I closed out my blog last week with the prayer requests of an easy installation and less pain and my request and prayers were answered. It was a complete turnaround from last week. The catheter went in quickly and smoothly. The eight hours were as close to painless as can possibly be. Praise God for the answered prayers.
My doctor also said that we are going to change up the treatment cycles after next weeks treatment. Instead of 3 treatments every 3 months, I will have 3 treatments every 6 months. This will give my urinary track more time to heal from all the trauma and lead to less chance of infections. It also means that I will have three years of treatments instead of two years. But, the results are still just as good and it means that I will have more time of not feeling so fatigued between treatments.
It's amazing how much easier this week was compared to last week. I was very apprehensive going into the doctor's office this morning, but when the installation went so smooth, it really helps with your frame of mind for the rest of the treatment. One more week and then done for the year...what a good feeling.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Unlucky #13 Treatment
Today did not get off to a good start and stayed rough for most of the day. I woke up with a sore throat this morning and a sense of dread that next next series of treatments start up again. The day had a different feel to it with the treatment starting at 9 in the morning, instead of 1-2 in the afternoon. But, I'm thankful for the new time and being done at 5:30 instead of 10 o'clock at night.
The installation was difficult with two different catheter's and attempts needed to put in the BCG. After the installation I was extremely light headed and was not released from the room for an additional 15 minutes. When I got to the waiting room, Nancy had a worried look on her face and sensed something didn't go well and was correct with her intuition.
The six hours of flushing my urinary system were tough and I would rate it is the second worst of all my treatments based on the pain level. I had pain pills in my system all afternoon and it still was a rough day. One interesting note to the day was that I had no blood today, which is very unusual.
I did find out today that after this series of one treatment a week for three weeks, that I will have four more series over the next 12-15 months. So, I'm almost half way through the treatments. My doctor continues to give me the full dose each time and does not lower the strength.
I'm amazed at how different my treatment side effects are from one treatment to the next. Treatments 7-9 were very tough and then 10-12 were the easiest of the first dozen. Now #13 switches back to the really tough day, so let's hope #14 switches back to easy again.
I truly appreciate everyone's prayers and for people caring enough to ask me how I'm feeling. Pray for a smooth installation and low pain next week and that my fatigue will dissipate quickly after this series is done. While the day was tough, I'm not discouraged. I'm confident that the Lord will get me through the 2 1/2 years of treatments and that I will get back to a normal life again.
The installation was difficult with two different catheter's and attempts needed to put in the BCG. After the installation I was extremely light headed and was not released from the room for an additional 15 minutes. When I got to the waiting room, Nancy had a worried look on her face and sensed something didn't go well and was correct with her intuition.
The six hours of flushing my urinary system were tough and I would rate it is the second worst of all my treatments based on the pain level. I had pain pills in my system all afternoon and it still was a rough day. One interesting note to the day was that I had no blood today, which is very unusual.
I did find out today that after this series of one treatment a week for three weeks, that I will have four more series over the next 12-15 months. So, I'm almost half way through the treatments. My doctor continues to give me the full dose each time and does not lower the strength.
I'm amazed at how different my treatment side effects are from one treatment to the next. Treatments 7-9 were very tough and then 10-12 were the easiest of the first dozen. Now #13 switches back to the really tough day, so let's hope #14 switches back to easy again.
I truly appreciate everyone's prayers and for people caring enough to ask me how I'm feeling. Pray for a smooth installation and low pain next week and that my fatigue will dissipate quickly after this series is done. While the day was tough, I'm not discouraged. I'm confident that the Lord will get me through the 2 1/2 years of treatments and that I will get back to a normal life again.
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