Up to the Doxil challenge

Except for one five-minute period of weirdness, I made it through my Doxil treatment. They start off with an infusion of Benadryl and then start the Doxil at a very slow drip while the chemo nurse (in this case, one of my favorites, Bridget) watches for a reaction. Everything was going along fine and she had bumped the rate up twice. Dr. K stopped by to see how I was doing and I had a bunch of questions to ask, which I managed to get answered before I needed to visit the restroom. I was feeling as if I were filling up with gas. Having nothing happen during my visit, I then felt like I was having menstrual cramps. Bridget paused the infusion and I was given a hot pack, which I placed on my abdomen. Within minutes, I felt fine and encourage Bridget to turn the pump back on, but she had placed a call to Dr. K (who disappeared as I headed for the restroom). About five minutes later, having the all clear from Dr. K, the infusion was re-started and I finished without incident. We don't know what the problem was, maybe a combination of the sandwich I ate just before treatment started plus the Coke I drank (I usually don't drink soda). No one thought it was the Doxil, since it was at least halfway through the treatment. I feel fine today except for being tired and a little flushed, which is normal.

I was surprised to have a message on the answering machine when we got in that I'm scheduled for my next treatment at MSKCC on October 17. It was our understanding that Dr. K was going to speak with the oncologist in New Jersey and set me up to have the rest of my treatments there, plus the Zometa infusions. She said she e-mailed Dr. Greenberg but hadn't heard back. I'll have to call on Monday to see if my little incident led her to change her mind or if there was a miscommunication between her and her back office.

I currently have an appointment with the other radiation oncologist on October 7, but Dr. K didn't know anything about it. She's going to speak with the first doctor I saw to find out about this referral and get back to me. I'm happy for her to look into that, because she needs to be the quarterback and oversee all the plays. I'll let you know what happens. I also reminded her about consulting with an ENT about this ongoing cough. Gotta keep on top of things!!

My plans for the weekend are just to relax and get rest. It can take up to two weeks for my blood counts to be affected by the treatment, so we'll keep an eye on my temperature as well as any strange feelings or aches. It looks like I'll be scheduled for treatment every three weeks until she decides it's time to scan again, which will be in two to three months.

Thanks for all the e-mails and comments of encouragement. I could feel a lot of positive energy flowing my way yesterday and I was so pleased last evening that I was going to be able to report a good outcome. :)