Friday, April 15, 2011

It's taken me a few days to get my head in order before I could sit down and write. As many of you know the results weren't what we expected nor wanted to see. Not only have the existing tumors increased in size on my liver and bones but there are more of them. I could tell the doctor was very disappointed in the results. She immediately started me on a chemo pill (Xeloda) which I take 8 (YES 8!) a day. Thank God for (good) insurance. She was a little hesitant in prescribing this med due to the cost and even offered the assistance of her nurse to help me get it through a pharmacy broker if my co-payment was too high. I was a little nervous at the pharmacy and asked what my co-pay was and it turned out to be only $50. HOWEVER, the prescription retail cost is $3,440 for a month supply. Unbelievable. How do people without insurance do it???? Side effects are what I would call typical - nausea, diarrhea, tiredness. Another problem is very dry hands and feet - so bad that there is a lot of cracking of the skin. I've already started rubbing lotion on my hands and feet to ward it off. Today is my second day and so far so good. I would expect in a week once I get a few doses down that I may see some changes but I tolerated the other chemo's so well I'm not that worried. This by the way this is in addition to the IV chemo I've been getting so no getting away from the hospital. I did ask why she wouldn't put me back on the Taxol since it seemed to do so well but her protocol is not to go back to something that she has used in the past until she tries something new first. I have trust in her so we'll see what happens. I am of course trying to keep my life as normal as possible. It helps that work is busy and I get to talk to a lot of people who don't know whats going on so I can act "normal" and pretend all is good. I really don't feel that bad to be honest with you. I do have some aches and pains but who at this age doesn't. My biggest complaint is my left ankle which some days feels fine and others I could hardly walk on it. I'll try to check in more often and let you all know whats going on. Until then - Thanks for listening! Doreen