Half Way

So, I've finished my fourth chemo treatment. There were a few hiccups this time involving low levels in my blood work that is always taken the day before my treatment. But, I had more blood drawn the morning of my chemo treatment and the levels had come up enough for me to go ahead with the chemo.

This was the first treatment where the nurse had to insert the "gripper" (needle with tubes) into my port. I used Emla Cream a few hours before to freeze the area so it wouldn't hurt so much but it still felt like she was jamming a pin into my chest. It didn't actually hurt any more than a regular needle but the nurse has to use a lot of force to press the gripper into the port and that is a little unusual.

I'm not really thrilled about being halfway through my treatments because I know that this means that I will be starting the Taxotere in less than 3 weeks. I've heard horror stories about my taste buds changing so much that food won't be satisfying, the fatigue will be WAY WORSE and my eyebrows and lashes (which I have not lost yet) will finally fall out. I've heard about all these terrible possible side effect but the nurse on Friday said that some patients find the Taxotere easier. We will see.

I will also start taking the Herceptin which I will continue to take for 18 treatments (I've calculated that I will be finished the Herceptin treatments next August). I will be getting another echo cardiogram this week to make sure that my heart is strong enough to handle it.

Thank you to all of you who have fed my family, watched Grace for me and sent me your messages and well wishes. I couldn't get through this with out your support. I love you all.