Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Medical Mary Jane
Mild nausea set in on Saturday (day 9) and I found immediate relieve smoking a little bit of weed.
There are several subtypes of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The classifications of nausea and vomiting are:
I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal. I have been issued a prescription by my oncologist, along with a tongue in cheek warning that his brother is a federal judge.
I experienced my first visit to a local medical marijuana dispensary and it was pleasant. Nick was kind, attentive, patient, and full of good vibes. I selected two products: Huckleberry (indica) & Snow (sativa). A gram of each. The perfect sample amount. I also chose a few edibles.
One of the most well known similarities between the indica and sativa strains is their ability to relieve nausea. Medical marijuana is a popular choice in people who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS or are currently enduring chemotherapy. These 2 situations are notorious for causing severe episodes of nausea, which can be effectively eliminated with the introduction of THC into the system.
Increased appetite is another well-known benefit to people who have a difficult time eating and staying nourished. When an individual is recovering or weakened for long periods of time, it is especially important that their body receives proper nutrition. Possessing a strong appetite could be the biggest difference between positive well-being and persistent sickness.
Whether it is an indica or sativa, these two medicinal benefits will surely be available.
Differences:
Noteworthy differences between indica and sativa are their abilities to relieve pain and insomnia. While both strains can achieve these effects to varying degrees, indicas tend to be more valuable in treating issues related to the body while sativas address problems of the mind.
Individuals suffering from chronic pain and afflictions such as Multiple Sclerosis or fibromyalgia will most likely find indicas are more potent for reducing pain levels. Indica serves as a great analgesic.
Insomniacs will most likely find that indica is an ideal solution. Under the effects of indica, users will definitely feel drowsy, tired, and have a strong urge to fall asleep. For someone who can’t bring themselves to rest, this effect could be nothing short of a blessing.
Sativas on the other hand are superb at addressing conditions like depression. Those who suffer from depression and take prescription drugs often suffer the unfavorable side effects. Cannabis sativa can put the user into the greatest of moods with virtually no negative effects (especially if vaporizing).
Some studies have also shown that sativas are capable of treating the symptoms of ADHD. At first glance it almost seems counterintuitive, but some ADHD sufferers say they can only focus when high on a sativa.
Physical differences:
The best way to tell whether a marijuana plant is sativa vs indica
is to look at the plant itself. Sativas will tend to grow taller and
stalkier while indicas will tend to be shorter and bushier.
The plant’s leaves are also a very clear indication of which family it is a part of. Indicas have wide, fat leaves whereas sativas have narrower, finger-like leaves.
Delivery Method:
Whether it is an indica or sativa, the most efficient and effective way to extract THC from marijuana is through the process of vaporization. Vaporization is an ingenious process that heats marijuana to an optimal temperature just below the point when it would start to burn. At this temperature, the THC will be released into the air through vapor rather than smoke. The result is hits that are 90% THC or more instead of the usual smoke which is often less than 20% THC, filled with carcinogens, and harsh to both the throat and lungs.
Another key benefit of vaporization over smoking is the strength of smell. Smoking causes marijuana to burn releasing toxins and oils into the air. The fumigation of these chemicals and essential oils is what gives marijuana its strong and distinct smell.
Because the only goal of vaporization is to release THC, virtually all of the odor-causing agents inside marijuana remain within the plant and are never put into the air. THC by itself is odorless, it is the other components of marijuana that give off the powerful odor. If discretion is of major concern, vaporization is a convenient solution.
The iPod of Vaporizers:
So what did I end up purchasing? The PAX, a pocket-sized, rechargeable vaporizer designed in San Francisco by Ploom and manufactured in China.
Read the review in Wired magazine: http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/ploom-pax
There are several subtypes of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The classifications of nausea and vomiting are:
- Acute: occurring within 24 hours of chemotherapy
- Delayed: occurring between 24 hours and 5 days after treatment
- Breakthrough: occurring despite prophylactic treatment
- Anticipatory: triggered by taste, odor, memories, visions, or anxiety related to chemotherapy
- Refractory: occurring during subsequent cycles when antiemetics have failed in earlier cycles
I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal. I have been issued a prescription by my oncologist, along with a tongue in cheek warning that his brother is a federal judge.
I experienced my first visit to a local medical marijuana dispensary and it was pleasant. Nick was kind, attentive, patient, and full of good vibes. I selected two products: Huckleberry (indica) & Snow (sativa). A gram of each. The perfect sample amount. I also chose a few edibles.
- Indica use creates a “couch-lock”, I-don’t-want-to-move-a-muscle type high. Using indica is a great choice for those nights indoors watching TV, playing video games, or just chilling with close companions. The indica high numbs the body down and induces an overall sense of relaxation, which is ideal for a relaxing night’s sleep.
- Sativa use produces more of a mental, cerebral high, which often results in a boost in energy and imagination. Sativa strains are perfect when working creatively in activities such as writing, painting, and brainstorming new ideas. Sativas are also a great choice for enhancing the experience at artistic events like movies and concerts.
One of the most well known similarities between the indica and sativa strains is their ability to relieve nausea. Medical marijuana is a popular choice in people who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS or are currently enduring chemotherapy. These 2 situations are notorious for causing severe episodes of nausea, which can be effectively eliminated with the introduction of THC into the system.
Increased appetite is another well-known benefit to people who have a difficult time eating and staying nourished. When an individual is recovering or weakened for long periods of time, it is especially important that their body receives proper nutrition. Possessing a strong appetite could be the biggest difference between positive well-being and persistent sickness.
Whether it is an indica or sativa, these two medicinal benefits will surely be available.
Differences:
Noteworthy differences between indica and sativa are their abilities to relieve pain and insomnia. While both strains can achieve these effects to varying degrees, indicas tend to be more valuable in treating issues related to the body while sativas address problems of the mind.
Individuals suffering from chronic pain and afflictions such as Multiple Sclerosis or fibromyalgia will most likely find indicas are more potent for reducing pain levels. Indica serves as a great analgesic.
Insomniacs will most likely find that indica is an ideal solution. Under the effects of indica, users will definitely feel drowsy, tired, and have a strong urge to fall asleep. For someone who can’t bring themselves to rest, this effect could be nothing short of a blessing.
Sativas on the other hand are superb at addressing conditions like depression. Those who suffer from depression and take prescription drugs often suffer the unfavorable side effects. Cannabis sativa can put the user into the greatest of moods with virtually no negative effects (especially if vaporizing).
Some studies have also shown that sativas are capable of treating the symptoms of ADHD. At first glance it almost seems counterintuitive, but some ADHD sufferers say they can only focus when high on a sativa.
Physical differences:
The best way to tell whether a marijuana plant is sativa vs indica
is to look at the plant itself. Sativas will tend to grow taller and
stalkier while indicas will tend to be shorter and bushier.The plant’s leaves are also a very clear indication of which family it is a part of. Indicas have wide, fat leaves whereas sativas have narrower, finger-like leaves.
Delivery Method:
Whether it is an indica or sativa, the most efficient and effective way to extract THC from marijuana is through the process of vaporization. Vaporization is an ingenious process that heats marijuana to an optimal temperature just below the point when it would start to burn. At this temperature, the THC will be released into the air through vapor rather than smoke. The result is hits that are 90% THC or more instead of the usual smoke which is often less than 20% THC, filled with carcinogens, and harsh to both the throat and lungs.
Another key benefit of vaporization over smoking is the strength of smell. Smoking causes marijuana to burn releasing toxins and oils into the air. The fumigation of these chemicals and essential oils is what gives marijuana its strong and distinct smell.
Because the only goal of vaporization is to release THC, virtually all of the odor-causing agents inside marijuana remain within the plant and are never put into the air. THC by itself is odorless, it is the other components of marijuana that give off the powerful odor. If discretion is of major concern, vaporization is a convenient solution.
The iPod of Vaporizers:
So what did I end up purchasing? The PAX, a pocket-sized, rechargeable vaporizer designed in San Francisco by Ploom and manufactured in China.
Read the review in Wired magazine: http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/ploom-pax
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Bones
I have been experiencing bone pain. Yesterday it was downright medieval. The pain is the result of the drug Neulasta which was given to me after my first infusion (one week ago today).
Neulasta is a protein that stimulates the production of
neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that is depleted during
cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell made in bone marrow, comprising about 50-70% of all white blood cells. They are phagocytic, meaning that they can ingest other cells, though they do not survive the act. Neutrophils are the first immune cells to arrive at a site of infection, within an hour, through a process known as chemotaxis. They are fast acting, plentiful, and responsible for the bulk of an immune response.
This increased white blood cell production has caused a change in my bone marrow pressure and inflammation. I've been prescribed Clariton D, an antihistamine, that in theory reduces inflammation.
 |
| White Blood Cell |
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell made in bone marrow, comprising about 50-70% of all white blood cells. They are phagocytic, meaning that they can ingest other cells, though they do not survive the act. Neutrophils are the first immune cells to arrive at a site of infection, within an hour, through a process known as chemotaxis. They are fast acting, plentiful, and responsible for the bulk of an immune response.
This increased white blood cell production has caused a change in my bone marrow pressure and inflammation. I've been prescribed Clariton D, an antihistamine, that in theory reduces inflammation.
Monday, July 15, 2013
The Whole Foods Incident
It's been four days since my first infusion. I've been getting out of the house everyday for a walk and fresh air. Today we headed to the drug store then stopped at Whole Foods to look for organic brown rice vinegar to make some Avocado Dressing from The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen cook book by Rebecca Katz. This step-by-step guide helps patients nutritionally prepare for all
phases of treatment, and is a remarkable resource for teaching patients and caregivers how to
use readily available powerhouse ingredients to build a symptom and
cancer-fighting culinary toolkit.
After the ingredients were located we decided to grab a snack and eat it onsite in the cafeteria area. A few bites into my snack it hit me... uh oh... what's going on? My world started closing in and I pushed away the food. I continued to attempt an assessment of what was going on as my sister, always in tune, snapped to attention and asked if she should get a to-go box. I nodded and she quickly darted off like a ninja and had us packed up and headed toward the door in mere moments. A cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck and I concentrated on breathing as we walked to the car. As I climbed into the passenger seat I was already feeling better but we sat there with the air on full blast just to be certain.
I survived my first chemo sneak attack!
After the ingredients were located we decided to grab a snack and eat it onsite in the cafeteria area. A few bites into my snack it hit me... uh oh... what's going on? My world started closing in and I pushed away the food. I continued to attempt an assessment of what was going on as my sister, always in tune, snapped to attention and asked if she should get a to-go box. I nodded and she quickly darted off like a ninja and had us packed up and headed toward the door in mere moments. A cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck and I concentrated on breathing as we walked to the car. As I climbed into the passenger seat I was already feeling better but we sat there with the air on full blast just to be certain.
I survived my first chemo sneak attack!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Infusion 1 of 4
Yesterday was my first infusion day and it was a long day that started with a port placement. The port-a-cath is implanted under the skin and is designed to permit repeated access to the venous system.
The system consist of three parts: 1) The portal - which is a small titanium chamber, sealed at the top with a septum made of self-sealing silicone 2) The catheter - a thin, flexible tube made of polyurethane 3) The catheter connector - a component that connects the catheter to the portal.
The port-a-cath has a variety of uses however in chemotherapy it is used to administer the drugs into the body and to withdraw blood to carry out other tests. After every procedure, the port is flushed with saline and then diluted heparin is injected to prevent clotting of blood.
After the port placement my chemo buddies and I went to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. Then we stopped in to see my oncologist before heading over for infusion #1. It wasn't horrible and everyone we encountered were not only professional but some were downright entertaining.
The system consist of three parts: 1) The portal - which is a small titanium chamber, sealed at the top with a septum made of self-sealing silicone 2) The catheter - a thin, flexible tube made of polyurethane 3) The catheter connector - a component that connects the catheter to the portal.The port-a-cath has a variety of uses however in chemotherapy it is used to administer the drugs into the body and to withdraw blood to carry out other tests. After every procedure, the port is flushed with saline and then diluted heparin is injected to prevent clotting of blood.
After the port placement my chemo buddies and I went to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. Then we stopped in to see my oncologist before heading over for infusion #1. It wasn't horrible and everyone we encountered were not only professional but some were downright entertaining.
- Side effects: minor fatigue, dry mouth, watery eyes, interrupted sleep due to increased fluids and trips to the bathroom during the night.
- Mood: good, focused
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Out of Office
Last day at work for a while. Need to set an out of office message. Hard to find appropriate message that truly conveys my sentiments.
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