I love kickboxing class at my gym. I used to go the class or do workout in the gym at least twice a week, until I had my biopsy in October. I wasn't able to jump around because it hurts the incision area. I don't usually get to go to the class during tax season due to work schedule, but my body gets really tense when I don't get enough exercise. Today, I was feeling good but not too productive at work, so I decided to leave work earlier than usual to go to the kickboxing class. It's been almost 4 month since I went to the class last time!
I still can't jump too much but was able to enjoy 1 hour workout plus some weight exercise. During chemo therapy, doing exercise is strongly recommended to fight against fatigue. I will try to gain physical strength back.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Hibernation
Day 3 after chemo (Saturday), I was tired and slept a lot. Sunday as well, like a hibernated bear. No energy, just sleepy. Since I need to drink lots of water, I get up in the middle of night several times. By Monday morning, I was feeling pretty normal. My head was a bit slow but I was able to work all day. Today(Tuesday), I got more energy back. Except having sore throat and mild nausea, I'm good. I'm assuming this is how it goes. Some people have harder time in the later treatment. Some have easier time. I'll see how mine goes.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Beagles rock!
Uno (beagle) won the Westminster dog show. I was admitted in the stanford hospital and I kept seeing this news. He actually came as a guest at Martha Stewart Show.
Beagles rock!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Anti-nausea medication
The main side effect from Adriamycin/Cytoxan is nausea. My doctor gave me 4 different drugs, Emend, Reglan, Ativan and Protonix. I was a little nauseated in the evening of my chemo therapy and next day. I was told to eat small portion of meal more frequently. Saturday(Day 3), I was more tired. not much energy. I slept most of the day. I guess chemo meds are traveling all the way in my body. But I can still get up and do things. It's not bad at all. I'll listen to my body and just rest when I need. I hope I get some energy back soon.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
1 down out of 8
I had my first chemo therapy today. I'm on the combination of 2 different drugs, Adriamycin and Cytoxan for the first 4 sessions and Taxol for the rest of 4 sessions. It's every other week so my last session will be in the last week of May. 
Since it was my first time, my oncologist, nurse and other staff took extreme good care of me by providing all information and advise I need. They gave me this blanket and matching pillows today. Volunteer people make those with different fabrics for cancer patients and I picked this. Isn't lovely and cheerful? It's great to know there are so many people who are supportive even though we don't know each other.
My chemo girlfriend had her 7th session today as well. We sat next to each other and we were just chatting away. I'm soooooo relieved that I finally got this started. I was waiting for starting this chapter.
Since it was my first time, my oncologist, nurse and other staff took extreme good care of me by providing all information and advise I need. They gave me this blanket and matching pillows today. Volunteer people make those with different fabrics for cancer patients and I picked this. Isn't lovely and cheerful? It's great to know there are so many people who are supportive even though we don't know each other.
My chemo girlfriend had her 7th session today as well. We sat next to each other and we were just chatting away. I'm soooooo relieved that I finally got this started. I was waiting for starting this chapter.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sushi
My weight is back to normal (Thank God...) and I feel normal, too.I'm starting chemo therapy tomorrow. I'm supposed to not to eat anything raw or fresh to avoid bacteria since my immune system wouldn't be strong. So I went to eat sushi today. It was good :)
For next 4 months, chemo will be very challenging, however, I consider this is the time to remake my body to live long and healthy. Chemo will kill everything in my system so I can create a new body. I'll eat well and exercise well. I will have a brand new body. When I see it this way, 4 months don't seem too long.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Look how big my tummy is!
This is how I have extra 20 pounds water weight. I look 6 month pregnant. I think it's funny. (It wasn't funny until few days ago. ) Thank God, I'm losing 5 pounds everyday.
There are always risks and side effects from any medications and I'm starting to think my body is sensitive to medications. One of my older friend who is a cancer survivor told me that I should think chemo is working well if side effects hit me. If side effects aren't too bad, I should think I'm just lucky. I think it's a good way of thinking.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Unexpected hopital stay after egg retrieval
On Feb 5 Tues, I had egg retrieval procedure done as scheduled. There were 33 eggs. It's so many! My fertility doctor was happy, though. I took a day off and rested all day, however, from that night, I had mild symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS, see below). This is a complication from fertility medication. Basically ovaries are still trying to collect fluid. My doctor had already told me what to expect and given me instructions. I had to drink a lot of Gatorade and eat proteins, but It got worse next day, so I stayed home again.
Thursday Feb 7, I was still sick so went to see my doctor's clinic in Stanford. Although I drunk a lot, all went to my tummy area so I was very dehydrated. They took ultrasound and gave me IV and more pain medication. My tummy was huge but I had to wait until my body adjusts as guided my doctor. I had to postpone chemo therapy I was scheduled.
Friday, I stayed home, no change. I can't move. I look like a wine barrel. so big and round. I couldn't tolerate any more. I had to have my girlfriend drive me to ER at El Camino Hospital in the evening. Ultrasound showed anything unusual. ER doctor contacted my doctor in Stanford and gave me the same treatment, IV and pain meds.
Saturday Feb 9, I suffered at home... According to my doctor, the peak is now and things should turn around anytime. I was very miserable. I waited, waited and waited. No change. I knew I could go any further. I called my doctor's office. They told me to come to ER in Stanford hospital and they will be waiting for me. It was past mid night. When I got there, the bed was ready and they took me in right away. Thank God...
Sunday Feb 10, my tummy is huge and I have almost 30 pounds heavier than normal. It's all water. Doctor can drain some fluid out of my tummy but it can retain again. We decided to wait one more day. Monday morning, doctor did paracentesis(procedure to remove fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity). She took 3 liters out. Thank God, I can breath and talk. My doctor was concerned that I was a bit anemic. She talked to my oncologist and decided to do blood transfusion so my body will be ready for chemo therapy.
I came home on Wednesday Feb 13. I still have extra 20 pounds of water weight around my belly and legs. I seriously look 6 month pregnant. It's actually pretty funny. (It wasn't funny until now.) My chemo will start next week. no more delay.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
This is the most serious complication of IVF. Any patient undergoing ovulation induction is at risk of developing OHSS, although some more than others. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may be classified as mild, moderate or severe by symptoms and signs. the worst cases seem tends to be associated with pregnancy. Severe OHSS is a life threatening complication following ovarian stimulation.The symptoms usually begin 4-5 days after the egg collection. The majority of women have a mild or moderate form of the syndrome and invariably resolve within a few days unless pregnancy occurs, that may delay recovery. Patient may complain of pain, a bloated feeling and mild abdominal swelling. In a small proportion of women, the degree of discomfort can be quite pronounced. In some cases cysts appear in the ovaries (ovarian cysts) and fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity causing discomfort. Very rarely the ovarian hyperstimulation is severe and the ovaries are very swollen. The woman will feel ill, with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity and chest, causing abdominal swelling and shortness of breath. Reduction in the amount of urine produced. These complications require urgent hospital admission to restore the fluid and electrolyte balance, monitor progress, control pain and in some very serious cases, termination of pregnancy. Complications associated with severe OHHS include blood clotting disorders, kidney damage and twisted ovary (ovarian torsion).
Thursday Feb 7, I was still sick so went to see my doctor's clinic in Stanford. Although I drunk a lot, all went to my tummy area so I was very dehydrated. They took ultrasound and gave me IV and more pain medication. My tummy was huge but I had to wait until my body adjusts as guided my doctor. I had to postpone chemo therapy I was scheduled.
Friday, I stayed home, no change. I can't move. I look like a wine barrel. so big and round. I couldn't tolerate any more. I had to have my girlfriend drive me to ER at El Camino Hospital in the evening. Ultrasound showed anything unusual. ER doctor contacted my doctor in Stanford and gave me the same treatment, IV and pain meds.
Saturday Feb 9, I suffered at home... According to my doctor, the peak is now and things should turn around anytime. I was very miserable. I waited, waited and waited. No change. I knew I could go any further. I called my doctor's office. They told me to come to ER in Stanford hospital and they will be waiting for me. It was past mid night. When I got there, the bed was ready and they took me in right away. Thank God...
Sunday Feb 10, my tummy is huge and I have almost 30 pounds heavier than normal. It's all water. Doctor can drain some fluid out of my tummy but it can retain again. We decided to wait one more day. Monday morning, doctor did paracentesis(procedure to remove fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity). She took 3 liters out. Thank God, I can breath and talk. My doctor was concerned that I was a bit anemic. She talked to my oncologist and decided to do blood transfusion so my body will be ready for chemo therapy.
I came home on Wednesday Feb 13. I still have extra 20 pounds of water weight around my belly and legs. I seriously look 6 month pregnant. It's actually pretty funny. (It wasn't funny until now.) My chemo will start next week. no more delay.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
This is the most serious complication of IVF. Any patient undergoing ovulation induction is at risk of developing OHSS, although some more than others. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may be classified as mild, moderate or severe by symptoms and signs. the worst cases seem tends to be associated with pregnancy. Severe OHSS is a life threatening complication following ovarian stimulation.The symptoms usually begin 4-5 days after the egg collection. The majority of women have a mild or moderate form of the syndrome and invariably resolve within a few days unless pregnancy occurs, that may delay recovery. Patient may complain of pain, a bloated feeling and mild abdominal swelling. In a small proportion of women, the degree of discomfort can be quite pronounced. In some cases cysts appear in the ovaries (ovarian cysts) and fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity causing discomfort. Very rarely the ovarian hyperstimulation is severe and the ovaries are very swollen. The woman will feel ill, with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity and chest, causing abdominal swelling and shortness of breath. Reduction in the amount of urine produced. These complications require urgent hospital admission to restore the fluid and electrolyte balance, monitor progress, control pain and in some very serious cases, termination of pregnancy. Complications associated with severe OHHS include blood clotting disorders, kidney damage and twisted ovary (ovarian torsion).
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Practice to look different
I have 2 wigs, many hats and scarves to get ready for the new look after my hair falls off. I've been trying different ways of putting things on. I found nice scarf style online and bought them, but when I try them on, something doens't look right... well, the model is different. I don't see Asian girls wearing scarves or hat with bald head. I don't even look like a catholic nun. I look more like a farmer in Asian countries. I wanna look cool! I know I won't lose my hair right away. There is still time to find a way to look cool. Maybe more makeup and bigger earrings would help :)
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