emg326

Just wondering if anyone is experiencing something similar. I started Tamox in Nov. Had been in chemopause since Sept. Finished chemo at the end of Oct. Started my period on March 8, and it's still going!!! I had a pelvic ultrasound to get a baseline on March 12. The dr. was surprised to see that the lining was thick and I had a small ovarian cyst. When I told her I had just started my period, she said that explained it. She wants me to have another ultrasound when I figure out my cycle. I know Tamox can mess with the cycle, and I'm just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this. Other than that, I've put on a few pounds, but have felt fine on Tamox. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Hi All,

I know I've been a stranger to the boards lately. I've been checking them a bit, but am trying to keep busy and get back to normal. Is that possible?

Nash, I'm so sorry about your mom. It seems everywhere I turn someone is getting diagnosed with cancer. My friend is on her way to surgery right now. She has ILC, and I'm afraid it's going to be advanced. Another friend just had a hysterectomy because of uterine cancer. What is going on?????????

As for me, my hair is coming in nicely but with more gray than I'd like. Since chemo ended and starting Tamox in Nov., I've had an enormous appetite. Anyone else with that problem? I've been exercising a lot but have put on a few pounds. Yuck!

I'm hoping to have my exchange surgery in April as I'm planning on taking my kids skiing in March.

Well, I just wanted to check in and say hi. I hope you're all doing well. Hang in there!

Eve

I had a very similar diagnosis. Did you have the oncotype testing done? Mine came in pretty low, but I chose to do chemo because of the grade 3. I did 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxen, and it wasn't near as bad as I expected. What chemo does the dr. want you to do? I finished at the end of October, and my energy came back fairly quickly, and my hair is growing nicely. Good luck!

I feel the same. Cold, hot, cold, hot. I figured it was lingering effects of chemo plus the tamox. My hair is growing in so I'm hoping that will help keep me a little warmer.

I started tamox. a few days ago and asked both my oncologist and the pharmacist about interactions with Wellbutrin, and they both said it was fine. Do I need to check this further?

Hi Lou,

I did have my acrylic nails removed before chemo. I had asked the nurse who did the orientation, and she said I should. You just want to reduce any chance of infection etc... I did lose my hair too. I finished TC 2 1/2 weeks ago, and it wasn't that bad. The first few days after each treatment (I had 4) were the worst as far as appetite, taste and fatigue. I didn't really have any nausea. I also walked everyday which helped. I'm feeling really good now, and I had my nails put back on last Friday. It's one step to being back to normal. Good luck with everything!

I assume you're talking about Taxotere and Cytoxen. I did 4 rounds of it, and hair loss is a side effect. My onc. pretty much guaranteed it, and it happened. The bald look isn't a pretty one, but it's temporary. Otherwise, I tolerated TC well. I didn't have much a nausea at all. Had a little indigestion, and  the metallic taste was  one of the worst things. The fatigue got worse with each treatment. I had my last one 2 weeks ago and am feeling really good now. I went back to the gym and am starting to feel "normal". Be very careful days 7-12 when your white blood cell count drops. Stay away from germs. You don't want to end up in the hospital with an infection and no WBC's to fight it. Overall, I found it very doable. Good luck!

I had the surgery you're going to have in July. I think the expanders cause a bit more discomfort due to moving the muscles around etc... I ended up in the hospital for 4 days for pain and recovery from the anesthesia. My 10 year old daughter and a friend of mine washed my hair in the sink when I got home. You have limited use of your arms for a couple weeks. I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks. The drains were not that bad. I wore button up shirts and pinned them to the inside. The nurse showed my husband how to empty them, and they were out in 6 days. You will want to sleep propped up with lots of pillows or in a recliner. Keep the lids to your medication bottles loose so you have easy access. I was on Tylenol after 10 days or so, but I never had to take a lot of the pain meds. I just kept it steady. I came out of surgery with dressings on the sites, gauze, covered with a plastic bandage and then a surgical bra. It wasn't too bad. My ps filled me little too so I was about an A cup when I came out of surgery.  I was back at the gym doing cardio in 3 weeks and feeling pretty much back to normal in about 6 weeks.  The only thing about the expanders is you feel like you have rocks strapped to your chest for the first month or so. I've just finished 4 rounds of chemo and have to start thinking about when I'll get my implants. I can't wait! Good luck with everything. You'll do fine. If people offer help, take it!

My doctor did an excisional biopsy for that very reason. He wanted to make sure nothing was missed.

I just had my last tx of taxotere and cytoxen with which they gave me decadron. I really haven't had any problems with it. It does wind me up a bit, but then I take an Ativan to help me sleep. I made sure to take it right when I get up and then mid/late afternoon. Good luck!