A Different Level Of Care

It was extremely uncomfortable. There was no position I could find which would allow my bones to calm down. Until things subsided there would be no sleep. None for my partner in-bed either! She is a sainted woman.

I’ve written about this before. Once you enter the ‘life or death’ portion of the program EVERYTHING changes. Medicine becomes much more proactive and caring, even (especially) outside normal appointments.

This morning was a good example. I left a voicemail message for Nicole, my oncologist’s physician’s assistant.

If you’re sick you want Nicole on your team. I’ve told her as much more than once. I told her again today.

It started after 4:00 AM when my body woke me from a sound sleep. It was as if my bones had grown too large to fit.

It wasn’t painful. I didn’t start screaming. It was extremely uncomfortable. There was no position I could find which would allow my bones to calm down. Until things subsided there would be no sleep.

None for my partner in-bed either! She is a sainted woman.

I had a doctor’s appointment this morning with my cardiologist (all good, even cutting back on my statin), so as Helaine drove I called Nicole to see if she had any insight.

My suspicion was this was Neulasta related. It is known for its bone affecting side effects, but usually on Day +2, not Day +4.

Nicole’s return call came while my cardiologists was examining me. Their offices are on the same floor. I stopped by on my way out.

“Nasty stuff” is my takeaway from our conversation. My post-chemo Neulasta shot is nasty.

Having a moment to see Nicole and discuss this speed bump made all the difference in-the-world. So often in cancer treatment you’re in unexplored territory. Who knows why you feel a certain way at any given moment?

I’m not TV-boy here in SoCal. This is not special treatment for a celeb. It’s just the way it is.

Thank God. If you’re ever in this position you’ll see how valuable this level of medical care truly is.

11 thoughts on “A Different Level Of Care”

  1. I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. It’s a pain and a fright that most of us don’t know. An exclusive “club” that no one wants to join. My father survived stage IV prostate cancer and he felt the same way about his oncologist’s PA. He could email or call her anytime and she was always there for him. A real blessing. I wish you health and Godspeed.

    1. It’s more freaky than anything because you literally cannot get comfortable in your own skin. This is the second time for me so I knew it would be a passing problem.

  2. Geoff, when I had my Neulasta injections the day after chemo at Yale Smilow Center, my oncology APRN said to take a Claratin tablet the day before and the day of, and the day after my Neulasta injection. While not clinically proven, it has been observed that it really cuts way back on bone pain. They can’t explain it — it’s all just anecdotal but seems to work. It worked for me — I did it each time I was to get a Neulasta injection. Did your team tell you anything about this? I was so grateful to have this information. Good luck.

  3. I remember my Neulasta shots. Everything hurts and you’re not sure if it will go away. Great attitude, Geoff.

  4. You are a strong and positive man Mr Fox, an inspiration to many. You’ve been through so much, I do see that light at the end of the tunnel for you. It’s just around the corner 🙂 Thinking of you and your angel wife Helaine. Still in my thoughts and prayers!

  5. Geoff you are an inspiration to many.as many times as you fell….you picked yourself right up. How much easier it would have been to just not fight and let the disease take over. But you proved after the storm there is a rainbow as long as you fight to find it. God bless you Geoff as well as that special Angel by your side….Helaine.

  6. Hi Geoff, I just read your blog! Sorry to hear about your pain. I get really bad charlie horses in my legs, not like what you are having, mine are muscle pains where yours are bone pain! Hopefully the bone pain you have had or are having will go away!

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