Update: Taxol Milestone

Neuropathy, yet another chemo side effect.

Eight down, 4 to go!

Time for another cancer adventure update.

• I've officially completed 8 of my 12 Taxol treatments, which means I'm rounding the final turn and can almost see the finish line.

  Taxol has decided to keep things interesting by introducing me to neuropathy—that lovely tingling and numbness in my hands and feet. Apparently my fingertip nerves are filing a formal complaint. The good news is that my oncology team doesn't mess around with this side effect. They're taking it seriously, and there's a good chance they'll dial my dose back a bit to keep things from becoming a long-term souvenir. I'm all for beating cancer, but I'd rather not collect permanent party favors along the way.

  Now for the plot twist: I still have my hair! Well, 85% of it… At this point, my hair and I have an understanding. I've been nice to it, and it has apparently decided to stick around. Every morning I look in the mirror and think, "Well...you're still here." I’ve lost maybe 10-15%, nothing anyone else would notice.

  Cancer has a funny way of redefining what counts as a win. Some days it's getting through treatment. Some days it's a good lab report. Some days it's simply realizing your hair has chosen loyalty over drama.

  So here we are: eight down, four to go. The finish line is getting closer, and I'm more than ready to evict this unwelcome houseguest called cancer.

  Thank you to everyone who has prayed, texted, called, checked in, sent cards, or simply thought of me. Your encouragement has carried me through more than you know. Please keep the prayers coming as I tackle these last four treatments. I plan to cross that finish line with as much determination—and as much hair—as I can manage. Love, Kate