Jacqueline's Cancer Journey

 I was prescribed Gabapentin for the nerve pain during the second treatment. My doc is also concerned about permanent nerve damage and we may reduce the dose or discontinue treatment if my symptoms worsen. I had my second Taxol treatment on 11/11. It went well and was much more efficient than the last time. I was looking forward to the possibility of less pain, and I was happily surprised. I still had zinging in my limbs, but there was very little pain. Recovery time seems to be taking a bit longer. My body is tired often, and I enjoy my regular rests and naps. It's hard to believe that it's almost the end of November and chemo started at the end of August. Treatment number 3 in round 2 is the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was a small family meal followed by pie and games. Our latest favorite is Sequence a card/board game. I am not as apprehensive about my next treatment, which is very nice. I am still taking the Gabapentin and hope it continues to help with the pain.

I know it's been a minute.  I enjoyed my time off and probably did too much. It felt so good to catch up with people, work and house things. I had my first Taxol treatment on 10/28. It took almost 7 hours between blood draws, dr meetings and the infusion. It was a long day. At first I felt fine, which is normal for me.  Saturday morning I woke up with a red face-like I had a sunburn. I taught and all seemed ok. After my Neulasta (immuno-booster)  shot went off on Saturday afternoon, things started to change. Sunday, Monday and most of Tuesday, I felt the worst I have felt throughout my chemo. My body ached all over and it was as if I didn't have total control over my muscles and body. The only place I felt some relief was in a warm bath. I cried a bit and felt like I wouldn't be able to survive. I found myself not wanting to reach out to people because I felt so horribly. Afterwards, I realized that those might be the times that I really need to reach out. Tuesday was the...

 I must admit that the last week has been a bit of a challenge. Even though fatigue has been my greatest challenge thus far, the added anemia through in a whole new dimension. The high doses of Iron seem to be helping and not causing a lot of havoc with my digestion as I was warned about.  I am enjoying my time off- a sleepover with the gals, good food, a family dinner, pickle ball, yoga, gentle hikes in the mountains, meeting with clients, writing, reading an awesome book (The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd), it feels so good and almost normal. I have been sad when I haven't been able to read or focus or even follow directions. I even ventured out in nature with a friend to take some headshots with my bald self. I'd like to say it wasn't vanity, but there has been some hesitancy to be around people, in person and on zoom, with my bald head. My long hair has been such a big part of me for so long. This week I get vaccinations (Covid and flu) this week and am hoping I don...

 Woot! On 10/7/2022 I completed my 4th and final AC treatment and I'm very excited. The treatment went well. My biggest challenge  is still fatigue possibly enhanced by the fact that I am anemic. I have enough Iron in my body, yet because of the state of my red blood cells, the iron is not begin transferred and used. I have this clear liquid that comes out of my nose unexpectedly and found out that it's because my nose hair are gone. Such a small thing that I didn't consider. I am continually grateful for all the kind words, cards, food, gifts, prayers, time and energy and as far as the juices go, because of my flavor changes I have 2 gotos--Local Love (predominantly beet juice and their carrot and ginger raw soup). My cravings remind me of pregnancy where some days some things are appealing and other days not so much.  I have been falling a sleep really early and therefore now waking up WAY too early. I am hoping to correct this during my mini-break . Now I have 3 weeks ...

I love finding a card in the mail or a cute emoji or meme in a text or email. Thank you. I have saved them all and look back on them in moments of overwhelm or sadness. If I have not thanked you personally, know from my heart that I am. Sitting in the backyard drinking my tea, listening to birds, looking at our big pumpkin helps me to feel present and grounded. I love the cooler weather especially since my body temperature fluctuates a lot.  I had an echo cardiogram before my treatment to check on my heart, and my blood flow has increased since starting treatment. My cholesterol has also dropped 70 points.  My 3rd treatment went well and was somewhat faster than the last 2. Only one more treatment with these magic potions. My friend Marga assisted me and took me around to stores I never get to on my own. She also brought me this magical oil from the Earth's Cauldron on Etsy. While it's good for my body, it feels like it works on a soul level. It's really good for my spirit ...

Well I guess I was a little too real in my last post. I received a number of texts, calls etc about how I was. I have 4-5 very low energy days directly after treatment, then I start to feel better. The key in week two is to not overdo things because I am feeling good and didn't get anything done during week one except to focus on healing, eating and resting. I felt almost normal this week and was able to get many things done. I am grateful to all of you holding me-energetically, spiritually, and physically through your prayers, candles, cards, gifts, food, cash for juice, etc. I truly feel this is why this process has not overwhelmed me. My hair is almost gone and I have to pay attention to how I use my energy and to stay away from germs. I'm excited for the cooler weather and looking forward to wearing my hand-knitted hat from Susan B.

 Phew! This was a rough one. Treatment went as planned. I taught yoga Saturday morning. Then my Neulasta shot and then...listen for JAWS music, it hits. The extreme fatigue and being completely uncomfortable in my body. The only things I can do is eat, drink, and sleep. Conversation is challenging, coming up with words-uhh, reading next to impossible, even watching TV is not easy. I don't want to complain, and it really sucked. I messaged the dr because it was so much more intense than the first time, I thought maybe something was wrong. Nurse Jen, whom I really like, responded fairly quickly and let me know that was expected. Most people have intense fatigue for a full week so I'm doing well with only 5 days of it. When Thursday rolled around, I was able to do most things-like pickle ball, cooking, laundry and responding to email. On days when I move my body enough to sweat, I feel better even though it takes its energetic toll. Friday, I feel human once more--almost like I am...