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"Gratitude is the capacity to stare doubt, loss, chaos and despair right in the eye and say, ‘I am still here.’" 

Diana Butler Bass

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Pesky Prednisone

Chamomile  tea warming by my bedside while a massaged glob of  lavender-infused  lotion disappears into my hands. Meditation music at the mere touch of a button ready to lull me into deep and restful slumber.  Insert diabolical laughter here. Too bad the steroids, I am currently taking to combat the nasty  Rheumatoid arthritis   side effects of Keytruda, are working against my desired result. That pesky Prednisone primed to keep me upright and awake into the morning's early hours is my new norm. Aside from the above, I've tried the old standards like reading in bed, wearing an eye mask and counting sheep. The latter proved really bad idea. Prednisone also sends my appetite soaring. Visions of fluffy ovis quickly transformed into succulent grilled lamb chops before they cleared the fence. I have no need to complain. Despite retaining constant under eye bags, steroids have failed to give me an over abundance facial hair or muscles....

Immunotherapy/Keytruda Side Effects?

I made it thru major surgery, radiation and even chemo with fewer side effects than immunotherapy has given me during the last month. I am on Keytruda for stage 4 endometrial cancer (tumor atop vagina). While a CTScan proved the Beast is on the run, my one knee, deltoids and ankle have experienced extreme pain and weakness.  Heavy-duty painkillers (which I hate) don't seem to extinguish the 24/7 agony. I had to start walking with my walker again months after walking without it and my hiking stick. Rats! My oncologist took me off today's infusion, put me on an anti inflammatory as my usual daily intake of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, green tea and tart cherry juice isn't working. I also have an appt with an orthopedic surgeon to make sure if there is anything else wrong. This is not a cry for help or a vent. It is just curiosity over possible side effects for Keytruda. As it is a new therapy - not all is known yet so I will keep you...

And... I'm back

Sorry, its been so long between posts. Chemo ended at the end of August. Immunotherapy began three weeks later, and still continues. My cancer battle is an interesting one, especially since it has caused another war waged against poverty. So when my laptop went KAPUT in September, the ability to write online was greatly reduced. I cannot type on my phone comfortably. But I'm back with more insight as my battle with the Beast continues. Thanks for traveling with me.