NEUTROPENIA, LYMPHEDEMA, AND SHINGLES-OH, MY!

So, the trend continues with another somewhat whiny post. I'm sorry, but honesty is essential, right?

Well, I can honestly say I have had a rough few weeks. 

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been dealing with neutropenia and everything that goes along with that. 

When I saw my oncologist a week after that post, my numbers were up a little, but the doctor decided I should still only take one Verzenio pill a day instead of the full dose of 2 a day. 

Not taking the full dose makes me very nervous because the pills have been working well, and I hate to rock THAT boat.

LYMPHEDEMA 

As I've said before, lymphedema is "not just a little swelling." It affects us physically, practically, and emotionally. 

Sometimes, even though I am so thankful for the treatments that have kept me alive, I feel it's unfair to have to deal with these side effects from those treatments. 

Oddly enough, I think I get more distraught over the lymphedema than I do with the fact that I lost a breast?! 

Buying a new dress or top can be an ordeal. I either have to find something with balloon-type sleeves or purchase something too big for the rest of my body to accommodate the affected arm. 

I have mentioned how happy I am that my son will marry his beautiful fiancee next month. However, finding an attractive, appropriate dress that would camouflage my Popeye arm was challenging! It didn't help that most of my searching had to be done online because it is so risky being in crowds in the malls and in other stores, with me being so immunocompromised. 

However, I am happy to announce that I have found a dress for the wedding, complete with big, beautiful,  puffy sleeves that make the big arm less noticeable! Now for the shoes, purse, undergarments, etc. I am beyond excited for April 13th!!

I will post pictures after the wedding!

BUTT NOW.....SHINGLES???

Nope, I didn't misspell but! I have been dealing with a shingles outbreak for about a week and a half. And, of all places, the rash/blisters started on my left buttock.

The doctor said I should do everything possible to prevent the blisters from bursting. He also said this is not a good place to have shingles. Really? Is it NOT?

I was started on an anti-viral medication immediately and have since been given a prescription for Gabapentin to take at bedtime for the severe nerve pain I am experiencing. I was also prescribed Tramadol to use for the next week or so as needed.

The rash has now spread all down my leg, but I can see no new blisters. Hopefully, this will end soon.

If you are eligible for a shingles vaccine but have been putting off getting one, I strongly urge you to immediately get the first of the two shots! 

I will see my Oncologist on Tuesday for my regular monthly visit for labs, doctor's visit, and, hopefully, my Faslodex injections (part of my cancer treatment.) I am praying the shingles will be much better and my ANC and WBC are both improved at that time.

I sincerely hope I have nothing to whine about when I write my next post!

Y'all take care!