Friday, December 2, 2016

Fourth Infusion - a no-go!

Yesterday and today, I was supposed to have my 4th infusion.  I have been sick with "walking" pneumonia the past two weeks or so (got sick the weekend of 11/12), and it just didn't get better.  I have been on 2 different antibiotics to kick this, and I'm finally feeling better, but not quite there yet.  So...4th infusion is now December 8, 9 & 10 (of course, dependent on blood work).

Also, there were some issues with my Power Port!  Normally, all my blood work is done through the port, as are my infusions (obviously).  They were able to inject saline in to flush it, but they were not able to get blood out.  It had become a check valve.  So, I did have to go to the infusion room for a half hour to have an enzyme injection to dissolve the clot/calcium deposit in the port to allow extraction as well as infusion.


I had a CT scan done on Tuesday (11/29) and it revealed three things:
  1. My lymph nodes that were 10 cm have shrunk significantly - excellent news!  The chemo is doing it's work, but I still have 3 infusions to go, followed by 2 years of rituxan infusions, every 2 months.
  2. My lungs are compromised - "walking" pneumonia; delay treatment until clear.
  3. My surgical hernia has gotten worse - the abdominal wall has opened more;  probably due to all the coughing!  Repair surgery for this will be in March or April, after chemotherapy is finished.  

Feeling optimistic, despite setbacks.  Steady course, lots of fluids, rest and fantastic family and friends!  I hope the cold & flu viruses stay far away from you and yours!

P.S.  Joe's eye is getting better.  He looks forward (no pun intended!) to when the SF6 bubble is gone from his vision.


1 comment:

  1. I'm so glad you're lymph nodes shrunk Patty! I'm worried about that hernia though. Try coughing daintily. LOL

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