It took a little over an hour and a half to get from home to the doctor office. Bus to transit center, trolley to bus transit connection to the doctor. Same in reverse for coming home. It wasn't too terrible as things like that go just very annoying that it is happening at all. At least I got another pair of socks started.
Dr. Moeller is my oncologist and she reiterated the good news that the margins of the cancer were clean and they got all of it. They are still going forward with the radiation treatment for a month and a half and the two pills that I will be on for years. Which one of them is a 'specialty' situation where it's not available at any regular pharmacy. I already got a call from CVS (Caremark) about one of the prescriptions my provider requested and it's approved and to double check at the website for any information. So this is a first time for this happening, even for the previous two prescriptions. All I've gotten before is your prescription is ready. The one that's ready now is called Exemestane which is similar to the other one I had been on before but the side effects listed are: "Hot flashes, hair loss, bone pain, tiredness, unusual sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping may occur." Although it's noted that these side effects are rare or minimal in most cases.
Information covered was possible side effects of the meds, which may not be started until after radiation is done which is sometime in November. I think she said one of them can be taken concurrently as it doesn't have any problems but the other Quisqally tends to lower the white blood cells and that combined with some of the effects of radiation they want to avoid compounding. Other side effects are possible heart arrhrythmia and liver issues. So the first month I would be taking it I would have those tests done every two weeks but only to get a baseline for any problems then would only need to do that ever six months for white cell levels.
As to the transportation... the doctor contacted a patient coordinator who just gave me the van/transport phone number to call. Which is only open 8-4 and if it's the same information as before, it's just as inconvenient and useless for me. They are trying to help and it's better than not, hoping there are other options available. Have to give them a call tomorrow because we got home after 4 today.
I actually slept for about four hours straight last night. Had my two pillows and one of the couch pillows along with other padding under me so I wasn't completely prone but a lot less than sitting upright. Made a huge difference and other than almost laying on my side early this morning I was on my back and slept like a log. I've been able to wash my hair three times now, first time in the bathroom sink, second in the kitchen sink with help from Jon and third time actually used the handheld sprayer from the shower yesterday. CAnnot wait to be able to get a full body shower. Oh and also can't wait to be able to wear a bra again.
It's still hot and hazy so being outside is not pleasant. We got home today and immediately closed up and put the AC on, lowered the temp inside by 5 or more degrees for sure. Holy cow am I wiped out though. I mean I was not in good shape before but after being laid up for two weeks doing extremely little walking around... this was a work out and both of us were happy to get home.
"Being brave doesn't necessitate that you feel strong. It only requires willingness to keep going, even though you fear." Christi Brown
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