Today is my last pill of Cytoxan, the chemo drug that I've been taking daily for six months! This completes the first stage of my 18 month treatment plan. I am switching over to a "maintenance" drug called Azathioprine, and I will be on it for one year. it's a disease modifying antirheumatic drug that is also immunosuppressive. So it should help with keeping the arthritis and vasculitis at bay. The doctor said that the 18 month treatment plan with the two drugs was the best way of battling the Wegners and having less chances of flare ups.
I have been in a transition week on the new drug and seem to be tolerating it well so far. Unfortunately one of the side effects is hair loss / thinning, and it seems like that's the one that I'm experiencing. I've lost a lot of hair over the last six months from the Cytoxan. Nothing dramatic, but a little every day adds up! And my hair has been falling out every day! Each morning, as I brush my hair I have to wipe out the sprinkling of hair that falls in the sink. It's been my morning ritual for six months, and it looks like it's going to continue for some time. I'm looking into getting some hair extensions or possibly a wig as it's getting harder to cover up my bald spots!
I'm continuing to wean off the Prednisone. I'm at 2 pills a day and in 2 weeks I'll be down to 1. I've been experiencing some joint stiffness, so I'm hoping that the new drug will kick in to cover it as the Prednisone dosage tapers.
All things considered, I am doing very well. I feel stronger and am able to walk for longer periods of time and I'm noticing more strength in my legs as I can walk up stairs with less pain and requiring less assistance from others.
i continue to be grateful to God for sparing my life and allowing me more time to enjoy my family!
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1 comment:
Such good news Tam! This is exciting. Glad you are doing better and that you're transitioning into a new phase of treatment!
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