15th Chemo: Taxol Complete!

My 15th and FINAL CHEMO was today, January 26, 2006.

For those counting, last week's treatment was skipped, and today I finished with a regular treatment (instead of a double treatment).

During & after my 14th chemo on Jan 12, problems developed: most of my fingers & toes had a "pins and needles feeling" (neuropathy) which turned painful, indicating a high toxicity level, 5 finger nails lifted (not related to neuropathy), and my thumb became infected (needing a little "procedure"). PLUS, my sinus congestion developed into a sinus infection. I was a mess.
My doctor prescribed 2 medications, then recommended skipping last week's chemo (I didn't skip the Herceptin though).

I have mixed feelings about skipping a treatment, I certainly don't want permanent damage to my nerves, yet I want to do everything I can to eliminate any cancer cells that may be lurking. It was tough news, but my doctor was convinced holding treatment was the right decision.

In addition to my own recent issues, both my Mom & Grandma were admitted to separate hospitals (pneumonia & hernia respectively) and both have been released and are recovering at their homes. After their returns, my brother Micky was diagnosed with walking pneumonia and also is recovering.

My recovery is going well, the antibiotic is doing its job, the infections cleared up, and my fingers aren't as painful, but my nails aren't too pretty & I can't hide them behind polish, but at least I'm not cringing when I use my hands. And most importantly, I was healthy enough to receive my final treatment.

The 2nd part of my cancer journey is finally over and I made it! I did it with the help of all my family and friends. Everyone's ongoing thoughts, prayers, calls, cards, Emails, IM's, gifts, generous gift certificates, dinners/nights out and entertainment with Jacklynn & James are very appreciated and will never be forgotten. I feel honored by the love and support I am receiving.

Moving forward:

Next week I have a consultation with the Radiation Oncologist to learn the details of radiation treatment.
I will also receive my final weekly dose of Herceptin, moving to an every 3 week basis after.

The following week I meet with my Medical Oncologist to determine "the Next Step" (hormone treatment). Should be interesting, because of my age, I will have several options available.

Now it's time to start celebrating.. I completed an important milestone in my journey!

Love & Gratitude,
~Christine

13th & 14th Chemo: Getting There!

My 13th treatment was on January 5th 2006..
My 14th treatment was today, January 12th 2006..
2 more to go.. if my fingers can take it!

...more reactions keep coming!

I was warned, as I get closer to the end, it gets a little tougher:

The side effects are starting on Fridays (instead of Saturdays) which are body aches/junky feeling and drowsiness (still tolerable).

Several fingers & toes have become quite sensitive, it's not just painful to touch things, but I'm dropping things and having problems picking things up. I'm feeling pretty clumsy. If my thumb becomes any more sensitive, my treatment may come to the end sooner than planned. What's concerning is that some side effects may be PERMANENT (although in "most cases" it's temporary, but I've learned not to count on being in the "most cases" category!) So the plan is to see what happens this week, if it gets worse, we'll reevaluate.

A less serious side effect I've noticed are marks/bruises in my finger/toe nails, not too attractive but at least it's cosmetic and can be hidden with nail polish. I was told in most patients the marks are black, but mine are dark red and just look like bruises.

Last week I learned that white blood cells can replenish quickly (in hours). Red blood cells take longer (over a week), which is why I'm receiving Procrit injections until I complete chemo. I'm also trying to be very careful not to get the flu again, as it was a major drain on my white blood count.

~Christine