Well I got to ring the bell on the last scheduled chemo. Turns out my white count had doubled since Friday. My temp was 97 degrees. All systems go. Kidney function a go also. I was a little worried since last night I was running a slight fever, 99 degrees. This morning I awoke with a headache I'm assuming because of poor sleep. I was certain the fever had risen and chemo would be postponed again.The neck radiation burns limited the most comfortable postions to sleep in. Skin is cracked, dry and ozzing. Sticks to the pillow. Looks awful. Took one of DW's towels and cut it into strips. I now use one strip to wrap my neck in the shower to keep the water off. Took two asprins, showered, cleaned and taped the feeding tube, and headed for treatment. Dw said I was walking stiff while looking at the ground with no side to side mobility in the neck. The radiation nurse immediately asked me what was wrong, took one look at my neck and suggested I get on a fentanyl patch. I hemmed and hawed and declined. Narcotics constipate and I dislike that more than neck pain. RAD tech said I needed something for the neck. Other RAd tech recommened special type of soap which contains aluminum. Supposed to sooth open wounds. Bought some on the way home. Also bought some spray on saline which wasn't much help.
Chemo nurse took one look at the neck and didn't say a word. Returned with a script from Doc for pain meds. DW filled it while I was getting infused. Miracles never cease, one dose and I can turn my head without pain. Guess I'll try and manage the constipation. Also switched to a different topical cream,"RADX", we'll see how that goes.
Got home and found seven cases of Jevity 1.5 from the company which ran me ragged on Friday. I'm stocked for the next terroist attack.
ALAN- I'm so glad for your sister. Cancer is nothing to be trivilized. Any form can kill left untreated. DW has had abnormal pap smears for 27 years now. They call it Dysplasia or pre-cancer. Luckily it remains the same. She had a total hysterecty my years ago since her mother had died from the disease. Gets regular check-ups. Ironically her doctor changed hospitals and DW followed. New hospital used different Lab. Pap smears now come back a lessor degree of dysplasia.