Paula completed the second day of chemo, but it was a long day. We arrived at 8 AM and left at 6 PM. The bendamustine went fine as it has each time, but she had some problems with the Rituxan or one of the drugs they give her to reduce its effects. She did not have an allergic reaction like yesterday, but did get very shaky after an hour of the Rituxan. They stopped, gave her some Benadryl and other drugs to calm her and contacted the doctor. He checked on her and asked that they readminister the steroid drug, wait 10 minutes to ensure it was not causing the problem, and then restart the Rituxan at a low rate and increase each half hour.
That approach finally worked and the rate was increased from 50 ml/hr to 250 ml/hr over a 3 1/2 hour period. The doctor wanted to do it this way to determine what rate she can tolerate and use that for future treatments. They also need to look at the various drugs that were used to determine if one of those caused the problem. Future treatments will last longer than originally planned, but should be doable at the treatment center.
Paula is very sleepy and groggy. She slept on the couch from the time we came home until Laura and I got her to get up and go to bed at 9:30. She was more alert after we got her up but a little unsteady. We will see how she is doing in the morning.
I'm sure she will have "good" memories of all of this.
Glenn
That approach finally worked and the rate was increased from 50 ml/hr to 250 ml/hr over a 3 1/2 hour period. The doctor wanted to do it this way to determine what rate she can tolerate and use that for future treatments. They also need to look at the various drugs that were used to determine if one of those caused the problem. Future treatments will last longer than originally planned, but should be doable at the treatment center.
Paula is very sleepy and groggy. She slept on the couch from the time we came home until Laura and I got her to get up and go to bed at 9:30. She was more alert after we got her up but a little unsteady. We will see how she is doing in the morning.
I'm sure she will have "good" memories of all of this.
Glenn
Dear Paula - I was SO sorry to learn of the rough go this week, when Sally called and then e-mailed me about it (after she talked to you.) Then reading about it here just reinforced how hard a time you've had since Monday.
ReplyDeleteHowever, even though you sounded kind of wiped out still, it was great talking to you on the phone yesterday -- since my internet was down, and I couldn't e-mail or post here. Hope my suggestions regarding Baby Food Pear Juice Popsicles, and baby food pears and banannas proves helpful to you. :-)
Glad you told me you had been enjoying the you-tube music I have been posting. Here is the latest installment, for your blessing and uplifting.
Paula, this song -- His Strength is Perfect (by Steven Curtis Chapman) -- is so powerful and beautiful. I cry every time I hear. It has meant a great deal to me since I first latched onto it during a difficult time in 1997 ... and it's been blessing me ever since then. Hope it means as much to you. Sent with love, Lynn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKo25QKPsY