Sunday, May 4, 2008

Dr. Me

I had my last dose of chemo on Monday, five days ago. I should be feeling the side effects by now but I'm not. Not only can I hold my head up without any trouble, I've just been out to dinner with some girlfriends and chatted away the night with no coughing or breathing problems. I did feel a bit loopy and tired the past few days, but nothing close to the wall of fatigue I hit after the last two rounds of chemo.

I've just given myself a physical exam, feeling for the tumors that were poking out of my skin around my neck and chest. The bump on my sternum is almost gone, or at least I can no longer feel it with my fingers. Same for the one on my left collarbone. The one on my upper chest is still there, but I'd say it's only half the size now. And the red splotch in the center has flattened out and the color is fading.

I've reduced my codeine to half the dose in the past several days and my breathing has been just fine. I've been feeling no pain at all. I still have a few coughing fits from time to time, but only when I over-exert my lungs.

My conclusion is that this latest chemo combo is working. I think I should have an echocardiogram in two weeks' time, as well as another liver ultrasound and chest X-ray. If my heart is still strong and the liver and lungs show the improvements my symptoms indicate, I should continue on this current chemo regimen of Liposomal Adriamycin + Herceptin via IV drip every three weeks, plus Tykerb orally daily.

Should I be charging myself for this consultation? I'm getting good at this.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You make me laugh out loud while sitting at my computer. My only comment is "Yahoo!"
Pati

Anonymous said...

I'll pay the Consultation fee a million times over to hear such POSITIVE news.....never forget YOU know YOU better than ANY Doctor ..... Can't wait to see you when I return form the UK? Love as always..........x

Anonymous said...

GREAT news Shin!!!

Anonymous said...

It's good to hear u are feeling strong again .For the past few weeks reading about your weakness made me feel weak and 'low' . Now I feel ENERGINISED!
Love-Rubina

Anonymous said...

Dear Shin,
I don't know if you remember me, but I was living in Singapore with my Husband a few years ago. (Friend of Michelle's Dragon Boat Racing).
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and sorry that you are going through this and it's good to see you have a great sense of humour throughout this. Take care
Love Nadia

Anonymous said...

Hi Shin,

SO oooooooooo ..HAPPY FOR YOU!!

Love
Mandy & Kim