Cycle 2, Day 1 – Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Today was pretty much like my first day of chemo, except a little faster.
Arrived at the Levine Cancer Institute Ballantyne at 8am. They took some blood to analyze at 8:15 and started the infusion about 9:00am. Same drugs as on the first round. The Rituxan took less time because I did not have any adverse reactions to it on my first round. So instead of leaving at 3:40pm, we left at 2:50pm.
Verna went out in the late morning and brought back some lunch for me, then left to have her lunch with a friend of hers; I called her when I was about done. The nurse said we no longer needed a driver for me, so next time we’ll keep that in mind.
Infusion schedule for today:
8:15 – blood draw and testing, wait for results
9:00 – Emend, 150mg – Anti-nausea
9:30 – Dexamethasone, 12 mg
9:45 – Zofran, 8mg – more Anti-nausea
10:05 – Flush, wait for chemo
10:20 – Bendamustine (Chemo), 200mg
11:40 – Rituxan (Chemo), 900mg
14:40 – 10 min flush
14:50 – Done
I noticed that some of my blood tests are approaching the boundaries of the ‘normal’ range. If I remember I will ask Dr L about that tomorrow when I get my next infusion.
I still thank the Lord daily that this treatment – so far – is much more tolerable than my previous treatment.
Cycle 2, Day 2 – Thursday, July 2, 2015
Another good nights sleep, even after the lazy day of yesterday.
Arrived at the Levine Cancer Institute Ballantyne center for a 9:15am appointment with Dr L. I told him what Dr G (ENT) had said about the growth in my nasal area reducing in size and he agreed that it likely a result of the chemo – must be being effective – Thank You Lord. I also discussed with him about some blood tests being near/slightly out of the normal limits and he said that was result of the chemo and not a concern. We have a trip currently scheduled for early October and I asked him about that. He suggested that we do the trip – I should not experience weakness or other problems – if cycle 5 is needed, he will start it a couple of weeks late.
Infusion started as follows:
10:00am – Dexamethasone (steroid), 12mg
10:20am – Zofran (Anti-nausea), 8mg
10:40am – saline only (they were preparing the chemo)
11:09am – Bendamustine (Chemo) 200mg
11:14am – flush with saline
11:24am – done
No problems encountered during the infusion process.
Future visits scheduled:
7/16 – blood tests (two weeks instead of every week)
7/28 (approximate) – PET Scan
7/30 – start of next Chemo cycle.
In looking back at my treatment of 8 1/2 years ago, this treatment is certainly easier on my body that the Hyper-CVAD treatment that I had then – Thank You Lord.
Next update in two weeks unless something happens in the meantime.
Blessing to all.
Cycle 2, Day 3 – Friday, July 3, 2015
Short two weeks, huh?
Just some notes for myself and anyone who cares…
Good News (maybe) – As you may recall, this round of cancer was found because I had nasal surgery on April 24 to clear up a breathing problem that had developed during the preceding six months, or so. Even with the surgery, I end up sleeping some nights in a recliner to get my head elevated so I can breathe better – maybe only a 2 or 3 nights a weeks. I have noticed that since the start of Chemo, especially the second round this past Wednesday that I can breathe better and have sleep in bed and awakened with a clear head. I Thank The Lord and hope that is the start of a long, long trend. Only time will tell.
Bad News – I think I mentioned earlier that after Cycle 1, I was a little tired for a couple of days. Well, it’s happening again now that I’ve started Cycle 2, and it may be hitting a little bit harder this time. I have also noticed that during Cycle 1, that my hands and feet felt cooler than normal for most of the cycle. Today, I seem to be cold all over, even though it is in the mid 70’s in the house – and I’ve just put on a sweatshirt (in July) to stay warm. Hmmm…
Thanks for stopping by.
Cycle 2, Day 5 – Sunday, July 5, 2015
The Chemo (or something) is getting to me.
During the early part of Cycle 1 I felt weak for a couple of days, but nothing like yesterday (July 4th). I felt ‘jittery’, more in the morning than the afternoon. But in the afternoon I was cold – all over – even with a sweatshirt on, so I covered up with a blanket and took a nap. My appetite is okay and food still tastes fine.
Went to bed early last night and slept in this morning instead of going to church. Neither of those being normal for me. Right now, about 9:30am, I feel a little weak; just have to wait and see how the day goes.
Hope you’ll had a better 4th of July than I did. May the Lord bless this nation and heal its wounds – and me.
Cycle 2, Day 6 – Monday, July 6, 2015
Well, Sunday turned out alright. Sat out on the screened porch most of the day and did nothing. Felt better in the afternoon. Watched the Women’s soccer match in the evening – Go USA!
Last night was not a good night for sleeping – up too often. The chills seem to be gone and the ‘jittery’ feeling seems mostly gone today. Stomach is a bit upset, so I’ve decided to take some Anti-nausea medicine to see if that makes a difference. Don’t feel bad, just don’t feel good.
I’m still on the green side of the grass today, and I thank the Lord for that.
Cycle 2, Day 7 – Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Life is good, almost normal. Thank You Lord!
Cycle 2, Day 16 – Thursday, July 16, 2015
Since my last post, things have gotten back to normal and uneventful. I like uneventful. My nasal passages have been clear and I’ve not had to leave the bed because of blocked passages at since my last posting.
Today I went to the doctor’s office just for blood testing. All results were withing normal range.
I thank the Lord for still being on the green side of the grass and hope that the PET Scan coming up on July 28th shows that progress is being made against the cancer.
Next post will probably be on the 30th, unless something significant happens in the meantime.
Praise the Lord - Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Yesterday I had my scheduled PET Scan. Today about 3pm I got a call from Dr L’s office saying that the PET Scan was NEGATIVE, which means that there are NO ACTIVE CANCER cells in my body. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
I have an appointment with Dr L tomorrow and am scheduled for another round of chemo tomorrow. I expect that he will want to continue treatment for another couple of rounds – will find out in the morning.
Cycle 3, Day 1 – Thursday, July 30, 2015
Yesterday was the good news. Now for the rest of the story…
No active cancer does not mean no more chemo… Dr L is still talking about treatment being 4 or 6 cycles/months. I was sort of expecting 4 cycles, but not 6. Oh well, while I may not like what he told me, I can’t complain about the results he provided in 2006/2007. As the old saying goes “The Beatings Will Continue Until The Morale Improves”.
Blood chemistry was within normal ranges; considering that I’m taking chemo. I took the regular drugs and chemo for Day 1 over the 7 hours I was there. No adverse reaction so far. Will be interesting to see if my reaction over the next few days will be better/worse/same as last cycle.
I am still very thankful to the Lord that my cancer is no longer active, and look forward to the time when Dr L says come back in a year for some routine testing.
Cycle 3, Day 2 – Friday, July 31, 2015
Had my second day of chemo for this cycle today. There was a minor snafu with my port but nothing that interfered with giving me the chemo – just took a little longer to get started. It was scheduled for 1pm this afternoon. It’s a little after 7pm now and so far, so good.
Based on the last two cycles, tomorrow is when I might start seeing some problems. I have tried to keep myself better hydrated this time in hope that that will help alleviate the problems.
Hope you had a blessed day today – I have.