July 17, 2022

Happy Sunday Funday y’all – I hope that everyone is doing great this glorious Sunday morning.  I thought I would pop on and provide a little update on how things are going for me thus far so here goes.

This morning I started my 13th day on Xeloda and so far the only real side effect that I can’t shake is the headaches that this pill gives me.  I am someone who hardly ever gets headaches.  In fact, if I have a headache most of the time it’s because I forgot to take my blood pressure medicine in the morning and by noon or so, I will have a headache – but that is explainable!  This headache starts within 30-45 minutes of taking the Xeloda and they hang on – ALL.  FREAKING.  DAY.   Last night Mano noticed that I had a blown blood vessel in my right eye and wondered what I had done to it and the answer is nothing that I know of.  I didn’t sneeze hard.  I didn’t cough hard.  Nothing.  I am wondering if it’s a side effect of the headaches.  Who knows – but you bet I will be asking about it at the doctor’s this week.  (Picture attached)

I know the next question you are going to ask is “Are you taking anything for the headaches?”  My answer is that I’m trying but nothing seems to work.  I have tried taking Advil and Aleve but both of those just seem to “sort of” take the edge off but they do not in any way make the headache go away.  You may be wondering why I haven’t tried taking Tylenol, so let me explain why this has not been an option for me at the moment.

Since I have an enzyme deficiency that impacts my ability to process this oral chemo drug, I feel that my liver is already working overtime as it is.  Tylenol is also metabolized through the liver, therefore, I don’t want to add insult to injury and keep pressing my luck.  We know that the liver can repair itself but it takes time to do so.  Therefore we must allow it time to heal.  

I can tell you this – I am SO happy that tomorrow is my last pill for 7 whole days.  I am looking forward to 7 days headache free!  I will say though, considering the other side effects that most experience on this drug I am thankful that my symptoms (so far) have been a very mild case of Hand Foot Syndrome (HFS) and daily headaches.  If that is all that happens through all 6-8 cycles, then I will take it. 

Another update that I haven’t shared yet, is that my bloodwork this week came back good.  So far my WBCs are holding up and haven’t tanked.  They are on the low end but still in the area that is considered good.  My liver and kidney functions are also still good.  (PRAISES!)  As y’all know, I am also doing all that I can to support my body to heal itself, where it can while taking this drug.  I am taking the supplements recommended by Dr. Luepnitz.  I am going to acupuncture three times (3x) a week while on Xeloda.  I’m drinking lots and lots of water and staying hydrated, eating well, etc.  I’m still considered a little bit anemic, not the iron part of my blood, but the part where the red blood cell count is lower than what they would like to see.  I think that may be something that takes a bit of time to build back up once all of this is done and my body can truly work to heal itself!

So let’s talk about PRAISES and PRAYS this week.  First the PRAISES:

• PRAISES that my bloodwork looks good.
• PRAISES that my side effects are minimal
• PRAISES that Mano and I were able to take our Harley’s out for a quick ride to Georgetown for dinner and home after work one night this week.  (That’s HUGE!)
• PRAISES that my doctors continue to watch over me and monitor my health. 
• PRAISES that I have a wonderful job, supportive managers and team members, and HEALTH insurance.
• PRAISES that God continues to use me to mentor and help others.
• PRAISES that God has provided two new special ladies in my life who are covering me in prayers and sharing my name with their small groups and churches.  (Thank you D&D twins!)

Now let’s talk about prayers.  

• My first prayer request is for a childhood friend of my husband and his sister.  I was contacted this week by this lovely lady with the news that she was just diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer and was having her surgery this week.  The outcome of surgery was good – clear margins and no node involvement.  (PRAISES)  She is waiting to hear what the next steps for radiation treatment will be.  (PRAYERS).
• My second prayer request is for my other friend who just completed her third round of chemotherapy this week.  She’s halfway through her chemo treatment (PRAISES AND PRAYERS)  Continue to lift her up and cover her as she continues to walk her journey.  
• My third prayer request is for Scott and Hayden.  As you know, my ex-husband lost his beloved wife, Angie recently.   Scott and Hayden are taking each day as they come and trying to figure out this life without Angie.  I personally can’t even imagine what that is like, but I know that it is not easy.  I know all of us have lost someone so close to us that there were times you couldn’t breathe and didn’t think you could take one more step but somehow you do.  Just pray prayers of comfort, peace, and protection over them as they continue to make their way forward.  Some moments it’s about just taking one more step.  Scotty, you know me and my family is always here for anything you need.  I am always a phone call away.  
• My last prayer request is for myself.  Prayers for something to assist with the headaches.  Prayers for continued support for NO further side effects.  Prayers that my body will continue to stay strong.  We have 7 more cycles to go through.  The marathon has just begun.

Here’s to hoping that everyone has a truly blessed week this week.  Stay the course, whatever that is for you.  For anyone reading this, if you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, or just struggling through a hard time.  Please share my name and contact information if I can be of any assistance or help.  We all need help at one time or another.  I am here for you!

One quote this week stuck with me “Stars can’t shine without darkness”.  I thought this was especially touching because I am always saying that God shows you what you can do in the valley (darkness) so you can glorify him on the mountain top (the star).  Just a little food for thought this week for all of us. 

Xo,

Tracy