Day 76 - November 28 2011

Well, my experiment with 12.5 mg of Benadryl last night DID HELP me sleep. I actually slept 5 straight hours without getting up! I had a bit of a headache when I woke, but after my morning coffee, I was fine.

On this Day 76, I walked 1.10 miles today with the dogs. I just had to! I'm still worried about the blood clots in my heart - but, I just had to take the maybe risk. Still haven't heard from scheduling about my repeat echocardiogram.

Day 75 - November 27 2011

Now, I seem to be reacting to my own silk Durapore tape - so, did away with the entire bandage today, Day 75, over my Trifusion Hickman Catheter site. It is no longer draining at all. I can actually mash on my chest over the site with only slight tenderness.

I have not been sleeping well EVER. My usual pattern is 2 hours of sleep - UP - 2 more hours and UP, etc. etc. So, I bought some children's liquid benadryl today and plan to take 12.5 mg (usual adult dose is 25 mg) at bedtime.

Day 11 - Platelet Transfusion September 24 2011

I did need a platelet transfusion this morning for my platelet count of 20. Unfortunately for ME, all transfusions require benadryl and tylenol pre-treatment to prevent a reaction to the blood products. So, I'm sitting here in a benadryl drugged haze AGAIN that also includes a very dry mouth - oops, I'm whining~~~~
After the platelet transfusion, they drew my blood again and my platelets have gone up to 66.

Finished 14 days of Revlimid (July 5-18 2011)

I finished my first 14 day supply of Revlimid tonight. I started on July 5 2011. On day July 9 2011 (Day 5), my scalp felt like it was on fire with itching and I broke out with hives on my torso, back and thighs. I took Benadryl with the Revlimid after that so I could continue taking the all important medicine. On July 16 2011 (Day 12), I took one Zyrtec pill for the Revlimid rash and itching which was the WRONG thing to do. I had a TERRIBLE REACTION to Zyrtec and will never take it AGAIN! On July 18 2011 (Day 14), my Revlimid rash has dissipated and the areas of the largest hives has turned to thickened red skin.

Now, I am off all chemotherapy for 7 days until July 26 2011 when I will start my 3rd cycle of Velcade/Decadron/Aloxi and my 2nd cycle of Revlimid (14 days out of every 21).

Benadryl is my new BFF~ Monday July 11 2011

I took my 25 mg of Revlimid with 25 mg of Benadryl at bedtime last night. I still have hives on my torso and my scalp only feels 1/2 as much on fire as Saturday, but I'm not itching like I was. I slept pretty soundly too - so, that was good.

I will have to adust to the Benadryl "hangover" feeling - but, at least it has enabled me to take my Revlimid which is KEY to my bone marrow recovery. So, Benadryl is my new Best Friend (hopefully, not FOREVER).

Revlimid rash and itching somewhat better this morning July 10 2011

I took 25 mg of Benadryl again at 1 AM and woke with hives in just a few areas on my abdomen and sides this morning. Jani helped me put steroid cream on those areaes. The skin on my torso and back still feel scalded, but not as bad. Will delay my 6th dose of Revlimid 25 mg until tonight when I can take Benadryl 25 mg with it.



A New Problem - Itchin'in Colorado July 9 2011

I took my 5th daily dose of 14 of Revlimid 25 mg this morning. By mid-morning, my scalp was itching. By mid-afternoon, I felt like the skin on my torso was scalded as if someone had SLAPPED me HARD all over. I called Sandy Baird to ask if she ever had an itchy scalp from Revlimid and she said she hadn't, but that her pharmacist suggested she have steroid cream on hand just in case.


I looked online and everything said if you developed itching, you should let your health care provider know right away. So,called my oncologist’s office and got an automated answering machine that said to PUSH 3 if calling after hours (it’s Saturday), so I pushed 3 and IMMEDIATELY, I heard, “This is Dr. Moore.” I asked the male voice if this was the answering service for Dr. Moore and he said, "NO, this is Dr. Moore." I couldn’t believe my good fortune –since Dr. Moore is my ULTRA FINE oncologist and just happened to be on call today and answered the phone himself.

I told Dr. Moore about the itching and he suggested I rub my head with either Benadryl cream or steroid cream and take a Benadryl pill. Jani sprayed my scalp with steroid spray and I took the Benadryl 25 mg at 5:30 PM and slept until 9 PM which is totally NOT ME~!  I still feel like my skin is scalded…but, I’m not itching as much. Dr. Moore really wants me to try and work through the itching and stay on Revlimid because I need it.  I’m just hoping I can tolerate it or the Benadryl.  A little medicine has always gone a long way with me – and it is not surprising that the Benadryl did me in tonight. I also clipped my fingernails short, so if I do scratch, I won't do as much damage.

Maybe I should take the Revlimid at night along with Benadryl instead of in the morning. I think I'm going to try that out tomorrow - skipping my morning dose and not taking it until bedtime along with a Benadryl pill.