Breathe Deep

Breathing is not the easiest thing for me to do well these days.  At my last appointment, it was discovered that I had about a liter of fluid on each lung.  I had both lungs drained and was breathing easier, but I've noticed over the past few days that my breathing is a bit labored again.  In addition, I have a cough that I can't seem to kick.  Both issues are worrisome, and yet both can be handled.  I met with a pulmonary oncologist who let me know of the treatments that can be done for the pleural effusion (fluid in the lining of the lungs).  Treatments range from just draining as needed to surgery that seals the pleura so no fluid can build in it.  The cough?  Well that's anyone's guess.  I've been on allergy meds like Allegra and Singulair, steroid inhalers, Prilosec, OTC and prescription cough meds.  You name it, nothing has helped.  I've been told it could be a small spot somewhere hidden on my lungs that is causing it, but I am not sure I'm willing to do a bronchial scope to see if it is.  Whatever the next chemo is that works will take care of it if it's caused by cancer.  I'm not convinced.  I had a chronic cough for a while around when I was diagnosed with Celiac. I went gluten free and after a few months, the cough was gone.  I have a feeling my relaxed attitude toward cross contamination has caught up with me and has manifested itself in another cough.

So because the cancer is still contained in my lymphatic system (even the fluid on the lungs is a result of the cancer blocking up the lymph vessels), I'm going to try to heal with nutrition.  I've gotten some good plant strong cook books and healing with food books and I'm going to try and help this chemo do its thing.  Plant strong, low sugar.  That's the diet from now on.  I'm not messing around.  I ordered a rebounder because it's supposed to be the best exercise to move lymph fluid, which is what I need both for the lymphedema and the cancer.  Increased oxygen in the cells kills cancer.  Exercise increases oxygen.  Since my lungs aren't doing a great job of it right now, I need to help my body get oxygen in whatever way I can.  Rebounding is low impact and something I can manage for 10-15 minutes, 2x a day.  Plus, Kat loves it and it keeps her occupied and burns off some of that boundless energy, so that's an added bonus.

I also had my chemo regimen changed at my last appointment.  I'm now on irinotecan, which is the last standard therapy for gastric cancer available.  It sucks.  It's a 2 hour treatment and I get a shot of atropine prior to control the lovely side effect of explosive diarrhea.  Atropine wipes me out, so it's really a waste of a day.  I've called Penn and Sloan Kettering to let them know they need to start looking out for clinical trials for which I might qualify.  Fox Chase has nothing for me right now.

Cancer sucks ass.

That's it for now.

xo,
Lisa