My first Taxol infusion was late July and it went pretty well. Then near the end of the second infusion last week I may have had a small reaction-some pain in my sides when taking deep breaths, some tight, warm, itchy hands, even with the ice gloves on. The nurses watched me very carefully and we were able to finish, but they are being cautious now going forward. It was very minor, but I don’t want it to get worse! 
I struggle most with side effects from the pre meds. The benadryl makes me loopy and then exhausted, so I need to have a ride each week. Being an independent person I hate to have to put this burden on anyone, it’s a long day and it’s every week. Bad enough that I have to do it, I hate to drag another person through it too! Then the steroids kick in in the evening and make me antsy, hungry, hot, sometimes crabby too. I struggle to sleep on chemo days, and then the following day my face flushes very hot and red. The nurse called it a “steroid glow” 🥵 I was really hoping not to need the benedryl, and wishing to lower the steroid, but I may not have a choice.
Today was the 3rd infusion and we did the full dose benedryl and steroid and started the infusion at half speed for a while before going full. No reactions. This is good! Now we have to decide what to do going forward. Obviously I will do what I have to, but I still have the goal to cut down on the pre meds if possible. We can work on it, carefully, slowly, one piece at a time to find the optimal doses.
Thankfully the chemo itself has not caused a lot of trouble so far. My skin is dry and I get tired more easily. My blood counts are pretty good, nothing that’s going to stop the treatment or require intervention. My hair is thinning and my scalp is itchy, but I haven’t totally lost my hair (yet). I have had minimal nausea, no neuropathy (thanks ice gloves and socks!), and no mouth sores. The week that would have been my second dose, I was off for our family trip to South Dakota. I was able to keep up with all the sightseeing and activity, which was great! We had a blast and made lots of memories. Having trips or events to look forward to really helps keep me focused on the good and helps me get through the yuck.
I won’t know for a while yet if the treatment is working. It looks like the plan is to scan again around mid September. So we will keep it up, maybe try some things to tweak the pre meds, and hope this med is doing it’s job. 
I really want to say Thank You to those who have been supporting us. There’s been so much generosity- Zoe play dates, rides and company for chemo, cards, meals, gifts (you guys bought out my wish list!), and more. I am so grateful and feel so much less alone knowing people care. As needs change or new ones come up I will continue to post or ask. As much as I like to try, I know I can’t do this alone. Thank You all for your prayers and support!