Huneb

Hi, I did 6 rounds of FEC, didn't find the nausea too bad but the dexamethasone kicked me hard.  I did all my cooking in glass/pyrex and that seemed to solve the metal taste.  Also, I didn't eat any citrus or tomatoes for that first week.  My problem was that the second week, everything tasted like sawdust, but I choked it down.and maintained my blood levels.  Good luck with it, I am glad that I had it.  Are you doing 50 or 100?  That might make a difference. 

Gentle hugs, HB

Hi, I'm looking for any one who was enrolled in this trial.  6 cycles of FEC 100 / or 4 cycles A/Cin node negative BC.   

I was on the FEC arm on the trial. I finished FEC March 06.  I would like to compare SE's and quality of life with others.  I 'm also taking Tamoxifen - tried Aromasin, but...... no go.

Anyone???

HB

Sorry Teressa, I second Curlylocks, I still have a lot of fatigue.

My thyroid crashed sometime between the end of chemo and radiation and I have heard others mention that they now have hypothryoidism as well.  Check out the rest of the symptons, being cold, weight gain, fatigue are common but there are quite a few. If you think that may be contributing to your fatigue, ask your doc to test - it is a simple blood test.

Hope you start bouncing back!   Hugs HB

I was taking Effexor and Tamoxifen but am now off Effexor.  My depression is still rearing it's ugly head so am checking out options.  This page looks like a good start.

www.medicine.iupui.edu/clinpharm/COBRA/TamoxifenGuide.pdf

I am also taking Trazodone for sleep, so I'll have to query that one, but God know I have to do something! 

Hasn't anyone experienced any serious mood se's  from Aromasin?  I was on it for 5 weeks, had the joint/bone pain and stiffness.  The bottoms of my feet also hurt.  I tolerated those, but the hot flashes were so intense I just about came apart. I've had hot flashes for 10 years but nothing like these - 1 lasted  3 hours.  I also had terrible fatigue, not really depression but incredible sadness with uncontrollable crying spells.  I  also had rages galore.  My chemo brain was twice as bad.

My doc took me off it and 5 days later  I am not 100 hundred percent I am much better.  I wonder, am I the only one?  If not, how do you cope?  I need to and want to go back on it at some point but would like to go into it this time with some coping skills.

Thanks HB

Hi, I started on Aromasin on August 25.  I have been very tired and have some joint pain. I find that if I do some moving of my ankles, knees and hips before I get out of bed , I don't walk the 90 year old bent over.  Also I found warm/hot tub soaks really help.  And of course during the day keeping moving, not sitting for too long.  Although sometimes even 10 minutes seems too long:).My hands also stiffen up occasionally

I am seeing my doc tomorrow and am going to ask about glucosemin (sp?). for the joints. I am also having some depression, but don't know if that is because of the fatigue, but I do know it is a side effect.

The Hot Flashes are pretty intense - I have had them for 10 years, but nothing like these.  I am also going to ask about acupuncture for them.  I will let you all know what I learn, what I try and what works, or doesn't.

I argree with Artsee, it is protection and I want to stay on it so anything that will make it more doable is worth a try.

Cheery, HB

Sally, I appreciate your reply and comments; I don't feel so alone.  I will be seeing my doc early in the week and will certainly tell her what is going on.  Actually, I'm so unlike me she'll know something is pretty wrong. I just needed to be in contact with someone now, so thanks again for your reply. 

sbmolee, hope she doesn't have to find out the hard way.

my co-worker story today - told her i wouldn't be coming back in sept (school).  I am telling staff that I don't feel well and am taking more time.  (actually, tests and doc orders).  She flat out asked if it was 'the cancer' and if it wasn't was i terrified.  I told her i felt to poopy to feel afraid and she said 'that's good, better to be sick than afraid."  Every day I shake my head.

AnnNYC, I so agree!

Genia , have tried to figure that one out as well.  And it seems like there is a rush to be the first to tell.

LindaMemm, I feel so badly for you.  It seemed to hurt me more when it came from family.

Getwell, when friends aren't friends, but how wonderful for you that your other friend came through. 

Mary, love your prunning the tree line.  I will have to get out my shears. Your comments reminded me of

"my brother is dying, he promised me he would meet you with wings, what color do you want?"

a smoker friend "at least i've chosen my death" 

Bmac, glad you had some truly good people show up.  My doc says we all will have a friendship shift and the people you least expect, will be the people you can count on.

I am now going through some tests and interestingly the phone is ringing with the how are yous?  I say ok, how are you? These are people that I never hear from, but want to be my best friend in case there is news. "Either get sicker or get better".

Gentle hugs to you all