Author Archives: Catherine Brunelle

Getting better

Posted in Bumpboobs, Chemotherapy, Treatment by

Hello again, Hello.

Over this past weekend I haven’t touched my computer – I couldn’t  stand the thought of it. But now it’s Monday and one of my goals is to post a message on this blog. It’s gotten me up and out of bed, and sitting at the kitchen table. So  – that’s great. It’s the furthest I’ve been so far. Yay for progress 🙂


About two seconds after posting my last blog the nausea kicked in, and kicked in, and kicked in some more. It continued to kick me through the weekend. Zsolt says I had the acute response – apparently there are two general responses to chemotherapy: acute and delayed. Well, it was acute. Unfortunately the anti sickness drug they’d prescribed didn’t quite work, but fortunately the steroid did, though I had to wait a day before taking the steroid because it required a stomach with some food inside. That wasn’t quite possible till Saturday afternoon.

But that is in the past. Here I am, getting over the worse (hopefully) and waiting for the nurse to drop by and show us how to administer the white blood cell shot. I need to take one shot a day for seven days. Zsolt will be administering the needle – weird!  I’ve heard there are side effect to this as well, but have the Paracetamol  ready just in case.

So, apart for this world of side effects I’m managing okay. Today has been good so far, and has certainly put me in a better mood. Mom and Zsolt keep on with the mantra, “We’re learning.” And we are.

Next time will be better – next time I’ll get a better anti-sickness drug, I’ll take the drug sooner, and the effects will be less. Why? Because we’re learning.

I feel bad for my poor family, there were times when my mom and husband would  be looking over the bed with concern in their faces, or off in the other room whispering about side effects and ways to help me through. However, today everyone seems in a better mood. We’re listening to my wedding CD and nodding along to the music.

I think that I’ll write a list of things that have helped me through the nausea – because if anyone ever does read this and wants to get prepared, this stuff could be good to have on hand.

Happy music: some of the drugs cause melancholy, so it’s pretty important to have a happier distraction in the background.

Homeopathic remedies: because sometimes I couldn’t even manage a mouthful of water, so taking some anti-sickness homeopathic remedies has been a good alternative.

Anti sickness bracelet: This triggers an acupuncture point on the wrist to help reduce nausea. It helps, but if you’re getting up be sure to go slowly and rub the balls into your arm.

Damp, cold face towel: It’s a total miracle if becoming sick, and even helped me stop the nausea from peaking a few times.

Fan: Whether electric, hand held, or a good strong breeze through the window – the movement of non-scented air is wonderful. . .  air with the smell of pizza, soup, or warm food of any kind is a very, very bad idea. My bedroom door has been shut with the cracks sealed while my mom cooked dinner for her and Zsolt, and even then I could smell the bloody food. There’s a new rule in this flat, NO hot food allowed.

Protein powder, rehydrating powder, probiotic power: mixed in very small doses with a reasonable amount of water – helps with nutrients, hydration and bowels. When you can’t eat anything, these come in handy.

Good company: Essential! Even if I could not carry on a conversation, having loved ones nearby during the difficult times is something for which I am SO grateful. My mom goes away at the end of this week, which will be difficult, probably very difficult – but I’m thankful for each day she’s been here, and I know that whenever I need her or my Dad, they’re always on the other end of that Skype camera. And Zsolt will be here too, rubbing my back and kissing my forehead, googling every question, side effect, and noteworthy bit of information that will help make this easier.

Okay, I guess that’s it for now. I don’t want to plough into details, and I don’t want to freak anyone out. I think the acute has passed, and I’m very, very grateful. My mind has finally turned to food, and a few more grapes seems quite appetizing at the moment. Hmm, and maybe even a cracker or two…

First is over

Posted in Bumpboobs, Chemotherapy, Treatment by

Okay. One treatment down – ticking that box off right now.

I think for anyone about to experience chemotherapy, it’d be really helpful to hear about the first experience. Now, I cannot tell you about  the side effect because I only just received my chemo, plus also I want mine to be absolutely minimal – so minimal that I have nothing to write on the subject. We’ll see.

Anyhow – it was a longish day. We arrived at the clinic at 12, just in time for my appointment, and took a seat in the waiting room. Two hours later I went into the treatment room. We left at one point to have some lunch, because the consultant advised that it’d be at least another hour of waiting.

Today the room wasn’t quite so crowded. Apparently they’d had a backlog, but I think it was clearing by the time I was admitted.

I sat down in chair number 5 – so that was as expected, and then I was met by my nurse for the hour. He was quite good, reminded me of a friend from home. The nurse explained my treatment and showed me the syringes. . . one was dark red, the other clear.

First he gave me some anti-sickness drugs, which are helping, so I swallowed those no problem. And then we started the chemo. Basically they put in a canula and start with saline solution. It’s a breeze. Then the nurse gets comfortable and begins with the first injection. It’s not too difficult, they feed it very slowly into the vein. The first drug is the most powerful, so there was some slight stinging occasionally in the vein, but we stopped whenever that happened and let the saline run.

Mid way through I had to visit the loo- and as promised my urine was koolaid red. Gross. And amazingly the drug made its way to my bladder quickly.

Quick aside: I’m sipping on ginger beer and think it’s powerful stuff. Whew! The explosion of ginger!

Next came the second drug, this one clear. It was easier to have this given to me – no stinging pain, though it did make my head feel a bit drowsy.

And then that was it. All over. Not so bad.

Of course, I had decided to try the Zolodex for this month, so all this was proceeded with an uncomfortable shot into the stomach by a very lovely nurse. Zsolt’s hand may have been damaged in the process, since I sized it like a vice as the needle just kept going. Eugh. BUT we’ll see what happens next.

Now I’m at home, writing this blog. Truthfully I am starting to feel pretty darn tired, and my stomach feels rather bubbly. Optimistically I had Zsolt run out for pizza, but realistically it’ll probably be boiled rice tonight. Also, need a bit of fibre to help everything move along.

Anyhow – I am alive and fine and coping. Thanks for all the texts, and the good thoughts.

Time for bed!

Zoladex!

Posted in Bumpboobs, Chemotherapy, Treatment by

That’s it! I’ve had it with this afternoon of debate. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence that Zoladex protects fertility – I will go ahead with the drug anyhow.

Menopause here I come.  Periods, on  your way. And we’ll see about the rest.  Before chemo tomorrow they’ll inject my stomach with something that releases the drug over a month.  Therefore, I’ll be getting an extra needle (amongst many, many other needles) once a month.

And if it goes wrong I won’t get the second injection. But if my menopause is manageable, then on with the treatment – because if chemo turns me infertile, I’ll know I did what I could – and that will lessen the guilt. Choosing not to pursue IVF was difficult, but the amount of estrogen might have been dangerous for me. Zoladex, at its worst, could do many nasty things – but it won’t encourage my cancer. So that’s good, at least.

Decision made. Done. Onwards. Chemo.