Well Kat... I have to avoid the Gin for a while as everything tastes yukky while on Chemo. They say to avoid everything you like while undergoing treatment as it tastes so bad it could put you off for life (heaven forbid!) I guess that means I should have been eating brocolli and liver for the past two months! (After all, that's no great loss right???)
As an update: My Oncologist was away today, so I saw another Dr. I was warned by the nurse that he didn't know too much about breast cancer (no duh!) and that he had to see 36 patients that day (no rush!). Needless to say, my appt. was for 8am, I had blood work, saw the Doc and was home at 8.45!
I tried talking to him about my concerns regarding the side effects of Taxotere (my new chemo drug) and AS. He fobbed me off immediately by telling me he knew all about AS and it only affects the spine. He said I would be fine and to just take Tylenol for pain. Then he left. I think that there are quite a few of us who could disagree about 'just the spine' (raise your hand!) but it didn't seem worth the argument. When a Dr say's he "knows everything" it's usually a good idea to leave him in la-la-land.
All the other women in my support group have been given much different information. One of the important bits he forgot to mention is that this drug can cause your nail beds to lift, making your finger/toe nails go black, split and fall off. He never mentioned a thing about the joint issues.
No worries, I saw my Family Doc at 11am and she has prescribed some percs to get me through if I need them (I'm hoping not, but it's nice to know they are there, because if it hurts me as bad as it's hurt the other women in my group, I won't be in any kinda shape to go to the Docs for help). On the bright side, I'm given the steriod treatment via IV this time, and a mega-dose at that, so that should help.
I must admit I'm more scared about this set of chemo than my last. Always afraid of what you 'don't know' than what 'you do' I guess.
However, I do consider myself Cancer Free at this point. My cancer went when I had my masectomy as far as I'm concerned. The chemo is just insurance.
I doubt I'll be able to post for a while. The chemo makes me very tired and yes, I feel sick to my stomach most of the time.
Before I forget... my last chemo is scheduled for March 18 (provided I can keep my (blood) counts up and there are no delays) and I can think of no better reason for a party! My son's g/f lives downtown TO (Sam is moving in with her soon) so I have a place to stay! It would be lovely to get together some night. I might even wear my wig!!! (Most often I don't... it's too freaking hot
)
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and friendship. It means an awful lot to me and I'm very thankful and humbled to have you all in my 'corner'.
I'm off down the 'rabbit hole' once again.... I'll see you all at the Mad Hatter's tea party!
Much love....
Max x
