July 21, 2025

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So, pretty sure the mental breakdown I was having last week was at least partly due to the fact that Saturday was the 2 year mark since my mom's passing. I wish every day that she was still here with me, her and dad both. I know they're in Heaven with the Father, looking down on me, my family and friends, but some days I could just use a parent hug and hear them say "everything is going to be fine". 

I was also reminded this weekend thru KLOVE radio, prayer and church on Sunday that the negative self talk and stuff is the Devil trying to take control. He is not in control. MY GOD'S GOT ME! 

There's a song by Samantha Ebert that is a good reminder that when things seem bleak, good things come out of our trials and tribulations. Here's the link to the song. Flowers

Today starts the new chemo cocktail. I'm hearing that this is supposed to produce some nasty side effects. Fan-freaking-tastic. I managed to skate thru the last regimen without any issues. Praying for the same results this time. But, as I prepare for the worst and hope for the best, let's look at the new drugs and the side effects...

Doxorubicin - Doxorubicin, also known as Adriamycin, is a chemotherapy drug that can cause a range of side effects, both common and serious. Common side effects include hair loss, nausea and vomiting and fatigue. More serious side effects can include heart problems, blood disorders, and an increased risk of developing leukemia. (Leukemia... cancer... so a chemo drug can cause more cancer....hmmm)

Doxorubicin is considered one of the strongest chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers, not just breast cancer. Doxorubicin is also known as “The Red Devil” because it is a clear bright red color.



Cyclophosphamide - Cyclophosphamide (brand names: Cytoxan, Neosar) is a chemotherapy and immunosuppressant medication used to treat various cancers and autoimmune conditions. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, hair loss (usually temporary), increased risk of infection due to decreased white blood cell counts, bladder irritation and potentially blood in the urine (hemorrhagic cystitis), infertility (may be temporary or permanent), skin rashes, decreased appetite, diarrhea, mouth sores. More serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, heart problems, including heart failure and irregular heartbeat, lung problems, such as shortness of breath and cough, liver problems, including yellowing of the skin or eyes, kidney problems, including decreased urination or blood in the urine, blood clots, secondary cancers. (Again, a cancer fighting drug could potentially cause more cancer...)

Doesn't seem like there are many differences in the side effects between this cocktail the first one. 
They added another anti-nausea med, took away the Benadryl and I think kept the steroid. 
I will have my full med list tomorrow when my chart gets updated. I do know my labs all looked ok. 

This regimen is shorter on Mondays, 2ish hours plus labs versus the 3-4 hours before. The downside is
that with this cocktail, I have to return on Tuesdays to get "immune booster" treatment since these drugs
apparently will have a negative impact on my red and white blood cells. 

We'll see how this goes. 

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