Friday was my third Taxol chemo treatment (only five more to go!) and I am settling into my routine of weekly treatments. I was more tired than usual over the weekend, and I am sure that I am beginning to feel the cumulative effects of the chemo. I ran a few errands on Saturday but Keith and I stayed home all day Sunday - I just felt drained and tired. I am still able to work full-time, but Mondays are my hardest day of the week. By Monday, all of the steroids they give me on Friday during chemo wear off, and I seem to hit bottom. Then Tuesday through Thursday I am tired but able to make it through each day at work - and I spend the evenings in my recliner resting up. Friday we start the routine all over again.
On Monday, I went to the doctor for bloodwork at the end of the day, and discovered my white cell count and red cell count were both too low. When my red count is low, I feel so very tired and sick- like I have the flu - and I was feeling like this by Monday afternoon. The nurse gave me two shots to build up my counts, but it takes the shots a day or two to do their work, so Tuesday I was really feeling bad. I only worked that morning, then came home and napped on the couch for the afternoon. I perked up some that evening, however, as the shots began to take effect.
Today I am much better - other than mild fatigue, I am feeling pretty normal. So I have to say that this new treatment schedule is working for me - as long as I can keep my blood counts up!
Last weekend was a special treat because Keith and I took a road trip to Waco to spend Saturday and Sunday with Paige and Chance. We went out to dinner on Saturday night and attended church together on Sunday. I loved visiting Paige and Chance's Young Marrieds Sunday School class, and it was so sweet to be there to see Paige and Chance officially join Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. I am so proud of them and thrilled to know they have found a church home where they can be involved.
So I am living through chemo treatments while maintaining a fairly normal lifestyle. Who knew? I am so excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel - only five more treatments and I am DONE with this chemo stuff. Then, a break of three weeks or so, then surgery.
My biggest struggle right now is with my blood counts, so please pray for me these next few weeks - that my counts will stay high and I will continue to feel strong and maintain a normal routine. Thank you for your prayers and support!
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