Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Waiting on NED, what a slow poke

So, I've been on my chemo pill (called Ibrance) almost three full weeks. Today will be the last day of taking it for this cycle. I'll get a week off, then start a new three week cycle. I'm so far pretty happy with the minimal side effects. I'm really feeling the fatigue today (to the point that it's noticeable to others apparently), but maybe I'll get some energy back this next week. The other most common side effect, neutropenia, I'm not showing so far. That's when your white blood cell count lowers, and you get sick easier. It's very nice that I don't have this side effect, since I have a cute little germ carrier named Brinkley. I've not had mouth sores or nausea (fingers crossed those stay away). Had some minor finger tingling yesterday but that could be coincidence. Hearburn for a couple of days. Terrible digestive stuff the last 4 days, I should go on and buy stock in Pepto and Immodium. This chemo can cause hair thinning, but not really major hair loss. I have noticed a little bit of thinning, but only because when I shower a little bit comes out on my fingers when I'm washing. My hair is thick though so it's not otherwise noticeable. Overall, doing very well. Will have my blood checked again in a month to make sure my white counts are doing well. I of course am having hot flashes from being in menopause, but nothing I can't handle. In two months, we will do some scans to see if the cancer is still visible, or, hopefully, that it's so small it can't be seen (NED: No Evidence of Disease). I may have leveled up to stage 4, but I plan to be here to annoy everyone for a very long time. Love you all, I am so grateful for the love and support I've been shown. Makes me feel like I'm stronger, and that my team, Team Jenn, will always win.