TAXOTERE IS THE DEVIL!

COMING BACK FROM A HARD WEEK AND A HALF.  A week ago this past Thursday was my half-way point with chemo.  I was given the chemo drug Taxotere which my oncologist explained had recently proven slightly more effective than the Taxol we had planned to take.  Side effects would be about the same.  He gave me the option though of continuing to take it in a once-every three-week dose like I've been taking the A/C, OR break it into smaller doses which would require me coming in for infusions once a week for the three weeks for 12 weeks.  I opted to take the full three-week dose to keep from coming so often, plus I'd heard all along that A/C was "the beast" and that I should find Taxotere or Taxol a little easier.  BOTTOM LINE - THIS STUFF KNOCKED ME ON MY BUTT!  By mid-week I was so weak and sick (much of which I can't even remember) I was back down to Tampa on Wed., Thurs. and Friday getting IV fluids again, looking like death warmed over.  My oncologist felt so bad and agreed the Taxotere was too much for me.  At my next chemo on 3/22, I'll take the three smaller doses weekly instead and will revert back to Taxol.  NOW I JUST HAVE TO RECOVER FROM THIS FIRST HEAVY DOSE and get this all out of my system.

I'VE NEVER BEEN SO WEAK thus far in my treatments as the last few days.  Body aches all over, bone tired weak feeling, taste buds all goofed up, among other things.  Sometimes sitting in a warm bathtub was my best friend.  Today's the first day I've felt like sitting at the computer and catching up.  "STRONGER BACK, STRONGER BACK" has been my central prayer over this past week and I know He came through for me.  Feeling stronger today and praying it continues over this week.

TALKING WITH A DEAR AND BRAVE FRIEND going through her own battle with cancer, we agreed that the constant and continual barrage of one-symptom-after-another is what can get you down mentally.  If its not one thing, its another, kind of thing.  She's an inspiration to me and I'd be blessed to have half the guts she does!  Thanks once again this week to my friends and loved ones for the prayers, emails, cards and food...you are all a blessing!

ONE FUNNY MOMENT OF THE WEEK...as my sweet nurse Jean was hooking me up to my IV fluids on Wednesday, I was puking in my little pink basin, so sick and looking pretty bad I admit.  The chatty older gentleman patient next to us getting his infusion began to tell Kenny how happy he was with the nursing/living facility his wife had found for him and offered to pass on the info to Kenny.  Kenny cheerfully thanked him and Jean ended up moving me to a room where I could lay down, but Kenny and I laughed later about the little man trying to send me away to a nursing home already.  You gotta laugh!