We started treatment #5 with high hopes and some trepidation.
As crazy as it sounds - we knew what to expect from the A/C (Adrimyacin and Cytoxan) treatment and starting the T (Taxol) was like walking into the infusion center again on January 17th for the first time.
Alan took the day off as this treatment can have some serious allergic reactions while being administered and we decided it was best to have him there - just in case we had a medical emergency. The treatment started with anti-nausea medications and Benedryl. I didn't have any negative reactions but was blissfully 'loopy' or 'sleepy'. The appointment itself started at 0900 with lab work and a conversation with Dr. Legant. It was a long day with us leaving at 1600. Alan and I did have a 'Yahtzee' tournament - and he ended up being the champion with a 4 out of 5 victory. I blame the drugs. :)
Afterwards, we went home and I slept hard with all the medications in my systems but unlike A/C - I was not nauseated and didn't smell like I'd ingested 'pool chemicals'. The next two days - were good; some anemia and fatigue but no illness. I was able to walk around, work a little and was thinking this was the best treatment yet. But - then it hit on Saturday. Pain. My joints and muscles were extremely sore. My lower back felt like the early stages of labor and my typical Extra Strength Tylenol wasn't touching it to provide relief. I know it was hard for Alan and the kids to watch me be so uncomfortable. We applied heat and that helped...as well as some rubbing of the back and soaks in a warm tub. On Sunday, I called the oncologist on-call and was given permission to take Lortab. This helped take some of the edge off and allowed me to sleep. G.I. issues also started but we are well versed on how to manage through those.
Now - we rebuild and learn how to manage 'life' in between these new treatments. I am REALLY looking forward to moving on from Chemo and entering the Radiation stage. It is amazing to me how difficult this process is and I'll admit to being back in the 'angry stage' again. Angry for the changes to my life and the impact on my family that I can't control. Angry about all my loved ones, friends, co-workers who've had to endured this - especially those who lost the battle to this cruel disease. This stage will pass and cycle around again - and I'll be back to 'acceptance' or 'grief' tomorrow.
Looking forward to the day when the last person and their family battles cancer or at least has to endure the treatment for cancer.
Much love and thanks to my friends and family for the ongoing support. I'm amazed and humbled by the caring thoughts and the selfless acts of kindness. There is so much good in the world...it eclipses any bad and makes this experience worth it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Chemo #4 - Halfway
Buh, Bye Adrimyacin!! Welcome Halfway Point!
The treatment itself was uneventful. We met with Dr. Lagant and she indicated my 'numbers' are good. We reviewed my side effects and all is pretty much as expected. They include hair loss, fatigue, breathlessness, neuropathy in hands/feet/mouth and gastrointestinal issues.
The breathlessness is probably one of the most disconcerting side effect. Prior to all the 'drama', I felt like I was in pretty good physical shape (for me); exercising regularly and eating healthy. I'll never be a marathon runner or Olympic athlete but I was doing pretty well. Now - I get winded walking into the next room and going up the stairs is the extent of my daily exercise after treatment. This is due to the normal anemia associated with chemotherapy. It is like suddenly being in the body of an 80 year old woman.
Alan went to this round with me and it was nice to have him there. So glad to see the last of the Red Devil being injected. Brittany did confess that the treatments 'stress her out' a bit, so we are going to try and protect her from that experience and have others attend those. I can understand watching your Mom go through cancer treatments would be a bit much for a 23 year old to try and process.
This weekend was quiet and spent it mostly in bed. Alan was very sweet and sat beside me frequently. I'm sure he was bored silly but he definitely brightens the room for me when he is there. I'm also mystified that he can still look at his 45 year old, bald wife with such love and affection. I'm a very lucky woman.
I've been able to work, mostly from home, and am enjoying getting back into the swing of things. It provides me with some welcome diversion and exercises my brain.
We've made the decision to have the second mastectomy. After discussing with my oncologist and plastic surgeon, we'll have to wait until after healing from radiation takes place for that surgery. So the road is long...but am grateful to be on the downhill side of chemo.
Wishing all my wonderful friends and loved ones a FANTASTIC new year.
The treatment itself was uneventful. We met with Dr. Lagant and she indicated my 'numbers' are good. We reviewed my side effects and all is pretty much as expected. They include hair loss, fatigue, breathlessness, neuropathy in hands/feet/mouth and gastrointestinal issues.
The breathlessness is probably one of the most disconcerting side effect. Prior to all the 'drama', I felt like I was in pretty good physical shape (for me); exercising regularly and eating healthy. I'll never be a marathon runner or Olympic athlete but I was doing pretty well. Now - I get winded walking into the next room and going up the stairs is the extent of my daily exercise after treatment. This is due to the normal anemia associated with chemotherapy. It is like suddenly being in the body of an 80 year old woman.
Alan went to this round with me and it was nice to have him there. So glad to see the last of the Red Devil being injected. Brittany did confess that the treatments 'stress her out' a bit, so we are going to try and protect her from that experience and have others attend those. I can understand watching your Mom go through cancer treatments would be a bit much for a 23 year old to try and process.
This weekend was quiet and spent it mostly in bed. Alan was very sweet and sat beside me frequently. I'm sure he was bored silly but he definitely brightens the room for me when he is there. I'm also mystified that he can still look at his 45 year old, bald wife with such love and affection. I'm a very lucky woman.
I've been able to work, mostly from home, and am enjoying getting back into the swing of things. It provides me with some welcome diversion and exercises my brain.
We've made the decision to have the second mastectomy. After discussing with my oncologist and plastic surgeon, we'll have to wait until after healing from radiation takes place for that surgery. So the road is long...but am grateful to be on the downhill side of chemo.
Wishing all my wonderful friends and loved ones a FANTASTIC new year.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)