Saturday, May 19, 2012

How's That Workin' For You?

Image above, about which I know NOTHING, found here. 

Lots of folks have been inquiring whether I think that my new medication -- rituximab -- aka mousie meds -- are doing any good.

Let's see, now. My first infusion was April 17th, and then my second was on May 1st. Dr. Young Guy told me that I should wait at least four weeks after my second infusion -- and that some people need to wait three months -- before I evaluate if it's doing anything for me.

I have been trying to be patient. But I think it's just human nature to want to explore and examine my response. So of course I have, at every opportunity. Here's my reaction, so far:

Well, the rash that plagued my chest and back is gone. Woo hoo! But I realize that this may be due to to the high doses of prednisone as much as the rituximab, so the jury is still out there.

I wish that I could report that my fatigue levels have been much improved, but dang. Not yet. I have been unusually busy over the last month, however. Who knows how I may have responded otherwise?

The one thing that I do know with some certainty is that I have been making more saliva. Yesssssss.

This awareness really sneaked up on me. I gradually realized that I was....swallowing something.....more. And that I actually did drool onto my pillow after a long afternoon nap. I find myself feeling as though I don't know what to do with this mysterious fluid pooling next to my cheek and gum.

Heck, yeah!

I reported this to Dr. Young Guy with excitement at my last visit. He took a look into my mouth and said that he too noted some "pooling of saliva".

Hehehehehe. Y'all know what this means, don't you?

Think, people.

Yes. It means that the next Terese/Julia vs Greg/John battle will include a new secret weapon: spitballs.

Why?

BECAUSE I CAN.

4 comments:

Omgrrrl said...

YAY for Pooling Saliva!

Kelly said...

That's promising news! So glad to hear it. Wouldn't you rather dedicate that emerging pool of saliva to something more yummy to chew than a wad of paper? Like, say, cake? Or banana bread? Or peanut butter? Maybe, joy of joys, there will be enough for spitballs AND cake! Go mousies!

Julia Oleinik said...

Kelly, Kelly.....girl. Weaponry is one of the few things more important than cake. Hehe

Jenny P said...

Julia, rarely have I felt more connected & proud to be a Sjoggie. You CAN, and you WILL, and I'll ENJOY. Get 'em good!!!

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