Hair Coming Back

Today Karen begins her new chemo drug, Gemzar. We once again pin hope to the fates and soldier on for the next several months before we find out if this will be the magic potion that slows the cancer. 

The radiation she just finished last week was supposed to be a direct treatment to relieve the pain of specific tumors in her hip. Still waiting on that miracle to take effect.

She's discouraged and worn down this week. Fatigue from the radiation, learning that the cancer is spreading again and the hip pain that seems unshakable is overwhelming her usual positive attitude when beginning new treatment regimens.  

On the positive side Karen has some of the side effects from the discontinued chemo beginning to resolve. Hair is starting to come in again, skin isn't breaking down and the neuropathy isn't advancing.  If she could just get some relief from the hip the quality of life would be much improved. We're meeting again for a follow up with the hip specialist in mid October to revisit the hip replacement option.
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Note: I wrote this while Karen was getting her infusion. Several hours later she's feeling nauseated despite the anti-nausea meds given with the Gemzar. They all have side effects but nausea isn't an auspicious sign to begin this cycle with. 

Photo; William Evertson - Karen with Pipi Longstocking wig

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