It’s been a busy week but just wanted to check in. I find it helpful to use this space as a log of my appointments and symptoms when I don’t feel like writing it down in a journal. Plus, I know that sometimes my experiences or information can help others that may be going through something similar. I try to be as open about my “journey” (man, I hate that word but sometimes that’s the only word I can think of in the moment) as possible. I know for myself, reading others stories have armed me with some good information.
Xeloda/Chemo & Skin Issues
Being on the Xeloda (chemo), it triggered a psoriasis flare for me. I was referred to a great dermatologist at the cancer agency. He prescribed me a topical medication that has only been on the market for like 3 months called Zoryve. Unfortunately, it’s also like $350 a tube that may last only a few weeks. He gave me the information to apply for some financial assistance for it. I’ve been dealing with psoriasis on and off for 40 years. It comes and goes. Always something triggers it - whether it’s hormones, infections, crazy weather or severe stress. This time, it’s chemo. Treatment has always been some sort of steroid cream for the last decade. Before that, it was stinky, sticky coal tar ointments. So gross. I was always grateful when it would magically disappear and not come back for year(s).
Psoriatic Arthritis & Seeing a Rheumatologist
The dermatologist asked me how my joints were. I almost fell off my chair. I knew what he was referring to - psoriatic arthritis. I’ve been having joint issues for years (even before cancer). I couldn’t get my dermatologist to refer me to a rheumatologist for the longest time. Finally, in 2019, my old hag of a dermatologist retired and I got to see a new one - thankfully, she referred me. He was very thorough but the tests came back as negative - but he told me there’s still a chance I have it but it’s just not detectable yet in my bloodwork. He told me to be retested again in a year. That was pushing 5 years ago. It makes me wonder if the recent bone degeneration showing up in my bone scans (and not my CT) is actually inflammation from arthritis and not cancer. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the pants?! It’s a long shot but entirely possible. This would be helpful information. Even for pain management. Anyway, I was just called today for an appointment with a rheumatologist at the end of next month.
Oncology & Side Effects from Xeloda
The last few days I’ve been feeling weird. My heart has been fluttering a lot and I’m exhausted. I’ve been prone to heart palpitations since my teens but it only lasted brief moments. My Mom and I went for a 6km walk together this morning and I had to sit half way through because I was so tired. Then it started to snow so that motivated me to walk a little faster. lol. I spoke to the fill-in oncology doctor over the phone and told her my concerns. She sent in another requisition for extra bloodwork tomorrow. Then I go in and see her in-person at the Cancer Agency on Friday for a physical examination. I’m glad she’s being thorough. Whenever I’ve had heart flutters in the past that lasted a while, it was always related to my electrolytes being out of whack from long runs or extra hard/long workouts… like training/sparring in taekwondo or BJJ. I’m a slug compared to what I used to do so I didn’t think it was that but I decided to sip on electrolyte drinks in between having lots of water today. I have been coping with gastrointestinal issues, too (thanks, Xeloda) so it’s possible.
In the past, I’ve had to wear the 24 hour heart monitors a few times and the doctor mentioned maybe doing this again. The doctor also mentioned I will be able to get an extra week off my the Xeloda as well. Yay.
Anyway, that’s all the health stuff in a nutshell for now.
Yesterday was my last day of Art Therapy which made me a bit sad but also relieved from not having to do the travel. I’ve also been referred to another art therapy program that is low cost and I can do it from home.
A few more weird pieces I did in art therapy.
I have more to say but I’m tired and this post has gotten too long. Instead of a cup of tea and a book, it’s time for some deep breathing and/or a meditation.
