Cancer Wars - Protien Wars
Had my doctor’s visit yesterday morning. Should have new numbers in a few days … so will update when I get those.
Anyway, because today was a combo chemo cocktail day (i.e., Abraxine and Avastin), I had to give ‘em a urine sample. They won’t give me the Avastin if I have excessive protein in my system. Can’t remember why and I really gotta ask about that. Well, because of the cold last week, an impending bladder infection (oh … joy) and whatever circumstances, I had excessive protein. So … no Avastin today.
To top it off, Dr. D wants to monitor the protein. He now wants a 24 hour urine collection. A collection … I kid you not. I asked if he just wanted samples of each time I pee and he said no … he wants all of it. Ewwww. I go to labs and they give me this huge jug and a contraption which fits over the toilet so I can pee into it and then pour it into the jug. Talk about bizarre.
So guess what I’ll be doing on Sunday? I may as well spend the day at home because with the bladder infection, I feel like I have to pee every five minutes anyway. No way am I gonna get caught out where I have to rush home to pee in a pot and then transfer it to a jug.
Needless to say, I’m not particularly happy with this. 
At least I got a prescription to start clearing up the bladder infection. Just another fun filled event in the cancer war.
On a side note … Sharon, who I see periodically at the clinic informed me that yesterday was her final chemo treatment. Way to go, Sharon. No offence, but I never want to see you there again.
And remember to repeat after me …“YOU ARE A CANCER WARRIOR”
February 26th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Oh no! The indignity of it. Liz, I’m really feeling for you.
You’ll get through this. I just hope it’s soon.
February 26th, 2010 at 7:20 am
This blog sounds crabbier than it really is, Edie. I was joking with the lab people and Carrie was giving me a hard time … so I guess its all attitude.
I certainly managed to gross out the little darlin’ when I told her that I had to save all my urine.
Little kids don’t take gross well.
February 26th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Oh, dear, that doesn’t sound too pleasant - especially if you have a bladder infection. On the other hand, like you said, you’ll be going a lot anyway, so make that doctor be careful what he asks for.
YOU ARE A CANCER WARRIOR.
February 26th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
It’ll be interesting to see how dexerous I am. Having to pour pee into a jug would encourage me to have a steady hand.
I guess we’ll find out by Sunday evening how much output I do in a day. Since I began taking the antibiotic the doctor prescribed yesterday, I’m already feeling a difference in my “urges” to pee.
On a side note, my little darlin’ was horrified when I told her I would be blogging about this. Heh, heh, heh.
February 27th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
My son would go “What? She has to collect her pee! How weird!” Eddie, at the moment, thinks that any mention of poop, pee, or farting is funny. Boys!
Bummer about the bladder infection, though. That sucks! And, wow, too much protein? Is that because of your diet? Or is your digestive system wonky because of the chemo? Yeesh.
Well, I hope it clears up quickly. Take care of yourself and rest!
March 1st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
The infection must be under control because I don’t feel the pressure so much any more. Whew! Never liked that type of infection. Uncomfortable and just plain irritating.
Yeah, what is it with little kids and potty mouths? Erin giggles with the best of them when gross terms come up. It was just the fact that mom was discussing something like that on the internet. Whewwwwww!
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:49 am
Stay strong Liz! You’re an inspiration to many women.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:48 am
Thank you. Doin’ my best.