Side Effects

Well I have been taking one of my new medications for almost a week now, and let me just say that so far the side effects aren't getting any better. The medication, Lyrica, was given to me to help with nerve pain - although mine is not from Shingles, or Diabetes, as to which it is prescribed. My pain doctor gave me this medicine stating that it would help with the effects of chemo. I'm not sure how chemo and nerve pain go together, but I know that I do experience quite a bit of nerve pain - but my nerve pain is a result from both my mastectomy and my carpal tunnel release surgeries. It's weird cause I have been experiencing "phantom pains" in my breast area for 2 years now, not to mention the extreme sensitivity/pain I feel along my arm. This medicine thus far has somewhat made more sensation in those areas, although it is not supposed to. I've been told in the past that one day I may regain some sort of feeling in these areas, but there were no promises. I'm not quite ready to call it quits just because it is causing more nerve activity just yet. I think maybe I just need to get used to this new drug in my system. But with the other side effects it is known to cause, I'm not sure how much I will like this new medication or if the benefits outweigh the side effects. These are the effects it has been known to cause:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dry mouth, constipation, gas, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mental/mood changes; confusion; loss of coordination; muscle weakness; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; muscle aches, pain, or tenderness; fever; speaking problems; or inability to control urination. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat or changes in vision. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
I'm sorry, but I have a big problem with something that causes side effects such as gas, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, mental/mood changes, loss of coordination; muscle weakness, sudden weight gain, muscle aches, pain, or tenderness, or an inability to control urination. Just how does a medication cause gas? And sudden weight gain? Oh hell no! I am still trying to lose weight, and here this medication has already increased my appetite. Guess that is how it causes gas, hmm. And I know I certainly don't need anymore problems with inability to control urination! One of my other medication already seems to make me have to go rather often and suddenly. If this keeps up I will surely be in Depends by age 40! Oh, and let's not forget mood changes. I'm sure Ruben will really appreciate that, beings that without any hormones as it is, I am already a constant bitch. I mean really, can my mood get much worse than it is? Oh vey! But I will give it a month, as with any medication it takes a good 4 weeks to get into your system and work right. So keep your fingers crossed that the side effects improve, or just go away all together.
Oh, I almost forgot.....After reading one of Lora's posts, I downloaded the new Flickr tool, so now there are lots of new pictures to see from our trip to Disney World. Check them out.

Holiday Weekend Update

Boy, it sure feels like it's been a while since my last post. I've been busy this past weekend. Friday I met with my new pain doctor. He's changing up my meds, starting me on a new regimen, and had someone come by today to give me a RS-4i Stimulator for my back & to fit me for a Spinal Orthosis lower back brace. The Stimulator is one of those machines with the sticky pads that deliver electrical pulses to the areas in which the pads are placed. It's a pretty cool machine, and it's mine thanks to my insurance. On Saturday, I woke up fairly early (7 am) which is rather odd for me. So I woke Ruben and we all got ready and spent the day at the movies. We had already seen Spiderman 3 on opening day while at Disney. So we checked out Shrek the 3rd and Pirates 3. Both good flicks, but all that theatre time was hard on the ass! Sunday we drove to Houma with the plan of going to Home Depot to stock up on brick pavers, weed block, and lava rock to re-do some of the yard, but decided to first get estimates for concrete curbing instead. At least that way it will take away half of the hard work. Besides, I need to get someone out here to lay concrete in the back yard to extend our patio. Instead we ended up at Office Depot and bought a new 37" LCD HD TV for our bedroom. Now Natalie's room is the only room (other than the guest room) that doesn't have a HD TV. Afterwards we continued on to Lowes were we finally found all the lights for the baths, once we start that remodeling project....of course that is one project the contractor will be doing - once I find one! For Memorial Day we just stayed at home indoors and chilled out. One of the new meds the pain doctor has me on causes drowsiness, so I ended up napping most of the day which spoiled our plans to work in the yard, which is fine by me! It's going to take me a few days to get used to this medication. Somehow it's supposed to help with the effects from chemo and the chemo agent I take daily (my Femara medication) but so far it seems like it only adds to the effects! Today was a big day. I saw my Plastic Surgeon this afternoon and we nailed down a date for my surgery. We set the date for July 23rd so I can fly my mother-in-law out here for the week to help out with Natalie. My little brother-in-law will also be coming out and staying for a month. Now aside from getting ready to have surgery (which I am having on both sides, as I am having my other breast removed), I need to find furniture for our guest room so Ruben's mom has somewhere to sleep. Of course I also need to get estimates for concrete, tree trimming, bathroom remodeling, and also go to another dozen doctor appointments. It's going to be a busy, crazy summer - just hope I have enough energy to stay awake to get it all done!

School's out for summer!

Today is Natalie's last day of school till fall. She's been getting out at 12:30 all week. Honestly, I do not even see the point of her even going this week if she's to get out after half day and not be doing any school work. I almost wish that Louisiana State practiced year long school, with frequent vacation breaks through-out the year like Nevada does, rather than have a 3 month break. I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry. If I have any sanity left, by summer's end I will surely be loony! I say this because this summer is going to be rather difficult with her being out of school and me having at least one surgery done. In the past I would just fly my mom out to stay with her, but now that she has passed, it is no longer an option. I checked with other moms in the neighborhood, and since they all work, they will be sending their kids to either day care or to camp. I tried to enroll her in camp, but registration was full at the church. The Country Club here is offering a camp as well, but at $140 a week, the price is quite steep! We thought about bringing my younger brother-in-law out from Nevada, but he's never been on a plane and is afraid. If I can get my 2 doctors to agree on a date, and confirm with the hospital well enough in advance I might be able to have my mother-in-law come out, but her DTO needs to be requested in advance or she'll end up taking the time off without pay - which I cannot allow. We have a real dilemma here over child care, just for one day while I go through pre-surgical procedures. Hopefully my other surgical procedure won't be till later this year when she returns to school. Aw, the joys of living in a "new" town so far away from friends and family.

Vacation Videos

Finally got around to editing the videos we took during vacation. Maybe one day I'll even get a chance to tell ya'll about it. Only a few more days left, then school breaks for the summer. Enjoy!

Being sick sucks!

Getting sick on the tail end of a vacation really bites. I was up till 2 am last night and hardly slept a wink from then till 7. At around 1:30 I was hurling what little food I had ate on the drive home. When we stopped in Destin Ruben & Nat grabbed some burgers & fries - I pretty much skipped the meal, just snacked on a few fries as I had already puked twice. Well before bed I up-chucked so bad I had pieces of green fries coming out of my nose. They were green cause each time I had gotten sick I had eaten some gobstopper jawbreaker candy to rid my mouth of the disgusting taste. It all happened so suddenly I barely made it to the bathroom in time and ended up spewing all over the toilet and soon to be removed wallpaper. I thought I was going to choke to death as I had fry particles caught in my throat for the longest time and could not breathe. I now have busted blood vessels all through out my face from choking, and my throat still aches and feels as though something is caught in it. At least with all this vomiting and not eating yesterday and today, I am happy to report that although I ate quite heavenly at WDW, I did not gain a pound - yeah!

Now if only I can keep this ginger ale down and pull myself together, I need to get Natalie up and get us both ready so we can go get Lexie and accomplish some errands today. Hopefully I will feel up to sitting down and figuring out how to edit some videos - I have 2 from the trip to post. Lora if you have any quick tips I sure would appreciate it, as I would much rather be watching what's on the DVR. I've really missed the Soprano's & Entourage, not to mention last night's Grey's - I caught the 2 hour one and lemme say I am NOT impressed at all with this so called "Private Practice" it soooooo SUCKS! But at least if I am in bed sick all weekend I will have plenty to watch! So anyway, please send me tips to help me edit my videos so I can post them, and I promise I will blog about the trip soon - and post lots of pix. For now, here is a look at some of the best of the best. Enjoy, have a great weekend & Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Home from Vacay!

Hey it's me again! We're back early a few days as tomorrow is cash sharing day at the office and the Director is coming in from Vegas. Ruben needs to be there not only to collect his bonus check, but to hand out his employee's checks as well. From what I understand, Mike's Admin, Nancy will be in town with him too. I have to go get the dog tomorrow, whom I've missed like crazy, but I'm hoping to stop in and see Nancy. I used to work with her back in the day when we were in Vegas. She's the best. I can't wait to see her! Other than that I have so much to do. Obviously I have tons of laundry, lots to blog about, pix to post, pix to have printed, some letters to do, picture CD's to burn, grocery shopping, ebaying, and much more so stay tuned to hear all about our trip. I've got some great pictures I will be posting. We had the PhotoPass, and I bought the CD at the end of our stay, so I now own the copyright to all of those images - plus we took about 300 or so. I have some awesome ones of my nephew Matthew, whom we met for the 1st time. Man we had so much fun, well all except for the trip back - I've been sick all day and I actually puked in several spots along the freeway.