Nulasta sneaks up on me

The nurse informed me on Friday that I would likely feel the side effects of the Nulasta shot over the weekend: achy bones and joints, especially the long bones (sternum, pelvis, femur) since they are the ones that produce the most white blood cells. Well, it wasn't until Monday evening when the pain in my lower back began, and it lasted for two days. Veeeery uncomfortable. Tylenol worked at first, but then I started taking Percocet on Tuesday. I only did that for a day, because it makes me feel better but also makes me a little nutty. Next time, I think I'll just stick with the Tylenol and maybe an ice pack. It feels fine now.

Just completed my third physical therapy session. I'm not sure that I'm making any progress other than more repetitions, longer pedaling, or using more weight, but I suppose the evaluation will show if there has been any improvement. I'm scheduled for four more sessions, so we'll see how they go. I don't think I'll continue after that. I think that once I'm off the steriod and my head clears up, I'll feel and function much better. Let's keep our fingers crossed. I am definitely walking and moving better than when I was in the hospital, but I still have room for improvement.

I'm hoping to do my next Ifosfamide treatment here in New Jersey with Dr. Windsor. They are going to contact the insurance company to see if they can get it approved. Although I would spend the day in a general room with up to 10 other people and one television, it would save me from traveling, staying in the city overnight by myself, and having to get up at 4 a.m. Ed could drop me off at 9 a.m. with my entertainment items for the day, lunch and snacks, and pick me up at 5. I would sleep in my own bed, have someone to make sure nothing weird happens to me, and go back the other two days the same way. I don't have a date for the next treatment yet (it's every 21 to 28 days), but I'll post it when I know.

Congratulations to all our grads out there. Kids are graduating from everything these days: elementary school, middle school, high school. Is there a kindergarten graduation too? Then congrats to you, too! Now take the next two months off and enjoy yourselves. No thinking about back to school stuff yet. Save that for July 5, when everything goes on sale.

I hope you get out this weekend and enjoy your pools, backyards, barbeques, friends and family. Good food and fun is what summer is all about. Don't forget the sunblock! I'll be back next week.