After that crazy start, things went really smoothly. Keith was very worried about the biopsy (and you can't blame him based on the last time when I spent a couple hours spurting blood on everyone!) but this one was much easier! My last appointment of the day was a lesson on how to give yourself injections. It was actually kinda fun injecting saline into the little fake belly they had.
I will start the Tykerb on Saturday, but there are some other medications that I am supposed to start tomorrow. The benefit of being on a trial is that the doctors have more of a vested interest in how you're doing (it really should always be this way). So the oncologist will be calling me a couple times a day to check up on me and make sure I'm managing the side effects (mainly the runs, ick!). Nice to know that if I have problems or questions it will be easy to get some help!
With all these pills that need to be taken on a schedule, I'm going to have to figure out a good system (and quick!). I'm good at remembering things once I get in a routine, but it is figuring out a routine that includes taking pills (and doing injections) at work that I need to work on. I'm gonna try setting alarms on my phone, we'll see how that goes... Wish me luck! I'm going to feel like a complete a-hole if I have to tell the doctor that I have the runs because I forgot to take my meds!
Last weekend Keith's old friend Tim came out to Oakland to work on music. They took a break from recording on Saturday and we went for a walk at the coast. I had to post this photo of Red, because he's looking so handsome (and well behaved!).
I'll keep you posted as I move through this first round. Hopefully I can keep the side effects under control and Tykerb does its job!
Update on Keith's mom:
There really isn't much to report here. There hasn't been any improvement despite a change in dosage. She's really getting frustrated and Keith's sister is rallying the troops and trying to organize a second opinion with a specialist at the Mayo Clinic.
Glad things are off to a good start! You're right, such strong interest in a patient's progress should be the norm rather than the exception.
ReplyDeleteIf you ask your students to remind you at particular intervals, I'll bet that would be foolproof. I noticed mine seemed to watch the clock much more carefully than I did. :)
I'm sorry to hear that Keith's mom is having health issues, but think it's great she's going for a second opinion. My best medical care has been from teaching hospitals, so Mayo Clinic should be great.
Miss you! Hugs!
Thanks for another newsy and informative report! Yes, epic, indeed! Glad to hear that things went fairly smoothly yesterday. That’s great that the research staff prepares a detailed chart for you. One could easily get confused. And, it’s great that they will be calling and checking up on you. Well, I will be thinking of you tomorrow!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a fabulous shot of Red- seriously. The subject is handsome and the framing of the shot is just excellent. And, I love the contrast of the blue hues.
I am so sorry to hear about Keith’s Mom. Wow, more than worrisome, for sure. I hope that they are able to arrange a second opinion.
Take good care.
Love, Jane
Thanks for the update, Eileen. We're thinking of you today, especially, on your first day of the Tykerb. Hope all is going well. My best to all of you, including that handsome Red!
ReplyDeleteLove, ann
Last Thursday was a full day! Glad that things went well and that the docs will be calling to check up on you - that is comforting. I've been wondering how you're doing on the new regime. Here's hoping the meds work well!! Good luck with this first round. Yes indeed, Red is a handsome fella.
ReplyDeleteAll our love to you two and Keith's mom.
Ellen