Chemo No. 5

Today I had my first round of Taxol. I'll have 3 more, once every 2 weeks, and then I'll be DONE with chemo!

The issue with Taxol is that the substance they deliver it in is highly allergic. In order to avoid an allergic reaction it's common practice to give the patient high doses of Benadryl, along with Decadron (steroids) and Zantac to soothe the stomach. I also got Zofran (an anti-nausea, but much less than with the A/C: only 1 pill.) I was really out of it from all Benadryl but really wired from the Decadron at the same time. NOT a pleasant combination when you are basically strapped to a chemo recliner! I was told to take a half an Ativan to remedy the Tired/Wired issue so I did that when I got home and it helped.

The entire process was long, as the first bit of Taxol is delivered very slowly to be sure it's tolerable. I went in shortly after 1:00 and didn't leave until nearly 6:00! My stomach feels SO full tonight with all the IV fluids plus all the water I drank (including an entire HUGE bottle of Pellegrino which is tasting better than anything lately.)

My nurse said that Saturday and Sunday will probably be couch days for me. I'll let you know. Tonight, besides being full and a little bit woozy from Benadryl I feel pretty good. I played Scrabble with my Mom but out of respect for her I won't divulge who won...

A little side note:

I love getting comments on my blog. When my treatments tie me to the couch, and my laptop is a bigger part of my life than I'd like to admit, you have no idea how uplifting a comment can be. I so appreciate my friends who take the time to comment just about every time I post something. I also really appreciate hearing from people I've not met, whether you just like my writing or you are also facing cancer or know someone who is. Don't hesitate to write me. I'll even answer you back if you let me know how. Cancer is scary but none of us have to be alone in the fight.