Becky had her 3rd dose of chemo today. She only has 1 more dose of the bad combo of Adriamycin and Cytoxan. After that, she will switch to a weekly dose of a different medication called Taxol. All things considered she is doing pretty well. She is getting better at treating the side effects.
She did struggle with the last dose a little bit. She developed a sore throat and a mild fever. Normally this would not be serious, but because of the chemo's effect on her white blood cells, they watch these things more closely. If the fever gets to 100.5 she has to go directly to the hospital. We watched closely and she was quite uncomfortable with a cold for a few days, but fortunately she improved and was feeling quite well before her dose today.
Life is very busy and it does not really slow down just because a person is being treated for cancer. Luckily she is able to bounce back pretty quick, and we have wonderful friends, family, and neighbors that are so willing to help.
Next chemo dose is September 11th. Wear your shirts. :)
I have been overwhelmed by the love and support my family and I have received since we found out I have breast cancer. I want everyone to know of my sincere appreciation for the many prayers and messages of support, especially the fast in which so many were participating. My family is setting up this blog as a way to keep people updated on my progress. Thank you so much for your love.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Chemo Round 2
Becky had her 2nd dose of chemo on Wednesday August 14th. She had recovered pretty well from her first dose and was feeling pretty good. We had a visit with the surgeon last week and he said everything looks great. We know a little more what to expect from the chemo this time, and that makes us feel better.
I think I have convinced her to start the nausea medication a little earlier this time and not try to act so tough. :)
August always seems like a very busy time of year with back to school, soccer tournaments, and just trying to get everything wrapped up from summer. Thanks to all who have helped out, especially with driving kids around. We could not have done it without you. We have also had such wonderful meals brought in when she was feeling bad after her first dose. With her feeling nauseated and having the taste disturbances, she was really in no mood to cook for the family.
We are so thankful for all of the acts of kindness and support that we have received. I know that it boosts Becky's spirits to see everyone wearing their shirts on her chemo days. (The next chemo dose is on August 28th.) The infusion center is not a very uplifting place to spend 3 hours. At times, I am sure that she feels overwhelmed, but because of all of the wonderful love and support that we have received, it makes it all just a little more bearable. Your thoughts and prayers are felt and much appreciated.
Thank You!
I think I have convinced her to start the nausea medication a little earlier this time and not try to act so tough. :)
August always seems like a very busy time of year with back to school, soccer tournaments, and just trying to get everything wrapped up from summer. Thanks to all who have helped out, especially with driving kids around. We could not have done it without you. We have also had such wonderful meals brought in when she was feeling bad after her first dose. With her feeling nauseated and having the taste disturbances, she was really in no mood to cook for the family.
We are so thankful for all of the acts of kindness and support that we have received. I know that it boosts Becky's spirits to see everyone wearing their shirts on her chemo days. (The next chemo dose is on August 28th.) The infusion center is not a very uplifting place to spend 3 hours. At times, I am sure that she feels overwhelmed, but because of all of the wonderful love and support that we have received, it makes it all just a little more bearable. Your thoughts and prayers are felt and much appreciated.
Thank You!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Watching and waiting
Becky had her first dose of chemo on Wednesday, July 31st. We spent about 3 hours at the oncologist's office. It was a 30 minute appointment and then about 2.5 hours of different IV infusions. They gave her some pre-medications to help with the nausea, a steroid, and then the actual chemo. Doxorubicin is a deep red color and it is a little unnerving watching it flow into her veins. It is probably the more toxic of the 2 drugs. She had minimal side effects during the infusions, and soon we were in our way home. The Dr. said that the nausea would most likely start later that evening. She was given medications to help control the nausea, and for the most part, they have done a good job. On Thursday morning we went back to the Dr's office to get a Neulasta shot. This is a medication to help her body produce more white blood cells to replace the ones that are being destroyed by the chemo. It stimulates the bone marrow and can cause some severe bone pain. She decided to participate in an investigational study for some medications to help control the bone pain. Unfortunately, she was randomized to the arm of the study that is not receiving the study medications. She is still able to take other medications though.
Overall, she is doing pretty well. The side effects of the chemo and Neulasta have been bearable with the use of other medications. She is pretty fatigued, but that is a normal side effect of the chemo that we do not have many ways to treat at this point. This first treatment is a little difficult, because we do not really know if she is going to take a turn for the worse at some point. Once she makes it to Monday, they said that she should start feeling better, and the chance for a bad reaction will have passed.
We continue to have amazing support from all of our wonderful friends and family. People have been bringing in meals and offering words of encouragement, and we are so thankful for all of it.
Overall, she is doing pretty well. The side effects of the chemo and Neulasta have been bearable with the use of other medications. She is pretty fatigued, but that is a normal side effect of the chemo that we do not have many ways to treat at this point. This first treatment is a little difficult, because we do not really know if she is going to take a turn for the worse at some point. Once she makes it to Monday, they said that she should start feeling better, and the chance for a bad reaction will have passed.
We continue to have amazing support from all of our wonderful friends and family. People have been bringing in meals and offering words of encouragement, and we are so thankful for all of it.
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