October has been an eventful month. I cancelled going to Berlin, Oct. 12, as I had an "intuition". I grieved not going, I had planned and worked for the trip for months. However, by Wednesday (the day I was to arrive in Berlin), I was running a temperature, sweat though two sets of pajamas overnight and was coughing, coughing, coughing. I had gone to Topeka, since I didn't go to Berlin, so I could get some work done in the office. By Thursday afternoon, I was in bed. I called my doctor and he ordered a Z-pack antibiotics and I picked it up at Walgreens in Topeka. I stayed in and rested, took tylenol for temperature. Friends were great to bring me soup, juice and other comforts during the weekend. By Monday, I was not improving much and became very short of breath, so I called Marlin to come and get me in Topeka. I knew I couldn't drive. He and a friend came after me and I immediately went to the cancer center to see the nurse practitioner, who had an open appointment (after a cancellation) in the late afternoon. A chest x-ray revealed more fluid on the left lung. She changed my antibiotic and gave me a different pain pill for the pins and needles in my hand which in my estimation, was worsening.
Wednesday, I had another lung drain (thoracentesis) at Girard. (The same day the hospital had the "bomb" threat - that's another story, you'll have to ask me later.) This time the surgeon removed 1500 cc - twice as much as 26 days earlier. So -
I had an appointment with Dr. M, oncologist, on Friday morning. After some discussion, we have decided to change drugs. To put it simply, the current drugs were not working and the cancer cells were making a fluid tumor, as there were cancer cells in the fluid. The new drugs will be Ixempra and Xeloda. Ixempra is given IV every three weeks, and the Xeloda is an oral pill that I take daily for two weeks, then off a week. I start the new routine Oct. 29th. I have been so blessed with minimal side effects, I hope it maintains and that these drugs will kick some cancer cell ass!
Got my hair trimmed and dyed light red, so I can omit the wig if I want. Have not been wearing my prosthetic breasts either, because the bra strap was contributing to the arm pain. So I am taking on a WARRIOR appearance to match my warrior spirit. I may look for a breast plate during halloween, so I can really get into the role! LOL
With all I've been through, I am reminded of the blessings I have in my everyday life. My family checks on me regularly, sends me cards and flowers and my Girard friends have brought food and uplifting visits.
I am enjoying the fall weather and the color of the trees and foliage as time marches onto winter.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-20.
Blessings to you -
Love to all,
Ellen
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