OK. Test-within-Test 3.0. Edema. I gained 10 pounds in a week. My One-Pack abs didn't magically turn into a Six-Pack so it's obviously not muscle. And I'm puffy all over, like the Michelin Man.
It's a common side effect of hypothyroidism which is most likely a side effect of Montezuma Mucho and a compromised liver since those two are where thyroid hormone (T4) is converted to useable form (T3). Low T3 is the cause of hypothyroidism. Cascading side effects! What next? Sheesh!
I'm not feeling the bone-crushing fatigue I had in Chemo 1.0 (once I started IV vitamin C treatments), but between the chemo brain (see Update #7) and hypothyroidism my stamina has become frustratingly limited. Every project requires frequent rest periods, which certainly reduces productivity. I'm still working on last year's Honey-Do list as this year's grows longer. Argggh! But as I scan the chemo drip room I see so many patients much worse off physically and I have new appreciation for Job and his trials. Gratitude for the "little" miracles God provides every day.
My list of "supplements" grows:
• A second Atropine shot for the Montezuma’s revenge, plus Akkermansia, a test for C-diff (a very serious bacterial infection) and a prescription for Diphenoxy-Atropine to replace OTC Loperamide (Imodium), Simethicone (Gas-X) and Pepto-Bismol, which slowed things down to be more tolerable (an important feature during the 6-hour drives! Washington has nice rest stops every 40 miles, but...). However they didn't solve the problem. My naturopath prescribed Heather's Tummy Fiber to replace the MiraLax my surgeon prescribed and psyllium.
• Two Procrit shots so far for [transferrin] anemia plus Lactoferrin. Also H48 (Honso Kampo Shi Quan Da Bu Tang) and my naturopath's Immune & Rebuild Tonic.
• A prescription for NP/Armour Thyroid for the hypothyroidism.
• A prescription of Spironolactone for the edema.
I'm beginning to feel like a walking pharmacy. But, I'm battling the statistically most fatal cancer, and the "relaxed" approach of Chemo 1.0 was a flop, so time to go "all in." To run toward the Light... "Consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance." James 1:2-3 NET
Because Dr. Chen is an integrative oncologist, treatments are proactive. He includes alternative treatments and he and his staff emphasize natural medicines as well as pharmaceuticals if naturals don't do the job. My Naturopath is also integrative so she is OK with the pharmaceutical chemo and prescribes natural medicines to supplement what Dr. Chen is doing. A way different approach than Chemo 1.0, which was all reactive and all pharmaceutical all the time.
God has a Plan and still isn't hinting how or when this will end. I guess He doesn't need my help <grin>. One day at a time, God's got it handled. "So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NET
This is obviously and expectedly going to go beyond the currently scheduled 12 treatments. Our friend who Dr. Chen treated for Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with this same protocol had 64(!!) treatments. We're praying The Plan has some provision for treatments closer to IDAHOme. Whatever the Plan, God will provide what we need to follow it. Belief is easy, trust is harder.
Hangin' in there