Friday, October 13, 2006

Quick Update

I had my 2nd round of Chemo this past Tuesday....a lil more queasy this time, Wednesday was spent quiet because chemo took my voice again, Thursday I slept most of the day.....hopefully because I won't be taking the Compazine (another anti nausea med) I should have a better weekend than the first round of chemo. I think I will spend most of today napping on and off too.... at 43 I am learning to rest when I need too and I take full advantage of the days when I am unstopable.....those days feel good....they build me up for the down days that come with the chemo.....but all in all and with many thanks for the cancer patients that have walked this path before me, I am doing awesome! I no longer fear Chemo, I am one of the lucky ones that is handling the side effects very well and for that I am grateful beyond words.

 

I'm shedding more now but you still can't tell I'm loosing my hair so I will keep it for a while longer. I am already done with half of the bad chemo treatment (The CA chemo cocktail) 2 more rounds of that and then on to the  tamoxifin (4 rounds of that too) my last chemo date should be January 2nd, then 2 months after that I should be ready for my final surgery. Yipppeeeee! lol

 

For now I am finished seeing the Surgeon and the Plastic Surgeon until after the new year.......happy that I get to cut back on the Doctor visits. Now I just see The Cancer Doctor for chemo one day, a white blood cell booster shot the next day then only a lab visit the following week. At least my second week in between the chemo visits are good ones.......and because of the throat infection right off the bat after my first round of chemo, my Oncologist will have me do a five day run on antibiotics starting every 6th day after chemo. The most important part of chemo is getting it on time every time, I can't afford to get sick and get off my chemo schedule. And another unforseen blessing is I feel almost as good as I did before diagnosis by the middle of the second week. What a relief to actually feel like my old self for a whole week!

 

Chicagoans are doing the Breast Cancer walk this weekend..... Imay not be up for it this year, but you can bet I will be walking next year...decked out in PINK of course! lol lol lol

 

Love,

Kimberleigh

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

The shot they are giving you for the increased white cells...is that the (I'm going to botch the name, I'm sure) Neulastasin I've seen advertised on t.v.?  Have they discussed giving you Procrit for increased red cells?  I always thought that an increased white cell count was bad in cancer patients.  Is the reasoning to increase them to help you fight off infection?

Sounds like you are in for a WONDEROUS new year!  Not only will you finish chemo but your surgery.  At least you will be in the "Year of Healing"!!!  Hair will grow back, your other side effects will disappear, things will taste normal again, etc.  That is great to look forward to!

Take care and get as much rest as you need, my friend!

Love and hugs
Sheila

Anonymous said...

so glad you get to cut back on the visits, I hope things continue to go the this good for you.  J's BIL's Mom is hanging in here.  they took her for her first round of radiation, due to she went into cardiact arrest.   they lost her but got her back and said they had the shrink it or it would continue to happen.  It has been really tough.  She is still to sedated to know what is going on, they plan to take her off the meds today so they could let her be part of the desicion making.  it still doesn't look good, but we aren't giving up hope.  Reading your journal gives me the most hope of all.  Thanks for sharing this tough time in your life with us all.
Missy

Anonymous said...

Ahhh, that's my friend Kim, upbeat and positive, as usual! (lol)  Seriously, I am so glad you are feeling so well.  It sounds like 2007 is going to be YOUR year for sure!!!!  

Keep getting all the rest you need.  That's the best way to FIGHT those nasty cancer cells!!!  

You are my hero....
((hugs))
Jeanne

Anonymous said...

I am sure glad to hear from you. I dont remember if you ever said but did you find your gaudy ear rings yet or are you still in need ?.....lol
Keep the faith g/f and know we are here for you.................Robin

Anonymous said...

You've ALWAYS been my hero ..... you continuously keep convincing me of it !!
I love you, Kim !

Anonymous said...

Kim,
Keep up the great attitude.  Let me know if you fingers get tingley (sometimes a side effect).  I can't tell you how much I admire the way you are handling this...I just do!  Smiles, David

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

So good to hear that the Chemo is going relatively well for you. Everyone's experience is different, but I'll bet your attitude has a BUNCH to do with how well you are doing! {{{Hugs}}}} Have a good nap!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

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Anonymous said...

    Keep up the good work. If I weren't so damned fat, I'd join you next year in the walk.
Jude
http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

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Anonymous said...

Good luck in all you do Kim x
bella xx

Anonymous said...

hang in there!  you are doing great and are an amazing woman!
tina

Anonymous said...

Kim,
Keep the chin where it is now - UP. Hope everything carries on as well as it is at the moment!

Guido
http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are doing well with the chemo!  I am glad.  It makes it so much harder to have the bad side effects; it appears you are like my daughter.  Really the only major effect of the chemo was that she was down for 3 days....complete exhaustion.  But very minimal in comparison to all that could go on during chemo.  I am very proud of you for doing so well, especially in attitude!  Jae

Anonymous said...

January will be here before you know it. I'm going to the BC walk tomorrow. I'm not waking in it, just going with my sister to check it out. Glad your getting your rest. Take care.
Trish
http://journals.aol.com/gosso23/my-breast-cancer-story/

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you are handling it so well.  I think the unknown is much more scarey than reality, sometimes.

You must have very thick hair.  :-)

January will come quickly!

Anonymous said...

Your positive energy and strength will see you through this.  Along with the love you recieve from family and friends.  Glad to hear your feeling well today, with all you are going through.  Hugs, Michelle

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Anonymous said...

So pleased all is going okay for you.....keeping my fingers crossed that you don't get too poorly with the next rounds of chemo. luv, Joan

Anonymous said...

((((((((((Kimberleigh )))))))))))

Anonymous said...

So glad you are getting some rest...and even
more happy for those good days you have..thats awesome!
Girl with the holidays coming around the bend...time will fly and january will be here before ya know it!  Keep the Faith and the great attitude...my friend!  I am all decked out in PINK today...My shoes and shirt are pink and gray....Pink is my fav. color =)   Hope you have a great weekend....
Always in my thoughts and prayers...
Hugss..~Terri~

Anonymous said...

I wish you all the luck in the world, take care,,,,,http://journals.aol.com/bpcorn48/second-time-around/,,,DIANE

Anonymous said...

Hoping that you are having a restful weekend. Bam
http://journals.aol.com/reconcilinglife/reconciling-life/

Anonymous said...

You're doing so well. Just keep smiling.

Linda x.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/lindaggeorge/GeorgeMansions/

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of you. This is why you are an inspiration to us all. You never give up..............

Anonymous said...

You're doing well. Hang in there.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Yep I would bet on you being at the walk next year all decked out in pink. You are doing such a good service for future cancer patients already with your frank sharing. As always thinking of you and caring about you, Paula

Anonymous said...

You'll do the walk next year, in the meantime you just take care of yourself dear and keep you positive attitude. Bless you.....Arlene

Anonymous said...

Oh I was so relieved to hear that you have so much strength in your words. Hey there is no back door right, so walk straight ahead and let the hair fall where it may!
My sister is totally bald now, has some really interesting scarfs.
After these treatments and your last surgery you need to start on a hair program. It is called Nioxin and i have recommend it for years and seen the results they have always promised. It is pricey but maybe your hair stylist will pass it on at her cost. If not and you want it i will buy it for you and ship it wholesale kiddo.
Love to you,
Hugs
TJ