New Chemo............

THANK YOU so very much for all of you that have contributed to the gift bags for me each chemo time. I have been so blessed and overwhelmed as well at how loved I have felt! Thank you!!!!!!!!! Your generosity has spoken volumes to me. I hope to encourage someone else in my shoes like this one day.

I first want to apologize for not writing in so long. I have finished the former chemo that was making me so very sick. Two weeks ago, they started me on Taxol. I go every monday for three weeks then have the fourth week off. I am glad about having a week off to not travel to Winston-Salem but it does mean that I will finish Sept. 27th instead of the 6th. Oh well, it will be nice for the break in between weeks.

I was told Taxol would not make me as nauseated and they were right! The first week I had it, my dad took me and that wed. for the first time since all this began I woke up and felt no nausea. I actually felt like myself again. I was even able to go the the pool with my kids and slide down the slide with them. We had a really god time together.

The precaution with this drug is when they are actually administering it. They said some have an allergic reaction to it, hard to breath, rash, etc. I was a little nervous but did just fine. They give me benadryl each just in case and this knocks me out.

Another side effect is that I could have tingling/numbing in my hands and feet. In some cases, the damage can be permanent. The nurse told me that I could have troubling dropping things and buttoning things up. So far this has not been the case. James bought me some cold mitts and boots I wear while they are administering the i.v. to prevent it. It is freezing lying there with these things on my hands and feet but I am grateful they seem to be working.

The doctor also had to give me something for hot flashes. It has been real hard to get a good nights sleep when I wake up super hot and then need a blanket again and then throw it off again.......etc. :)

So I have been encouraged that I don't feel so sick with this new chemo. I do have leg and joint pain and it's uncomfortable but also a side affect. I'm not sure why but I have been dealing with a lot of nausea yesterday and today.

Next week I go July 6th, on Tuesday. I have ten more treatments. My oncologist told me twice last time that this is the best drug against breast cancer. Said I am doing what I need to be doing to fight this.

I have lost some weight, I don't mind this part :), but it's still is a struggle to get my water in each day and eat when I don't feel like eating/drinking. I'm trying!

I am so very grateful for everyone that has been asking about me and praying for me. Emotionally I am doing better, I'm enjoying time with my family this summer. Occasionally I have fear but not as paralyzing as before.

Thank you for lifting me up. We need it. Please pray for James as well as he has been diligently seeking a job.

We found out our insurance company will not renew it because we are no longer overseas. So our challenge now is to find an insurance that will cover pre-existing conditions!

thanks for walking this road with us.........

love,

holli