since my last chemo, i'd a new side effect, my left hand last two fingers r numb. the numbness does not go away no matter how i massage my fingers, how i move them. last sunday, when i was cutting my finger nails, i realised that all the fingers on the left hand were weak. i couldn't even clip my nails with my thumb and index finger.
today, i was told that my platelet count 60 is too low (normal is 150 - 400). Dr. DL said the cisplatin is affecting my bone marrow in producing platelets, and for that, i need to omit tomorrow's chemo. omit, meaning i'll hv 1 session less, no make up. he was very concern when i told him abt my numbness. i was prescribed with some neuroforte, which oso indirectly tells me that this is not a blood circulation problem, the chemicals probably hv some bad effects in the nerves. i was wondering if i did not voice out abt this numbness and go thru the next few sessions of chemo, will i eventually lose my left hand? from the facial expression of Dr. DL, this problem is more serious than i initially thought.
it's not too bad that i'm skipping the chemo tomorrow. at this toughest time (Dr. DL said one, the last two weeks would be the toughest time), skipping a session of chemo somehow lighten the misery. especially the weekend fatique and nausea feeling. i need a break. since i can't break the radiation therapy, a break from the chemotherapy is a consolation.
If you can sleep, try to sleep more. This will at least shorten the time you are suffering while awake. For your xerostomia (dry month) visit http://www.chemocare.com/managing/dry_mouth.asp
ReplyDeleteBe strong despites the current situations.
•Rinse mouth with water frequently (every 2 hrs while awake & when awake during the night). May add salt or baking soda (1/2 to 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water).
•Use saliva substitute (commercially available).
•Biotene® products can be purchased without a prescription. Products available for treating dry mouth are; mouthwash, toothpaste, as well as, chewing gum that has the pH of saliva.
•Oralbalance® moisturizing gel can be applied to the mouth or tongue and acts as a moisturizing coat.
•Apply lip moisturizer often (i.e. Chapstick®).
•Suck on tart hard candies (lemon drops, Jolly Ranchers®). Watch sugar content with candy - can produce cavities.
•Use cool mist room humidifier at night in the bedroom. A humidifier on the furnace doesn't provide enough humidity for treating dry mouth.
Found clues in getting nam nao.
ReplyDeleteBuses between Khon Kaen (102B, 2½ hours) and Phitsanulok travel through the park frequently.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Nam_Nao
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/khon-kaen-and-roi-et-provinces/nam-nao-national-park/transport/getting-there-away
http://www.thaiforestbooking.com/np_home.asp?lg=2&npid=36