Update 20

Update 20

Chemo infusions:  3 down, 9 to go!

My white blood cell count today was low for the first time since I began Monday labs but it wasn't so low that I couldn't receive my infusions so we forged ahead.  Tuesday infusion appointments are scheduled for midday but we're learning that things don't really get underway until early afternoon anyway for various reasons and delays… check-in, vitals, pre-meds, waiting on oncologist approval, super expensive drugs not being mixed by the pharmacist until the patient is prepped and ready to immediately receive them, etc…

I felt pretty good between the second chemo treatment and today.  For the second time, my vision blurred almost exactly 48 hours after the infusion but this time it wasn't as severely and it cleared up faster and more completely.  I also developed an itchy rash over the weekend that started on my forehead and spread down the sides of my face, my nose and onto my cheeks.  It is bizarre how suddenly these things crop up.  Oh, I almost forgot sporadic bloody noses are in the mix too. It will be interesting to see what this next week brings… at this point smoke could start coming out of my ears and I don't think I would be surprised.

The half steroid dose worked pretty well. The steroid is given as an anti-nausea pre-med.  I haven't felt sick to my stomach exactly, but halving the dose did bring about some elevated stomach awareness. I wouldn't trade that for the half night of sleep it also brought, which was a welcome improvement from the night of no sleep that resulted from a full dose. 

I guess I won't qualify for any halls of fame with steroid use on my record now, but the boys are treated to some highly animated reading aloud on Tuesday nights from my energy swell.  I haven't timed it but I think I'm folding laundry nearly twice as fast as well.  

I am woefully behind on thank you notes but I aim to catch up this week.  We are immensely thankful for the meals, cards, texts and well wishes. Please keep sharing about this 35 year old you know with breast cancer so your family and friends will be encouraged to screen early and annually...