Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Cool breezes

Wow. I sat outside on my deck yesterday afternoon, and for the first time since April or May, it wasn't so sweltering that rivets of sweat poured off my body. In fact, it felt more like fall (Texas version—most non-Texans would still call this summer). There was a constant cool breeze in the air and I loved it!!

So you would think that finishing chemo would mean the end of all the side effects but no, not for me! I'm now experiencing peripheral neuropathy, which is apparently a fairly common side effect. Neuropathy is damage to the nerves, and can cause tingling and numbness in your hands and/or feet. These symptoms can last for up to 6 or even 12 months after chemo. Ugh! It can also progress to other parts of your body, and can sometimes cause more troublesome symptoms that include painful burning sensations, or a loss of coordination (to name just a couple). For me, the tingling and numbness started in both my feet, the day after my last chemo session, and has been constant ever since. It spread to my hands a few days ago. These sensations are not completely new to me; I have felt them in my right foot over the years due to my multiple sclerosis. In fact, if I hadn't just finished chemo, I would have assumed I was having an MS exacerbation. But I'm pretty sure I'm not, because neuropathy is a fairly common side effect of Taxol (the last chemo drug I was on). I just pray it doesn't spread, lead to other problems, or become permanent.

And now Lucy, our gentle and sweet 11 year old dog, has developed a scary looking sore or lump on her lower back, near her tail. We don't like the looks of it. She is really starting to show her age and it breaks our heart! I wish I could turn back the clock to the time when she could run around all day, fetching a ball or swimming or hiking through the woods. Okay, I need to stop before I start blubbering like an idiot. All you dog lovers can relate, I'm sure.

Lucy laying on our bed, one of her favorite spots.

Snuggling with Mr. Pincushion.

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