April 8, 2015

The good news is, I get to drink coffee and wine. The bad news is, I have to have chemotherapy. 

Today was our first meeting with an oncologist.  Nothing can prepare you for your first meeting with an oncologist.  Even the questions that I had written down went unanswered, because it was just a lot of information. 

My prep, reading the 27 page doc they sent me all about colon cancer, well, wasn’t enough. But no matter what steps I would have  taken, it still wouldn’t have helped.

The facts: 

I have stage 3B colon cancer. 

Down the road, we will look at the genetic aspect if this (lynch syndrome). I recently found out that my grandmother died from colon cancer. So, due to my age, lifestyle, location of tumor,  they assume it is genetic. We will also discuss how it effects the kids (colonoscopies at 20 years old!) 

Treatment: I will have chemo every other week for 6 months.  I will take two pills a day for 7 days and that same week, I will have an infusion of chemo (at the hospital).  I cannot drive myself to and from treatments.

Starting: next week.  I have to get the port first, and I said not Friday because it’s my daughter’s first birthday. 

Side effects: no hot or warm showers (what!? This is a big deal for me !) due to dry hands/feet, vomitting, diarhhera, no cold drinks, tingly feelings in hands and feet…you know, I’ll just write about them as they come! When will I feel the worse: not sure yet, probably on weekends.

When are we cancer free- 3 years out, chances of reoccurrence significantly  drop and we have huge party – invite to follow. and 5 years out, cancer free! Huge trip, someplace warm!

A new friend: I get to see my oncologist every other week during treatment, than every three months…

My health today: my blood pressure and my iron levels are low. I told him about my “one a day” vitamin and my iron supplement.  Yeah, he’s going to give me like 1000 mg of iron through the port next week.  I can’t get a deep breath (thinking he would say anxiety) No, from my low blood pressure.   And I’m Exhausted, damn iron.

Moral of the story, go to the dr for your yearly physical. For me! 

Nikki Commentarty: f*ck!!!!! It’s a good word for cancer. 

Please know that I think this word is offensive when used when referring to the sexual act.  I’m not that obscene. And my mother hates when I use this word. 

© Nicole Szymonik and This Is the Pause Button, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole Szymonik and This Is The Pause Button with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.