Journal entry by Lindsay McAllister —
I had a great (but quick) weekend seeing friends and family at the annual Pig Roast (shout out to all our Santa Cruz peeps who overflowed my cup with love and laughs)! I felt rejuvenated moving into the start of my new treatment today.
Erin was here again for this treatment and she and Justin tag teamed since I can only have one person in the infusion suite with me.
For this drug, Taxol, there is a possibility of allergic reactions so they pumped me full of antihistamines which made for a sleepy afternoon but for the first time I felt good enough to drive myself to acupuncture.
There is also a risk of neuropathy with Taxol so I wore ice packs on my hands and feet. There is some research showing it could help decrease neuropathy. Same idea as cold capping in hopes of not losing your hair. I must say, it was pretty uncomfortable having frozen fingers and toes for an hour and a half. I was a total wuss but eventually got in a groove. As always, Erin was a good distraction with her humor - reminding me not to worry, because I only have to do this 11 more times. I have decided that cold plunging is not something I ever need to try.
I’ve promised my oncologist that I will not over do it tomorrow but right now, I’m feeling much better than I anticipated. I know this will be the easiest of the 12 but I’m pretty confident that it will be easier than AC.
Thanks again for all the love and support. Xo