Taxol-The Good News!

bwink

I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in March after a routine mammogram. Lumpectomy soon followed by treatment with Taxol + Herceptin. I listened intently to my doctor tell me what to expect....frequent bouts of crying followed by fear of the unknown. I felt fine...how could I possibly have cancer! These drugs were going to MAKE me sick! I have a strong support system in my husband and children as well as friends and of course everyone knows someone who has gone through this. I did seek help with a mediation counselor and she opened my eyes. She told me the first thing I had to do was embrace the drugs that were going to save my life and be thankful they are available. A positive outlook-the glass is half full-goes a long way!!

After 11 treatments, one more to go, I have had minimal side effects. Fatigue and neuropathy have set in the last two weeks. I still have my hair, I wash it gingerly in the sink with cool water and a mild shampoo. I wear a shower cap in the shower and a hat if I will be out in the sun. I use velcro rollers and do not blow dry or use curling iron on it. It is very thin, but I have not felt the need to wear my wig. Infrequent bouts of nausea and diarrehea, no vomiting, no constipation. I have not a lost a single day of work outside of treatment days and surgery. While I like to think I have always eaten healthy, I committed to no alcohol, wine or beer (I have missed this!!). I am a big water drinker so it was not hard to increase my intake to a gallon or more a day. My diet consists of "eating the rainbow"-green leafy vegetables, bright citrus fruits, berries, nuts. I eat with purpose, reminding myself my body needs strength to fight! This is not hard to accomplish! A banana and a bottle of water on my way to work, an egg with spinach and feta or granola with nuts and raisins when I get to work, salad, veggies for lunch, a cup of fresh fruit for afternoon snack, chicken with fresh veggies for dinner.

I hope my story will help ease some anxiety for all who are starting this process. Stay active, stay positive, eat healthy!

bwink

Moderators

Dear bwink,

Firstly, welcome to the community!

We know it's probably not the place you thought you would find yourself but we hope you get the support and information that you came here for.

(( Doing the happy dance for you )) that you're nearly finished treatment and that the side effects were minimal.

We love your healthy advice for our newer members just starting their journey.

Sending our love and good wishes to you,

The Mods.