[Nicola]

Hi Everyone....

Wanted to let you know how my first treatment went.

I was so eager to get started on chemo, I couldn't wait to start doing something to attack this horrible disease. I was so nervous though yesterday but luckily it all went well. It didn't hurt when they accessed my portacath, they sprayed it with freezing spray first, my port is on my left side the same side as my lumpectomy, I figured I might as well have one good breast left, lol. The Zometa made me achy and the anti-nausea meds mixed with the steroids made me feel a wee bit tipsy for a while and then very sleepy, I was actually able to nap through some of it. It was a very long day, we got there at 8:30 AM and didn't leave until 3:00 PM. The Zometa and Anti-nausea meds didn't take long to administer and once the Zometa was in I was able to take the Lapatinib by mouth in pill form but the Herceptin took forever, the Taxol took about an hour. They had to give me a loading dose first of the Herceptin and then the port acted up and it took a little while to get it going again before the Taxol could be given. It seems that the best position to be in for my port to work properly is flat on my back. When I got home I felt tired and achy like when you are about to come down sick. I went straight to bed for a nap and when I woke up I felt pretty good. So far this morning I am still feeling well but a little tired.

I will have chemo once a week on every Friday but will take the Lapatinib everyday at home in the mornings. If this is all of the side effects I will experience besides losing the hair it wont be so bad. I am sure I will have some bad days but overall I think it will go well.

I can't thank you all enough for your prayers and support. I will be sure to keep in touch and let you know how I am doing.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Big Hugs,
Nicola