A Little Side Story...

This Taxol chemo has been a very different experience and I still do not feel like I have any idea what to expect next!  The exhaustion seems to be the only thing that has not changed.
So a little story I just thought I would share...
Today I woke feeling like I had a bit of energy to tackle a couple of simple projects, one of which was to make the oyster stew that is usually a New Year's tradition for us.  I had the ingredients and needed to get it made, so I did...no problem.  At noon I thought I would try a little bowl...I never know what will taste okay.  Filled a small bowl and as I was getting ready to heat it in the microwave, I was not paying attention and I hit the bowl with the microwave door as I was opening it.  This was the result.  I guess I should be grateful that the bowl did not shatter!

Since Gary was not home to rescue me, I cleaned up the whole mess myself...that's the most work I have done in weeks!  And, I have to say that I am proud that it did not reduce me to tears!

(Well, there are some cleaning supplies that I still need to put away.)

Good News I Forgot to Mention Yesterday

Dr. Graff was pleased to tell us that from the sonogram she could report a 30% reduction in the size of the tumor...a reduction from 1.5 cm to 1.1 cm.  She seemed very pleased with this information so I guess we should be, too!!!!!

Up Hill Climb

I have been experiencing severe fatigue this past week.  It was my understanding that the fatigue was linked to the low blood counts and was to be expected.  What I found out today was that my hemoglobin was only 6.8, meaning that it was pretty severely low. Hence, I will be receiving a pint of blood tomorrow!  This is kinda a good news/bad news situation but the good part is that the blood transfusion will make things better and the fatigue I was feeling was not "normal" chemo but also not unheard of.
The new chemo today was long but not expected to be as harsh on my digestive system.  Benedryl is given prior to this drug (Taxol)  because it often causes allergic reactions.  The Benedryl made me pretty drowsy throughout the infusion so I just sat there like a bump on a log.  We tried keeping my fingers cold in order that less of the drug might reach my fingertips where peripheral neuropathy often develops with the use of this drug.

Thank you, everyone, for all of the birthday wishes and treats!

Just a Quick Note

I did finally hear back about the mole on my scalp...it was negative...a non-issue!  Yea!