Chemo #5

On the 20th, I had my 5th round of chemo. It was the first of the new medicine Taxol, which was promised to be less difficulty than the Adrimycin and Cytoxin. Mike had the day off work and was able to take me for this treatment, which he's never been able to do before. Although I actually prefer to be alone during this time, his company proved to be really nice. He is very sensitive to my needs and doesn't push himself on me in any way. This treatment was delayed for a variety of reasons so by the time I finished I had been at the hospital for over 8 hours. But, when I left, I felt better than I've ever felt. Mike and I went for a long walk on the coastal trail and then out to dinner on a patio downtown. This wasn't even in my wildest dreams on a chemo day so to say I was thrilled is a bit of an understatement. It was looking like maybe this and the next 3 rounds would be much easier on me. The following two days were pretty good. I didn't get sick and the only side effects were a mild headache and a little vertigo on and off. I was in the clear I thought. What a relief to get through a round and not feel like the life was getting sucked out of me. By Friday night, just two days later, I was out with Mike and other friends to see a band, Barefoot Bluegrass, play at that university. It was a great show and even greater because I wasn't sick in bed missing it.

Unfortunately, by Saturday evening, I started experiencing pain in my bones and joints. I didn't understand why I was feeling that way, but Mike reminded me that the doctor had said that this was a side effect of this new medicine for some people. I didn't remember the doctor mentioning that, but Mike did, so at least this sudden and strange pain mad some sense. Since Saturday evening I've been experiencing a pretty consistent aching feeling in my bones that doesn't seem to be relieved by anything. This is far from anything that remotely touches the aftermath of the other treatments, but it is still very unpleasant. I am dealing with it and just crossing my fingers that it passes soon.

Just 3 more to go. . .