Valentines date with Taxel/Carbo
I spent Valentine's Day on my last date with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel, with my doting Mom as chaperone. Unfortunately the date didn't end well. I had a VasoVagal reaction: my blood pressure crashed to 60/30, my arms and legs went numb, I couldn't talk, my GI track went ballistic, and I had tunnel vision and spots. My body said enough! and we had to stop my carbo infusion early. It was scary and I can't say it loudly or often enough -- nurses are the true heroes. Thank you, Betsy, Colleen, and Amanda, for taking care of me. Most patients don't make it through two full 6-infusion cycles of Carbo/Taxol, and I did much better than most. So I have to be happy I lasted as long as I did and just hope it was enough to get me into remission. From here on out I have Avastin-only infusions every 3 weeks, which is classified as immunotherapy, not chemotherapy, and should have more manageable side effects.
A huge thank you to my visitors these past few weeks, it perked me up to have company when I was mentally and physically worn down. Thanks, Juliann, Thanks, Nicole, Thanks, Donna for traveling to SB to spend time with me. Thank you, Jonelle, for managing my cold cap for 4 sessions. And thank you, Mom, for all the love and support.
Looking forward -- I feel encouraged! Just a few more weeks and I will start bouncing back and I have so much to look forward to: a 10th anniversary party and many travels this summer. In the coming weeks I will focus on being more active, getting out for longer walks, building my strength and loosing those 10 lbs I gained since recurrence. Why is the best relief for metal mouth caloric chocolate milk??
Hugs to all and I hope we can meet up this summer: Europe, Japan and Australia are on the Itinerary!
Michelle
PS- wine glass is a prop only, no alcohol was consumed!
Comments (18)
Warrior Woman- you share your experience with honesty and that is a gift to all of us. Besos!!
Yikes! Super scary, Michelle. Glad you are ok and at the end of this part of the treatment. Hugsx10
We are so excited at the prospect of your anniversary and our visit! It will be short and sweet! Muchos abrazos...
So happy to hear you have reached the end of the treatment and will be feeling better soon! I can’t wait to hear about more of the amazing travels you will embark on this summer. I wish I lived closer so I could visit with you, but sending you (and your mom) a big hug across the miles! Xoxo
We can’t make it to japan but hope to see you in the UK later. Our love, c&j&t xxx
Admire your toughness Michelle. We all look forward to your recovery and adventures. See you at your anniversary! Love you. Jim
I am so very blessed to have you as my daughter! Remission is right around the corner and onward to your travels with that amazing husband of yours. Mom
What an incredible example you have set to inspire to many others, Michelle. Keep it up and glad you have reached this point. Kudos to a true "Studette."
You are amazing and inspirational....Look forward to seeing you and Bruce and celebrating your 10th anniversary very soon.
So great to see you and Bruce at CAMA and Polobolus a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to seeing you out more soon. You are one inspirational woman!! May the Force be with you. Judy
Oh, vasovagal (pre)syncope - I know it well and used to have it a lot. Not fun at all! Glad you're not facing more of it any time soon.
Congrats on finishing this course of treatment Michelle. My dad had a similar thing happen in his second course of cancer treatment--just before it was over, he had to stop. He's still with us, thank goodness. Enjoy your anniversary celebration, and all the adventures you are planning. M
Goodness what a frightening experience. So pleased to hear you are through it and looking forward to recovery, strength and adventures. If you guys are heading to Aus, let me know as I’d love to give you a big hug in person. Love & hugs from down under xxx ooo
"Wine glass was a prop" I love it, indeed you are a trooper, Cherie
Love you, Michelle. You are the true warrior.
A Down Under trip would be awesome! Best wishes Michelle. MK&O
A heroic and inspirational smile Michelle, I would cry like a little baby if I had to go through that. Love you.
Not long now, you'll soon be travelling and we'll see you in the UK xxxxxxx from all of us