Hello, friends.  I've made it through 3 rounds of chemotherapy.  Lots of people have asked what it's like.  It's different for everyone, but for me, the first couple days after the infusion aren't too bad, probably because I'm hopped up on steroids.  By the way, you should NEVER go shopping while taking steroids.  I went to Bed Bath & Beyond for a satin pillowcase and came home with $200 of stuff I didn't need (most of it went back).  On the 3rd and 4th days, it's like an awful flu with aches and pains everywhere, and I have absolutely no energy.  Days 5-6-7 are a little better but still rough.  During this time I spike a fever because my white blood cell count is low, but I haven't needed to go to the hospital for an infusion - knock on wood!  On Day 8 the fever breaks and I feel much better.  

I've been experiencing neuropathy (numbness and tingling at the same time - it's weird) in my hands and feet.  I get sores inside my mouth and nose.  My eyebrows and eyelashes are almost gone.  My skin is super sensitive, so I can't wear a wig right now.  Found that one out the hard way...  I started a new job right after I recovered from round 2 (I know, stupid, but I couldn't pass it up) so I wore a wig the first week and ended up with hives all over my shiny bald head.  I'm sooo attractive!!   Since the beginning, everything (including water) has tasted metallic.  Except for Chipotle.  Thank goodness for Chipotle!  

My friend and breast cancer buddy, Marie, recently told me, "Chemo isn't for sissies."  She's not wrong.  Sad thing is that what I'm going through is actually mild compared to what I've seen some others experience.  I'm grateful that many people are able to have new targeted therapies with much lighter side effects, but these therapies don't work for everyone.  We still need funding for more research!!! 

My last round will be October 7.  Really looking forward to all this being over.