Dr. Appointment Today..
November 28, 2007
ETA: Please pray for my friend, Kate Snodgrass as she meets with her doctors Thursday at 4pm after receiving news that Her MRS findings are consistent with a tumor and to discuss further surgery and chemo. You can follow her story here : A Brain Tumor Story.
I completely forgot to tell you guys that I had an Neuro-oncology appointment today! I didnt have a MRI, I will have one on th 19th of December.
Things we discussed:
We are planning a trip to Virginia for Christmas, so I had many questions about that. My main concern is that my platelets will be too low and I will feel lousy… Well my platelets today were higher than they have ever been since I started chemo (165) and I am two weeks out! This is normally when my labs bottom out and they haven’t this month.. So He said that I was clear to go to Virginia and that I shouldnt have any side effects if my counts do what they did this time. If you remember, they lowered my dose of Chemo because my platelets were 33 on October 15 so we think that this dose is a good dose for me right now. My mom was concerned that it was too low of a dose because I felt so great the first three days (days 4-7 I felt horrible but not as horrible as I did last time) and the answer was no because I was still having side effects so it is still doing its job..
Robin, (the oncology nurse) prescribed Amitiza for my constipation. I was concerned that the insert said that it was to treat “Idiopathic Constipation” which means that it is to treat constipation that is from an “unknown cause”. He said that it was fine because it didnt have any Central Nervous System involvement. So I will take it with my next chemo cycle, which is the 9th.
I asked him about not being able to sleep the last few days of my Chemo cycle and he asked if I had taken Tylenol PM or Benadryl.
Tylenol PM does not put me to sleep and leaves me really groggy, and the same goes for Benadryl. He said that he would rather not prescribe anything just yet and asked that I try to deal with it because sleeping pills effect the Central Nervous System (I am seeing a pattern with the Central Nervous System!) We agreed to table that discussion until after my next cycle. I am going to call Walgreen’s and see what other OCD’s they have for sleep.
I also talked about the right sided “heaviness” that I experience the last two days of my Chemo cycle and he said that it was evidence that Chemo was doing it’s job. He said that if it were “weakness” he would be concerned, but not to worry if my arm and leg feel “heavy”, especially if it only happens when I am on chemo and goes away as soon as I am off.
We discussed how loud everything is to me since my surgery and treatments. Robin said that it was normal, and will go away.. I was so very glad to hear that.
Speech. Where to begin. When I become frustrated, I can’t pull words from my head to my mouth. I stutter and search for the word verbally, but I can visually see it in my head. I asked if that was normal, and will it ever come back. Robin said that it was most likely the combination of Radiation and Chemotherapy (and surgery) and that it is a common problem that many patients complain about. The good news is that it is most likely not permanent. It usually goes away after two years of not being on chemo. I cant fathom being this way for the next 3 years, but I can handle it knowing that there is a large possibility that it will go away.
It was a great visit, but I am exhausted and just plain worn out! I hope that your Wednesday was wonderful and that you made many lasting memories today!
Hug a neck ;) ,
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50 Responses to “Dr. Appointment Today..”
I would love to hear from you!
Hi Heather,
I just wanted to tell you how much encouragement I get from you. I was lead to your website thru Dr. Holly Miller. Everytime I read your updates, I walk away receiving a blessing. You are a very special person. Thank you so much for being so open. I am so excited for you that you get to go to Virginia for Christmas.
Thanks again,
Tonya
TN
Enjoy your travel for the holidays! What a great thing to be able to do :)
Praying for you now too.
It’s so good to hear all the good news about your appointment. I hope your trip is good. :)
JoAnn
I’m so glad to read such an encouraging update! That makes my heart so happy. I will continue to keep you in my prayers, like always. I hope you guys have a wonderful trip!
Hi Heather,
My sister who is 27 and a mom, is also dealing with brain cancer. She has found melatonin beneficial to help her sleep. She takes three 3 mg pills before bed. Studies have also shown it has a benefit of helping to fight brain cancer. For constipation, she drinks a tea we get at the local natural foods store, called Smooth Move. It works wonders. She drinks it before bed and by the next day there is relief. Glad you had a good appointment today and were able to get some answers to your questions.
Delurking to second Emily’s suggestion of Melatonin. It’s the natural hormone your body produces to help you sleep so it should be really safe. We use it with our 8 year old because his ADHD meds make it hard to sleep and I use it too. Doesn’t leave me groggy like Benadryl. (You’ll probably find that most of the OTC sleep meds contain Benadryl.) I think you can take up to 6 mg of the Melatonin but maybe check with the pharmacist. I buy it in 5 mg dosage.
I am SO glad to hear such a great report! And hooray for getting to go on your trip.
Hope your week continues going well!
God bless :)
I’m so glad that you had a great visit. And can I just say that your platelets ROCK!
Odd about the sensitivity to loud noises…although Steven looks and feels great, he still gets very dizzy in noisy situiations. I was suprised to read this “noise sensitivity” from someone else…
Have a wonderful trip! Enjoy!
how wonderful that you’ll be able to travel for the holidays!
blessings,
k
Great news!
Thanks for the up date. God is so good. I will continue praying for you and will mark down that you start chemo on the 9th. My sister told me the other day that she is now following your blog. She said she had just finished reading about Emma Grace. She (along with myself) find you to be such an inspiration. You never know how many lives you have touched. Now you have another prayer warrior lifting up prayers for you.
Enjoy your trip to Virginia and the Christmas season.
AWESOME news!!! I’m sure it’s a “happy tired” for you today!
Hugs
Laurie
My little sister had two brain tumors removed. They were benign (and two different surgeries) I know this is completely different than what you are facing, but still, a few years later, she has so many memory/speech/muscle issues… She is having an especially hard week and her struggle has reminded me to include you and your fight in my prayers.
Hang in there! Enjoy your trip and know that you are still in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers! You are an amazing person!
Yes, lasting memories today…and you, my sister were a part of those–stop by and read my last post for Chris has an interview next Thurs from 9-12. Thank you for praying. I am humbled completely.
With love and prayers for you, too.
May God grant you 25 times 3 as many years after chemo where you have freedom to speak and sing and shout and whisper and acclaim His greatness on this sod.
Love,
Holly
Thanks for the update, it sounds good. Glad you can go on the trip. Praying for you.
Praising the Lord with you over so many good reports!Good plalettes, a trip, hope for tomorrow! Yea God!
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Thank you Jesus for taking care of Heather!
What a great report, enjoy your trip.
For all you prayer warriors out there. Please pray for Tommy, a 8 month baby in my community who has cancer. His brain tumor was removed over a week ago. Go to Caringbridge(link below) for more information http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thomasrodacker
or just pop over to my site for the link.
God Bless
sounds like an encouraging visit. I hope things continue on the upswing for you.
Yay! For great visits! They are my favorite kind!
Heather, Thank you for caring enough about others to share your thoughts on this. I have shared your info with another friend who is going through Brain Tumor therapy right now. I’m sure it is a comfort to KNOW that what YOU are going through is normal for him, too. As you know, when you have certain medical conditions, most doctors leave it to you to do your own research. (My experience with Diabetes Type 2)
You sound so much more upbeat that it thrills my heart to know that God IS holding you up.
We will continue to pray for you and your family.
God Bless You,
Betty in Oklahoma
Praise God for a good report. I hope you feel wonderful for your trip to Virginia. I am praying for you!!!
Your faith is so inspiring. And as always, I’m praying for you.
You may not be able to speak as well or as readily as you would like to right now, but you sure don’t have any problems communicating with us via the blog. That, my friend, is a small blessing for which I’m grateful.
I’m praying that everything continues to go well so that you all can enjoy your time in Virginia.
How good of our Lord to give “happy things” like higher platelets so you can enjoy your Christmas trip. I so appreciate this update… hearing the specifics, when you’re able to give them, helps when praying for you–which I do daily, every time you come to mind. (I was praying for you during my labor a few weeks ago, even, lol… you were a good “mental focal point,” ::grin::)
Heather, I also like Melatonin to help me sleep. It does cause some outrageous dreams at times! I take 3 mgs some nights, some nights I only take 1/2 a pill. I cut up a few and leave them in my dish on the sink.
Wow! Could this post be any more encouraging?! What wonderful news, and just in time for the CHRISTmas season!
You have the issue with not being able to get the words to your mouth at times…I can relate as I have this with my anti-seizure medication (Lamictal) and it is frustrating. I look at it like God is helping me to control my tongue!!! lol.
Excellent news and much reason for praise, Heather! Thank you for always inviting us along for the ride! :-)
Hugs and prayers…
I can feel, through your words, that your spirits are lifted. What a blessing! I hope you continue to feel better and stronger as the days go forward. God bless!
Hello Heather,
I’m so glad you get to go on your trip.
You’re in my prayers beautiful sister!
Sue
You are so full of grace and patience. Keep on keeping on!
Wow! I’m so glad you got all the answers to your questions.
I pray that you have a joyful holiday season in VA!
We’re a bit busy with a new baby in the house, but I’ve been thinking about you and wanted to stop by and say, “Hi!”
As always, you remain in my thoughts and prayers! Take care!
That is great news Heather!
There is a slow-release melatonin that I’ve found works really well for me. I don’t have to take as much because it slowly releases it over 3-4 hours (hence, the name). The website is http://www.kirkmanlabs.com and their melatonin is free of all kinds of dyes and allergins (gluten, casein, soy, etc).
What a great report Heather. I am so grateful for you, your platelets, getting the okay to travel, how good is all of this in one post? Prayers continue for you from here that things keep getting better and better. So glad you have the chemo dose that is doing it’s job without knocking your socks off. You are such a blessing to me and I always leave here so encouraged by you. God is so good all of the time.
Love you girl, Laurie in Ca.
I’m checking in with you and am so glad you’ll be able to go to Virginia. Keep up the good fight!
Keri
He will give the victory into thy hands, if only thou wilt fight manfully by His side, trusting not in thyself, but in His power and goodness. And if the Lord delay awhile to give thee the victory, be not disheartened, but believe assuredly (and this will also help thee to fight resolutely) that He will turn all things which may befall thee, those even which to thee may seem farthest removed from, yea, most adverse to thy success, all will He turn to thy good and profit, if thou wilt but bear thyself as a faithful and generous warrior.
LORENZO SCUPOLI
When I was having trouble sleeping from from brainstem malformation symptoms they also suggested Melatonin. The only thing is that you need to take it 20 min. before you plan on sleeping. So take it and be sure you are in bed with your eyes closed 20 min. later. Call your nurse and run it by here but it is very safe. If you find that you are cranky the next day take half the dose. I always ended up cutting mine in half. It is so neat, you feel this blanket of sleep just come over you and off you go…
will keep on praying,
hope you have a good weekend,
I’m so glad it was a good visit. God is good! I hope you enjoy your visit to Virginia. Take care!
Haven’t had much time to post but read your blog and check in daily…always praying for you.
xoxo
Heather You look so pretty with no hair. Goes to show there are some people like you who are always pretty!
Stay Strong! You stay strong!
Just stopping by to say a prayer for you today :)
One thing to ask about, when I had morning sickness I was told to take 1/2 a OTC unisom. Might be worth looking into?
I’ve been out of touch on all the blogs lately, but I have been praying for you. I was catching up and how excited Easton must have been to see Hannah Montana! My son is 8, so we also watch it even though he’s not a girl. He also likes the Jonas Bros. And I think Miley Cyrus is a good role model. Finally, a teen on tv that is being raised in a strong Christian family. Good clean fun. Anyway, so glad Easton got to go and I’m sure it was amazing. good news on the go-ahead for the Christmas trip. Yay!
Virginia is so beautiful in the winter with some snow and all the evergreens and mountains. What a blessing the trip will be. Praying for you and your family and your friend and your speech.
Hugs to you!
Heather, your thoughts flow beautiful through blogging.(((hugs))) This evening my oldest daughter saw your blog open on my laptop and asked how you were doing. She sat down to read this tonight. ((hugs from all of us))
Woke up just after 3 am thinking of you, praying for you. Just wanted you to know that the Father continues to stir our hearts on your behalf. I hope you’re sound asleep… ;)
For sleeping problems, I’ve been prescribed Trazadone before. It is a mild anti-depressant with an extreme sleepy side effect.
Hi Heather,
I am an occasional reader of your blog and praise God that you are doing so well and can travel for Christmas. I have loved reading and seeing how God is working through you. For your lack of sleeping, how about hitting the local health food store and trying things like Valerian root, L-tryptophan, Melatonin, or even chamomile tea? I know that not everyone has success with them, but many do. Definitely be sure they don’t cause drug interactions with anything else you are taking. I’ll pray for your sleep and that you continue to heal and feel great. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!