My Gramma Has Dementia and I have Cancer: After my diagnosis

There have been many changes since I have been diagnosed with breast cancer in October of last year. But due to GM's dementia, she has not noticed any of them. It is kind of interesting because while time continues to fly by for me, it almost stands completely still for GM.

For example, when I went to get my surgery done, I was recovering at my Dad and Step-mom's house and GM didn't notice that I was gone for three weeks.

Since then I have had my first chemotherapy infusion (My second infusion is coming later this week). And like last time, after chemotherapy I am going to hang out and be sick at my Dad and Step-mom's house (so I don't have to look after GM and her dementia-related idiosyncrasies [that will be another post all on its own] as well) and Auntj and Unclej will be doing my usual GM stuff while I am gone.

In the meantime, chemotherapy's most infamous side effect chose to show itself yesterday and it continues today (and probably will continue for a few days after). My hair is now falling out. GM hasn't noticed that I have been going around the house leaving big giant handful's of hair on the furniture. Yeah I do clean that up but I don't always catch it immediately. Yesterday my hair still sort of looked ok but now it is very patchy and is still falling out. I have since put on my little green hat (that a friend of my Step-mom's crocheted) both to keep my head warm and because I feel weird walking around with big bald patches on my head (I did have my hat off for part of the day and GM didn't notice anything was up with my hair.). I know it will continue falling out and look even weirder tomorrow.

I am glad GM's illness keeps her from fully realizing what is up. Before her dementia she would have been very worried about me (and also about Unclej who has colon cancer.).

Vocabulary

Adriamycin ( brand name for Doxorubicin.): This medication is used to treat: breast cancer, ovarian cancer, transitional cell bladder cancer, bronchogenic lung cancer, thyroid cancer, gastric cancer, soft tissue and osteogenic sarcomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, malignant lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's), acute myeloblastic leukemia. acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Doxorubicin is a type of antibiotic that is only used in cancer chemotherapy. It slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have. (Click here for source.)
antiemetic: A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting. (Click here for source.)
Benadryl ( Brand name of Diphenhyrdamine.: Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication. Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. (Click here for source.)
chemotherapy: A treatment with drugs that kills cancer cells. (Click here for source.)
Compazine (Brand name of Prochloperazine.): Prochlorperazine suppositories and tablets are used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine tablets are also used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Prochlorperazine tablets are also used on a short-term basis to treat anxiety that could not be controlled by other medications. Prochlorperazine should not be used to treat any condition in children who are younger than 2 years old or who weigh less than 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms). Prochlorperazine is in a class of medications called conventional antipsychotics. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. (Click here for source.)
CT scan: A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken at different angles. The pictures are taken by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called CAT scan, computerized axial tomography scan, and computerized tomography. (Click here for source.)
Corticosteroid: Any steroid hormone made in the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland). They are also made in the laboratory. Cortecosteroids have many different effects in the body, and are used to treat many different conditions. They may be used as hormone replacement, to suppress the immune system, and to treat some side effects of cancer and its treatment. Corticosteroids are also used to treat certain lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias. (Click here for source.)
Cytoxan (brand name for Cychlophsamide): This medication is used to treat: lymphomas, multiple myeloma, leukemias, mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, ovarian carcinoma, retinoblastoma, breast cancer. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Cyclophosphamide is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have. (Click here for source.)
Grade: A description of a tumor based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems are different for each type of cancer. (Click here for source.)
Heperin: Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of clots that have already formed in the blood vessels, but it cannot be used to decrease the size of clots that have already formed. Heparin is also used in small amounts to prevent blood clots from forming in catheters (small plastic tubes through which medication can be administered or blood drawn) that are left in veins over a period of time. Heparin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood. (Click here for source.)
mastectomy: Surgery to remove the breast (or as much breast tissue as possible). (Click here for source.)
Neulasta: Chemotherapy (also known as chemo) works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemo can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including red and white blood cells. As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of some types of chemotherapy is a low white blood cell count.1,4,5 Chemo that causes this side effect is described as myelosuppressive (my-eh-low-suh-PRESS-iv), because it suppresses your production of white blood cells. A low white blood cell count—also known as neutropenia (new-tro-pee-nee-uh)—can place some patients at risk for severe infections and interruptions in cancer treatment.1-3 In fact, complications associated with a low white blood cell count are the most common causes of dose reductions or delays in chemotherapy. 6-8 Neulasta® is a white blood cell booster to help support your natural defenses and help reduce the risk of infection in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy. (Click here for source.)
PET scan: A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called positron emission tomography scan. (Click here for source.)
port: An implanted device through which blood may be withdrawn and drugs may be infused without repeated needle sticks. Also called port-a-cath. (Click here for source.)
radiation: Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include, radon gas, cosmic waves from outer space, medical x-rays, energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable). (Click here for source.)
radical mastectomy: Surgery for breast cancer in which the breast, chest muscles, and all of the lymph nodes under the arm are removed. For many years, this was the breast cancer operation used most often, but it is used rarely now. Doctors consider radical mastectomy only when then tumor has spread to the chest muscles. Also called Halstead radical mastectomy. (Click here for source.)
Stage: The extent of cancer of in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. (Click here for source.)
Taxotere (brand name for Docetaxel ): Docetaxel injection is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancers. Docetaxel injection is in a class of medications called taxanes. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells. (Click here for source.)
Zofran: ( brand name for Ondansetron ): Ondansetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting. (Click here for source.)

My Gramma Has Dementia and I have Cancer

After my diagnosis

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