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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Howdy! It's been a bit!

It’s been a while since I’ve written, I know... But for some good reasons for a change! I finished with my AC treatment and started the Taxol treatments. I didn’t have the side effects right away like I did with the first set, so I decided to enjoy what was left of the summer. I spent my time hanging out with friends, getting some much needed chores done around the house. I even managed to can a couple of things. Just a couple little treasures of summer to open this winter. I didn’t have enough energy in me to do much more, unfortunately. I’m just thrilled that I got to can something! :^D

My diet is improving a bit. It was pretty much all carbs and meat before. It was all my stomach could handle. Lately, I’ve been able to eat more veggies and fruit and have small amounts of coffee. I’m still drinking milk as a buffer for my pills, but it’s more as a safety precaution than a “have to”.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve finally started to get some side effects but they are nothing compared to what I had with the AC. I made the mistake of getting overconfident at one point and slacked on taking my medicine like I was supposed to. This resulted in a majority of a night spent in the bathroom losing it from both ends. I reported it the next time I went in for treatment and got chewed by both the nurse and the doc (which I totally deserved!). Needless to say, lesson learned and I won’t be doing that again! Other than that, a portion of some of my toenails dying, and my eyebrows and lashes thinning out. Neither of those are painful nor permanent.

There are some other effects that are rearing their ugly head. I felt sick to my stomach while I was getting my treatment this last time, but crackers & water helped significantly. I’m starting to get hot flashes. While not painful, they are surprising and come very randomly. About twice a week for the past couple weeks I’ve been getting some bloating in my midsection. Gas is a side effect of Taxol, but it’s like it doesn’t want to go anywhere. My tummy gets really hard and tender when it happens. Aaron has taken to saying, “Burp, Charlie! It’s the only way!!!” and “Better out than in!” when it finally does escape, which always makes me smile. The kids have finally gathered that Mommy doesn’t have to say “Excuse me” every time now, but it doesn’t stop them from giggling about it. Hehehe...

My sleep patterns have been a problem lately. Early on, my insomnia was gone as my body tried to deal with the harshness of the chemo. The fatigue has been something else. Sometimes I have to really push myself to complete a project, even something small like folding a basket of laundry. I’ll fall asleep at the drop of a hat during the day. Now, I think my body is compensating a bit and the insomnia is starting to come back. What to do about it?

As 9/27/11, I am officially halfway through the Taxol. Only 5 more weeks to go as of yesterday!!! I go to see my doc today for my check up and to see what I can do about the bloating and insomnia. Hopefully there’s an answer for that. What’s one or two more pills, right?

As always, my friends and family are helping me and keeping me upbeat. I’ve had some low points too, but it’s amazing what a hug during those times can do! I just keep on keeping on. Only 5 more treatments to go, 6 weeks of radiation, then I finally get my implants 6 months after that. Keeping my eyes on the prize!!!!

Love to all!
Nik