I haven't got time for the pain

I haven't got time for the pain - Carly Simon

I was happy to have completed the 4 rounds of 'AC' drugs.   One of which is referred to as the 'red devil'.    I was a bit anxious starting up a new chemo drug with treatment 5 even though I had been told by my oncologist that I would likely have mild if any symptoms.     Still, something told me I wasn't going to be loving this.

I was pleased to find that the treatment day was really uneventful.  A full day but really I'd have to stretch it to dream up what might have been any type of immediate side effect.    Lack of energy is a given so it doesn't count.     Next day was good too and pretty much the same for the first part of the next.  All that worry for nothing.   However by the afternoon I started to get some tell tale signs that my anxiety was well founded.

In short, the next 3 days I experienced some of what many people experience daily - increasing arthritic pain in my feet legs and hips.   This is a side effect 'most commonly' experienced due to this drug.    It comes on quickly and increases in intensity but generally only lasts 3-4 days.    The pain wasn't so bad for me but rather the fact that it comes on quickly and doesn't last long so that it's very hard to find the balance for how to manage it with medication, exercise and hot baths.   As a result, I was just basically miserable, restless and desperate for it all to end.   Wish I had found these lyrics then:

I haven't got time for the pain
I haven't the room for the pain
I haven't the need for the pain
Not since I've known you (new drug Taxol)

I am very aware of all those who suffer arthritic pain on an ongoing basis.   I had a very short glimpse into that world and gained a new respect for those who push through it each day with a smile.

When I'm provided a new drug I also am given a patient info sheet which includes the potential risks and side effects.    Luckily it's in a format that is much more user friendly then the long narrative provided when you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy.   So I read these new sheets very thoroughly.   I've now figured out that I fit into the 'most commonly' category for side effects but fortunately my experience is not compounded by the 'commonly' category of side effects which would just add more to the mix.   Experiencing some or all of the side effects is a sign that the drug is doing what it's supposed to do.

By day 7 the pain was gone and I could work on regaining the balance on decreasing energy levels and get into a routine, symptom free.    I'm hoping that this side effect was a one-time thing as my body gets used to this new drug but if not I'll make a little time and room for the short term pain which is there to give me a much greater long term gain.