Where shall I begin. When I opted in to be part of a clinical study I did the research on the drugs and their side effects. Little did I know that I would be hit so hard with so many side effects all at once. Well, its all or nothing with me why would this be any different. It is my hope and desire that the research being done in this study will truly benefit and be a win win situation for all future breast cancer patients
The day after my 2nd infusion while on my treadmill my big toes began to hurt I thought it was my tennis shoes, it progressed into what is called HFS. I began with the ice packs, mineral salt soaks double dosing on the tree oil. It seemed to help and I was thrilled. After feeling on top of the world on my Mom’s birthday the follow day I began to spiral I thought OK time out I will bounce right back well that wasn’t the case. I had plans to go to the Botanic Gardens in Denver on Saturday with friends even though my feet and hands were hurting I said yes I can do this which probably was not one of the wisest choices I have made. Do I regret it no, the gardens are beautiful and the tropical rain forest is spectacular thoroughly enjoyed every moment with my friends Valerie and Rachel.
Sunday I was flat on back and became the remote queen there was nothing else in store accept for soaking my feet and ice packs on hands, thank God for Egyptian Magic it works wonders.
Monday I was feeling a little better andwas up to the Feel Good Look Great workshop put on by the American Cancer Society it was fun to experience this with my friend Jana who has recently had a double mastectomy. We were both diagnosed with breast cancer days a part from each other in May. Jana has been through so much andmy hat truly goes off to her. You Go Girlfriend. I was able to get a little work done in the afternoon then my energy was depleted and more side effects hmm did I really sign up for all of this.
Tuesday I was flat on my back again I could not walk it hurt too much so I called my Dr. who I saw on Wednesday morning. I was taken off my oral chemo drugs which was causing the severe side effects along with the infusion drugs I would be OK in 3-5 days. I needed to be OK because I was taking my art to the Library to be juried for up upcoming displays. Well, I made it with the help of my good friend Tom, come to find out since I already had shown at the libraries I was accepted in future shows. The good thing was I was able to meet the coordinator personally.
I had an allergic reaction to the pain medication they give me so I stopped taking that Serenity Now! I had a very magical moment in the midst of all of this. A family of raccoons four babies and a mama showed up in my backyard. I went to get something in the kitchen and my eyes were directed into my backyard I took a double look what is that oh Raccoons. I went to get my camera and was able to get a few pics. All of the babies climbed up one of my trees as well as the Mama , I opened my back door and by this time the Mama was standing by tree guarding her little ones. I took one picture and as we made eye contact the Mama sent me a message don’t take another or I will leave. I did and they left. I got out my ”Spirits of The Earth” book since I did not know about the Raccoon medicine. “Raccoon is a good sign. He is a protector. He is intelligent, cunning, clean and very helpful. The Raccoon can also be used as a doctor power, hunting power, and protection power, he likes helping people” I sat in awe after reading this another big sign from Spirit saying no matter what you will be OK all is well.
Friday I was in the outpatient care( the nurses were great) being infused with Sodium Choloride ativan and bentyl they thought I might be dehydrated ( I wasn’t) with you know that side effect stuff going on. The first bag did nothing the nurse said so you feeling better no I feel the same, she asked if I wanted to do another round of Sodium Choloride Yes I said. Well, needless to say it did not make a big difference, so I walked out with a different script for my pain. I was borerline on my eletrolites so what was going on with all this stuff the bottom line is the combination of chemo drugs in the clinical study these side effects are somewhat common.
The weekend I was bacially the Remote Queen Sunday I had more energy and was able to get around this made me a happy camper indeed. I am really liking the HGTV show the ideas and creativity is extraordinary a great distraction when there is nothing your body can do.
Monday I saw my Dr. again because the pain had not subsided my pain tolerance is pretty high this was just kind of getting in the way of you know my life. Well, he put me on a script since the over the counter things were not were working. My gastral track was in knots and needed a good dose of realization. He was also concerned about my up coming infusion on Friday. I said to my Dr. and nurse OK lets focus it is my intention I will be 100% up to par for my chemo treatment on Friday. OK we all agreed it is done and so it is amen.
So the good news today I am feeling better the pain has greatly decreased, my chemo drugs are reduced for cycle 3. My feet and hands are backup fully functionally and I was able to co-create a beautiful Spirit Art braclet Monday morning which I shipped off today how cool is that. Now I’m just dealing with one side effect and have been on the BRAN (bananas,rice,apple sauce and noodles) diet since last week.
So until next time check out these really cool resources, keep shining your Light
Smiles
Lisa
Visit http://LisaAnnBonfiglio.com for more inspiration
Send me an email Lisa@LisaAnnBonfiglio.com I will send you a download print of Radiant Healing Template
It will also be available soon at senseofsecurity.org as my gift to you with your journey into wellness
Resources:
www.lindamackenzie.net/BCbodyarticle.htm
http://www.essiacinfo.org/
http://www.happytailsrescue.com/Herbs2.html
www.satiama.com
www.molliesummerland.com
www.americancancersociety.org
www.senseofsecurity.org
www.NaturalLikeUs.com
Your Primal Nature CD by Caroline Myss
Rituals of Healing (using imagery for health and wellnes) by Jeanne Achterberg Ph.D Barbara Dossey, RN,MS,FAAN, Leslie Kolkmeir RN MEd
The Journey by Brandon Bays
http://www.lindamackenzie.net/BCbodyarticle.htm
http://katherineche.com/default.aspx
http://strandsmedicalwigs.com
Breast Cancer Specialists at Memorial Hospital
