Today I had my last chemo treatment with the Adriamycin and Cytoxan drugs. I have had a total of four treatments and now they are behind me. But I have four to go — with a different drug called Taxol. I’m worried about this one — it has nerve implications and other potential side effects. My hands and feet may tingle or go numb. I may notice changes in my nails. I may feel aches in my joints and bones. And what I dread most is that I may gain weight from the steroids I will take to prevent allergic reactions to Taxol. But I hear nausea and vomiting are not very common with this drug so that’s a plus.
I worried a lot about the Adriamycin and Cytoxan too. While I have felt some nausea (and may again this weekend), my experience has not been horrible. I think some women have worse pregnancies than I’ve had with my first chemo experience. So I will hope my side effects with Taxol will be minimal. And if for some reason I cannot tolerate the drug, there is another drug that can be substituted (Taxotere). Interestingly, I was told Taxotere was the drug I would have. But my oncologist decided on Taxol instead because it’s been around longer and has more research backing it.
I didn’t have my private room today. But I did have my mom, Tracy and Jordan with me. And I had two new visitors — my friend Bev and her baby Etta. They brought me beautiful fresh pink tulips and helped take my mind off the chemotherapy. Despite the ill feeling this disease still gives me, the gifts that come from cancer are endless. Friendships are deeper. Love is stronger. And a walk on a beautiful day is truly appreciated.
My mom, Jordan and I took a walk once I got home. It was sunny and crisp and perfect.
Jacki Donaldson
Renee on 3/4/2005 at 4:39 pm said:
It sounds like you had a nice day… despite what you were doing. You are so right that good friends, close family, and beautiful weather can ease your mind in an otherwise troublesome time. I hope you have a heathly nausea-free weekend… filled with all of the above… and a nap!
Renee
Jane Donaldson on 3/4/2005 at 7:48 pm said:
Progress, Jacki ! More notches in the belt of your full recovery. I pray all those possible side effects will only appaer on the warning labels, and not in your life. I wanted to see you this weekend, but have wound up with a cold. Couldn’t chance giving it to you. UTTS Jane
Kara on 3/4/2005 at 8:10 pm said:
Jacki – We continue to think of you every day. You are amazing!!!
Nancy Lanni on 3/4/2005 at 8:37 pm said:
Jacki, your expression of your experiences is a gift to all of us, and your outlook is so amazing. I’m so glad today was beautiful so that your walk was uplifting. Keep it up, you are doing great!
Shelby Drayton LaBadie on 3/4/2005 at 9:34 pm said:
Hi Jacki,
I’m a fellow survivor who stumbled upon your blog while searching for info on what to do with my post-chemo curls. Having been in your shoes this time last year, I felt compelled to write and cheer you on.
I had my last infusion of taxotere in August, 2004, and, if you can believe it, have about 3 inches worth of curly-curls. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2003 (I was 31), underwent 12 rounds of CAF (cytoxan, adriamycin and 5FU), had a lumpectomy and SNB, then four rounds of taxotere and six weeks of radiation, ending in October.
Like you said, chemo is crumby but doable, but I really do feel back to my normal self, except for these curls, so hang in there. You’ll be finished with this phase of your life before you know it. You’re SO much stronger than the cancer and chemo; you will beat it and win the war with the beast.
You’re almost there! Here’s to a happier, healthier self to come!
Big hugs,
shelby
Tanya on 3/5/2005 at 12:10 am said:
I came across your weblog by searching for references on Melissa Etheridge and her appearance on TV. I watched my mother go through cancer and so I feel for anyone going through this process. I just wanted to share one of her hair ideas with you, for what its worth. I looked at the hip hats link, and realized that once again my mother was so hip herself she had made herself one of these, essentially , with her own hair. I don’t know if you still have your hair in that ziploc bag, but in case you do and are interested in a project that might utitlize it, I thought I would share it. What she did is take fabric strips, and made one that fit comfortably around her head, then made a criss cross of strips that fit over top, so essentially she made a little skullcap for herself. But she sewed her own hair into the strip around her head. She would place this on her head, and then place her hat over it. If you have the required sewing skills and a machine, and/or someone you know has those skills and tools, you might be able to just figure it out from my description. I would be happy to send a sketch from what I recall her doing. It was kind of cool, because it was her own hair. On the other hand, you look quite lovely with your new temporary hair! Just thought I would share this idea if its at all helpful or interesting. Best wishes to you and your success in treatment.
Tanya Thielke on 5/7/2005 at 4:43 pm said:
Here is that link about calendula: http://www.nci.nih.gov/clinicaltrials/results/calendula0504
Here are a few quotes:
In a French study, women with breast cancer who received radiation therapy after surgery suffered less skin irritation if they applied calendula ointment to the irradiated area than if they used another ointment, trolamine. As of May 2004, the particular calendula ointment used in the study was not available in the United States.
A variety of creams and ointments may be prescribed to prevent or treat dermatitis caused by radiation therapy. Trolamine ointment is widely used, although randomized studies have not shown it to be more effective than other approaches to preventing and treating radiation-induced dermatitis.
So eventhough you can’t apparently get that particular calendula ointment used in the study, there should be a straight calendula oil or a blend you can even make yourself (i.e. calendula w/ olive oil).
Just for reference!
Take care,
-T
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