On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

My new best friend

It won't surprise you to learn I've become fascinated by the Pacific yew tree now that I know it was in the original formula for Taxotere, my current chemotherapy drug.  It's unfortunate that 1) the tree grows slowly and 2) stripping the bark that is used in the medication kills the tree.  Consequently, Pacific yews are now rare.

It's a lovely tree.  I'd grow one in my own backyard if I thought that could happen in this climate.  Sorry, no.

Today was another good day.  I worked three hours and fell asleep for three hours, how lucky can I be?

3 comments:

  1. That's a neat fact about the tree. Too bad you couldn't just chew on the barK! Glad it hasn't gotten you down yet. Maybe it won't. I have heard of people who kept right on working while they were going through chemo. I hope you keep feeling good enough like they did.

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  2. It looks like we're in a climate zone that can be compatible with the Pacific Yew, so I got inspired by your post, and we ordered a sapling today!

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  3. Timaree -- I had the exact same thought, why couldn't I chew on it like beef jerky!

    Rebecca -- Oh, how cool! Keep me posted on how it does.

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