Another Cycle August 15, 2010

Three down and five to go.

The good news is that I have one more round of AC (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) and then I start on Taxol. Why good news? Finishing the AC means I'm halfway through the chemo - and my doc says that Taxol is "easier." I think this means less nausea/appetite issues, less exhaustion. It comes with its own set of wonderfulness, however, including, for some, peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is numbness and tingling of toes/fingers, etc. I'll be happy to pass on this side effect, thank you. Its other main side effect is hair loss...been there, done that.

Speaking of hair loss, there are two new events this week. First - and in spite of my pleas not to do it - Jim shaved his head in support of my baldness. He hasn't yet given me a picture, though we'll hopefully have one soon to show the world. You know Jim...it's all about him! (This is actually a joke reference to his facebook page, where he says this cancer is all about me! Go figure!). Suffice it to say, we both look much better with feathers - and Jim has not only shaved his head, but his mustache too. I put in an immediate request for both back...to no avail so far. This is the first time I've seen him bald and mustache-less...ever!

And, I've actually put my wig on. Am determined to wear it when I go out in public, as I'm told it looks better than scarves or hats. Around the house (where I've been most of this past week), it's too hard to wear it. Just try napping all day with a wig on! Light weight buffs/scarves are much easier to deal with. However, the wig is a new look and maybe the folks that do a big double take when I'm actually out in the world will not give me a second glance with it on.

Our huge thanks to Joy (one of my fabulous sisters (in-law)). She volunteered to drive me home from chemo last week - and if something could go wrong, it did. She had an accident in her newish car ($7,700 damage to car, none to Joy) on her way to San Mateo, had all flights cancelled out of Crescent City due to San Francisco fog when she was supposed to head home, couldn't rent a car here (everyone else wanted to drive away too after their flights were cancelled), had to coordinate all insurance/rental car/body work/etc. details remotely and more! Do I feel bad? Yes! Do I feel guilty? Oh yes! But, many thanks Joy! It was great to spend time with you...we do talk, don't we?

Next week, Jim's up for driving and we're going to take the birds for their semi annual feathers/nails trimming. They will like the ride, though not the boarding at the vets. I'll be happy to have them with, but not the extra driving to get them to the vet (another hour beyond San Mateo). We live a crazy life, I know.

Sending puppy thoughts to Jazmin.