Chemo #4 - Half Way There!

Well, last week (Mary's "off week") wasn't that great.  Until about Thursday, she really didn't feel too good.  Then, Thursday, just in time for her BFF to come in to town, she started to feel better.  It was a wonderful break for her to get out and party with a long-time friend!

Monday, 4/22 was Mary's last Chemo treatment of the Adriamycin Cytoxan.  She told me she was actually looking forward to this past Monday because she knew it was her last treatment of that one.  Now that Mary is finished with this type of her Chemo, let me tell you a little bit about it since I don't think I ever did.

Adriamycin Cytoxan:  is extremely toxic.  It is a pinkish-red color.  I don't think they call it "red death" and "red devil" for nothing.  It is used to treat many forms of cancer, but can only be administered by a specially trained Chemotherapy Nurse in cap, gown, and gloves by injection.  It can only be administered by hand into a vein not an artery.  It can cause permanent heart damage or death, not to mention many serious side effects.  It is so toxic, you can only have it for so many rounds once in a lifetime.  When you have been given this type of chemo, they recommend you flush your toilet not once, but twice or three times with the lid down and to wash your hands for 45 seconds.  

Yes, Mary lost her hair, she easily tired, had quite a bit of problems with heartburn, acid reflux, and some nausea, and she did have some body aches too.    But, we are so thankful that there is a weapon against this horrible disease!  She got through the first 4 treatments like a Trooper, and I know she will face the next 4 the same way.

So far, this week hasn't been too bad.  Rick's sister, Beverly, was able to come to town to help out in case Mary needed anything this week.  (Again, Mary and Rick are so blessed and grateful for good friends and family who are willing to help.)  Mary has had the usual fatigue, but the other side effects haven't seemed to plague her too much as of yet.   Next Monday, she will go in for her labwork and then on May 6th she is due to start her new type of Chemo which is the Taxol.  There will be 4 rounds, every other week.  This will bring a new set of side effects, but I know she will face them with as much courage as she did the first 4 rounds.