This treatment cycle hasn't been too bad in terms of side effects. While I'm very thankful to have a less harsh treatment, the higher frequency of treatment takes a different kind of toll. This blog helps to keep track of the side effects I experience, which, in turn, helps me to bring them up to... Continue Reading →
Treatment: 10 of 12
Treatment day Me on Treatment Day 10! My actual treatment day went awesome! I had a new nurse - Christin. She was extremely nice (like they all have been) and she was incredibly prompt. My mom and I made a timeline of my infusions before I got all groggy from my medication to help ensure... Continue Reading →
Treatment: 8 of 12 – Two-Thirds Complete!
My experience with this round of treatment Treatment 8 photo - the hair is hanging on! Another successful treatment is in the rear-view and I have completed two-thirds of my chemo treatments! This time I realized I could use one of my numerous cold packs to ice my port when I got there so that... Continue Reading →
Treatment 7 of 12
Treatment 7 Photo I had to start off by sharing my required "Treatment Day photo." I look so weird to myself. My face looks so different, my eyes are swollen, my hair looks terrible, etc. I just look so foreign to myself, because I look old and I look tired. I'm not fishing for compliments... Continue Reading →
PROGRESS: Day 6.7
Well it's been a crazy last couple of days, which has made it hard to post. From a physical perspective, I've still been doing fine since my last treatment. My skin on my whole body is getting dryer and I'm getting more exhausted from a combination of getting less restful sleep and not being able... Continue Reading →
Treatment: 6 of 12 – Ohh, we’re halfway there!
I couldn't pass up the cliche of referencing Bon Jovi! But it's the official halfway point! Only 6 more treatments to go and, so far, I have had 6 gloriously uneventful treatments. That's definitely the best thing I could have hoped for so far and a trend I hope to continue. Sean in the simulator... Continue Reading →
PROGRESS: Day 5.6
I feel fortunate to say that these progress updates feel pretty uneventful! The biggest challenge has definitely been the mental challenge. From a side effects perspective, I still have the gross heart burn, the mouth sores and hot flashes. I definitely have hair shedding, but so far I can't really say my hair has thinned... Continue Reading →
PROGRESS: Day 4.6
Mermaid Maddie at the pool I took a break from riding on Sunday, but road today. Even though I felt okay when I woke up on Sunday, I had done a pretty hard ride on Saturday, so I felt like it would be a good idea to take a break and rest a bit. My... Continue Reading →
My Chemo Fitness Goals
When I first learned that I had Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) in early April, I knew that I was going to have surgery and probably radiation in front of me. I was super bummed to learn that my surgery was going to prevent me from being able to do strenuous activity and probably keep... Continue Reading →
TREATMENT: 4 of 12
With the cooling cap tight on my head and face, and all those IV fluids pumped into me, I look like a gopher, my face is so round! Big achievement! I've officially made it one month, or one-third, through treatment! Today's treatment took more out of me. Maybe it was getting less sleep last night.... Continue Reading →