Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Chemo #5

Well, I'm sitting at chemo during my 5th treatment.  I'm officially over halfway through after today!  Only 3 more treatments to go.  I switched to a new drug called Taxol today.  We've heard mixed opinions on whether this drug is better or worse.  I guess I'll find out over the next few days.  It is kinda funny....I've had more anxiety over this treatment than any other.  I think a lot of it is because I'm switching to this new drug.  My first treatment I didn't know what I was getting myself into, now I know, but at the same time I don't know anymore.  With my prior treatments I knew how I was going to respond.  Now I feel like I'm starting over, but with more knowledge of how chemo truly is.  I hate not knowing how I'm going to respond or what to expect.  I'm praying it is easier.  Just keep swimming! 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Chemo Cycle 3

Chemo Cycle 3 was not any better than 2. Still just awful honestly. I'm resigned to the fact that it is just going to miserable for 5-7 days after a treatment. Then, to top it off just as my immune system plummeted, on Saturday I came down with a cold. Worst cold I've ever had. Darn chemo! I had to call in sick for 2 days.....for a stupid cold! I've never done that before. Here's a shout out to my awesome co-workers who cover for me. You guys are awesome.

Today, I'm on the rebound for sure from chemo and I think from the cold. I feel better, but I sound awful. I have a terrible cough and an awesomely raspy voice. Too bad it isn't Halloween! I'm going to try to attempt work tomorrow. Hopefully it goes well.

On a different note, I had one of those hit-you-right-between-the-eyes moments today. One where you know your prayers have been heard. This common cold hit me hard and in turn stole some of my "good week" between chemo treatments. I was so angry, but with no place to turn my anger, I went to my knees. I prayed for strength, for there to be some way that my immune system could recover more quickly, for my white blood cell count to rise more quickly than it has previously. You see, I need my white blood cells to fight this cold, and they are those that are most easily knocked out by the chemo. This has been my prayer since Saturday. So, today, I went in for my weekly blood draw after chemo. They do this to check my blood counts to determine if I am on track to receive another treatment the next week. Today my white blood cell count was 3.7. After my previous 2 treatments it was 2.5 and 2.3. An entire point higher today. My immune system an entire point stronger. Coincidence? No. An answer? Absolutely.

I AM SO BLESSED! And to top it off, I get loves from this cutie....even with a bald head!