10/15/04 – 4 days after 3rd treatment
Well, dear ones, I thought I should let you all know that things have gotten a lot better in the past couple of days. I still feel really weak, but my stomach has settled down a lot and I'm feeling much better. I have severe heartburn and developed an ulcer a couple of weeks ago, which is very common with chemo, so that has been the source of much of the pain. This third treatment really took me by surprise because I had done so much better with the second treatment two weeks ago. It just goes to show you that everyone (and each treatment) is different. Last time, I was able to eat and maintained my weight pretty well. This time, I lost 5 pounds, which for me is quite a bit. I started eating again yesterday, though, so I should be able to gain my weight and strength back by the 4th treatment.
Speaking of the 4th treatment, I could really use prayers for not having so much fear of going back. It's so hard to 'plan' to feel so bad in less than two weeks again! One thing that is a huge encouragement to me, though, is that it will be the last treatment of Adriamycin/Cytoxan. Those are the two chemo drugs I've been getting. The drug for the last 4 treatments will be Taxol and has fewer side effects. My hair may even start growing back during the next couple of months. Then, the whole thing will be followed up with one full year of weekly treatments of Herceptin. This is also a chemo drug but it doesn't have side effects like standard chemo. This drug will target the specific type of cancer gene that was in my tumor (HER-2neu), which is what classified my cancer as very aggressive. Basically, Herceptin will offer me the best chance that every single cell has been destroyed. It will be worth going every week for a year to know that we've done everything possible.
Even in the midst of feeling sick this week, I've seen so many blessings. My family has been well fed thanks to so many people who have graciously provided meals. My mom came to help with this treatment, which has proven to be the best time she could have been here. God continues to show me through the love and support of family and friends that He cares about our needs and the things that cause us pain. Finally, the messages I've received via e-mail and PrayerServant have been such an encouragement to me. So, despair has not overtaken me; I have too much to be thankful for to despair!
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
God's Word always says it better than I can – praise God!
Under His wings,
Stephanie
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