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.