Every single ache and pain
I am sidelined today by a bug. Not a cancer bug, I don’t think, but some kind of viral bug. What I thought was the Percocet making me feel yucky was probably a flu. Last night, after not feeling well all day, I took my temperature at around 8:30. It was 102.7. I haven’t had a fever in years, so naturally, I got scared. I called my parents, I called the emergency number (Glick can’t get upset with me anymore if I call that number. He knows this.) But then, after not hearing back from him for half an hour, I called Carrie, whose cell phone number I had squirreled away for this type of situation.
She remotely accessed my blood counts from last week and made sure that this was not a neutropenic fever. Emergency room visit averted! She told me to take two Advil and check my temp in the morning. If I still had a fever, I should go in.
Half an hour later, Dr. Glick called. He said Carrie’s advice was good, and that if I do have a fever in the morning, I should come in no later than 7:45. I went to bed and sweated like a pig throughout the night. I was drenched. When I woke up at 6, my fever was down to 97. Glick called me (how about that?!) at 8:15 to check in, and said he was “delighted” that my fever went down.
I’m still feeling flu-yucky. But I don’t think it’s cancer, and I know it will go away. I also think that I’ve been going and going ever since I was diagnosed. St Louis, Race for the Cure, Sloan Kettering, and a constant succession of visits to the psychotherapist, healing touch therapist, support group meetings – which I know are all good for me, but ultimately are tiring– these have taken a toll. My body is telling me to rest. So I’m in bed today. I need the rest. I need to rebuild strength.
When you have cancer, every single ache and pain is scary. Right now, I also have a pain in the side of my abdomen. It feels muscular, and I’m hoping that’s all it is. But it’s always scary. So I’m taking it easy, nurturing my body, taking Xeloda (started yesterday), and visualizing myself healing. One day at a time – it’s a cliché for a reason.
She remotely accessed my blood counts from last week and made sure that this was not a neutropenic fever. Emergency room visit averted! She told me to take two Advil and check my temp in the morning. If I still had a fever, I should go in.
Half an hour later, Dr. Glick called. He said Carrie’s advice was good, and that if I do have a fever in the morning, I should come in no later than 7:45. I went to bed and sweated like a pig throughout the night. I was drenched. When I woke up at 6, my fever was down to 97. Glick called me (how about that?!) at 8:15 to check in, and said he was “delighted” that my fever went down.
I’m still feeling flu-yucky. But I don’t think it’s cancer, and I know it will go away. I also think that I’ve been going and going ever since I was diagnosed. St Louis, Race for the Cure, Sloan Kettering, and a constant succession of visits to the psychotherapist, healing touch therapist, support group meetings – which I know are all good for me, but ultimately are tiring– these have taken a toll. My body is telling me to rest. So I’m in bed today. I need the rest. I need to rebuild strength.
When you have cancer, every single ache and pain is scary. Right now, I also have a pain in the side of my abdomen. It feels muscular, and I’m hoping that’s all it is. But it’s always scary. So I’m taking it easy, nurturing my body, taking Xeloda (started yesterday), and visualizing myself healing. One day at a time – it’s a cliché for a reason.
posted by Rachel Troxell at 1:24 PM
7 Comments:
Rachel,
kick back and enjoy some mindless tv tonight like Bob Barker's special. Feel better soon...
Rachel,
I have been reading your blogs since leigh introduced you on Feelyourboobies.com
I rejoice when you do and want to give you a hug on the tougher days.
Baby yourself tonight. Know that there are so many of us out here, sending prayers, love and compassion for you always.
Rachel,
Hope you feel better today. Even if you do, another day of pampering yourself is the very least you deserve - go for it!
You've become part of my daily life - a psalm a day, your blog at some point every day, your name in my prayers at nite - and today, just for the hell of it, I send you an extra warm hug.
Connie
I'm so glad Sloan Kettering concurred with your treatment. At least you know that a good plan is in place. As I looked through your blogs, you really go, go, go and do, do, do. Now you need some you time. Relax, pamper yourself, and feel the love from your blog readers. You make a difference for us every day in everything we do. When a challenge comes up I ask myself, "How you would Rachel handle it?" and hope I have your strength. Take care of yourself. There are lots of us out here sending caring, love and hope.
Rachel,
I just am checking in to remind you of the love and support beig set your way.
I hope you are feeling better today.
Rent a comedy today. Laughing is a great tool in this battle.
hey rach, it's leigh. just checking on you and sending positive vibes your way. it's a beautiful day today and i hope you can take some time to just sit and relax and feel the spring breeze -- does wonders to clear out the cobwebs. love and hugs from boobies central.
Hi Rachel,
Just checking in again. I want to send some love and positive energy your way.
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