As expected, my dosage has been lowered by 25%. My feet especially are pealing and splitting around my toes. My hands just get red.

My bloodwork numbers are all ok. There’s no change in my tumour markers. There is “new tracer uptake” in my left and central sacrum (the triangle shaped bone in the middle of my pelvis) meaning I have new METS. All other METS haven’t changed enough to register. Hmmm she calls me stable even though I have a new MET and they have to lower my dosage AND she wants my next appointment to be in person?

The clinic here is going to find out if I’ve been assigned a new oncologist yet. I’m concerned that Cancer agency in Victoria hasn’t called me yet.

Wish my mom was still here. She could always settle my mind after my appointments.

Had my bone scan done yesterday. They did the normal head to toe the an extra scan around my hips because I said they hurt. They always hurt. That’s nothing new.

Had the CT today and I had to wait a few minutes because they had an emergency come in. I have a nice bruise. Again. Talking to the CT tech and she said they like dealing with cancer patients because we’re always kind and pleasant. Even though they would prefer not to see us at all.

I’ll be able to see the results in about a week.

Still no news on a new oncologist…

My oncologist is going on hiatus so my appointment with him on April 7th is cancelled until they can find a replacement for me. My GPO is going on mat leave. I’m at the point where my drug dosage will need to be changed or a new treatment plan is put in place. I don’t feel like this is the best time for this to happen.

I may be stopping my drugs in the next day or 2 at the recommendation of my GPO at our last visit. The skin on the bottoms of my feet in the wrinkles by my toes are starting to crack and them and my hands are sore and red. My fingertips are numb. They feel like the skin is just too small to fit. They’re drying out bad. I’m using the cream. A lot. I think these drugs are finally kicking in with side effects I can’t control.

Today life really sucks. If I’m going for quality over quantity, it’s kinda leaning away from quality right now.

I’ve had issues with the “hand and foot” side effect from Capecitabine this cycle. They’re red and I had a day where they were really red and sore. Hurt to walk. Fingerprints are almost non-existent and the touch feature on my phone and iPad don’t work all that well. So the drug is getting to be too much for my system. My GPO has said when the pain starts this cycle (she says when) to stop taking the drug until my next appointment and they’ll reduce the dosage.

I read on a fellow MBCer’s blog to keep a little notebook with me for a drug cycle and keep track of anything I experience related to my treatment. This will help me (and anyone around me who’s interested) in what I’m really dealing with. I have issues with giving myself a break or being kind to myself so hopefully this will help. My counsellor thinks it’s a good idea too.