He said to stop taking Temador until Monday night, and give my body a break, and then resume taking it for 2 days. He said that I can take Compazine in conjunction with Zofran at night, and to take Tylenol PM before bed. I would have done that, but wanted to confirm that I could take it with chemo.
I told him that I haven’t had an appetite at all this week, and in fact that the sight (and smell) of food makes me extremely nauseous. His suggestion was eat very very small meals, but alot of them through out the day. Don’t worry about quantity, something is better than nothing. Drink lots of water, which I already do. So that didn’t help much.
He said to get labs next week, to check my platelet levels and to call him if I don’t bounce back by Monday.
Thanks for all of your kind words and prayers, I really appreciate them. We did a little school this morning, and I slept this afternoon on the couch while my kids watched a movie. Emma went over to my parents house after school (and is still there now). I know this is going to take some getting use to. I think that, had I had symptoms before, this would be alot easier. I feel like I am self inducing sickness by taking Temador, although I know that is not true and many cancer patients go through this.
I am still trying to get use to the fact that I am a cancer patient.
It’s tough. Thats about all I can say right now. It’s tough.
You are a cancer survivor sweetie, you are strong and you are determined and we are all pulling for you and praying for you! (((hugs)))
{{{{{{{{{{{ praying for you }}}}}}}}}}}}}
Heather:
You are Heather, not a cancer patient. If you are anything you are a person living with cancer and a cancer survivor. My mom has been a cancer survivor for 40 years coming October 2007.
Heather,
Finding something to eat while on chemo is like finding something to eat while experiencing morning sickness while pregnant, although at times it is worse. Try wracking your brain for anything that sounds good because then you know it has a good possibility of staying down. For me it was Mexican food for months. Then it was cold food…pasta salads, shakes, ice-cream, popsicles. Also I could not handle meat in big pieces. I do not know if you are experiencing that, but if so, try shredding it and mixing it in something like a casserole. I know how important protein intake is during chemo, so I will be praying that you will find something to eat that will sit well on your stomach.
Thanks for keeping us updated. It lets us know how to pray.
I also wanted to encourage you with home-schooling. A friend told me that “God will give back the years the locusts have eaten” . Relax as much as possible right now. Your kids will not come out behind. Believe me! They are truly having life experience right now and they are learning so much more than you even would believe! They are learning what cannot be taught in a textbook, but what is so much more valuable!
Love and blessings,
~Gina
Just know I’m praying.
From my couch to yours.
Heather, I am lifting you up to Him right now – I pray that you will find something that is appetizing to you and that the nausea will subside!
Praying and Praying – I want to do more, but not sure what I can!
You are a child of the King.
You are a beautiful woman.
You are a loving, compassionate mom.
You are a grateful daughter.
You are a creative writer.
You are a courageous fighter.
You are a brilliant-minded individual.
You are a beauty seeker.
You are a loyal friend.
You are a worship leader.
You are a lovely singer.
You are a ferocious “mama bear”.
You are a cancer survivor.
You are loved, Loved, LOVED by so many, but mostly by your Heavenly Father.
You are TOO multi-faceted to remember ALL the person that you are today, so I thought I’d help you by mentioning a few you might have forgotten.
Your beautiful green eyes really stand out with the bald head! You’re much prettier than Sinead O’Connor ever was!
I’m praying for you! Try fresh cherries.
Heather, I know it is hard at the moment, especially finding something to eat, but remember that it will be better, not easier, but better as time goes one because you will know what to expect and can make the ajustments easier.
Your children will be a comfort to you because they don’t like seeing mommy sick, and it’s okay to lean on them a little bit at this time.
Praying that you have an easier time over the weekend,
Hugs,
Norma
Christina is right . . . you ARE a survivor. I know you feel so very weak right now. I saw my grandmother go through the same thing. But, please know, that in all of our eyes, you are the strongest person this very moment that any of us know. You’re going to make it. You ARE making it. (((great big hugs)))
You are so much more than a cancer patient – you’re a spiritual giant. I wish I had 1/4 of your faith.
Do you like ginger tea and can you keep it down? It’s been helpful for me. You can drink it iced if drinking it hot is gross.
In my prayers as always.
(((hugs))) Nothing is too hard for God. Look what He’s already done! I’m praying he’ll do a miracle on your symptoms right now!
Prayers are being said for you, my dear….many prayers
Hi Heather
I am praying your new concoction helps tonight and you get some much needed rest. I know things like Ensure usually taste yucky, but if you can tolerate a milkshake, maybe you can mix that into the milkshake or make an Instant Breakfast with it to double the vitamins. I am paying God gives you a craving that your tummy wants to keep.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
I am SO sorry that you are having such miserable reactions to this medicine.
You are so much more than what you say.
You are a beautiful mom.
You are a faithful believer.
You are awonderful wife.
You are a strong survivor.
Dear Heather, I am so sorry you have been going through such a miserable time. I pray you will feel better soon.
It is tough, but so are you.
hang in there.
we’re all here with you.
I pray those tips will help you through this time.
JoAnn
HANG IN THERE Heather, things will improve. It is far healthier for us to graze throught the day anyway rather than three large meals each day. The most important thing is you drink plenty of fluids. Are there any nutritional drinks that you like at all, they would at least give you some calories and nutrition withour the bulk of a meal.
Carolynn
Hi Heather,
I feel for you, it must seem endless, keep the courage going Heather.
praying for you,
Marie
Praying. I love that scripture that Gina quoted “He will repay you for the years the locusts ate”….I pray that for my own children….and He will!
Continually praying! I’m asking God to completely heal and restore you to full strength, Heather.
With love,
Holly
Praying for you here in CT…wish I could do more Love, Lynne
I cant imagine and I am not sure what to say…but I wanted you to know I am praying for you and hoping you feel better with each passing day.
Hi Heather…
i have added you to my prayer list and am praying Gods hand to be upon every need. You are the apple of His eye and He loves you dearly. Trust Him unconditionally….You are a thread that keeps us all close to Jesus.
Praying for you and loving you! HUGS!
Definately prayinng for you. My husband took temodar for 18 months. I know it effects people differently, and I’m sure you pray daily for your tolerance for the meds and all, but in case you don’t do this….Every night my then 8 year old son, and myself took the temodar dosage that David was to take that night and we together laid hands on it and prayed specifically over each dosage right before he took it. I spoke specifically to the medicine with authority telling it what it was allowed to do and what it was not through the power of the name of the Lord, Jesus. I commanded it to do only what it was created to do: to seek out and destroy those abnormal cancer cells, but it was not to harm in any way any of his healthy normal cells. I spoke even to his red and white blood cells and told them to remain strong and within normal range. I know it may seem silly, but Dave never was sick at all, and his blood count never once dropped at all. I’m sure alot of it had to do with the fact that my son prayed as well. Children’s faith is so pure…they haven’t learned yet how to doubt. It strengthened David’s faith too…..he made sure we never forgot to pray over it. It helps the family feel like they are doing something more to help too. It’s one thing to pray, but when you make that daily medicine prayer a specific event, it makes everyone feel like they are doing something to help…….Just an idea =]
Rest assured though that I am praying diligently for your renewed strength and your tolerance of the medicine. You’ve got to be the strongest woman I know of!
Lifting you up!
Paula
You are a Cancer survivor. Me too – 6 years in November. I am praying for you. Also try some gingerale for the nausea; I found that worked really well-a little flat was better/warm than too bubbly/cold. This too shall pass.
Hey babe. I’m dragging off to bed, and wanted to let you know I’m thinkin’ about you. Hopefully you’re sleeping right now.
Hugs sweetness.
HI Heather!
You’re doing great! Keep the faith and kepp on kepping on!
You’re in my prayers!
Heather
Yes, it is tough. I try to imagine all that your family is going through. I think about the stress of my days. Not much by comparison but yet all I know. And if my very little stuff seems hard to me at times, how much more difficult is all that you’re going through together. So yes, it’s tough and I suspect very tough. Please know that I’m praying for you and your family, including your dear, dear husband. The two of you will continue to walk through this valley TOGETHER. Hold tight and hang tough as I know you will.
Blessings,
~Toni~
praying
Mary
there are so many prayers and hugs, kind words etc.
that I can’t add anything except that when I read your words… I cried with you.
God hears our tears fall, too… I think.
I don’t really know what to say except that I keep you in prayers daily. And thank you for continuing to share with difficult journey with us. You are beautiful–and amazing.
as always praying for you…. your emotions, your health, and your stamina to homeschool especially. I know how trying that can get even on the best of days, praying you will remember that even if you do nothing at all, you are doing what God purposed and planned for your day. I want to share with you a short story. in the midst of my husbands deploynment several years back, I had posted a message on a KONOS mssg board about how I felt. I said: I felt like I was riding a bicycle but somehow it was suspended in the air, and I kept peddaling but getting nowhere…. well one of the sons of the authors of the curriculum posted back to me and said this. and its saved on my other compter so it wont be exact, but close…. he said: Jennifer you are superwoman. even if your wheels are spinning and you feel like you are not going anywhere, did you ever stop to consider that you are not stuck at all. that God has suspended you in HIS very own hand on that bicycle and when He feels the time is right, He will be the one to set it down. Even if the only thing you do with your kids that day is your Bible lesson, it is a moment in time you have taught them….. theres lots more to it but that was the gist of it.
Heather each day you teach you are sharing with your children, your stories, your life, your loves and your passions. Be encouraged God will take you through it all.
praying for you!!!!!!
Praying, praying.
Heather,
Sorry to hear how tough this week has been on you. You are ALWAYS in my prayers. I check your blog everyday for updates on how your doing and this morning I decided to google Temador. I came across a website that people were talking about taking it and the side effects. Someone mentioned KYTRIL. Have you heard of it? It is used for nausea and vomitting associated with cancer treatment. Here is the website http://www.kytril.com/ . Hope this helps and you know how much you are care about. Hang in there.
Hugs to you beautiful girl! I’m sending prayers up for you always
lifting your name up high today.
I know chemo nausea is a little different , but I read an article the other day that recommended you suck on hard candy…preferably tangy or sour like sweet tarts or chewing gum. This will keep your mouth moist and keep you from tasting stomach acids. I told a friend that has lots of stomach problems and the sweet tarts really worked wonders for him. Maybe it’s worth a try anyway. Love you girl and praying that these side effects willl pass quickly.
I’m praying for you Heather!! HUGS to you!!!
I’m sorry. Sounds awful. Cancer sucks.
Oh, and I wonder if “preggy pops” would help? They’re sold at maternity stype stores. Can’t hurt, might help? TK
Prayers are always with you in mind. Once you get on the cycle of anti-nausea drugs it will be a little more tolerable. Rest, quiet and nibbling as you can…..God bless and still praying…..
Give yourself a big hug. I think everyone has given you all the tips I could even imagine. Remember you have to concentrate on YOU right now and let others take care of other matters. I wish you didn’t have to go through this but it will get easier and you will get better!
Hi, Heather. Thank you so much for your posts. God is using you in such a big way here. My daughter and I have started having prayer dates for you and your family. As for eating, it is kinda’ gross, but Ensure has recipes that include it as an ingredient in nearly everything. It is probably available online…Maybe it will help.
John 6:68 “…Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life.” Press into Jesus, Beloved, and rest.
Hang in there Heather. You’ve got so many people praying for you.
Hugs,
Melinda
Continuing in prayer that the nausea will pass and medication will be tolerated better, for strength (mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually), for rest, for comfort.
Hope you feel better soon.
I’m so sad for your pain, but I’m also so proud of the way you face it all, one day at a time. You are amazing and God is by your side.
In my prayers always!