The last several weeks have been difficult from a side-effects perspective. This is a bit disappointing. Among the list of annoying side effects, the one that has been the most bothersome has been fatigue. I’ve been so fatigued that I haven’t blogged much. In fact some days I take three 2-hour naps – doesn’t leave a lot of time for anything else. Now, I’ve always been a big fan of the afternoon nap, but this is ridiculous.
In recent days, I’ve also had a lot of shortness of breath – as in I walk across the room and then need to sit and take a deep breath. Rob got concerned about it and called the authorities (she called my oncologist’s office to ask about it). I then got a call from the nurse telling me to go to the emergency room. So, having been “outed”, I spent the evening yesterday in the company of my friends at Morristown Memorial’s ER. I’ve been there enough now that I think if I go one more time, I’ll get a free night’s stay!
The reason for the ER trip was that shortness of breath and elevated heart rate (mine was 113 when I checked in) can be signs of a pulmonary embolism or a blood clot in the lungs. So, I got an ECG, a ride in the CAT scan machine and a chest XRay. Thankfully, all were clear. The ER doctor said that he wasn’t sure what the problem was other than a chemo side effect and that I should speak to my oncologist. He did give me an Albuterol treatment which is basically inhaling a mist through a mask. This is supposed to help open up your airways. And he gave me an Albuterol inhaler to bring home.
So, another evening at the ER - but the result was nothing life threatening so I’m thankful for that. I hope you all are well. Wake me when it's time to blog some more!…BB
In recent days, I’ve also had a lot of shortness of breath – as in I walk across the room and then need to sit and take a deep breath. Rob got concerned about it and called the authorities (she called my oncologist’s office to ask about it). I then got a call from the nurse telling me to go to the emergency room. So, having been “outed”, I spent the evening yesterday in the company of my friends at Morristown Memorial’s ER. I’ve been there enough now that I think if I go one more time, I’ll get a free night’s stay!
The reason for the ER trip was that shortness of breath and elevated heart rate (mine was 113 when I checked in) can be signs of a pulmonary embolism or a blood clot in the lungs. So, I got an ECG, a ride in the CAT scan machine and a chest XRay. Thankfully, all were clear. The ER doctor said that he wasn’t sure what the problem was other than a chemo side effect and that I should speak to my oncologist. He did give me an Albuterol treatment which is basically inhaling a mist through a mask. This is supposed to help open up your airways. And he gave me an Albuterol inhaler to bring home.
So, another evening at the ER - but the result was nothing life threatening so I’m thankful for that. I hope you all are well. Wake me when it's time to blog some more!…BB
1 comment:
Where DID you find that cat photo?? If it were cross-eyed, it would be perfect!
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