Hey all. Sorry for the late posting.
So Tuesday continued the trend of a) having no idea what each cycle will bring and b) having to view events through 'bizarro-world/topsy-turvy' glasses.
So last cycle we kept talking about how well Mom went through it and how surprised we were that she didn't have a lot of the same symptoms as before. Well, this time she has all new symptoms again but they are really the pits. She felt AWFUL yesterday, the worst so far and in many cases it was because body systems were actually reacting the opposite way as they have the previous 3 cycles.
But that's where the topsy turvy part comes in. I had to remind her that she was almost worried last time because she didn't feel so bad which makes you wonder/worry whether the IL-2 was being as effective at triggering her immune system. So this time, when she does feel awful and her blood pressure craters it's paradoxically a really good thing: a pretty clear sign that the IL-2 is working. (Or at least that was the line I was trying to sell her).
She ended up skipping her 11 pm dose last night because her blood pressure was too low but she had her 7 am one this morning again. In addition to the blood pressure issues, she's had really severe chills that turn into rigors and have needed demerol in addition to hot blankets to stop and wicked nausea. Still, she's been able to eat small amounts throughout and get some good naps in.
Hopefully today she's able to maintain at this level and not feel too much worse.
Doses: 5 for 6 of 14.
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Thanks for the post, Becca! I think your point about all of these side effects indicating it is working is a good one! Hope the side effects lessen, but certainly want to see this WORK!!
ReplyDeleteLove to all,
Susie
i know exactly what you are saying....my husband was doing so well that it makes one feel as if the treatment is not working. and yes so different everytime.your not alone will keep you and your family in my prayers so hard to have to go thru this
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