"Bag 'O Drugs"

Having cancer means being sick, really sick, sick enough to have to take drugs.  :(

UGH

Drugs.

I am not a drug person....  actually I have a really difficult time staying on a daily vitamin regime.  I used to be a Shaklee consultant and still use their great products including Physique, Performance, Vita Lea & Bcomplex, but like I said - I don't do a very good job of keeping to a daily regime.  

There was this incident back when I lived in Woodstock, Vermont, where I fed both Chester, my yellow lab at the time and my mom's German Shepherd, Katie food at the same time.  They fought with each other and my leg was bit in the tangle.   Gouged to the point making a bloody mess all over my mom's kitchen!  I of course tried to clean the wound myself and determined to get ready for my 1/2 marathon the next day bandaged it up.  I went to the ER and was given a tetnas shot, so I felt good to go!  After running 13.1 miles with the injury - the "infection" grew and I had streaking up my leg.  Crazy I know.  SO I went to the ER again and had it treated with an IV antibiotic that made me break out in hives - little red bumps all over my body.  Crazy story of my will and determination to run through everything and also an example that my body has a way of reacting to drugs!  :(

Now in treatment they are giving me some pretty strong drugs as mentioned and detailed in an earlier post, and then I have to take daily Alpurinol and Prednisone following treatment.  The feeling in my body is really strange, I feel jittery, fuzzy, and the metalic taste and change in taste buds is just very very odd.  Hard to explain, and I know this is just the beginning, but it is not so much fun. :(

So I have this bag I got from the Boston marathon this past year - a fun bag with inspirational and other quips on it for the motivated runner.  I love all the sayings and many apply to my current "situation" and give me strength.  I keep all my drugs in it and call it my "Bag 'O Drugs".  I labeled the top of the caps with their purpose or initial so I know what it is without having to read them all each time when looking.  I think it will be easier to keep track and think maybe a checklist so I know that I have taken what I need each day may be in order.  If they stay in the bag - I know where to find them and they don't get lost!  :)

In the "Bag 'O Drugs": 
A = Alpurinol  - daily med
P = Prednisone - 2 times / 5 days after treatment
drug for acid and heartburn
nausea drug #1
nausea drug #2 (in case #1 doesn't do it!)
sleep drug - as needed (haven't taken that one yet)
Tylenol - can't take Advil
Benedryl - for sore throat or other reactions

We need to monitor all symptoms and "report" if anything crazy happens.  I am not good at that either, as I hate to go to the doctor or complain period.  I have been trying, because from what they say if you don't stay on top of the symptoms they can get really bad and really side line you.  Which is definitely not what I want.

Feeling ok this week.  I have run 3 days and it was a true challenge of my focus.  I think the running stuff deserves its own post, but I feel strong even though this is Week 1.

Thanks for stopping by and checking in.  Please leave me a note.  I got a great call from a long time national, volunteer, friend, and cancer survivor Keith Warner out of White Bear Lake, MN.  He sent me a Hope Stone and is an amazing sense of strength and support - like so many more of you out there.  Thank you for your notes, cards and calls.

This week cards came from Nichole, Pat, Keith, Uncle Bill & Aunt Jeanette, Sue Ann, Carter, Linda, Marty & family.  So sweet of you all!

 We as a family truly appreciate you all.