Thursday, January 28, 2016 marks the end of a long, tedious journey through chemotherapy. I began the journey in September, and still can't believe I cooked Thanksgiving dinner, decorated the house for Christmas, and rang in 2016 at midnight. Finally I can say "I'm through"! I am at the half finished part of my treatments.
As I look back, I am amazed at my determination; the strength; and the will to carry on a "normal life" as possible. While my house wasn't as clean as usual, I carried on with the chores when I had the strength, I exercised when I was able; usually on the recumbent bike, riding the goal of 5 miles. And a couple of times near the end of chemo, I hopped on the treadmill and ran .50 mile.
I began Taxol in November. It was the chemo drug for the next 14 treatments, and much easier to tolerate. I was instructed to take Compazine (an anti-nauseous medication) one hour prior to the appointment time. Taxol has the reputation of these side effects: nausea, allergic reactions and can cause stomach issues. I was given Benadryl, just in case. The total effect of the Compazine and Benadryl, caused drowsiness and I basically slept through the treatments.
During the last month, I was shocked when I began to lose my eyebrows and eye lashes. I was prepared for the loss of body hair, i.e. legs, arms, privates, but it never occurred that I would lose the hair around my eyes. The hair on my scalp however, is growing. Life is good, it is what it is, the glass is half full. My mantras.
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