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CMF Question

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Comments

  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Aren't we all?! Thanks again Rita! How was your neulasta shot? Hope you are feeling well.
    Ginny
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Hey Ginny...another excellent photo. Did my son do it for you this time, too? If so, I'll pad his Easter basket a bit more!!!!!

    I had no affects from the neulasta shot for about 10 hours. Then I began to get a general achy feeling so I took some pain meds and just relaxed. This morning I took some more. The same achy feeling is there, but so far none of the extreme bone pain that others have experienced. I don't feel like running a marathon race but can handle this if it's the worse that it gets. If it's not any worse this afternoon I am going to try a short walk and enjoy this sunny weather. I am so glad to see the sun for the second straight day in a row!!!

    Thanks for all your encouragement, gals. I was really down Friday and Saturday. You are all wonderful!

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Your son definitely deserves some extra treats in his Easter basket! What a kind, patient, thing to do. I appreciate his help, this photo looks more like me.
    I'm glad the shot was not as bad as expected. Having a good rest is not a bad thing. I have to try and get myself and my dog out for a walk too. Isn't great to have all this sun and longer days now? Spring is coming I can hear it in all the birds at my back feeder.
    Like everything in this journey, that unknown factor is difficult. You have gotten through this shot, keep taking pain meds, and you are getting through this so well.
    I'm off to meet a new onc and see my surgeon today. See if I can start the IV infusions vs the pills, and maybe get some different meds to help. I'm praying that my 2 week episode was complicated by a bad case of the stomach flu, which just dragged out everything. Hoping #5 on
    Wednesday will be better! One step at a time!
    Blessings to everyone,
    Ginny
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Ginny,

    I hope they come up with a workable program for you and I especially hope that #5 goes well on Wednesday. Hey....it's a long haul, but we are getting there!!!!

    Keep in touch!

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Relief. Met with a really caring onc and we decided to start the CMF infusions (every 3 weeks) this Wednesday. I guess that means this Wednesday I will be half way through. Yeah!!! For just a slight improvement, he said that I should not continue with the pills as 2 weeks of extreme nausea....is not something that should continue. Well I gave it a shot and am at peace about adjusting my regime. So here's hoping this week is doable! He said everyone reacts differently and it is their job to readjust treatments accordingly.
    How are you doing now Rita? Hope you are not feeling achy anymore.
    Holly, were you able to finally talk with someone?
    Hope everyone else is doing well.
    Blessings,
    Ginny
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 980
    edited March 2007
    Ginny, I'm glad they were able to figure out a new plan of attack for you. I pray it goes smoothly.

    Rita, hope you are feeling better and the counts are up.

    Holly how are you doing?

    Take care HUgs & prayers
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Ginny, I'm so glad that they switched you over. I think you will do just fine on the CMF infusions.

    I am still a little achy but not bad enough to keep me from bowling (or at least trying to) this morning. The pain meds have kept down the pain. Hopefully the neulasta shot has that bone marrow creating lots of new white blood cells. I guess I won't know for a couple of weeks.

    It's supposed to be beautiful here in Illinois today, followed by rain and cooler temps again for the rest of the week, so I intend to enjoy the day!!!

    Good luck tomorrow, Ginny!!!!! You will do just fine!

    What's new with you, Holly?
    Thanks for your concern CY. You are a "sweetie!!"

    Rita
  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited March 2007
    Hi Ginny, Rita, CY-- Thanks for asking about me! I have a call in to my onc. I was told they can't promise the doctor will call me back....very frustrating. They don't seem to be very empathetic. I'm uncomfortable/on edge not knowing what will happen on Friday and for the rest of my treatment.

    Ginny-I wish you the best this week with the new protocol. I'm curious how long the infusion will take--let me know!

    Rita-- Bowling with friends will probably do you more good than anything--even if you find you're in too much pain to do more than watch--I imagine the camaraderie will make you feel better. Have fun!
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Hi Ladies,

    I managed to bowl three games (and not too much worse than usual). I'm tired now and am gong out shortly to sit on the back deck and just relax.

    As for the CMF infusions, mine takes about 2 1/2 hours total. They push the M and the F and hang the C when the first two chemicals are done. I have always been told to eat ice chips while being given the 5-Fu to avoid mouth sores. Don't know if that's really the reason or not, but I've avoided them so far.

    Holly, you need some answers! Egads girl....it's no wonder you're so upset. People who have no compassion should not be in the health field.

    Hang in there.
    Rita
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 980
    edited March 2007
    I never ate the ice chips but I did drink during the treatment. I think the main thing is not to let your mouth dry out.

    Hang in there ladies you'll be done in no time

    Hugs & prayers
  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 173
    edited March 2007
    Hi ladies~
    So my onc called last night around 9:30pm and wants me to see an allergist this Friday instead of getting my infusion. He really doesn't want me to stop chemo but it is a consideration if I am truly allergic to Cytoxan. He did say he's stumped, asked me all sorts of Qs about whether I ate new foods or tried new detergents, perfumes etc(no to all of it--I had already wracked my brain to figure out what else could have caused the hives) I also either have a bladder infection or a cytoxan irritated bladder and will be getting a urinalysis today. Yesterday I was in so much pain because of it. But I do feel much calmer just connecting with him--he's a good guy who really seems to care.
    Just curious~~Did you all have the oncotype test performed? What were your scores?
    Good luck Ginny! Glad you went bowling Rita! Thanks CY for your continued support--you're the best!
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Holly, I'm glad your onc called and that you had the chance to talk with him.

    As for the oncotype DX testing, I didn't have it done. My oncologist said that he had been doing this for so long that he could tell me the results. I would be in the "questionable area." Actually he gave the me the choice of chemo or going straight to radiation. I really can't believe I actually chose chemo (especially now that I know its cummulative affects) but I wanted to attack the demon with everything available to me. I have the one more chemo the end of the month and then radiation. After radiation I really need to do 2 more chemos to finish the complete treatment, but may opt to quit after the radiation, depending upon what my onc thinks at that point.

    At least you are now getting somewhere and your onc seems very concerned and willing to get to the bottom of your problem. Things are definitely going to get BETTER now for you! Hang in there.

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Thanks CY for your prayers--really appreciated!
    Look at you Rita Bowling, you are an inspiration! So my IV will take longer, no biggie, much better than the pills everyday for 2 weeks! I am praying that I will be able to tolerate this better. You ladies have given me hope---thank you! I will be leaving in a few hours for my first!
    Holly, I'm relieved to hear your doctor is on this finally. I did not do an onco test, but my doctors (6 of them) were divided whether or not I should do chemo at all. I chose to be aggressive as the early shot is the best. No one really knows if I need it or not. No stats really to help, even though I don't adhere to stats anymore, I'm an individual. I just thought it was worth a shot. My onc said, try it and if it is too much we can stop. Rads were more highly suggested for me, even with a mastectomy. Who knows if any little strays need to be mopped up? Anyway I will try switching to IV and see if I can tolerate it better. If so, I will continue, if not the risks don't seem at this time to outweigh the benefits. The rest is in God's hands, because I know I gave it my all. My neighbour's mom had a mastectomy 30 years ago with no chemo and she is still here! So who knows?
    Anyway blessings to you all. I will try and check in to let you know how this change in regime is going. I'm nervous, but determined!
    And yeah, spring is coming, snow melting, warmer temps---all of this will help us get through. Anyone love gardening? I do and can hardly wait to even weed?!
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Ginny....I sent prayers and good vibes your way yesterday. Hope it went well. Please check in ASAP as we're all curious about how you did.

    Holly....what's new on your front? Been thinking about you, too.

    Our spring weather in Illinois has taken a dive for a few days so I guess I should use the time to get some indoors things accomplished. Hope all of you are doing well today. Hang in there.

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Hi Rita, your prayers and good vibes were very much appreciated. The infusion part went well, just 45 minutes longer than ususal. No headache or nasal pain. This time they also infused some steriod (dex) with the kytril. I actually slept at night. This morning I feel good, but these usually hit me 24 hours later, which will be this afternoon. So I'm trying to eat well now and drink water.
    Let you know what happens later. But all in all I feel really good about switchig. Thanks for all of your support

    Ya Holly let us know how things are going---better I hope.

    The daffodils and tulips are staring to slowly spring up!! Even if there is a little rain now, it's warmer and spring is coming!!!
    Blessings everyone,
    Ginny
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    YEAH....you made it through today, Ginny. So how long did your infusion actually take then? I'm glad you haven't experienced any side affects yet and hope that you don't. Like I've said, I have a few but handle them pretty well. I hope you find it "doable" and I really think the IV infusions are equally as effective. Keep in touch.

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Hi Rita, it is day 2 and I'm holding well! Taking my kytril (just in case), but am doing much better than last time around Hopefully this continues today and tomorrow. If so, I would say that this is very doable!!! I have a little muscular discomfort, but I haven't been working out for a few weeks. I think I'm going to get out for a good walk today.
    I'm trying to think how long the infusions took? I get my port flushed out first (love that port!) and then get the kytril, dex, and saline. The M and F I get pushed in with a syringe into my port (just a few minutes each), then I asked for the drip to take 45 minutes. I learned from this board not to do it quikly. The nurse said 30 minutes should be just fine, so I will try that next time. All in all, maybe just over an hour? I'll have to check the time next time. I was too nervous to check this time, although all went really well.
    Thank you again for all of your support. I think I will make it through now!!!
    How are you doing today Rita? Hope your bone discomfort is all gone and your counts are up. You certainly are very active, more so than me.
    Where abouts are you in Illinois? I travel with my husband (his business) to Chicago a couple times a year---love Chicago! We were just there in early September for a convention. Went shopping on the magic mile for the first time--fun!
    Hope everyone is doing well. Please keep in touch ladies we have not heard from a few of you for a while.
    Blessing,
    Ginny
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    YEAH!!! Another day down with no serious side affects, Ginny!!!! I'm so happy for you. If you get by tomorrow, you've got it made. I always take my anti-nausea pills for three days after the treatment...whether I need them or not. I'm a wimp!!! Do you have 3 weeks now until your next infusion?

    I am located in Bloomington, which is in east-central Illinois. It takes us about 2 hours to get into Chicago by car, which isn't too bad. I like Chicago, too. There's so much to do there. Before moving to Minnesota, my son lived in the Chicago area and we had lots of fun exploring the city, going to Cub games, and doing the museums.

    You're right. It has been awhile since we've heard from several of the gals on this thread. They need to post an update for us.

    As for the bone pain, I am doing well now. Hopefully I will be feeling pretty good now until my next treatment on the 30th. I really hope I get through #4 without any problems because I'm going to Minnesota to spend a couple of days with my grandsons over Easter and I don't want to feel bad then. We'll just think positive about that!!!

    Keep me updated, Ginny.

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Hi Rita, Holly, Carole, Susan, Cy...

    I am glad you are feeling good now Rita. Keep thinking positive, every treatment is different, and it can be better than last one! Wow Easter is coming!

    My day 3 was not as good as 1 and2---like you. I hope I am not open to suggestion and that's why? Anyway it was definitely "doable"--just low grade nausea (I can definitely take that for a day--what a nice difference!!) and flu like feeling. The next day I was good to go. I am so happy I changed to the infusions, now I have until April 4th and will try and really enjoy every minute. I think I am almost half way done, going to call my doc and find out today.
    We will get through this, and I know I am glad that I am doing this "insurance policy" with the rads to follow.
    For anyone else reading this, the cytoxan pills might be the best for you with little side effects, hope my posts don't turn anyone off. I believe it was definitely worth a try. You can always change your regime if the side effects are too much. I did and I am very happy about it--it was the right thing for me. I know many ladies have gone through the pill route and done well. Everybody is different!
    Holly, how are you?
    Carole, how are you?
    Susan and Cy hope you are well!
    Oh Rita, we usually stay in Schaumburg. Just once we stayed downtown for a convention. I love Chicago. Actually it reminds me a lot of Toronto, where we live. Lots of similarities. Hope your weather is nice. I think you guys are 2 weeks ahead of us. All our snow melted, tulips starting to come up and pow, just got some more snow this am---go figure. I can't wait to garden--great therapy.
    God Bless all,
    Ginny
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Ginny, you've got a couple of really good weeks ahead now so enjoy them and your energy level will be pretty good! I didn't really have nausea this last time. My aches were from the neulasta shot that I needed because my white blood counts were down, but that passed without any ill effects and I've got two good weeks ahead of me until the next one, too. So glad you are tolerating this better.

    Holly.....let us hear from you.
    How are the rest of you doing and is everybody ready for spring??????


    Rita
  • bajalady
    bajalady Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2007
    Well, tomorrow is my big day. 1st Chemo (CMF) treatment. No pills - all IV. I went to the drugstore this evening to p/u prescriptions. I went into sticker shock when I saw the cost of Kytril. (I will get over it though because I know from the boards that this drug is very helpful.)
    We had a nice trip last week. Went to the beach for a few days and relaxed. Came back last Wed - went to 4 different DR appts on Fri. PS is happy with his work and we will start putting fluid back into the expander on the 30th. Infectious Disease Dr is pretty sure (99.9) the Vancomycin has taken care of my bacteria so I can start the chemo. Did an ecocardiogram and then had a chemo lesson with the onco nurse.
    I have 3 bottles of water, 4 trail mix bars and 1 apple for my first trip. I have a girlfriend that is going with me so we will see how it goes. I am very fortunate as I do not have to drive more than 5 miles from my house.
    Thanks for all your encouragement. I am glad to get this phase started - so I can finish.
    Carole
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Carole, good luck with your first chemo. I think you're going to find that you worry about it more than you need to worry. The unknown is always so much worse than the actual thing and with CMF, if you take the antinausea meds and continue to take them...WHETHER YOU NEED THEM OR NOT...for about 3 days, things will be very doable! The first time they told me to take my anti-nausea pills when I got queasy. Well that was too late for me and so I had nausea for about 3 days. The second time they told me wait a few hours after the treatment and then begin with the Compazine, which was my particular med. It helped immensely. Drink LOTS of water the next few days to wash that "crud" out of your system, and be sure to come back often and check in with us so we know how you are doing!!!
    I will be thinking about you today and sending good vibes your way for the next few days also. Hang in there.


    Ginny......how's it going for you???? I've been thinking about you and hoping that you had no major side effects this time. Let us know!!!

    Well ladies, I'm off for the last bowling day for this year so I need to hop in the shower and get moving. Hope everybody has a good day.

    Rita
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited March 2007

    Hi Ladies, Just checking in as a former CMF girl. I hope you are all doing well and don't forget to count the days as this will end!! I finished all IV CMF last October and it truly does become a memory. Sometimes I ask myself if I really did go through it. I had 8 cycles of CMF folloed by radiation and am on Arimidex since November. I had my chemo every two weeks. I promise all of you that before you know it you will leave the hospital after your last chemo and feel like the weight of the world has been lifted. Hang in there and keep reminding yourself that this is temporary. There is normal life after chemo and rads and there will be all normal thoughts back in your head again and you won't be consumed with breast cancer. Chins up and time really does heal. Stay busy during chemo and get lots of excersize. I check here often to see how you are doing. Susan

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Hi Susan, thanks so much for the encouragement. How are you doing on the Arimidex? I will be trying to take that after my radiation and was curious as to the side effects.
    It is so wonderful that survivors like you continue to visit the boards, giving us hope and encouragement of better days. Thank you so much!

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Hi everyone,

    Rita, maybe you missed my post on the 19th? I am doing very well, I'm now on my "chemo holiday" and enjoying eating, drinking water again, and feeling better! The IV infusion is definitely doable for me. Thanks for your ongoing support!((hugs)) I may be half way through! Will find out on April 2, if so I will be done with chemo May 16 and then do rads.
    Susan, thanks so much for your ongoing support to us here. ((hugs))
    Carole, you will be in my thoughts and prayers for your first chemo. I agree with Rita, the fear is worse than the actual experience. Drink and pee...and keep on top of your anti-nausea pills, as well you might want to take colace (a stool softner) because Kytril can constipate you. I take 2 the night before chemo, then in the morning and after that as needed. Pamper yourself for the next few days---rest, be easy on yourself. You will get through this and the unknown will be gone! Your trip to the beach sounded great. I'm dreaming of beaches now as I look at the snow (yuk) we just got yesterday.
    Blessings everyone,
    Ginny
  • bajalady
    bajalady Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2007
    Thank you for your words of encouragement. The actual treatment was not to bad. I have a port so I didn't need to have any needles in my hand. It took about 3+ hours. I have not taken any of my meds just yet. I thought I would wait until around 5:00. I do have just a little headache & I am a little tired. We will see how the next few days go. Thanks for info on Kytril. I took Senecot - s this am and will take for the next few days.
    Carole
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Carole,

    So glad you made it through your first chemo!!! I had a headache the first time,too but I told them and they slowed down the "pushes" and the drip just a bit and I haven't had one since. Just keep taking the anti-nausea pills for a few days...whether you need them or not. You will do just fine!

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Hi Carole,
    Glad your first infusion went well and you are now out of the unknown for that. Take it easy the next few days and take the pills, even if you feel you don't need them. Better to be ahead of everything! Take care,
    Ginny

    Holly, how are you doing with your allergy testing?
  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2007
    Hi ladies,

    I'm just checking in and it appears that everyone is doing pretty good this week. I hope things are still going O.K. for you Carole!

    Holly, we haven't heard from you for awhile. Please pop on and tell us what's been happening. We've been worried about you.

    Ginny...isn't the infusion form of CMF much easier on you?

    This is one of my good weeks so I'm going to drive a couple of hours today to visit some old friends. In fact, I still have 2 Christmas presents that need to be delivered to my former neighbors who are elderly and can't drive to me!!! Then it's off to lunch and supper later with friends. Even the rainy weather isn't going to get me down today!

    Hope everybody is doing well.

    Rita
  • 3ofus
    3ofus Member Posts: 201
    edited March 2007
    Hi Rita,

    Yes, I'm so happy I changed! 1 down day a month is totally "do-able".

    It's great to be on our "chemo holiday" and the weather is getting so much warmer! Have a wonderful trip Rita. Don't you enjoy outings with friends so much better now? I really appreciate special times much more already.

    The rain brings those beautiful flowers, so it makes me smile right now Can't wait to start gardening. What a great therapy right now to get through all of this stuff.

    Have a wonderful day,

    Ginny

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