

How do I feel about this?  Well, to be honest, I really didn’t want to have another surgery. And now, I’ll have two (one to put it in, one to take it out).  I had a good cry at the hospital today while I was waiting for my Doppler test. But I’m mostly okay with it now.  Ultimately, receiving chemo via Port will be much more pleasant than by IV. It’ll be more comfortable, and I for sure won’t have this arm pain anymore. And again – it’s not like I have a choice.

 

OTHER SIDE EFFECTS

I just wanted to quickly run through some side effects that I’ve had after Chemo #2 – or not had.

I should start by saying I still feel REALLY good!  Like, 100%!  I don’t feel sick or fatigued or anything.

Acid Reflux:  Ever since I’ve started taking a daily off-brand Pepcid pill, I’ve had basically no Acid Reflux.  I’ve had a little heartburn causing chest pain, but that was only bad for about one day.  This lack of acid reflux has enabled me to basically eat whatever I have wanted since about 2 days after chemo.

Mouth Pain: The pain has been minimal, almost no mouth pain. I did develop a huge ‘sack’ of something in my top left part of the mouth. Sorry, I know that’s disgusting, but it happened!  But it never ‘popped’ or became an open sore, so it never actually hurt.  I’ve been preventatively using my expensive mouthwash. It’s still there but it’s gotten a lot smaller.

Sleep: The steroids did give me a few sleepless nights after chemo. I’m beginning to think that will be a recurring theme.  And also, I think chemo just wrecks my sleep.  Luckily, I’ve been able to fall asleep fine in the evenings – but sleeping through the night just doesn’t happen for me anymore. More often than not, I’ll wake up between 2-4am and lay awake for hours at a time. Sometimes, I don’t get back to sleep. And sometimes, I just go ahead and get up and start my BetAmerica workday at 5am. At least I’m getting stuff done!

Fatigue: Complete non-issue. I do tend to go to bed much earlier, sometimes between 8-9pm, but that’s probably a consequence of not getting a full night’s sleep the night prior.

Nausea: I was a bit queasy for a couple days after chemo. But I never once thought I was going to actually throw up. I took Phenergan and Zofran for about 4 days and then stopped.

 

BLOOD CLOT

Back to the blood clot.  So the doctor doesn’t really think it’s too serious.  Normally, they would prescribe a blood thinner… but since I am having surgery tomorrow, they said not to do anything until after the operation is complete. Then, they simply recommended that I take Aspirin.

One silver lining of having surgery? I am expecting a full bottle of Vicodin!!  I don’t know whether my surgery site will be sore enough to need them, but damn my right arm really needs some good pain pills!!!! If anybody reading this wants to make a meaningful donation, my arm needs pain pills!!!

 

BALD

They say that most cancer patients begin to lose their hair after their second chemo treatment, and mine was right on schedule. I started pulling clumps of hair out on Friday morning.

So we had to just buzz it all off!  Who needs hair in the drain or on the pillow case?

I invited one of my very best friends, Karen, over to help us with my new hair-do! She’s one of the most fun people I know, and it was nice to make something that’s decidedly not fun into something that was actually very memorable.

Karen brought over some multicolored hair extensions, a few wigs, lots of bandanas, and a cowboy hat – all in case I didn’t like the bald look!

We went Facebook Live for the big moment, and shaved my entire head with dozens of people watching. Thanks for tuning in, if you saw the video!  We had a fun time.  Plus, I wanted everyone to see it there for the first time, instead of being surprised in person.  Merv, you’re a lot balder than the last time I saw you!

And I’m so glad Karen came over on just a few hours’ notice to help us!

My brother Gabe buzzed his hair off in solidarity with me! I was so moved by that gestured I nearly cried when I saw the photo on Facebook the next day. I truly have the best brother in the world — and it’s nice to have someone ‘Go Bald’ with me! I’ve always seen when cancer patients have their family or friends go bald with them… And now I have someone going bald with me!  So meaningful.  Thanks, Gabe! I love you!

 

HOUSE ARREST

As I mentioned, my White Blood Cell counts are extremely low and I’ve been advised by the doctor not to go out in public. So I’ve only left the house a couple times in the last 10 days, and those times were to go to family or go to the hospital.

I do not do well when told I shouldn’t do something!  Suddenly, I really want to go to the grocery store – or anywhere!  Feeling like a caged animal!

We really do love visitors, if anybody wants to drop by! We work from home, so pretty much always home. I can’t leave. You’ll have a captive audience. Just text me!

I have my next WBC test on Tuesday. I’m hoping to get better news!  I have a date with Martha planned next week to see John Edward and I’m hoping to speak with my grandmothers!! And I need to be able to go out in public for that.

Kidding aside, I really hope my WBC count has gone up. The alternative would be to get daily shots in the stomach, and I am REALLY hoping to avoid that.

 

I’ll update everyone on how Surgery goes tomorrow.  Send some good thoughts my way about 9am.

 

Much Love,

Merv