Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 9:24 PM
Subject: Karla Update


> Hello All!
>
> Sorry it's been awhile.  Seems like I have been quite busy these days.  I 
> won't make this too long.  My last treatment was last Monday, the 5th.  It 
> didn't seem to affect me as much as that first chemo with the Taxol.  I am 
> sooo glad.  I still have achy joints and shooting pains in my legs from 
> it, but not as bad as the first time.  The nueropathy (numbness of fingers 
> and toes) is getting gradually worse, but it will go away when I am done. 
> My toes are numb at the ends all of the time.  Anyway, things could be 
> worse, I suppose.  I could choose the Taxotere and it would alleviate the 
> joint pain, but it make your eyes water all the time, turns your 
> fingernails colors, and they fall off!!  How nice!!  I think I will stick 
> with achy joints for a few more months.  The Glucosamine supplements I 
> think have helped, and now thanks to my wonderful friend Marci, I am 
> taking shark cartilage now.  Can't hurt.  She had a huge bottle being 
> unused and she sent it to me.  So I spent 2 hours last nite making 
> capsules.  (You can tell what my social life is like these days!)
>
> Anyway, my doctor visit with Dr. Lee last Monday was really good!  He was 
> so excited at the progress just since that last treatment of Taxol, that 
> he jumped up and down, and said "I am sooo excited!"  You would have to 
> see Dr. Lee to appreciate the humor in that.  He is short and very and 
> very boyish in his mannerisms, so it was very cute!  It was also touching, 
> and very optimistic.  My chances are very good for a lumpectomy if this 
> keeps up!  So, three cheers!!!  I only have 2 more treatments and then he 
> says we will have to wait 4-6 weeks after that for the surgery.  Wants to 
> have all of the blood counts all pretty normal before they "cut me up" 
> (that was Dr. Lee's verbage which I of course had to chastise him severely 
> for).  So, all is good, and I think I will get through the next 2 
> treatments pretty event free.  I will keep everyone posted.
>
> Hope all of you are well.  Haven't heard from a few of you in quite a 
> while (you know who you are) and so I expect some "hellos" soon.  I take 
> the time to do this, you can sit down and drop a line!!!
>
> Love ya all,
> KJ
>