a revelation
 

Just wanted to share something with "my people". I have been off all cancer drugs for almost 2 weeks as I wait for my tykerb and xeloda. And while I'm a little freaked that the liver mets are going crazy I also noticed something. I have been on herceptin for 4 and a half years with various chemos and hormonals and more chemos. Some treatments have been rougher than others, but all in all I've managed quite well (thanks to my family and friends and that means all of you). Anyway this morning I got up early with energy and happiness. The likes of which I've not experienced in many years. I cannot believe how much sharper my brain feels, how much clearer things look visually and emotionally. I really think it is being off the herceptin as that has been the constant for so long. I know some is from being off Navelbine, which has been a breeze, but is still chemo. But I'm not kidding, I feel like I did 10 years ago well before cancer diagnosis.

It is startling. I wish I could bottle it and take doses through the next round of treatment (or sell it on the street for big money).

It is bittersweet. I'm so grateful for the illumination, but sad that the xeloda/tykerb will probably interfere with this feeling.

Anyway just had to share.

I totally understand Joy! I had been off all chemo, Herc and Aromasin for about 6 weeks in transition to Ty/X... I felt much the same way you did about 3 weeks in. Then, for me, one day at about week 4, I started to feel like crap (and the added worry that mets were taking over my body like ants in an ant farm) - and for those last 2 weeks I was thinking that I actually felt better on chemo than I did without. Probably psychosomatic, but I feel better now on Xeloda! Wish the Tykerb would HURRY and arrive.

Joy - it is so good to hear you've had a whiff of what it's like to feel normal. And to know that inside, under all the chemo fog, the happy energetic person you are is still alive and kicking. Of course, we all knew that because you have enough of that life force to punch through and keep us all smiling all the time no matter what.

Much love
Chris

Hi Joy,

It is great to see that the trillions of healthy cells can bounce back quickly when given a chance, which means we all just have to hold on til we get that better targetted treatment for Her2+ and then all of us could be bouncing back together!

That would be great, imaging having lots of postings saying how well we all feel today and tomorrow and tomorrow..sorry I think I have gone to my parrallel world..

Joy I know what you mean..
 

when you have those crappy day's and then you have some where you feel so good that nothing else matters and you forget what you are going through . It's on those day's when you really appreciate how good it is to feel that way.

I guess we just have to grab on to those day's when we get them and really take advantage of them and hold them in our memories until the next time.

HOPE YOU WILL HAVE MANY LIKE THAT.

Take care

Joy - I'm glad to hear you are having some of those extremely energetic days. After 4+ years of putting all of those chemicals in your body, isn't it amazing that in as little amount of time as a couple of weeks you can have such a terrific rebound? I'm hoping that this renewed energy along with the t/x will fight back that cancer in a big way.

Sounds, great Joy-to feel light hearted again is wonderful. I guess we all have to take that in. Ceesun

Joy,

Reading your post today really gave me a well needed boost. I am so happy that you are feeling so well. Your up beat and energetic spirit is inspiring. I pray that this wonderful feeling lasts you a lifetime. I also pray that the Xeloda and Tykerb kick your liver mets to the curb for good. Sending you big hugs and well wishes.


Love,
Nicola

Enjoy it while you can Joy and hopefully you will experience many times like this in the future. Incredible what a difference