Giving Thanks

Yesterday I felt pretty good and thought about the upcoming holiday and all the blessings in my life even while I go through this difficult time. I should have posted then because I'm not feeling so great today. I guess it's one day at a time. On tuesday I had chemo #5 and am now on a different drug called Taxol. It caused another flair up of my hands but enough about that, back to the topic.

I just want to acknowledge all the people and things in my life that I am grateful for. I have always had an attitude of gratitude, but being ill has brought me closer to appreciating how blessed I am. I am grateful to my wonderful husband, Glenn, who has truly risen to the task and is taking amazing care of me. I have so many wonderful friends and family members who have brought me meals and gifts and wonderful company. All the people who aren't here have been calling and emailing regularly. I feel so supported and loved with so much positive energy being sent my way. I am thankful that I have good insurance and am getting the best treatment possible and that I have the financial resources to make my life easier and comfortable at this time. 

I could go on, but I just want to encourage everyone to take stock and make time for gratitude today. We are all blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving- gobble gobble

Half Way There

Sorry it is so long between posts. It's amazing how tired this chemo makes me. Last Tuesday I had treatment #4, so I'm officially half way through. This was the last infusion of A/C and next week I start taxol. It isn't supposed to be as bad as the first two (I'm told Adriamycin is called the "Red Devil" and is the worst of the three). It does come with its own set of side effects- joint pain and the possibility of nerve pain in the hands and feet.  It would be nice to have a small reprieve.
After my second A/C treatment and into the third I experienced an odd reaction. My fingertips turned bright red and felt like they had been burned. I couldn't touch anything without pain, it was awful. Then the skin turned thick and now is peeling. My oncologist was baffled, but it turns out it is a rare reaction to the Adriamycin. It usually happens after the last treatment, so she decided that I needed a lower dose this last time and reduced the infusion by 25%. I thought I would have less side effects, but I didn't.
I'll try to post again soon as I want to share some of the thoughts and reflections I have had while lying on the sofa staring at the ceiling, which is what I do about 90% of the time!
Thanks for all the great energy coming my way.
Anita