The New Drug

Any time I try to seek out answers about experiences (regarding treatments and side effects), I get the overused "everybody is different."  This answer seriously drives me crazy.  I KNOW everyone is different.  I want to know what's normal and usual.  After the first drug (Adriamycin and Cytoxen)wasn't exactly what I was expecting (both better and worse, if that makes sense), I wanted a silver lining.  I had read that the second drug (Taxol) I was supposed to be given was "more tolerable" than the first one.  I read that it didn't make you feel "like a sick person."  I read that it causes mild neuropathy and fatigue.  I also read that it can cause joint and bone pain.

Unfortunately I was NOT prepared for the joint and bone pain I ended up with.  Thursday after the infusion I felt okay, just like all the previous chemo Thursdays.  Friday I actually felt pretty good.  Saturday I woke up sore and it got progressively worse throughout the day.  I went to see a movie on Saturday evening and was so incredibly uncomfortable.  I couldn't sit still in my chair.  It felt like someone had set fire to not only my bones, but my muscles as well.  I walked out of the theater and started crying.

Sunday morning was a bit better but as the day wore on, I was seriously on the verge of excruciating pain.  I alternated the Tylenol and Motrin, but nothing I had in my medicine cabinet even touched the pain.  I couldn't even sleep.  Monday presented the same.  In the morning the pain was tolerable, but by the evening I didn't want to get out of my recliner.  I missed my daughter's parent-teacher conference because I couldn't walk, I couldn't sit, I couldn't concentrate.  Since Tuesday, I've had pain, but it has been more along the lines of the pain I was expecting.  It's manageable for the next month.  And I made sure to ask my doctor for some pain medicine for the excruciating days.

An incredibly generous act that was bestowed upon us was a donation from the breast cancer awareness fundraiser by our high school (alma mater) athletic association.  I never would have expected this help but I am very grateful.  It came at the right time- so we didn't have to choose between paying medical bills or providing our children a Christmas.

5 down, 3 to go...

Halfway Through Chemo

Ah, halfway there.  To me it seems as though it is taking forever, but I'm getting there.  The tumor seems to be shrinking.  Some days are really rough for me, other days are just okay.  4 treatments are done, I have 4 more to go.  My doctor and I decided to postpone starting my new drug by a week so that I will not be having treatment during the holiday weeks.  So now chemo days will be 11/15, 11/29, 12/13, and 12/27.  As much as I wanted to just get it DONE and over with, I am breathing a sigh of relief...

Plus, it allows me to feel "good" on the day I start my new job!  I'm excited to start this job, though it really seems crappy timing.  I'll be working where I did my internship this past summer.  It seems I impressed the office manager and she jumped through lots of hoops to get me in.  There is so much room for growth at this office (and within the whole hospital system!) and I can see me here for the rest of my working days.  It's only a part time position, but that is great for me right now.  I've got this cancer thing going on, plus babies to take care of.  :)

I really appreciate all the cards and messages people have sent.  It helps to know that I've got so many thinking about me and praying for me and my family.