Thursday, March 28, 2013

Half Way Done with AC Chemo

Yesterday was my second round of Adriamyacin & Cytoxan (AC) chemo. That means I'm half-way done with AC. I'll have more chemo after I have the baby, but it's a different kind, Taxol.

My white blood cell counts were good enough to do chemo yesterday, despite the cold I had and am  getting over (praise!). However, my platelet counts were borderline-low. They were still high enough to do chemo, but I just need them to not drop more or I can't do chemo in two weeks. They are likely low due to the chemo (it destroys blood cells that are made in your bones) and/or the pregnancy (pregnancy is known to lower platelets in some cases). In very rare cases it can be caused by metastasis (let's all pray that's not the case).

The best news from yesterday is that my oncologist says that my arm-pit lymph node has shrunk a lot (I thought it had) and my breast lump has shrunk some. He says that means my cancer is responding to the chemo -- even after just one round. Hurray!!! Keep praying that my lymph node and lump continue to shrink. I'm praying for what they call, "a pathological complete response" which means after chemo there are no cancer cells left which can definitely happen in some (but not all) cases.

The second round of AC was as easy as the first. Lots of reading magazines and talking with my Mom while the medicine dripped in. 
The bump does chemo.

Then after chemo my Mom and I went to True Food Kitchen for lunch. It's a seasonal, natural, healthy restaurant with lots of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. So good.

Kale-Aid and veggie lettuce wraps.

My chemo side effects were a little worse this time, I'm more tired and a bit more nauseated (I took a couple of Zofran and that helped). But overall I feel OK. I actually connected with a few more "pregnant with breast cancer" ladies and all them have had rather mild side effects from AC chemo. Somehow pregnant ladies do better on it. There's one bonus!

Oh, and as of two days ago my hair is starting to fall out, strand by strand, especially when I wash or brush it. I think I'm going to get it buzzed early next week so I don't walk around shedding like an animal all day. I have three cute wigs that I'm excited to wear, so I'm not too worried about it. And hair always grows back.

12 comments:

  1. Yay for a second successful treatment. And even more praises that the cancer is responding to the chemo. What great news! Praying you're not feeling too ill, and the tiredness isn't too bad. And as always, you and the baby girl bump are looking wonderful!!

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  2. I'm so glad that the second treatment went well and I'm thrilled to read that your cancer is already responding! I have been praying for you since I saw the news on IG and I am going to continue to lift you up! Thanks for giving us specific requests. You look fantastic-- all belly :) I can't wait to see that beautiful baby in a few months!

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  3. I've missed your blogging...just wish it wasn't under these circumstances! Everytime I think of you I am praying :)

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  4. All this makes me smile! Yay for a great chemo session, a healthy baby, and fun wigs! And your bump is just TOO CUTE!

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  5. Seriously...you are amazing! I pray that the platelet counts don't drop further. Glad that all the side effects haven't been too bad for you.

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  6. You are awesome! Supporting you, thinking and praying for you every step of the way!

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  7. And I just love your growing bump, grow baby girl grow!

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  8. So happy to hear so much good news...and you continue to look FABULOUS!! Your bump is too cute in that shirt. Will be praying for continued good news and that you and baby continue do do well through chemo. Big hugs.

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  9. Praises for another successful chemo treatment! And YAY for smaller lumps and a bigger bump! ;) still lifting y'all up continually over here in SC. We love both of you girls. Keep up the excellent work lady!!

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  10. I am so glad to hear your second treatment went well and the lumps are diminishing! You are so strong and beautiful and so cute! ;) Will continue to pray like crazy!

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  11. maggie.danhakl@healthline.comSeptember 20, 2014 at 6:26 AM

    Hi Kirsten,

    Healthline just designed a virtual guide of the effects of chemotherapy on the body. You can see the infographic here: http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body

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    If you do not believe this would be a good fit for a resource on your site, even sharing this on your social communities would be a great alternative to help get the word out.

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    Maggie Danhakl • Assistant Marketing Manager
    p: 415-281-3124 f: 415-281-3199

    Healthline • The Power of Intelligent Health
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