I went to the treatment center with Alyssa yesterday. They gave me the steroid, pepcid and a huge dose of Benedryl as my pre-meds. They doubled my dose of Benedryl as a precausion because some people have a really bad allergic reaction to the liquid used to dilute Taxol. Let me tell you. I was chatting along with my neighbor. A lady who was getting the same treatment as me (she was still on A/C) for inflammitory breast cancer. This is what Mabel Tangen had Jon's grandma. When that benadryl kicked in I could barely talk and I was real dizzy. It scared me at first but I got control of myself after a few minutes. Then I had to go to the bathroom.and I figured I better go while I was on my 30 min. break before they hook me up to the IV machine. So Alyssa came with me as I was weaving down the hall. It was so funny! When we got back she was moving her hand in front of my face saying do you see trails mom. They then hooked me up to the Taxol which they drip slow at first to see if I am going to react.They have an emergency kit sitting next to me the whole time! Kinda scary. Well, I passed the test so they turn the drip up. I was still in the chair a total of 2 1/2 hours Poor lyss. She had her Ipod and my nintendo to play with. I fell asleep of course. Then Jon calls me and puts me on speaker phone to tell the kids to sit down and get there seatbelt on! Don't ask. I definitly can't drive after this treatment. Lyss drove me home in the suburban. I was a little scared but she did good.

I won't feel the full effect of this treatment until Saturday. Yesterday I felt a little on edge from the steroid and sleepy from the Benedryl. I have noticed a slight tingling and itching on top of my arms. One of the side effects of Taxol is periferal nerve damage which is temporary. So far the nausea is 1/2 of what it was with my last meds. Thank God! I hate being nauseaus.

I go in for a breast MRI this morning at 10am. Its always interesting to see the results. I will post when I get them.

I want to let (K) know that I am praying for your Aunt. Please keep me updated on her progress. What kind of breast cancer does she have? I was so happy to hear from you yesterday. I hope to see you all soon.

Carol~ I want to thank you and Gub for your prayers and well wishes. You are both so kind. I look forward to hearing your friend story and steps she has taken to keep this nasty disease away.

Marcia~ Good to hear from you. Take care of mom for me and get her to church if you can. She really needs it right now. Maybe a womens study group or something.

Mike~ Thank you so much for all that you have done. You have been so kind and sweet to me. It means more to me than you know. Your words of encouragment and positive attitude give me a little lift everytime I read your emails or see you. Give Winnie a squeeze for me

Teresa~ Thank you for the pictures of the girls! Jordyn, Kaylee and Mariah. Soooo cute! Jordyn can't wait for a play date. We will have to set it up soon. Hows your summer going? Its been a nice break for us so far.

Lexi~ Thanks again for the fun girl day. I need more of those. You are such an awesome sister in law!

I am changing inside. All the small things mean nothing to me anymore. I am turning over a new leaf. When you think you might die and have to fight a deadly disease that really never goes away at least for me thanks to genetics. You change inside. My life begins now. Everything that has been troublesome in the past is now gone to me. Its like a rebirth. When I am completely through with treatments and surgeries I will do what I love. Ride my bike, take the time to enjoy the beauty around me. Every cute, sweet little thing my kids do. I have to realise I can't fix everything and not internalize frustrations from situations that really do not involve me. I will give my opinion and move on. Then let it work itself out through time. Life is too short.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGIE!!! I LOVE YOU!