Chemo 7 - Done

August 19: My lab work came back favorable, so my chemo orders were written and treatment 7 was finished on Aug. 19. I am dealing with fatigue, fever, and a lot of bone pain. Sleep has been an issue: I am very tired but the steroids given during treatment have me wired and getting comfortable with the bone pain has been a challenge.

I am scheduled for my next study drug injection and physical this week with Dr. Garg.

I have 1 more treatment to go and will be celebrating the end of chemo, soon. Barring no problems, my last treatment will be September 9.

Chemo Delayed

August 13: I went to the hospital on Thursday for my routine appointments prior to chemo. My blood work showed that my liver functions were elevated. Dr. Garg wants me off the anti-fungal medication for a week to see if there is a change before my next blood draw next week. Dr. Garg also indicated that Taxotere can elevate kidney functions. He is very conservative and given my past history is not willing to take any unnecessary chances. If all looks good next week, chemo treatment 7 will be August 19. He also told me that the Taxotere hit me hard and instead of chemo every 2 weeks, it will be every 3 weeks. If everything goes as planned, September 9 will be my last treatment.

I was a little worried about Treatment 7 going as scheduled August 12. I believe I only had 2 days out of 14 that I did not feel like I was crushed by a Mack truck. It was definitely a very different set of side effects with Treatment 6.

I am almost done....AMEN!!

Staying Strong

Last week was a pretty good "feel good" week for me. My rash was better and my energy levels were up. Chemo went well last Friday, just two more to go.

I was told that this new round of chemo medicine would not be as bad. I am struggling with it. I was back in the Emergency Room on Wednesday night with fever, higher than the Oncologist preferred. Fortunately, my white blood counts were normal. It appears as though I am dealing with more side effects of the chemo or that I picked up a bug I cannot shake. My last real meal was 5 days ago and I am very run down. Reality set in when I looked in the mirror and could not see me. I know these side effects are cumulative, but I sure hope the last few weeks pass quickly.

Please continue to keep me (and my family) in your prayers. It is definitely a journey you only want to do once, if you have too. At 46, I honestly can say I had not idea what to expect. It's not easy!