The previous four days were pretty horrible. As I've mentioned here before, I have been taking pain pills a few times a day to deal with back and hip pain. Though they have been doing a great job for me, one of the unfortunate side effects is constipation. I was doing a good job of keeping on top of this particular issue until last Friday. I realized what the issue was immediately but several different types of over the counter medications did not work. There are a number of side effects that can manifest, in my case, I developed severe pain in both kidneys.
By Saturday morning I also began having complications from the increased dosage of trial medication, excruciating nausea. I'm not talking a little tummy ache either. Given these two issues, I also wasn't eating much at all.
I made it through the weekend (barely) and called the clinical trial nurse in Boston first thing on Monday. She told me to stop the medication for two days to allow the side effects to clear up and she would call back on Wednesday with instructions on a lower dose.
By chance, Monday was my monthly appointment with my Oncologist. While there I was given 2 liters of saline solution to help me avoid dehydratrion, along with two types of anti-nausea medication. I was hoping for instant relief, but the nausea didn't subside until around 10pm.
As bad as all this may seem, it causes me to resort to a cliche, 'tomorrow is another day', and today was just that, another day, a better day. The nausea is all but gone, the pipes are working better and I was able to eat both breakfast and lunch so far.
Once again, in the midst of my chaotic life, prayers and determination get me through another lap on the roller coaster.
12 comments:
Funny, how those cliche's become so real. Sorry for all the complications, we understand all the mental and emotional energy that goes into figuring everything out (as well as the physical energy)- we'll ramp up our prayers for you.
Hoping that the trial drug will be just right for you.
You are such a fierce fighter.
`Sherry & Terence
It's the little things that drive us nuts...like going to the bathroom. You keep getting well and we will take care of the praying. Hang tough, my friend.
Hi Dave, I have been following your blog for a few years now, ever since my son-in-law was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Jimmy passed away last year at the very young age of 40, after fighting for 5 years. I prayed alot for him, now my prayers will be for you. What a fighter you are. Don't you ever give up. God bless you and your family. Denise (Marley3777@aol.com)
Checking in on your journey. 'hoping you find the perfect chemical balance. Peace to you in the fight.
hoping for the best,...
also, I'm wondering what's your PSA recently...
Just checking up on you--sending all my prayers your way--oops--they were waiting for you when you got there!
DSmith
I hope u feel better soon!
Hey Dave - I want you to know that I'm thinking about you. Also, I have had the misfortune of needing to take the pain killers - AND the side effects. Ask the doc, but a daily low dose of Miralax while taking pain meds removes the side effect. Praying for you and your family to have as many moments of peace together as possible every day.
Kirk
I dont think you know how many people are pulling for you. Thank you for the updates on the blog.
Hello David,
I have been following your journey for awhile now, and got to give you thumbs up for the positive outlook you have. Make sure you are prescribed something for the constipation. We were told by my husband's Dr, and hospice that they do not want him constipated and as you know it will cause alot of issues. God Bless you!!
Hi David,
Prayers, love and admiration for your courage.
Bless you and yours. Your journey and your journal are filled with so many life lessons and stories that are an inspiration to so many. You give the rest of us hope. You give the world hope. God loves you and He is with you now and each and every second of your journey.
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