Lucky #3

Breathing came a little easier after hearing Dr. Patt declare the cancer is only at stage three, that it definitely hasn't spread to any other areas of my body.  Now begins the task of shrinking the tumors, so the surgical procedure is easier and has a higher success rate.  

Next week I will begin a twelve-week chemotherapy protocol of a drug named Taxol.  Every Wednesday for the next twelve weeks from 8am - noon I will have this cancer-killing cocktail infused into my bloodstream, where it takes 24 hours for the drug to do its work and leave my system.  After three months of Taxol, I begin a biweekly treatment of Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) + Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) together called AC.  After two months of AC infusions, I get to have a month or so of recovery before facing surgery.  (I'm hoping by then they find not one cancerous cell left in my body and surgery won't be necessary...magical moe-thinking, perhaps, but I'm praying for it anyway.)  Dr. Patt said besides a little fatigue, possibly achy muscles and joints, I should be able to work, exercise and live life normally during this time.  She said to stay well hydrated, exercise daily, and to get restful and good sleep.  Likely my hair will say adios, but that is the least of my worries, and I already have some fun wigs.  

Last weekend a dear acquaintance from my days at BodyBusiness reached out after seeing my first post, one month from the day she received her breast cancer diagnosis.  Recovering now from the removal of that cancer, double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, she is in good spirits and wanted me to have a precious bracelet with the affirmation "YOU GOT THIS" that was given to her by her niece, who was participating in the Little Words Project.  I'm the third wearer of this empowering reminder and will pass this on when the time is right to someone else in need of these little words.  Until then I am keeping it on, reading it often, making every fiber of my being believe that it is so.