Bad News- Blood Test 5

I had my 5th blood test today, and it was supposed to be my last. But since I've had few cysts on my back over the past 2 months, it probably won't be. Julia said I shouldn't be getting any more cysts at this point in my treatment. If I don't get anymore cysts this month it might be my last month, other wise it'll be another month- 6 months total. I told her I would be happy to go for another month if I knew it would help prevent needing a second treatment in the future. She said that her and Dr. Berk didn't really know if an additional month had any effect on the need for future treatments.

So deep in this bad news is more bad news. Not only do I think I will be on accutane for another month, but I also think I will need another treatment, like my cousin did.

This bad news has been really hard. I've been trying to not (re)act to and not suppress my emotions. Its a new thing I am working on. Although I can say the advice in my head like a mantra, its actionable execution is questionable. I do know on some level that I am fortunate that this treatment is available to me.

And at the heart of this bad news is the end of my waiting. Knowing that I will be on this for not only a month longer then I thought, but probably an additional treatment at some point in the future means I can't wait for it to be over to get on with my life. I need to figure out how to exercise and have energy which will help my mood. I think the rhodiola has really been helping, and the gentle yoga I've been doing and springtime!

4th Blood Test

I had my 4th blood test today, without a hitch.

I feel more tired then ever. Am I actually sick, or is this just a side effect? I have congestion in my ears and nose, but not too much, and of course my body feels achy, but it has for over a month.

My doctor said I could reduce my dose, 2 one day, 1 the next day, etc., but that will add more time to my treatment. Hopefully this is actually a cold, and I will feel better soon.

3rd Blood Test, Injection and Sunblock

My third blood sample was taken without incident, lets hope it doesn't get lost between the office and the lab!

Julia (the physician's aide who supervises my treatment) is really nice. She saw the big pimple on my cheek and was like "Oh, do you want me to inject that?" and I'm like, "Inject it? With what?" She says, "I'll inject it and it will be gone by tomorrow!" And of course I'm like "Yeah!"

I get these dark patches on my skin, symmetrically sorta down from my near the inner corner of my eyes, and expanding outward onto my cheeks. It looks kinda weird, like symmetrical dirt or like a cat, but it is also on my forehead. I am not sure if it is skin damage from the acne or hormonal stuff like "the mask of pregnancy" that it resembles. It shows up from sun exposure.

I can treat it with bleaching cream, but haven't been since starting the accutane, but Julia said I totally can!

She also told me that the Neutrogena Helioplex stuff is not strong enough, and that I need something with zinc oxide in it. She gave me several samples, and I will look for make up with sunscreen that has zinc oxide it as well.

3rd Blood Test Today

Today I go for my third blood test. Hopefully there are no mix ups or screwups this time, I only have 3 days of medicine left.

My body aches have reduced significantly after taking the naproxen sodium twice a day for several days. I am not taking it now, but I will again, if I need to. It seems to sorta "build up" after taking it for several days.

I have one big red pimple/cycst on my cheek, and its been there for about a week. And a crack is forming in the corner of my mouth no matter how much I put Aquaphor on it.

Look for the texts from my phone and the ipledge/pharmacy circus tomorrow.

Month 2. 5 needle sticks.

Month 2. 5 needle sticks. 3 samples, 1 lost. 3 days lost of my 7 day window. 4 days of medicine left.

They lost my blood! Im

They lost my blood! Im on my way back& the turnstile charged me twice. They stuck me 2xs yesterday & 2xs the last time!
-Renee

day 24, month 1

Tomorrow its off to the doctor's for a blood test.

Make sure I'm still not pregnant.
Make sure my liver works.

My skin has been very poor, blotchy, blackheady, yucky. I hope they will consider giving me a higher dose.

I hope I don't regret that.