Side Effects Not Terrible, So Far

About three weeks ago we posted and Kristi told you that she’d be starting two chemo-like therapies, one for the sarcoma and one for the lymphoma. And she had just begun a drug that was supposed to help with nerve pain. For those of you interested in details:

Rituximab: an infusion for the lymphoma

Votrient: pills taken daily for the sarcoma

Cymbalta: a drug used mostly for depression but also prescribed for nerve pain, often for osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia

As far as the pain, the Cymbalta has had little effect. They told her to give it three to four weeks, but her pain has not subsided at all. 

She also began the Votrient, increasing the dose each week. She will get to four pills per day and then possible back off to fewer depending on side effects and effectiveness. The side effects of the Votrient are not too bad. If you look them up, she deals with the basic ones to some degree. The biggest side effect though is fatigue — and we’re not totally sure if the fatigue is from several factors — but she thinks the Votrient is a big contributor.

She will probably stay on some dose of the Votrient for some time, as long as it keeps the sarcoma from growing — which is the goal.  We are anxious for her next scans which are some time away from now still. 

It would be nice if the Cymbalta is causing the extreme fatigue or some of it, as we don’t think it’s helping her pain at all, so will be asking to stop it soon. 

Because of scheduling issues and doctors’ vacations, she will start the Rituximab infusions on August 4 in Fresno. It will be an all-day infusion, one per week for at least four weeks.  This drug is supposed to do really well in combating lymphoma, and as Kristi said in the last post, we are hopeful these treatments will knock it down so we don’t have to worry about the lymphoma for a while. 


Not a real recent pic, but I love this one … first, for the location, which we both yearn to see again — Moorea, French Polynesia — and second, because it reminds me of the the dedicated and adventurous spirit Kristi has. In between being a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher … she’s always ready to explore the world. 


Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 4:52 PM

    You Rock Kristi. 🥰

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 4:53 PM

    Love you Kristi! Praying that you will have joy amongst these struggles.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 4:54 PM

    Thank you for the update🌸🌼🌺. Love you and praying 💗

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 5:09 PM

    Thank you for the update! We will keep you in our prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 6:17 PM

    Thanks for the updates. Know you are prayed for.
    You should check with Dee she used a different fibromyalgia medication. It might help.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 7:49 PM

    Praying for success 🙏 Rituximab one medication Shasta has used. I love you all 🩷Aunt Mary

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJuly 25, 2023 at 8:46 PM

    ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Peters PorchJuly 25, 2023 at 9:25 PM

    Thanks for the update. Lifting you both up in prayer as you continue to fight this battle from different angles. I have always admired your team spirit and the way the way you love and support one another. You are both a force to be reckoned with.
    Praying also for God’s intervention, wisdom and healing hands during this time to remove your pain Kristi and help you to regain some energy. Love you so much friend. See you soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. MaariJuly 26, 2023 at 10:44 AM

    Kristi, You’re an amazing fighter! I am in awe of you! The Lord isn’t finished with you yet! You continue to bless everyone around you! Love always, Maari

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJuly 26, 2023 at 1:06 PM

    You are amazing and I hope the meds start to work and take your pain away.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJuly 26, 2023 at 6:41 PM

    Thank you, everyone. Jim and I appreciate your support, kind words, prayers and love. ❤️

    ReplyDelete

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