Numbness 6.30.2007

Hello everyone, it's Saturday morning and I have found some relief from a new pain medication that I started yesterday. I applied a pain patch last night. Fentanyl. It's quite strong. Much stronger then what I have been taking. My pain is a lot more tolerable, still present but the edge is off, mind you I have not had to cough or sneeze yet today. Actually I have not allowed myself to sneeze for quite some time (probably more then 3 months) and my coughs are quite pathetic. I have a feeling my subconscious is constantly reminding the rest of my body that somethings are just not allowed. We'll see how it goes over the next day or so. It may end up being a little strong for me (making me sleepy), if so I'll either be sleep walking or have to get my Doc to write me an Rx at a lower dose. I was able to get a referral to the pain specialist and will see them next week Friday.


The results of my first blood test since starting Chemo where normal. A complete blood count was done. They will be doing a CBC every Monday for the next 8 weeks. Checking for a decrease in my white blood cell count, or signs of anemia.


As side effects go you can add neuropathy to my growing list of side effects. The bottom of my feet become numb after only brief periods of standing, and my ITB band (located on the outside of your thigh from your hip to your knee) often feels light... hard to describe, it is floating sensation very irritating. My sleep has not been the best do to not feeling tired when I should. I seem to sleep o.k. once I fall asleep, but late in the evening into the night after I have felt tired much of the day I no longer seem tired. I have been prescribed sleeping medication, but have been reluctant to take them. Seems silly I know, but my chemo is known to cause blood clots, and if I take a sleeping pill I may not move around much if any while I am asleep for 6-8 hours increasing my chances of developing clots. I do have a plan, but I will need some help from Kaiser.



The plan: Starts by saying Thank you to Kimberly B. Kim is a friend who gave me advice that should have been a no brain-er for me, however it never crossed my mind. Get a referral to P.T. see if they have any assistive devices to help me with my daily living activities, getting dressed, in and out of bed, scratching my butt, also looking into the chance they have bolsters to help my positioning at night along with electronic compression socks that would circulate the blood from my legs while I sleep to decrease the chance of blood clots.. and the big one see if I can get my insurance to help cover the cost of a recliner or hospital bed... if it comes to that. I have an appointment this coming Monday so we will see.


Watch out Lizzy you now have a picture on the Internet. Pictured below is Kahu Wendell Silva who presided over out wedding ceremony. Serena's mom Elizabeth, the Vickster and the newly weds.