sms43's Journal

Yesterday I had routine blood work done.  I told the lab tech that I was lightheaded and short of breath and she asked if I would wait and see the nurse.  I did, and she checked pulse/ox -O2 was fine, but my pulse was racing - 130 and all I had done was walk from the front waiting area to the infusion center, about 50 feet.  And I was very SOB.  She went away and when she came back she said my oncologist was going to see me.  He listened to my lungs, then said he wanted a CT scan of my lungs to ensure there wasn't another clot.  He cancelled my CT of the belly area that was scheduled for Friday and had them do both lungs and belly area yesterday.  No clot, thank God!  Said to call him today.  He also said that my red cells were low and that could account for SOB.  I've got so many damn strikes against me!  Anyway, he said he didn't want to do a transfusion, so he was going to give me "growth something"?? in the infusion on Tuesday when I'm scheduled for chemo.  Supposed to boost the production of RBC.  My partner thinks he must be talking about Epogen.   

After I left there, I had an appointment with my eye doctor and it's just around the corner.  I was so lightheaded and SOB that when I got in there I couldn't even say my name until I recovered.  Then I began to sweat, which happens when my BP drops too low - I was soaked and it was pouring out of me.  They got me a glass of water and I asked for another.  I have to get new glasses.  My eyes have aged 10 years in the last 6 months, due to chemo!  He said it is not unusual with chemo, and sometimes the vision will revert to where it was when chemo is over.  After I picked out frames (I'll be anxious to see what I picked, I was so out of it), I was getting ready to leave and they wanted me to bring in my insurance cards, which I had left in my wallet in the car.  They saw I was still in distress and one of the receptionists asked if I'd like for her to go with me to the car, get the cards, take them inside to copy them and bring them back.  Of course I said yes.  Then, after about my 3d attempt, I got up and thought I was good to go.  NOT!  I don't know why, but I tripped on the chair leg and splat - down I went, right there in their waiting room, slinging my plastic cup of water all over the floor, all over me, etc.  No one else was there at the time, but I was still so embarrassed.  I was crying and apologizing.  Thank God, I wasn't hurt; I'm just a little sore this morning.  I finally was able to get up, and with the help of one of the gals, get to my car where I got the cards.  Then I had to come home and feed the dogs and be back at the oncology center where I had the CT scans at 1.  The good news - no clot!  Of course the bad news is that I don't know what is causing this shortness of breath and lightheadedness.  I know my BP sometimes falls pretty low, but I don't think that accounts for all of it.  It seems to be getting worse.

Whew!  I'm pooped!