Chemo #3 . . . not so fun :~(

Yesterday, December 1st, I had my third chemo treatment. Yes! One more to go. I had been told that the third treatment is a little harder on you, and boy, they weren't kidding.

My treatment went very smoothly and the infusion of Taxotere was slowed down so that I wouldn't have an allergic reaction. This was fine with me; the nurse asked if I wanted it speeded up and I said, "Nope." Too anxiety-producing!

For chemo treatment #3, my husband and I brought along a camera to record my "Chemo Day" for posterity. I'm glad we did it. I thought we might be considered a little wacky for doing so, but I was told that others have done it as well.

I asked the receptionists and even my oncologist, Dr. Ellis, if they would mind my taking their photos for my blog. Even though two of the female receptionsts replied, "Oh, I hate getting my photo taken!" they were cooperative and posed for me.

I wasn't sure if my doctor would want her photo taken and I was mildly amused that she said, "Sure!" and scooted right over next to me so that Gary could take our photo together. She really has a wonderful "bedside manner," which is so important to me.

Since my daughter came down with strep, I have been taking antibiotics--a kind that I've never taken before. They cause pain in my stomach for at least half an hour after taking them and make my saliva taste bitter . . . yuck!

So Dr. Ellis gave me another prescription for antibiotics that can be taken in 5 days rather than 10. One more med to add to the list.

After my first chemo treatment, the day after was amazingly good. I walked on my treadmill and felt pretty close to "normal." The side effects didn't kick in until days 3-5.

Well, unfortunately, last night was really quite horrible. Besides drastic digestive system upset, I could not sleep because of the steroids, but felt tired nonetheless.

I slept fitfully all night long with hallucination-type nightmares over and over and over again (you know, like the type you get when you have a high fever--very unpleasant).

I woke up at one point and looked at the ceiling and saw a "honeycomb" pattern on the blank ceiling. Visual disturbances.

I have been wearing a sleeping cap to bed over my bald head and woke up in the middle of the night plastered in sweat, so I flung off the hat. I couldn't decide if this was the infamous "hot flash" that I was told to expect or whether I had a fever. I suspect it was the former, but we'll see if more are on the horizon. This a.m., I just had cold chills. It's kind of like having the flu.

Okay, so enough about all of my symptoms. I have a link to post that takes you to my photo essay.

Appearances are deceiving! I felt pretty good yesterday, but today is another story. I hope to feel better later this week and to post more later.

In the meantime, I'd appreciate your prayers for the next few days. I could use them. :~)

Love to all of you for your support and encouragement. It makes this journey so much easier to go through!