Taxol belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids. It's made from things like the periwinkle plant, the bark of the pacific yew tree, parts of the May Apple plant and the Asian "happy tree". I guess we could say Cindy is going organic! Side effects are somewhat similar to the other drugs with the exception that the nausea will most likely be dramatically reduced. yeah! On the other hand, fatigue will increase.It seems that with each of the past treatments the nausea hits faster and harder. She is on edge today and trying to hold it all in - literally. We go in today for a Neulasta shot. She receives these each time she has Chemo and it is to basically help rebuild her blood counts back up, in particular the neutrophil - those marines of the white cells that fight infection. She will go in next Wed for her Nadir visit and they are just planning on giving her fluids to rehydrate since it has been a pattern now that she will need more fluids at her low point. (Nadir is basically the low point of her treatment cycle which for Cindy falls about 5-8 days after Chemo treatment. However I just spoke with her and it seems like it has moved up to day 2 already. They run a CBC - the blood count and will now give fluids and more anti nausea to help her feel better.) This next week will be spent trying not to count the hours, even minutes of each day, waiting for the time to pass so that she will feel better.
Next week is a big one in the Gardner household. Meg starts school again .... Ali turns 18 and then .... leaves for Snow College! Special prayers are need for Cindy to have the strength to see this all through. The remodel of the home is moving along and looking beautiful. The main, large tumor continues to shrink which is the greatest blessing of all. We know rough days are ahead but for now were are taking joy in the moment.
post script: The name 'happy tree' is a direct translation of the Chinese name xi shu. It is also called the "Cancer tree" or "the Tree of Life". )
posted by Libby
We're all with you, Cinny. We love you! Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteWe love you Cinny and are sending all the good energy we can muster your way! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just literally hook ourselves to each other to share a bit of the energy and the suffering? Sort of like filling a gas tank to help each other on our journeys.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you and can't wait to see you next week. We're all healthy again.
You and reed should come to the cottage for rejuvination this fall. It is so peaceful and lovely.
We love you and miss you. I am sending you a picture of 2 battling humming birds. They can be your guides. LOL! Love you
ReplyDeleteCindy - I love you and am thinking and praying for you constantly. You will make it through this. I really believe angels watch over you in reverence. Hold on - you're half way through this and are going to be triumphant in this battle. Love you!
ReplyDeleteYou're halfway through!!!! I am sure there are many moments when you get discouraged....just remember, you are in so many prayers. We'll keep it going from our side :)
ReplyDeletelove,
Rhonda
Hang in there Aunt Cindy. Sending lots of love.
ReplyDeleteCindy: It was such a blessing for us to see you at Shannon's shower. She is planning on writing a letter to let you know that seeing you and knowing what an effort it was to sneak in was the greatest baby gift she received. With Meg going back to school and Ali heading on a new adventure to Snow reminds me of the talk Bruce Facer gave in Sacrament meeting recently when he counciled us to embrace change and all the growth that comes with it. So take a deep breath and celebrate! Love and hugs- Mary
ReplyDeleteHalf Way! I'm so proud of you! You are always in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Annie and Jordon