Posted 7/10/2021 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Jerry ----
Thankful to hear from you.
I remember reaching the HALFWAY MILESTONE in my series of TAXOTERE infusions. That milestone gave me the mental encouragement to "keep going" as I started counting down the remaining treatments.
It's a rough and rocky road, in many ways. I focused on "one day at a time" and that helped carry me through.
Remember to keep drinking water, to help flush the toxins out, in the days after each infusion. Healthy hydration!
I am mindful of the setbacks you have faced along the way. I hope your infection clears up. That can pack a mighty wallop.
My oncologist looked after me like a brother, as my series of treatments continued. I remain grateful to him, to this very day.
I was the first fellow at the clinic who embarked upon the "early chemotherapy approach" when clinical trials showed marked survival benefits.
I'm a teacher, and we started the treatments during "Back To School Week" ---- my elementary students supported me 100% ---- and left little notes and cards on my desk. Very uplifting!
Treatments are daunting, and there's nothing better than some encouragement and support. I am sending my support to you, as I write these lines.
I am THANKFUL to read that your PSA tumbled down another 100 points. Best news of the day!
Despite the setbacks you are battling through, it's obvious that TAXOTERE is packing a mighty wallop against those cancer cells.
This visual image helped carry me through each ensuing infusion:
Think of your series of treatments as an 1800s style Winchester repeating rifle --- and each infusion is like pulling the trigger, again and again, as you fight those cancer cells.
In my case, my oncologist charted my PSA scores, as my infusions continued. He watched my PSA drop after every infusion. Sometimes the decline was slight --- but even those slight declines carried me through.
I kept that thought UPPERMOST in my mind --- especially on tough days, following infusions, when a fellow goes through what I call the CHEMOTHERAPY CRASH.
It also sounds like you have a great medical team, looking after you. I had the best chemotherapy care team a fellow could ask for, and THANKFUL you have a great team looking after you.
Rest, relax, and recover! Naps are allowed! Really thankful to hear about the 100 point drop in PSA levels, Jerry.
TAXOTERE has cytotoxic properties that target and kill cancer cells. CYTOTOXIC became my favorite new word during chemotherapy treatments!
You've got many readers here, wishing you well, and sending you their support, encouragement, and well wishes. I am just one of all those readers, sending you ALL MY BEST!
Handshake, support, fellowship --- from "one brother to another" ~~~
CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University