Chemo Status: 5 of 8 Complete

My brain is not feeling creative or very competent this week.  So I'm trying to compose a pretty simple update - before I fall asleep - forgive the typos!  This week was my first paclitaxel treatment.  The protocol is a little different - different meds the day before, different drugs before the main treatment med, and then, particularly the first time, they watch closely for an allergic reaction.  Fortunately, all went smoothly on Monday.  Thanks to a 4:00am wake-up and then the Benadryl they gave me, I took a nice nap during my treatment.  

The good:  Zero nausea.  The taste in my mouth has improved dramatically (for now).  Since I didn't update last week, you may not know that the metallic taste in my mouth got really bad!  I was grumpy about food, nothing tasted good, and I was only drinking Poland Spring bottled water.  

The not-so-good:  As usual, I'm tired and foggy.  Yesterday, my face was red and flushed.  According to Google, that appears to be common the day after paclitaxel.  Also, my fingernails are getting worse, with my nail beds throbbing and sensitive. Boo!  And I'm starting to wonder if the tingling at the tip of my tongue is the beginning of peripheral neuropathy that often comes with this drug.  I can't tell if I'm experiencing a little in my fingertips or if it's just the fingernail weirdness.  

I have been remiss in not acknowledging and thanking all of my amazing chemo chauffeur/companions and those who have picked up our kids from school  I am incredibly fortunate - so far, I've been accompanied by my NYC and Arlington running buddies, my husband and a work colleague.  Grandparents, teachers, neighbors and parent friends have picked up our kids from school, fed them, and entertained them.  I can't tell you how much appreciate the time everyone takes away from their day to drive me or the kids, sit beside me, listen to random rambling when overly tired, feed us, etc.

Okay, time for elevenses and then a nap.  I seem to have missed my second breakfast today in my attempt to compose a coherent update.