Chemo IV: Farewell To Adriamycin, Cytoxan And All That

I was searching the web for images of Adriamycin and Cytoxan but the very sight of them turned my stomach so this will be a photo-free post.

So I'm done with these drugs. Apparently the next (final) four treatments will be a little easier on the system. They will involve only one drug: Taxol. My oncologist (Dr. Urba) described only a few side effects: hair loss (too late to worry about that), constipation (whatever) and, in some cases, neuropathy (numbness and tingling) which will likely go away eventually but can be permanent in some patients. I think I feel that coming on already.

My dear friend Amye came with me to this last session. Great company and a new dimension for me, since I got the opportunity to show her the ropes and introduce the staff at the Oregon Clinic as well as provide commentary on my progress (blood pressure high, temperature slightly high, weight down seven pounds since last visit, all blood counts good except still anemic etc etc.) On reflection this may have been very boring for Amye.

Not much more to report about that session. My usual nurse was off sick so the office manager hooked my port up for the blood draw and infusion. Which is not to say that they were so short staffed that the person fixing the photocopier and ordering the staplers was administering to my needs. Oh no. The office manager at the Oregon Clinic is a seasoned nursing professional.

The infusion room was more crowded than usual. So it was entertaining when Nurse Mary yelled out the results of my blood draw and admonished me for losing weight from across the room. Glad everyone got to join in.

One final note: I overheard another patient (who I always see there alone) talk about how she has to get the bus to and from treatments. Heart breaking, and a reminder about just how lucky I am to have such supportive family and friends. Thank you.