4 WEEKS OF SUTENT

June 14, 2012

I got off lightly. I have just completed my four weeks of taking Sutent each night prior to retiring. The side effects did not really start to kick in until about the end of the second week, and they were not severe. My blood pressure rose, but not frightening so. My tongue felt like it was burning making me careful as to what foods I ate and what liquids I drank. I found myself short of breath upon exertion especially when bounding up stairs and we have a lot of stairs in our townhouse. I suppose the worst effect was a lack of energy. During the fourth week I found myself definitely wasted on some days, needing to take frequent naps. However it was all manageable, being more of a nuisance than anything else.

I did mange to complete the 5K on Race Weekend here in Ottawa without collapsing. I feel weird saying this as in my middle years running full marathons, I would not be caught only running a 5K. That was my warmup! How times change. 

I have the next two weeks drug free, then I start another four week session. I repeat this cycle until about mid August. At that time they should be able to determine whether or not the medication is having a positive effect. If not , we will have to regroup and sketch out a new battle plan.

In the meantime, my spirits are good. I have been searching out feel good humourous movies, one of which, I found exceptional fun was “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. Having lived in India for two years, I could relate strongly to this cinematic adventure. It brought back many fond memories.