Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin + Cyclophosphamide, Pegfilgrastim

Big, scary names for big, scary, chemotherapy medicines and one that helps stimulate white blood cell production, which will be wiped out over the course of the next several months.  I'm trying to calmly prepare for this physical and mental onslaught mainly by focusing on positive and uplifting reading (I'm staying away from the news at the moment) meditating, doing yoga, tai chi and visualizing positive outcomes.  Living in the moment as best I can and enjoying time spent with friends and sweet animals, going outside as often as possible, and taking long, hot, epsom and himaylayan salt baths.  Art and music.  Listening to it and playing my ukulele as often as I can, drawing and painting a little.  These things and all of my amazing friends and family members are pulling me through.

Kindly, my dentist Dr. Bell and his wonderful team, got me in last minute for a good cleaning today.  Apparently mouth sores, sensitive teeth and mucositis are some of the more common side effects of chemo.  I may have cancer but Dr. Bell said I have the healthy teeth and gums of a sixteen year old!  And I find solace in knowing these side effects last only as long as the chemotherapy course and my mouth will return to its former luster once all of this is over.  Phew! 

I have a friend picking me up early on Wednesday to take me to my first chemo session.  They said until they have things fine-tuned, I will likely be very drowsy and unable to drive afterwards.  Donna told me all about the lovely side-effects and unfortunate things to expect, but along with those the utmost respect and care of the entire team at Texas Oncology, as well as the good company of others who are also going through their own journey on the hellish road that is cancer.  I know I'm not alone, so thank you for being there too, and know that all of you reading my posts are helping me process and move through this new reality.  I am truly grateful.