Cody Updates by Mom

I have now completed 8 rounds of radiation treatment.  I am fairly tired lately but that could still be the effects of the chemo wearing off.  They did say it will be a good couple weeks into radiation before I really notice a change for the better.  My skin has started to turn red and have some discomfort.  It is similar to a sunburn however the discomfort is also on the inside as well.  It is not a significant amount of pain and there hasn’t been a need to take anything to deal with it.  After about three weeks of treatment they say it will be more uncomfortable and to make sure that I am using lotion religiously.  I have to moisturize the radiation beam locations twice a day.  So far, not too bad.  The driving to and from is fairly easy and I have been able to get efficient with my time to ensure that I am not missing too much work.  Number one best practice with radiation – ALWAYS visit the bathroom prior to going in for your treatment!  Other than that you just need to be okay with people drawing on you with markers and moving you multiple times on the table until you are situated just right.  The techs at the radiation clinic are great and love DQ so we talk about their favorites when I am there.

Yesterday, I had my follow up appointment with my oncologist.  Things are going well for the chemo side effects dissipating.  I have almost all of my taste back and eating is much more enjoyable.  The stomach has been on and off but that could be that since taste returned I am eating/drinking what I want.  It may just be the shock of introducing those things back into my diet.  My fingers are still pretty numb but I think they may be improving a bit.  I have not had pain under my fingernails for a while but the nails will need to completely grow out the ribbing and discoloration.  It doesn’t appear that I will lose any nails so that is a good sign.  My vision is not back to normal however I have been able to read which is a huge plus to me.  I have a backlog of books to catch up on.

I have started my next 5 year plan with the Tamoxifen.  This is the anti-estrogen medication that I will be on for the next 5-10 years.  I have only had one pill so I am uncertain what side effects I will have.  Possible side effects are bone pain, cough, dizziness, hot flashes, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, mood swings  or weight loss.  I am really praying for the weight loss. That would be phenomenal to finally a side effect that is a positivel!! 🙂  There is a very slight possibility of heart problems or stroke but since I do not have a family history and do not smoke then I likely will not have any issues.  My oncologist asked me to not start any new bad habits like smoking. 🙂  Really, he did.  There is a slight increase in uterine cancer with this medication so I will be on a regular schedule with that doctor too  I will see the oncologist every six months for as long as I am on the Tamoxifen.

I have started seeing a chiropractor for my back to help me sleep better at night.  I am happy that they are willing to work with what my oncologist recommends to ensure that I am not doing something that will cause additional problems down the road.  I am looking forward to getting some very needed relief for my shoulders and upper back.

All in all, things are going pretty well.  Fatigue is my only major item that I am fighting right now.  It is still pretty tough but I will take it over the complete sick feelings that were with chemo.

The picture below is from our camping trip this last weekend with my brother.  It was great to be unplugged from the world for a couple days.

Caring Bridge Comments

Joan Axdal, Prayer Chain, All Saints Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove|Aug 27, 2014 8:29am
Mel, You continue to be in our prayers. Happy to read of your progress. Congratulations!