Dear Friends,

Hello and Happy New Year - although what a turbulent few weeks 2021 has been already!

I wanted to share an update on what's been happening here in my world.  I began receiving Taxol on a weekly basis in the beginning of December, and it has been a completely different experience than the Adriamycin. The only side effects I feel are minimal tiredness, and discoloration of my finger nails. In fact I've been feeling almost so normal that posting anything here seemed indulgent. 

I did encounter a road block a few weeks ago when my blood tests revealed an elevated bilirubin level. I was given a week off to see if the levels would decrease. At week two's blood draw, the levels were even higher. Was this just side effect of the chemo? Did it indicate liver damage? Or worst case scenario, had the cancer spread to my liver? Ah how the mind and emotions can reel. I had a cat scan, and waited for the results.

This Wednesday I met with my doctor and happily learned I could again resume chemo treatments as the bilirubin levels were solely caused by the chemotherapy, being the powerful drug/poison that it is. My liver is functioning perfectly fine, and cancer free. It's a reminder to me that I'm not in control of everything, and that treatment will not always follow a straight course. I am currently 7 infusions away from the finish line, and beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Another bright light arrived today in the form of the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, which I am so grateful I was able to receive thanks to my status as an employee of Hunter Tannersville Elementary School District.  If all continues to go well with treatment, I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible, with the security of immunity from contracting Covid 19. Hopefully this means by the end of February/early March! 

I hope that in the coming weeks the supply and rate of vaccinations goes into hyper gear. I hope that everyone I love and hold dear, and everyone you love and hold dear, remains safe and healthy, and that in the not too distant future, we can once again hug, laugh (or cry and laugh until we cry), drum, sing karaoke, dance, enjoy meals, travel, and be together, once again. 

With love and gratitude for all your support and love,

Charlotte