Having done Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide on 5 earlier occasions, I was expecting nothing new on the 6th.
I was in for a surprise ... thanks to something called cumulative dose which makes a repeat of the same old drug a whole new experience (not a pleasant one at that)
... in plain speak - repeat doses of the chemo drug causes more effects and side-effects than the initial doses. This is because - Any drug takes some time to leave the body, some of the drug remains in the body for quite a while (funda of half-life). The effect (of the drug) lasts much longer than the drug itself. So, the effect of repeat dose adds up to the effect of the initial dose (thus curing me faster). Sadly the side-effects also add up (e.g. so the mouth ulcers come faster and cause more trouble etc). Worst is the accumulated toxicity - most of the chemo drugs have a cumulative toxicity levels ... one is not supposed to take more than a particular amount ... even when that amount is spread over many days ... and wisely so ... I don't see much fun in a cancer free life if that life comes with failed Kidneys, dysfunctional liver and failing lungs.
... The body also makes its contribution or rather refuses to make it contribution (of putting putting up a good fight). It gets tired of fighting the Chemo ... gets hit faster and takes more time to bounce back.
Well, now that things are in perspective, the immediate effect of 11 Chemo can be described as a very strong buzz (less like a good high more like a bad hangover) in the head ... coupled with water tasting bitter (the torture is - my kidney will get damaged if don't drink something like 5 litres of liquid) ... coupled with bouts of extreme fatigue ... coupled with uneasiness ... upset stomach ... nausea etc etc.
That's all reduced by today ... and will get much better by the time I am ready for the last Chemo ... which is on the good day of Thursday ... it was supposed to be on friday ... but the coming friday is "Good Friday" (commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazreth ... definitely not a day to celebrate) ... so the doc advanced the chemo by a day.
Before signing off ... It's been a month since I have replied to mails ... don't hold it against me ... will catch up once the chemo gets over and the body gets recharged ...
till later ...
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4 comments:
Great news Tanveer... hope you get back to whatever you love doing very soon. Obviously there's a reason why you've almost gone to the point of no return and for making such a strong come back... I hope you make the best use of this opportunity and find happiness in wherever you go and in whatever you choose to do
DVN
Salaam boss,
Milad un nabi ki belated mubarak baad
Must have been good with your family there an all ..
Allah hafiz ... tc
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17888476/site/newsweek/
Tanweer, nice following your blog and your positive attitude. Praying for your complete recovery.
Check out the link...
Regards,
Nava
Good to hear that your body is responding to the treatment in the most usual manner. I am sure that though most uncomfortable this is the last phase of your treatment and we will see a rejunevated tanweer in a few weeks time.Though not an acceptable alibi for such big gap (i guess we've had a chat abt three weeks back), but i was stuck in some corporate fundaas. more when we talk...maybe later in the day. waiting for your latest post. cheers banga
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