Monday, April 21, 2008

Side Effects Update

Today is Day 18 on the turmeric experiment. I really believe that the open wound is healing. My ob/gyn thought that it only looked superficial on Friday. Today, it looked like the outside layer of skin is trying to form. I see Dr. Kenyon on Wednesday and will see what he says. I also believe that part of the red rash is fading, although there is one small area that wants to stay red.

On the other hand, I am starting to see more symptoms of hand-n-feet syndrome. The tips of my fingers are cracking, but mostly, all of my fingers are really red and I can no longer tolerate hot showers or washing dishes under hot water. Last week, after walking a lot, I ended up with painful blisters on the balls of my feet (under some small callouses, wouldn't you know?) and it hurt to walk. So, I took myself off of Xeloda on Thurs and Fri in order to let my body recover. My feet seem to be doing okay now, although I can't stand for too long these days.

All in all, though, even with these complaints, my side effects are tolerable. I continue to get good sleep and am staying active with both work and house projects, and helping Eddie at school. Hanging with friends when I can, too! I painted my bathroom this week-end - it's a little wild, but I think I like it. I will post pictures in the next couple of days!

2 comments:

Carver said...

Hi Dee, I'm sorry about your hands and feet. That sucks. I'm glad though that you are getting good rest and that the tumeric seems to be helping. I couldn't believe you got some snow this late. I hope it's passing on by and spring will be with you for good soon. Take care, Carver

Dee said...

Hi Carver,
Yeah, the snow this week-end is bizarre. We're all hoping for warmer weather soon - my lilacs will be blooming soon and some of my tulips have bloomed as well. And, yep, the hand-n-foot syndrome kinda sucks, but overall it's a minor side effect that I'm able to monitor - just took myself off of Xeloda long enough to make them feel normal. I'm back on it again, but I will keep it at the smaller dose (2 in the am and 2 in the pm Mon to Fri) for now. I saw what happened when I increased it to 3 and 2. Take care!