Sorry for the delayed update. It must be a while since I wrote last because I’ve started to get calls of concern. I am happy to report that I am fine. This week I had my 6th chemo session- my second with my new drugs Taxol & Carbopatin. I had planned to write this update during my session on Tuesday but somehow the 6 hours past without me accomplishing much of anything. Two cooking magazines, some mediation and music later and all of sudden I was done. Here is a picture – for those who wonder what Chemo sessions looks like. Not so scary is it. Would be better if there were massage chairs and pedicures given (probably in Seattle with personalize flat screen TVs or so I imagine). I'll put some ideas on the suggestion cards ;)
My energy level and appetite has been good (no such luck on losing weight on chemo) despite most foods tasting off. Not a real taste for wine either- bummer. I still have icky taste in my mouth most of the day (thanks for those who sent sucker candies) but it appears to be better in the last week or so. Not sure if that is due to my Chinese herbs or the new meds. On the downside I experience some random aches and body pains with the new drugs. We’ll see what this week brings (as I usually feel the worst Fri- Tues after chemo).
Great news to report- the wonder drugs (I no longer call it poison) are working. Tons of appreciation going out to the pharma companies for making these amazing drugs that stop me from puking and rebuild my white blood cells. I don’t care that they cost thousands of dollars (just awaiting my insurance company to choke on my latest claim). As of two weeks ago the tumor has shrunk down to 17 x 11mm vs. the original size of 33 x 26mm and the peak size of 40 x 29mm. For those of you weaker in math or don’t have a calculator handy- the tumor is about 1/3 of its original size. The radiologist wrote on the report “ considerable reduction” – it is pretty uncommon for them to meet folks doing chemo first and everyone in the last was dutifully impress with the results. Hopefully Taxol will continue to as great a job shrinking the tumor as AC did. I am hoping that my surgeon has very little left to remove. But there still will be surgery – to remove any bits left plus some margin around and double check for lymph node involvement. I am still hoping/planning on making it to Seattle in July assuming no complications arising between now and then.
What else is new on the cancer front…..this week’s pros: (yes there are some positive benefits) I’ve never been fast getting ready –shower with no shaving, very little shampoo, so not much to do then no styling your hair and this week’s cons: hot flashes (body is sent into abrupt menopause). I heard a funny line that explained global warming on the number of female baby boomers experiencing menopause- enough hot flash to melt the polar ice caps:)
Overall I have very little to moan about (not that it would help) –sometimes I feel guilty that my body is handling it so well. Call it bizarre cancer guilt….but some horrible mouth taste and minor back and joint pain isn’t much to complain about given how bad it could be. Heck I know friends with worse pregnancy side effects and they get less care packages. Of course they don’t have my lovely collection of scarves to choice from. But let’s just hope my luck continues. I am doing my best to stay grounded and centered during the chaos and swirl of cancer. Only two more chemo treatments to go – YIPPEEEEE!
I really miss you all. Thanks for your sweet cards, messages, prayers and positive thoughts, plus the awesome care packages.
Many thanks for your and support. Love Mimi
here is a picture of me and my yoga partner (although she isn't great on staying calm and relaxed- she is more of a power yoga girl)- thanks Jen for the DVD.
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