Breaking news...

As one of the goals of my vacation, I was able to accompany Cathy to her chemo today. Although she didn't have her pre-treatment meeting with the doctor and there was only one drug administered, the flowrate made this chemo nearly 4.5 hours long [future chemos should go quicker as they learn of Cathy's ability to handle the drug]. Many updates as a result of Cathy's round #5 [and first of Taxol]

1] I've been meaning to remind those who have seen Cathy on her "good week" that they shouldn't be misled. Cytoxin and especially Adriamycin were BRUTAL. When Cathy left home she would burn brightly with friends and family, then flame out. Furthermore, the cumulative effect has taken a toll on her. This most recent "good week", albeit during Christmas, was never really good - lots of nausea. Cathy's diet, physical conditioning and stamina, attitude and faith enabled her to rise above much of the nasties.

2] However, we've been told that Taxol doesn't produce as much nausea as the first cocktail. As a result, I need to refrain from assuming that she'll be unfazed by Taxol with regard to nausea completely due to #1 above, but I sure would like to see that!

3] Side effects from Taxol, we've been told, include the total loss of any remaining hair she has and neuropathy [which she already experienced after round #4]

4] Pre-chemo labs showed very acceptable white blood cell counts but VERY LOW hemoglobin. Beef and green leafy vegetables high in iron are now in order and an extra blood test will be conducted next week to check the hemoglobin.

5] I need to set the record straight or risk a libel suit from the "innocent" Neulasta shot [day-after-chemo shot designed to boost the immune system]. The timing of the shot seemed to indict Neulasta as the nausea culprit. It turns out the steroids administered during chemo wear off 24 - 48 hours after they were administered and it was, indeed, the chemo drugs that caused the nausea.

6] Prayer requests, then, include:
- increased hemoglobin; Cathy dreads the thought of a blood transfusion if not
- a marked reduction in nausea
- successful interventions to limit neuropathy

Thank you for reading, caring and praying. I hope to report soon on better results.