Todd's Journey

The story of my cancer journey

Had my first immunotherapy session today. Almost made it through the whole session, but unfortunately had a reaction with 8 minutes to go. I began shaking significantly for almost 20 minutes. They managed to get that under control by administering large doses of Benadryl, and a steroid. The shaking did subside and i did finish the remainder of my immunotherapy session with no further incident.

The ER doctor and Pharmacist at the Hospital said the the shaking can be expeccted when my immune system is in 'overdrive' from the therapy drug. They will give me the benadryl and steroid prior to the immuno drug next session in hopes to prevent the shaking from occurring again.

Unfortunately the Benadryl dosing and steroid made me very tired and weak again. I had to leave the hospital in a wheelchair, and when I got home, my legs collapsed just upon entering the house. Jamie helped support me to the floor and then we waiting there for about 5 minutes until I had enough strength in my legs to get and up make it to the couch. My strength returned in the afternoon.

As for the bladder update, I am still urinating very frequently but the time in between needing to urinate is slowly getting longer. The pain in urination is also getting better, with less stinging and burning now. I suspect things are getting better, but it sure is a slow process. The good news is I am peeing on my own, and my urine is quite clear.

That's the update for now. Take care everyone. Talk to you again soon, and I'll try and do a video blog update soon.

Todd's Journey - Chapter 14

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Here is the Monday video update.

Todd's Journey - Chapter 12

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Todd's Journey - Chapter 12

Had a great chat last evening with my urological oncologist, Dr. Morash - one of the best I know - and he suggested to me that I might NOT have a bladder infection. Given my symptoms, it doesn't appear I do. But he ordered a urine culture be done, just to be sure.

My urine today has been clear and urine coloured again. So he may be right. We'll see in a few days when I get the results back from the culture.

Also met with my family doctor today, Dr. Seguin, to give her an update on my cancer journey. She seemed pleased with the progress being made, and told me there were a lot of positives to be proud of. Although I know that there is never a guarantee with chemo or cancer treatment, we are hoping the results of December 6th scans will be positive.

Feeling much less fatigued today, and on the upswing again. Ready to take on my last chemo cycle starting next Thursday.

Will keep you all posted.

My Journey - Chapter 7

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Chapter 7 of my Journey update.

Todd's Journey - Chapter 6

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Here's the update for this Thanksgiving Monday.