MRI

Friday I had an MRI on my left side to see if there is actually anything wrong where the CT scanned showed something. I haven't heard anything yet which might be good! I felt so sorry for the elderly lady ahead of me. They kept asking her to hold her breath so they could get a good image. I started trying to hold my breath as long as they were asking her and I couldn't do it (even with my asthma I should be able to). After more than 20 tries they said they would have to go with what they had. So they wheel the woman out and guess what they do next? They reattach her oxygen!! No wonder she couldn't hold her breath!!
I am actually feeling quite good now, just in time for my new chemo tomorrow!! At least I won't go in feeling sick but coming out may be a different story. This new chemo is paclitaxel and the main side effect to be concerned about is peripheral neuropathy. So I have researched it and there is a 64% chance of getting it. So more research and I ask the doctor about it. The GGH has these ice mitts (that no patient at the hospital has ever used) to prevent circulation to the fingers which in turn should prevent drug leakage out of the very small blood vessels (capillaries) in the hands (and also feet). I am going to try it. I am also planning on coming home and not using my hands and feet very much for approx 50 hours ( 5 half-lives of the drug). This is an experiment but well worth it I feel. Some articles even state no washing dishes, no chopping etc which I am just fine with! I have done all the laundry and cleaned the house up  (something I am learning to do the day before chemo because after that it is all done hill for a few days). Friends are thankfully bringing meals and I can rest!

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is
flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
   -- Psalm 18:30

4th Chemo

Yesterday I had my 4th chemo and my last dose of AC. Next time new drugs!(with possibly worse side effects).
The line went in after 2 attempts (I will now remember to never let them try my hand...it doesn't work). I felt okay, except for the headache, until late afternoon. I had to take my medication with food so C brought me water and a plain white dinner roll. One bite and instantaneous vomiting on the bed (but in a green bag). After 4 bouts I made it to the washroom to continue. A came home right in the middle of it and Q slept through it all. The dog however took advantage of the situation and scarfed down the dinner roll while I was in the washroom! Not that I wanted it.
Today I feel better and have managed to eat some toast. I did not get to enjoy the meals that were brought yesterday for us but the rest of the family tells me they were great!

On days when life is difficult and I feel overwhelmed, as I do
fairly often, it helps to remember in my prayers that all God
requires of me is to trust Him and be His friend. I find I can
do that.
     -- Bruce Larson

Third Round

So the third round of chemo knocked me out for a bit. I basically just slept and avoided food for awhile. I am now almost back to normal (only a 2 hour nap today!) and ready for number 4 on Wednesday. I'm still not that fond of food but I am sure that will change when this is all over.
I managed to learn more about inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) from a fellow survivor's posted video on facebook. Believe it or not but this cancer only takes a few weeks to develop and is very aggressive. So basically I was probably cancer free 3 months ago. Amazing how things change so quickly. I am fortunate in that I was detected early enough to be Stage 3b. I will fight the good fight.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20