Cancer Warrior - Nuthin’ New
And I’m likin’ that. Yesterday was my Abraxine cocktail and the infusion went off without a hitch. That was the “Nuthin’ New” part.
I was chatting with the woman next to me, Sharon, and we were (of course) comparing notes of treatment. She’s having a rough time of things. Sharon has to come in for infusions every three weeks, but her particular cocktail is so rough that for her first week after treatment she’s pretty much in a constant state of crash and burn. Primarily exhaustion, nausea, the whole nine yards. Not pleasant.
I didn’t ask her what type of cancer she had but she mentioned a tumor and it has forced her into an early retirement. That’s pretty rough. I’ve always been proud of the fact that I’ve never really had to stop working (beyond the several weeks following the mastectomy and the reconstruction) and that the disruption in the my work life has been comparably moderate.
Its kinda funny the things what bugs you when you’re a cancer patient going through treatment. We both agreed that losing our hair was a minor inconvenience. This includes the hair on our head, underarm hair and leg hair … didn’t discuss pubic hair but I think that was sorta implied. However, it was the loss of our eyebrows and eyelashes that bugged the hell outta both of us. Don’t know why … probably because eyebrows and eyelashes are so public. Its something that people see (or don’t see) immediately. Makeup is a wonderful thing as far as I’m concerned. 
I don’t leave home without it. The eyebrows are easy enough to recreate, but unless you go the fake eyelash route, eye-liner pretty much disguises the fact you have no eyelashes. It was quite awhile before anyone realized I didn’t have any. (Sorry — any guys out there, this tip won’t be of any help to you.)
The good news is that Sharon has only one more treatment left and her tumor has shrunk by over 90%. Gotta love that and you keep on truckin’, Sharon
And remember to repeat after me …“YOU ARE A CANCER WARRIOR”
February 5th, 2010 at 7:47 am
That is great news for Sharon. I never noticed that you didn’t have eyelashes. This makes me doubt that mascara–which is such a pain to wipe off at night–matters.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:43 am
There were a few stragglers, but for the most part the eyelashes were gone. Gotta love eye liner.
It does make a difference when you where mascara. At least I notice it.
Women are so vain.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I would not have known about the eyelashes either if you hadn’t told me about not having any. Eyebrows yes that I would have noticed. I guess I just don’t look at peoples face all that much.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Or you don’t do a minute inspection.
Just as well. I tend to dwell on it enough for both of us. 
February 5th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Hey there Liz, so glad to hear that nuthin’ much is happening with this round of Abraxane! Exactly what we like to hear!
Also, last week you apologized for not noticing that I started Herceptin . . . just wanted you to know that no apologies are necessary, Ms. Cancer Warrior. I understand completely - you were still recovering from that Tylenol! Besides, this week, I’ve been feeling fatigued still from Herceptin so I haven’t been reading cancer blogs as much. Hasn’t stopped my lurking around on Facebook, though! LOL Anyway, cancer patients understand . . . so don’t worry about stuff like that!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Hope your body adjusts to the fatigue, Dee. Herceptin was a little tiring at first, but I guess you do get used to it.
Despite going through this crap, I do try to stay on top of other people doing the same. I hate the thought of wallowing in my own situation and giving no thought to others. But that’s just me.
I’ll be following your Herceptin journey.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Hey there, Liz,
I completely understand wanting to stay on top of other people’s blogs. I haven’t taken the time the past couple of nights and it’s really bothering me because I don’t know how people are doing! I start feeling a bit anxious . . . anyway, thanks for following me - and for letting me know that you can get used to the Herceptin fatigue. I hope you’re well!
February 11th, 2010 at 11:05 am
No prob.