Taxol #2...We're 3/4 Done!!

Taxol #2 ran it's course much the same as Taxol #1...it just lasted a few days longer.  Brad and I headed to the cities on Tuesday evening and we stopped in Hutchinson to run some errands and grab a late supper at Applebees (I don't think we've eaten out this much together ever before.  We're still really focused on putting healthy choices into our bodies, but, boy oh boy, it's nice to not worry about making and hauling along a meal for us on that every-other Tuesday!)  We arrived at my grandparents' house a little later than normal, enjoyed a good night's rest, and headed to Minnesota Oncology on Wednesday morning.

My bloodwork continues to look great (high white blood cell count, appropriate hemoglobin, etc.) and we had no problems with the actual blood draw this time, which was a relief.  I've found that, as chemo goes on and my veins feel worse and worse (and no port for me!), I've been more worried about the actual blood draws and IV's than about the chemo itself.  So, I'm focusing on being as hydrated as possible and trying not to worry about it.

My appointment with Dr. Zander went well.  We reviewed my first Taxol treatment and the symptoms I exhibited, switched my prescription for pain medication to something stronger (as I didn't respond to Vicodin), discussed some of the longer-range symptoms of Taxol, and did a physical exam.  It appears that my tumor is continuing to be affected by reducing in thickness...and I'll take any change I can get.  Obviously, we won't know the full extent of any change until the surgeon is in there, but the differences we're feeling are excellent indicators that the things that are supposed to be happening, are.

I had another new nurse (they must grow them in the back room!) who was wonderful (for the little that I saw her....zzzzzzzz.....)  She got my IV started easily and I ate a little lunch while I received steroids and Benedryl (hence the zzzzzzz.....) followed by the Taxol drip.  Everything went smoothly, with no complications or pain, and we were out of there by 4pm.  Thank you so much to Gene and Mary for once again watching the kids for us.

The biggest surprise of this chemo round came at about 9pm on Wednesday evening.  My mom came out to stay with us for a couple of days (as she has been doing for most of my treatments), and she came into the house that evening...followed by my dad!!   What a huge surprise!  He had juggled his work schedule around so he could come out with my mom.  So, the kids got plenty of playtime with Papa and Nona, and I received  hugs and chat time with both of my parents.  How lucky am I?

Some Papa and Emily playtime.

Megan, playing princess with Nona.