I am the Epitome of Compliance

I think I must be every doctor's dream patient.  I am compliant ... obsessively compliant.  I may be naive, but I figure if a doctor tells you to do something, you should do it.


For years, I monitored my breathing with a little contraption that measured peak expiratory flow and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second. (FeV1)  I had data out the wazoo, and trending charts back to 2003. :D  Ok, granted, that kind of fell by the wayside when I got this cancer, because it was all I could do to cope with THIS.


But now, I can obsess about new things, i.e. how much water I am drinking, getting those eight Xeloda tablets down every day, and the two B6 and the Turmeric (which are kinda hard to get down.  Stop making HUGE capsules, people!)  All these things I write down as I take them, keeping my date book by my bedside.  Yes, the glucose levels are recorded there as well, and I am happy to report that this morning I was down to 113.  The decadron has definitely left the building. :D


Oh, and the lotion and emollient thing!  According to the Patient Information sheet my oncologist gave me on Xeloda, I need to put an emollient on my hands and feet five to six times a day, and especially before bed.  I love the Emu oil, I have to say.  You use so little, yet it stretches one slight pump of the bottle to both hands and feet.  No scent, thank the gods, and it absorbs quickly.


One of the common side effects of Xeloda is mouth sores, so of course, you have to pay extreme attention to your dental hygiene.  Because I tend to get very dry mouthed from the chemo, I use a moisturizing mouthwash from Spry that contains Xylitol.  The Patient Information said that I should avoid Citrus fruits and juices, tobacco, and... NOOOOOOOOOOO!... spicy foods.  Dr. Fastenberg assured me that that part didn't apply to those of us of the latina persuasion.  If you grew up and grew and immune to it, eat it. ;)  Phew!  Dodged that bullet. 

In any event, today I feel pretty darned good.  I feel strong; much stronger than yesterday.  If I can get this chemo regimen through to completion, and it works to at least control this cancer, I will be so very happy.  


Here is Jane on a hunt for squash.  We put a basket up on the wall for the neighbors behind us and then she returns it empty with a sweet thank you note.  It's good to share. :)


Well, I'm taking each day as it comes, keeping on top of side effects as best I can and hoping this is the one that does the trick.


Love to all!