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!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Chemotherapy #3 of 6 - Done!

A few days ago I described the Christmas caroling event in Juvenile Hall.  I just received the photos of the Christmas tree decorating contest which kept the kids busy for weeks.  Here's an example, clearly different from what I have in my home!

I was in chemotherapy for 5-1/2 hours today, partly out of an abundance of caution after the reaction to the second round and partly because I also had a quarterly infusion that takes one hour.  But there was no excitement or drama and I'm feeling well.

I did learn that I have to get back to walking - because of the anemia, of all things.  The oncologist explained that Taxotere plays havoc with bone marrow, the reason all my blood cell counts are wonky.  He said that exercise, even more than iron-dense foods, would help.  It explained that the kidneys would detect the lack of oxygen when I exercise and stimulate the bone marrow to produce more cells.  That's something I never knew!

So I thought about it, came home and took a nap.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Barbara, just stopped by to wish you a Happy New Year. I know you are probably not having that much fun just now but hopefully the new year will bring you all the best that life has to offer.

    ReplyDelete

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