On my way. . .

I decided to up my prednisone dose yesterday from 5mg to 7.5mg.


I really wanted to wait until I was reassured al the side effects from my chemotherapy had subsided. Weeks three and four are generally the worst for counts, and thereby, worse for side effects like fatigue, constant sleeping, nausea, lack of an appetite. Really, just slowing everything down.


I haven't been motivated to do anything for a while now.


These symptoms are also the symptoms of Addison's disease, and having been on prednisone so long, being diagnosed with Addison's previously, it's not a far stretch to think that my adrenals probably aren't working at tip top condition.


And I am ready to have some fun.


I haven't been fully honest about the extent of the side effects of my cancer or treatment with anyone. I've recently started to tell a select group, mostly out of necessity, because if they know I'm having these problems they won't ask me to do so much helping.

Most importantly, my average blood pressure is 90/50. For an athlete, this would be a great strong heart. For a cancer patient, this means I don't have enough volume in my blood, created by things such as cells, to maintain a healthy pressure.


Everytime I bend over (which I don't anymore), just bend at the knees and stand, or move from lying to sitting to standing quickly, I experience serious orthostatic hypotension.


Yes, many people have this. They get a little light headed, they see a little black, then they go about their business.
Mine goes beyond that, I see black and stars and feel lightheaded, right before I lose my breath, I get cold and feel like my heads been blown off.


I need to sit down immediately. I do fear sometime I'm going to pass hot in public, at a soccer game, school event or some other place in front of a lot of children.


I'm hoping the medication to boost my bone marrow and the bone marrow soup will assist with this. All tradition medicine had to offer was a peek at medications I'm all ready taking to see if any could be contributing. They aren't, I need more blood volume full of happy healthy cells.
I think I'm on my way to feeling better. :)