Cycle 7: Days 15 - 20

It's me again ... the night before a Taxol infusion having my "steroid hot flashes". I do have a big smile on my face though because if chemo has done its job tonight is the last night that the "steroid hot flashes" and I will keep company. That's right, tomorrow is my final chemo - it is the BIG number eight!

I have done some more research and have learned a little more about Herceptin, the drug I will continue to receive every three weeks. I have learned that Herceptin is not classified as a chemotherapy drug but instead is a biologic treatment. It is an antibody made in the laboratory with the goal of stimulating the immune system to attack the breast cancer cells and to block HER2 cells from dividing.

I have also learned that a decreased appetite is one of the side effects and this explains why I am rarely hungry and must remind myself to eat. Food tastes great though unlike when I was on A+C so I'm not complaining.

Days 15 - 20 have been spent enjoying the company of family and friends and performing the simple things in life like grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning house. I have very enjoyed every moment!

Here is a thought I want to share with you tonight.....

Who would have ever thought a little girl from Gridley... Gridley is this little-teeny-tiny town in Northern California where we lived for a few years and I went to high school there. A part of me belongs to Gridley as much as I belong to the Valley. Occasionally when speaking about something I have accomplished Randy or I will start the sentence with, "Who would have ever thought a little girl from Gridley..." So the ending of the sentence this time is, "could tackle cancer and chemo head on." The point of this is to say that within each of us lies untapped strength - we are capable of far more than we realize even the very, very scary things.

My family and each of you have been a big part of my strength. I'm not sure there are words that can express how deeply I have appreciated your support.

My greatest strength has come from believing in the promises of God. No matter what happens I know that my future is secure. Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

There is more to tell you about where my strength has come from such as a positive attitude and my tips for how to get and keep it but that's a topic for another day. It is 11:00 PM and time for my final dose of steroids and then some sleep. Thanks for checking in on me and know that over the next few days my thoughts will be ....