Blogging in B Minor

My current (new) chemotherapy cocktail as it were which is all IV-based and consists of Irinotecan and Avastin is definitely much harsher than Temodar.  As you might know, Irinotecan (also known as CPT-11) was folded into the mix on Wednesday.  At first my side effects were ok well into Thursday and I exhibited none of the gastrointestinal issues.  The fatigue was the most significant sympton and was really on par with Temodar – at first.  Remember, everyone is different so this is just my personal experience. 

On Thursday night, I slept hard after going to bed at around 7pm.  I did get up at 8:30pm because of the situation with Dakota and after that was in bed at 10pm I think.  On Friday, however, I was really tired and left the office around 12:30pm.  I got home and went to sleep around 1:30pm and slept to 3:30, was up briefly then back to sleep until 8, up and ate something then slept for 12 hours.  I was up on Saturday morning briefly and had an egg and toast then slept again until Noon.  Had lunch, back to sleep until 5pm.  I got up again to eat, then back to sleep around 7pm for the night and got up this morning at 8am.  You get the picture.  Geez. 

So, I feel like I’m on the other side of the fatigue.  I did also have some of the other side effects starting late Friday but those are also passing.  My next infusion is two weeks from last Wednesday then we’ll cut the Irinotecan which is what has caused these side effects and start the vaccine.  That will be the end of the first week of February or so.  I’ll have blood work done to ensure I don’t end up lymphopenic. 

No cakewalk at all but another mountain to climb.  It’s always hard on the family too when you are down and out for 3 days or more.  Carrying the entire load isn’t easy so there is that added component. 

More later – just going to rest up and take time so I can work – want to keep that rolling.  I’ll post as usual so those of you heading down this road no at least what all of this is about.  Again, this is just my first experience with this chemo.  Most have fatigue but it varies.

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