Chemo #5 - Taxol

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.