OK, I am starting to look like I am nine months pregnant! I have had a distended stomach prior to the back surgery. I thought it would be something that would just go away, but here we are weeks later and it still is HUGE!
Not only is the stomach gross to look at, but it is also extremely uncomfortable. The only way I can describe it is that it feels like I ate way too much and didn’t stop there. When I was in the hospital I was very concerned and had an ultrasound and X-Ray completed. The ultrasound didn’t show anything alarming with inflammation of the pancreas (which is what the doc was on the lookout for). The X-Ray didn’t show much either except for that I am constipated, which is to be expected from all of the pain medication that I am taking. To help combat this, I am on two stool softeners, and two laxatives! I’m not sure what else I can take! My body hurts from heading to the bathroom every 15 minutes!
I have heard several times from the docs that they believe that the distention could be from the steroids that I am taking (Decadron). I think I read somewhere that the Decadron is 20x stronger than Prednisone (another steroid) which is pretty hard core. I have heard that typically the steroids cause a redistribution of fat cells and cause weight gain from increased appetite and fluid retention. Some refer to this as the “moon face” or stomach that is common in cancer patients. I can DEFINITELY attest to the increased appetite and cravings for sugary foods. I have never before been into sweets much, but now it’s like I can’t get enough cookies, chocolate, fruit, candy, etc. In the past, I always craved salty food like chips and salsa. I think a good portion of this had to do with the alcohol I was consuming, and you gotta admit, there is nothing like a fat, juicy, salty, burrito when you are hung over. Anyhow, I keep telling myself that as soon as I start chemo again I won’t be up for eating much, so it’s kind of like I am “preparing for battle”!
This morning Debra and I went for a walk around the Biltmore hills. Our walk was going to be a short 20 minute stroll until I received a call from the radiologist saying that my appointment for the morning would need to be pushed back. So, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and walk up through the hills and neighborhoods by Lincoln Drive. About an hour later, we finally returned to the car. I was really sore, but surprised at how much energy I had and how far I was able to walk! I just hope that I am not pushing myself too hard. I just keep feeling like I need to take advantage of the next week or so prior to chemo and try to build up as much strength as possible. After all, I have been sitting in hospital beds for the past month and have virtually lost all strength (at least that’s what it feels like).
I have on my “to do” list to call for information on a physical therapy rehabilitation program that is specific to my cancer situation with the bone mets. I want to be extremely careful and not mess up any of the backbone work the docs performed during surgery as well as cause any new fractures to my vertebrae or ribs.
Another annoying factor since I have been home is the damn back brace! It has been easier to get on and off than I first thought; however it is the CONSTANT taking of the brace on and off that is so annoying! Every time I go to the bathroom I have to adjust. Sitting in the car is extremely uncomfortable since the torso doesn’t quite fit like it should when you are sitting. Then there is the people that ask “what happened” and I have to tell them the short story of the operation. I guess I should feel blessed though that in this day in age, the material isn’t half bad. It could be a body cast which is much worse. And I guess I only have to wear this thing for 6 weeks. Some patients have to wear the brace for years! The brace does make me feel more supported and helps me to not swivel too fast in one direction. This morning, I reached to fast out of bed to grab the phone without the brace and it felt like I almost tore my stomach muscle out! So all in all, I guess there are some positives to this crappy pink situation!