Chemotherapy #8 (of 8 - DONE!

Today was my final infusion of Taxotere.  I won't be back until late July for a bone strengthener drug that is also infused, but since it has no side effects I have no problem with that.  In 21 days I'll be completely through this cycle and officially "out."  Between now and that July appointment I have eight other injections, blood draws, a CT scan (without contrast dye!) and an oncology appointment, but nothing will be infused.  It's a small taste of freedom and a big taste of hope.

There was a new nurse working with me today.  I saw her in the chemotherapy suite a few weeks ago - when she was being a chemotherapy patient herself.  We have the same kind of breast cancer - lobular, the 10% kind - and, since neither of us was wearing a hat today, we both have the same 1/2 inch sprout.  I was amazed that she's working 21 hours a week, "Some days are harder than others" and we both agreed the fatigue is often overwhelming.  Yesterday she slept all day - sound familiar?  She's much younger than I am - that's my excuse for my inability to work as much as she does - but it made the morning pass so much faster by having someone who really, really, knows what it's like.

Even better, I walked one mile with Steve and three dogs this evening.  I'll crash in a couple days, but today it was 80º F and felt like a summer night when we went out.  In addition to all the reasons we know walking is good - cardiovascular health, raises seratonin levels, helps control weight, etc. - another reason which is suddenly important to me is that it reduces glucose levels too.

I'm finally on board - something of a zealot these days - but on board.