A week without chemo

So..it was really nice not to have chemo this Friday; although I decided to work from home on Friday because we were having screens replaced and I wanted to be here for that installation.

Since I didn't have the chemo, we went ahead with our plans to have two dinner parties over the weekend - woo hoo!

Saturday was the big birthday bash for Mike and Anne's 60th! We barbequed fish, vegies and pasta for the occasion along with the rest of the wonderful side dishes provided by the rest of the guests (Terry and Fritz, Chantal and her friend Marceil). Since we hadn't gotten together for quite a while it was great to see those guys. I am sure we entertained the neighborhood well into the wee hours of Saturday night/Sunday morning because it was just too hot to be inside.

Sunday was another birthday bash (or Wing-ding as Frank calls it). This time it was for the Fisher Family - lots of birthdays to celebrate: Doreen, Michael, Samantha, Jude, Chantal and Griffey! This time we made ribs, corn on the cob, grilled potatoes and corn bread along with the salads and desserts from the other guests we were stuffed. We managed to fit 14 on the deck for dinner; Griffey cleaned up all the spills from the floor and Grady entertained us with his coos and smiles. It was great to see all the relatives; the cousins get along really well. Whew, another really hot day made hotter by the oven being on all day to slow cook the ribs. I had been losing weight, but not after this weekend!

Going back to work on Monday was a bit of a challenge, but I made it through the day. By that evening, my back was pretty sore and I decided to work from home on Tuesday. There are a few side affects that are still persisting with the Taxol - a few aches in the joints and bones and increased tingling and numbness in my hands and feet especially. It is a bit weird and I am noticing it more and more as time goes on. I do have some glutamine powder to take daily and I will increase that to see if it helps.

This week I do have my chemo again along with a doctor's appointment and blood test,  so we will see what he has to say about my progress. I'll be going in early, so hopefully can just work about an hour or so in the morning, then knock off for the rest of the day after the treatment.

Things I'm noticing: my hair is growing back on my legs (groan) and a little bit on my head although it is very fine and light colored (could that be gray -- no!!) At the same time, my eyebrows and eyelashes have almost disappeared. People really look at me sideways in the stores. I haven 't had the nerve to go out in public bald, but maybe I will someday just to see the reaction. :-) So far my fingernails and toenails have not turned brown or black, but I am going to keep coloring them just in case. And so far, I don't think I have developed "chemo brain", but just in case I need an excuse for screwing up, I'm keeping that phrase in my back pocket.

I have been so busy at work that I have not been able to take my morning and lunchtime walks. I pledged to myself to try to get that in daily - I just have to ignore the phone calls and emails and just go for like it is an appointment that I cannot miss. I know this will make me feel better and keep my back stronger. I just have to put myself first; hard to do sometimes.

Sorry again for not posting so regularly, do not want to worry anybody. It's been a busy week.

Love and hugs,

Jan