UGH! SUCH EXTREME HEADACHES!

On Monday, February 20th, I had asked for prayers for my extreme headaches.  The pain was so severe that eventually I could not do anything but lay in the bed.  I tried to listen to the Bible via a Bible app, but I would just fall asleep.  I tried to pray but the best I could do was just to say those bullet prayers:  Lord help me.  

A week earlier, I had shared with Dr. DeRidder that I had been struggling with constant headaches since Saturday, February 18th.  I admitted to having to take 500 mg of rapid release acetaminophen every 6 hours.  It was also strange that I would experience a cold chill in the late afternoon about the time that I was due to take my dose of acetaminophen.  I missed many meals with my mom and dad during that time because the only way that I could warm up was under my covers--love my electric blanket--for at least an hour.  Then because I suffer also from hot flashes, I would eventually break out in a sweat, and I would need to be under my ceiling fan for a few minutes.  After all of these extreme temperature fluctuations, I became very exhausted.  Those weird cold chill episodes went on for about a week.

My headaches continued though the cold chills stopped, and the acetaminophen started being less effective in curbing my pain.  So, I called Dr. DeRidder, my oncologist, on the morning of the 20th, informing her that the headaches are no longer responding to acetaminophen, and she prescribed Imitrex for me and recommended a brain MRI.

I had to get my dad to get the prescription for me because I could not even drive.  By the time that I got the medication, the pain in my head was too beyond anything.  The Imitrex did not work that evening so out of desperation, I took 800 mg of Ibuprofen the next morning.  (I had gotten ibuprofen for my pulled chest muscles in January, and I had some left.)  After a few hours, my headache had subsided a lot.  

I don’t normally take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless it is prescribed, and it is taken for only a short time.  This is based on the advice that my first cardiologist had given me.  Google says that NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and that it is worst for patients with history of heart disease.  As I said, I was desperate that morning.  

The morning of the 21st, I messaged Dr. DeRidder what I had done and inquired about scheduling the MRI.  She prescribed acetaminophen with codeine to alternately take with the Ibuprofen, she referred me to Neurology and ordered the MRI to a “STAT” status.

Well, you might be wondering why the MRI.

So here is the problem.  There can be all types of explanations as to why I am experiencing these extreme headaches. 

1.    One of the side effects of Tagrisso is headache.  

2.    For years, I have suffered sinus headaches twice a year with onset of allergy

seasons in the Spring and Fall.  I could have a sinus infection.

3.    Since I am immune-compromised, I could have a cold.

4.    My cancer has spread to my brain.

So, I had an MRI done on the afternoon of February 21st.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, that there is no cancer in my brain!  There was also no indication of sinus infection.  Right now, other than the headache, I have no other signs of a cold.  Ugh!  Yep.  It is probably another one of those side-effects.

I am so very grateful though because I know that God has answered yes to our prayers.  There has been a lot more relief from the excruciating pain that I had been feeling in the beginning of this week.  To his glory, I have had some hours where I did not have any pain at all, so I have not needed to take these medications on a continuously set schedule.  I even found some relief last night when I took my regular 500 mg rapid release acetaminophen.

In all these things that are happening, I trust that these struggles are drawing me closer to God and to others as I read and hear of people praying for me during my various struggles.  

2 Corinthians 1:9-11 (NIV)

9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 

Thank you all for your many prayers.  May this always bring much glory to God.  Amen.

COMMENTS WHEN BLOG WAS FIRST POSTED ON CARING BRIDGE SITE:

Keisha Barber: Sending love, hugs and prayers during this incredibly tender season! 🙏🏼😘

Vicki Sandiford: Hi, Kim, So glad you have gotten some relief from the headaches and brain scan clear!!! Thank you God!!

cassandra senter: So grateful the MRI came back clear and that your headache subsided! Thank you God for hearing the prayers sent on Kim's behalf. We love you and are praying for you always Kim.