I'm back!

I hope!

I had my first round of Taxol, the new chemo I'll be receiving weekly, on Thursday.  This is WORLDS better than the first two types of meds I received.  Last round I pretty much got every single side effect that was possible.  It was a dark, yucky place to be.  I was depressed and scared and down.

This week I am the exact opposite.  I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm trying to remain cautiously optimistic because I do have 11 more rounds of this to go, but I really feel good.  I experienced none of the side effects that I did last week, my energy is up, my mood is up....wahoo! 

The doctor said the biggest side effects from Taxol are neuropathy (tingling/numbness on hands and feet, which in 90% of cases people will get full sensation back) and nail beds that loosen.  My biggest fear is if the neuropathy gets too bad they'll stop treatment, which I won't be okay with.  My oncologist actually tried to cancel my chemo this week because of some of the side effects that I was experiencing, but I successfully talked her out of that.  :)  I like to keep on schedule with what the millions of dollars and super smart scientists have decided is best for me.

They gave me 50 mg of Benadryl in my IV with the Taxol because of the risk of allergic reaction to it.  I didn't like that - it made me feel woozy and knocked me out.  Which, would've been fine if I was then going to bed for the night - but instead they kicked me out 40 minutes later and I had to somehow function.  So, they're going to cut it down to 25 mg next time, but I will have to have it with every round. 

And, I think that pretty much says it all.  Getting knocked out from Benadryl is my biggest complaint this week.  Party time.

Moving forward!!