Halfway

----- Original Message -----

Last of the AC treatments. Next up are the four T treatments (Taxol or Taxotere) starting in two weeks, three if Karen decides she wants a week off. At least the shots to stimulate her white and red counts have kicked in so they aren't as low as previous treatment days, but still low. We'll see how they look at the nadir next week.

On my list of things that get your attention when talking to an oncologist: Him musing about using an alternative drug (less proven in this environment) to reduce the amount of toxicity and the possibility of side effects from the current first-line choice including, but not limited to, neuropathy inducing numbness and tingling in the extremities, hypersensitivity reactions (similar to allergic but through a different mechanism), which hopefully, but not always, go away when treatment ceases (your experience may be different, so be sure to consult your physician).

Definitely not an E-ticket ride for those old enough to remember the reference. At least the $70 (post-insurance) three pill steroid packs are a thing of the past.

On a note of synchronicity, there was a sign for a seminar in the lobby of the medical building as we entered. Today's topic: What to do if you receive an abnormal mammogram. Given by: Karen's surgeon. Sorry we missed it, though I think we may have already cribbed a few notes.

I'll close like a Chinese fortune cookie with this week's lottery recommendations for those reluctant to schedule their annual mammograms. 3 million women have breast cancer in this country. 1 million don't know it.

Off now to pony up and "embrace the suck" as the Marines in Iraq like to say.

----- End Original Message -----