update...cycle 6 done, 2 more to go

cavediver
cavediver Member Posts: 607
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Yesterday I had the Taxotera, Adriamycin, Cytoxan #6 infusion...full strength.....Onc was surprised that I did not revolt after the 5th. He said the majority of people cannot tolerate this full strength, agressive mix. My 5th cycle had more intense s.e., but was bearable. I am hoping that #6 won't be too much worse....I have a bunch of drugs for various issues just in case. The Neulesta shot this afternoon, then the multiple days of neuprena(?)...that was painfull for 2 days last cycle. Anyway, the Mugga test was ok, so if I don't experience 'unbearable' s.e. during the next few weeks, ONC wants to continue at full strength for the next 2 (and final) cycles. I am focusing on others today......a long time friend (Wes Skiles) died suddenly and unexpectedly while diving during a photo shoot for National Geographic Magazine. The current August issue has his work featured on the cover and article on Blue Holes. The Memorial and Celebration of Life is today/tonight at Ginnie Springs Outdoors in Florida (where I worked as a manager for 12 years). So, today I am pulling up my bootstraps, putting on makeup and the hated wig, and showing support for Wes' family. I did make a hotel reservation, so I can crash when I have to.

Comments

  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #2
    I'm glad to read that you
    I'm glad to read that you are tolerating your chemo...you are on the homestretch now. I read about Wes in the paper this past weekend. It's really a small world because I have spent plenty of time at Ginnie Springs....not diving but camping and snorkeling over Devil's Ear and Devil's Eye. Sending my sympathy with you as you go to the Celebration of Life today. Take it easy and do rest if/when your body is telling you to. (((Hugs)))
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #3
    MyTurnNow said:

    I'm glad to read that you
    I'm glad to read that you are tolerating your chemo...you are on the homestretch now. I read about Wes in the paper this past weekend. It's really a small world because I have spent plenty of time at Ginnie Springs....not diving but camping and snorkeling over Devil's Ear and Devil's Eye. Sending my sympathy with you as you go to the Celebration of Life today. Take it easy and do rest if/when your body is telling you to. (((Hugs)))

    Cavediver -- I am so in awe of you .. yes, like you I too
    endure .. a very aggressive chemo with weekly installations .. no breaks. Towards the end of chemo - November and December 2009, I was fainting .. but telling everyone I was fine. Christmas at my sisters home, I spent the majority of the day napping in between gift opening, dinner, cleanup and dessert .. more importantly, I was there to enjoy a day away from 'breast cancer'.

    Good luck with your last chemo. I am look forward to Devil's ear and eye snorkeling stories from you.

    Vicki Sam
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #4
    Sorry for your loss.
    Sorry for the loss of your friend. Too sad. Glad your treatments are almost done too. Hang in there!
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #5
    You are so strong
    I know many who can't tolerate the last of those grueling sessions. Chemo is like waves hitting on top of waves, it's cumulative, so towards the end, we feel wiped out.

    I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I know that must be difficult for you.

    Good idea about getting that room so you can rest if you need to.

    Blessings,

    Sylvia
  • cavediver
    cavediver Member Posts: 607
    #6
    Wow,..I almost forgot I had cancer tonight! I have not been going out or socializing at all since February. In fact, other than my immediate family I have not shared the dx...most of my friends are overseas or in the diving community..... tonight I wore the wig and and saw so many old friends and no one knew the difference. Ginnie Springs was a true celebration tonight for the incredible life lived by Wes Skiles..........from the memorials/testimonials, to the sharing of stories, over the top fireworks displays, to the final floating bonfire in the spring..........over 1,000 people came out to give tribute and share love, and give support to his family..........it was nice to not be on the couch wishing I did not have this journey.....I guess I should done the wig and go out more often! The only thing I was disappointed in was I could not partake in Wes' favorite Beverage on all the tailgates (tequila)....I drank by bottles of water religiously and made believe it was more! Glad we got the hotel for tonight....a 2 hour ride was not in my cards.
  • cavediver
    cavediver Member Posts: 607
    #7
    MyTurnNow said:

    I'm glad to read that you
    I'm glad to read that you are tolerating your chemo...you are on the homestretch now. I read about Wes in the paper this past weekend. It's really a small world because I have spent plenty of time at Ginnie Springs....not diving but camping and snorkeling over Devil's Ear and Devil's Eye. Sending my sympathy with you as you go to the Celebration of Life today. Take it easy and do rest if/when your body is telling you to. (((Hugs)))

    Ginnie
    Ginnie was the perfect place tonight...Wes always said if there was once place in the world he would want to spend his life..it would be Ginnie Springs. Over 1,000 people came out tonight to celebrate his life and what he meant to all of us. It was wonderful...fireworks over the water....to the final floating bonfire in the Spring.... even the tears fell from the sky for a short while......Wes' way of making sure we all got a little wet! Ginnie Springs is a great property and beautiful place....hope you get to enjoy camping and snorkeling there again.
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #8
    cavediver said:

    Wow,..I almost forgot I had cancer tonight! I have not been going out or socializing at all since February. In fact, other than my immediate family I have not shared the dx...most of my friends are overseas or in the diving community..... tonight I wore the wig and and saw so many old friends and no one knew the difference. Ginnie Springs was a true celebration tonight for the incredible life lived by Wes Skiles..........from the memorials/testimonials, to the sharing of stories, over the top fireworks displays, to the final floating bonfire in the spring..........over 1,000 people came out to give tribute and share love, and give support to his family..........it was nice to not be on the couch wishing I did not have this journey.....I guess I should done the wig and go out more often! The only thing I was disappointed in was I could not partake in Wes' favorite Beverage on all the tailgates (tequila)....I drank by bottles of water religiously and made believe it was more! Glad we got the hotel for tonight....a 2 hour ride was not in my cards.

    you are amazing, I would
    you are amazing, I would have been out on my A. glad you could make the tribute. I know it meant so much to you . hugs
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #9
    MyTurnNow said:

    I'm glad to read that you
    I'm glad to read that you are tolerating your chemo...you are on the homestretch now. I read about Wes in the paper this past weekend. It's really a small world because I have spent plenty of time at Ginnie Springs....not diving but camping and snorkeling over Devil's Ear and Devil's Eye. Sending my sympathy with you as you go to the Celebration of Life today. Take it easy and do rest if/when your body is telling you to. (((Hugs)))

    2 to go! That is great!
    2 to go! That is great! Wishing you continued good luck!

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