Medical Update -- Markers & Pain

My apologies for not providing this update sooner.

My markers are down!

Really down.

For months, my markers were on the rise. And they were climbing high! That, combined with a significant and steady increase in pain, was the main indicator that my previous chemo regimen was not working.

Almost as soon as I started on Taxol (in December), my markers started coming down.

About a month ago, they finally reentered the "normal" range.

The most recent tests indicated that they were still in the normal range, and even lower than the previous results.

This is great!

Regarding pain, things are a little less clear cut. At first, the Taxol seemed to have a substantial effect on my pain as well. For a brief period, I stopped taking pain killers regularly. The respite did not last long. Significantly, when I did need pain killers, I still needed to take both Optalgin and Algolysin.

These days, in addition to back and hip pain, I have pain in my lower rib cage, increased sensitivity in both shoulders, and pain in my neck.

Currently, I take pain medication 2-4 times a day. Occasionally, I need to augment the pain meds. Usually, half a Percocet is enough.

I still do not like taking drugs.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

ANGER

Just when I thought I was coming out of my slump....

I don't seem to be overwhelmingly sad these days.

Nope.

I seem to be angry.

I am easily agitated.

I have no patience.

I can be in a good mood one minute, and ready to scream the next.

I am volatile and unpredictable.

I am bitter.

I hate being in pain.

I hate having to take drugs.

I hate having cancer.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Pain in my back

Last night, it was difficult to fall asleep.

Sleep has always been one of my brachot (blessings). I am a deep sleeper. I fall asleep quickly (thanks to chronic exhaustion) and I stay asleep.

Even when my kids were babies, and sleeping right next to me, Moshe had to shake me awake, because their cries (right next to my ears) did not penetrate my slumber.

Even now, if you call me and I am asleep, it is as if the call never happened. I might say anything, but nothing I say is reliable. Most likely, I will not remember the converstation, or even that you called!

But I digress...

Recently, I have had a few nights with severe back pain. The pain has made it difficult to fall asleep.

If this happens more frequently, I will need to take stronger pain killers.

I am distressed at that thought, but that is the way it is.

I'd rather be cheery after a full night's sleep, than a "grumpy-head" because I could not fall asleep.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA