Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Cancer Bitch and Drugs


I'm learning many things on this journey - just because they give you a lot of pill bottles, don't necessarily take them. All. At the same time. And move them away from your bed so you don't pop something random at 3am and wonder why the hell the bed is starting to move like a toboggan at the Winter Olympics!

Had a trip to the emergency room after class on Saturday, temperature spiked to 100.7. I didn't want to go, I was exhausted and lethargic, but Steve dragged me into the car in the driving rain. I figure the emergency room visit would just make me feel worse - but it didn't. We went to Inova Fairfax, where, after checking me in, I was immediately shown a private cubicle (elapsed time 5 minutes). Two blood tests later, they said they couldnt find anything, my temperature had dropped so they kicked me out. They all gave me their numbers to check back on the blood tests and everyone was as friendly as could be.

Lets go back a few years - one Saturday night when she was 5 or 6, Nelly ended up at the emergency room at DC General. She had spent the night with a relative. Said relative called me at midnight and elegantly pointed out that I needed to meet her at DCG because Nelly fell against the corner of a wall and , cut her forehead, and was "bleeding and her meat hanging out." I was there in two minutes, they arrived in a cab (got mad cuz I wouldnt pay for it). I rushed her in got her checked then sat and waited for service. Nelly had a dish towel wrapped around her head. I spent two hours sitting amidst drunks and gun shot victims watching Billy Dee Williams informercials until I noticed Nelly was bleeding. I jumped up, dragged her to the counter, plopped her down on it and went all "Riki Tik" on their asses. Needless to say, she got immediate attention. I wonder if she would have that scar on her forehead if I had taken her to a better hospital.



Yesterday was a LOOOOONG Hopkins day. Got there at 8am, and was told I should have yet another CT scan, then chemo. This time both Steve and I slept through the chemo. The only problem is, and elderly blue-haired lady in the cubicle next to mine was arguing with the nurse about her blood results, "What do you mean I tested positive for cocaine? I don't use cocaine!" I rolled over and went back to sleep.

Oh, also found out that one of the drugs the doctor gave me was an "anti-psychotic" that fights nausea. Yeah, it also makes you lazy as a lizard and dizzy. They took me off that. And the $400 drug? There's a generic. Sigh....

We got back from JH at 5pm and found a wonderful treat in the doorway - a box of Wolferman's English Muffins, scones, coffee and cinnamon creme honey. Paradise!

What comes up, must come down. JH called tonight - have to go back for surgery tomorrow. Just. damn.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Cancer Bitch tries home remedies



New round of chemo. This time, Lynn, a charter member of the invisible posse, drove me to JH, to the Blalock building, where I had a port implanted. Had to take a photo of Vivien Thomas and Alfred Blalock, even though, thanks to HBO, I'm always going to see them as Mos Def and Alan Rickman.

Spent 3 hours getting chemo, then got hooked up to a pump which dispenses chemo for 46 hours. The good news is - I'm at home during all this - the bad news, I'm nauseous and sleepy. The prescription for my anti-nausea drug costs $413, so I declined and went old school (think college dorms). A nurse will come to my home and unhook me Thursday. Unlike last time, I only have to do this every two weeks!

Got a mystery answered this week. On the way to JH, we always past a large brick tower and I couldnt figure out its purpose. Its called the "Shot Tower." Did they shoot people? No, but close.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Spring has sprung


Easter was fabulous! Went on the annual cherry blossom walk with the girls (for some reason the guys complained about not being invited).

Grandbabies visited, and we had Easter brunch with the usual crew. I've learned that if I don't suck down a lot of meat and fat, I don't get as sick (go figure). So, I ate a small amount of ham, lots of salad and tried to hurt myself on the Red Velvet Cake.

Back to Hopkins today, where I was told I'm being taken off the Abraxin trial because my liver just wouldn't allow it. The good news is I'm still on chemo, starting a new regimen next Tuesday. The bad news - I have to get a port. Just damn.



I look on skipping chemo as good thing - it gives me a week of energy to study for the comprehensive test that I have to pass Saturday in order to get my Masters, and time to write the article I have due for class. It's all downhill from here.

Graduation May 8th!