Archive of a Breast Cancer Survivor
03.16.05
Interfere
I have to say this is a first for me—having my blood pressure taken on
my ankle. I started a new chemotherapy drug called Paclitaxel (otherwise known
as Taxol). The nurses were monitoring my vital signs because it was my first
time on this drug and there was the possibility of experiencing a reaction.
I have to say it was not an easy chemo session. The gods were not kind that
day. Instead of kindness I received a handout full of information that would
soothe me, “Paclitaxel is made from the needles and bark of certain kinds
of yew trees. It is meant to interfere with the growth of rapidly dividing
cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes these cells to die.” So
I say to the gods interfere with the cells, interfere with my blood. I may
lay limp and damp with fine needles stuck in my arm, but eventually I will
be rid of cancer no matter what. It’s just a matter of time.