Thursday, May 31, 2012
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Seven and Counting ...

By Daria Friday, December 26, 2008

I've had 7 cycles of Taxotere since August of this year and will continue as long as my body and my mind can take it ... I guess. I've had positive CT scans which indicate my tumours are shrinking slightly. That is all the news I need to stay on course however, it's not quite that easy.

 

Chemotherapy wears on the body and on the mind. My body is tired and each cycle just takes a just little bit more out of you. One flight of stairs causes me to 'huff and puff'. Standing or walking for any distance at all is too much. The trick for me seems to be ... if I can just sit down I'm pretty good and/or lay down and closes my eyes for a few minutes ... it refreshes me enough to continue.


Now mentally, chemotherapy wears on me too. Emotionally, I cry much easier, I anger much easier ... in general, I'm just mentally weaker. I don't have much patience and of course the famous 'chemo' brain. I have difficulty remembering things. I used to be quick with my thoughts ... you can forget that now.

 

Unfortunately, I'm feeling like my life is all about the cancer and I'm constantly 'putting out the fires' ... dealing with the symptoms of the chemotherapy or the medications relating to it. Some days my only goal is to get through that day or that night.

 

And then I do have to remember that some of the side effects of chemotherapy treatment are mood swings and depression. The challenge is to somehow juggle all of this and carry on as normally as possible.

 

I have a personal blog that helps me share my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes the thoughts are ‘darker' than others and then there are times when my thoughts are ‘too rosie' ... generally when I'm on the steroid Dexamethasone.


Because the ‘highs and lows' are part of the cancer experience, I feel people should know they exist.


Thanks for listening.

 

 

 

Dealing with Denial
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
12/27/08 7:30am

You are absolutely right about highs and lows being part of the cancer experience.  I think it does help in a low to remember that you've been through this cycle before, and that you will feel better.  I'm a big believer in the value of occasionally going to bed and pulling the covers over my head while I wallow in anger, grief, and self-pity.  I'm also a big believer in asking for some medication if the lows last more than a few days or if they prevent you from functioning.

I hope the Taxotere continues to shrink your tumors.  Hang in there!

12/27/08 11:42pm

Hi Daria,

 

Keep up the good work. An end is in site...you just have to believe. Take it one day at a time. That's what I did. I never thought about next week or next month or next year. Just that day. Each day comes to an end and with it another ugly cancer day is gone.

Get as much rest as possible to rejuvenate yourself.

Good Luck! My thoughts are with you and everyone else going through the same thing.

 

Carol

Anonymous
Gail - San Antonio, TX
3/ 3/09 7:43am

Thank you for your blog...I've just had my second cycle of taxotere and starting to feel everything you were talking about.  I'm going to have my husband and family read your blog so they can better understand what women go are going through.  Please keep blogging and letting us know how you are doing.  Your determination gives me hope and your honesty helps me accept what is happening to me.

3/18/09 2:54pm
Hi Gail, There are ups and downs with the Taxotere but all I can say is ... just go day by day. Please feel free to leave comments or email me at the website. I think we can all help each other through the cancer experience. Blogging has been one great outlet for me. Wishing you good health and a great recovery, Daria
Anonymous
Gail Folk
3/18/09 4:48pm

Thanks for your reply...my computer crashed a couple of weeks ago and I borrowed a friends to check messages...I've ordered a new pc and that will give me the freedom to access your blog more.    I go for my third round of chemo this coming Monday.  This last one really affected my taste buds, so I'm just now getting some sense of taste back.  I also noticed and mentioned to the center that the muscles in my legs are weakening which they said was caused by the chemo.  Plus, I very rarely cry but with this chemo I have what I call "chemo melt downs" where the tears just flow. 

I appreciate hearing from you and I'm looking forward to getting my computer so I can blog more. 

Take care...Gail

4/ 2/09 5:20am

Gail all the side effects sound familiar to what I have and am experiencing. The chemo drugs and anti-nausea drugs play havoc with me. I'm up at some crazy hour ... 2:30 am because of the steroids.

 

I had chemo on Tuesday and so this weekend will be a bit ugly. For me, blogging and the support I get from fellow bloggers is amazing.

 

Stay strong and I would invite you to visit my personal blog Living with Cancer.

 

Daria

 

 

By Daria— Last Modified: 09/29/10, First Published: 12/26/08