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CMF Question
Comments
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So far things have been just fine for me. I took my nausea
medicine as directed, the Senecot-s, and my Ativan and I am having no problems. I guess the first one is suppose to be the easiest though. I go back next Tuesday for blood work.
Hope everyone is feeling fine. Glad the IV is working better for you Ginny.
Weather here is in the 70s, but windy. We are suppose to have a nice weekend.
Carole0 -
Hi Girls,
I am a former CMF girl,too. I finished 12 treatments in December. Susan and I were going through it at the same time. I had the cytoxan in pill form and the M and F by IV. It is all doable. I had good days and bad. Then I did 33 rads and I started arimidex in January. I am doing fine on that. I am glad the treatments are done and you will get there too. Keep thinking positive, come here to chat,vent and discuss. This is a great place and it helped me tremendously!!! My best to all of you.
Susan, how are you? We havent talked in awhile.
Holly, how are you doing? I read that you might be having an allergic reaction to cytoxan?
Hugs and prayers to my bc sisters,
Candie0 -
Just checking on you all.
Ginny, glad the IV way is working for you.
Rita, you'll be done next week? Cool!
Carol, remember it's all cummulative so bee sure to keep track of how you feel and drink lots!
Holly, so glad your Onc is being cautious about the possible allergy!
Candie, good to see you.
I've been recovering from food poisoning. Still having difficulty eating anything solid. Stomach just isn't liking food! Hopefully the good side of this is maybe I'll lose some weight, lol
Thinking of you,
Hugs & Prayers0 -
Carole, so glad your first infusion went well. Good to get that fear of the unknown over with! I agree with Candie, keep tract of your symptoms and always keep on top with the anti-nausea, no matter what. Your weather sounds great! Ours is actually warming up finally. Tulips are starting to peak out, snow melted and lots of sun. Yeah!!!
Candie, that's amazing that you got through with the pills. Congrats at finishing your rads too!! Glad you are doing well.
Cy, nice to hear from you again. Thank you, I will get through this! So sorry you have food poisoning. You finish chemo, then that? SSSeesshh!! I hope you are starting to feel better.
Rita, you are finished chemo next week?
Another, shout out to Holly, hope you are o.k.
(((hugs))) to all of you and prayers,
Ginny0 -
Hello everyone...
Cy...food poisoning??? YUCK! How'd you manage that one?
Ginny, I'm not actually finished with all my chemo next week. I have my 4th treatment next Friday. Then I wait three or four weeks and have rads for 6 1/2 weeks. Then I still have 2 more chemos after that. They call it the sandwich method and I guess it's supposed to be easier on you and my onc thinks that I should have radiation within a certain number of days after my first surgery. So I have one more and then a little reprieve. The onc nurse told me that sometimes if things are looking good after the rads, the onc might say I've had enough chemo, but with the additional stress I've had, I doubt if I'll be that lucky.
Welcome Candie. Glad you found us.
Glad the new method is working so well for you Ginny.
Is everything still going well for you Carole?
I have a few errands to run and hate to waste time this good week! :-)
I'll be back later.
Rita0 -
Hi CMF girls,
Just checking in with all of you. I finished 6 treatments in October but I keep up with all of you. This thread was so helpful to me when I was going through my CMF. You all seem to have worked out the kinks in your treatments. Hang in there and take care of yourselves.
Sue0 -
Feeling much better I'd take the chemo nausea over food poisioning any day. I went about 4 days with eating much cause I just couldn't handle anything much in the stomach. but finally was able to eat and felt pretty good today!
You ladies are doing great you'll all be done before you know it and helping the next CMFer through it.
I'm just glad we have each other.
Hugs and prayers0 -
CY...you said it perfectly, "I'm so glad we have each other."
SUSAN...thanks for stopping in and offering encouragement. As you know, it certainly does work!
Hope everybody has a good weekend. The sun is peeking through in Illinois and that makes everything better!!!
Rita0 -
Hi Ladies,
I haven't been on much because my laptop has been in for repairs and I really don't like using the desktop or my son's laptop. My laptop is finished--yay!- and I should be on more now.
Sounds like you;re all plugging along pretty good except CY--food poisoning?? yikes! Hope you're feeling better each day--don't worry about food as much as liquids--don't want to dehydrate!
I saw an allergist this past Monday--he said actual testing for Cytoxan allergies is very difficult for the patient so he asked me tons of Qs and decided it sounded like a reaction to him. He doesn't recommend switching me to all IV because of the all at once concentrated dose of it. So it looks like I'm stuck with those %%$^^&^pills! I now have to take IV benedryl before my infusions along with more steroid then at home I take pill benedryl and claritin and I have to carry an epi-pen at all time. Yesterday, they kept me in longer to watch for any reactions. Last night, my throat swelled a little--had diffculty eating saltines and tea but it was fine drinking water. Today, other than the tired feeling from the benedryl, I feel okay.
Ginny--I can barely wait for gardening too! I love getting my hands in the dirt and watching things grow. I have my eye on a raised strawberry bed right now.
Candie--have you had your heart procedure yet? I've been thinking of you!
Take care,
Holly0 -
Holly! So great to have you back! I've been worried about you. So sorry that you have to stick with those pills but it sounds as if they are trying now to make it more "doable" for you. Hang in there. It's not easy but we just keep checking off these treatments and before we know it, there won't be any more treatments to check off!
Then we'll be ready to celebrate.
I am so happy to see your posts again.
Rita0 -
Help!!
I scored a 15 on the Oncotype test. My Oncologist thinks I should have CMF+ Tamoxifen, however I went for a second opinion and that doctor said I would be fine with Tamoxifen alone. How is that possible?
Anyway, I was hoping that someone could tell me the possible long term side effets of CMF?
How managable is it? Will I lose all of my hair?
Will weight gain be a factor?
What are the down sides?
CMF does bring down my chance of reoccurance, so why wouldn't I do it, just to be safe?
Thanks for your help0 -
Holly I'm glad they are working with you on this. It will be over soon and hopefully the added precautions will help.
I can finally eat again. Spent 5 hours in the ER with my pregnat daughter. Dx was a Broken Rib!
Tired but gaining strength daily.
Hugs & prayers to all0 -
Hello CMF girls, As Candie mentioned in an above post, we were going through CMF at the same time together last year. We both made it through and you will as well. Soon you will be posting as former chemo girls and encouraging others that this will end. I am tolerating Arimidex quite well and have been taking it every day since November. I started Arimidex when I began radiation. I have hip pain but did before taking the drug. I excersise every day and that helps. Hot flashes have not been worse then they were before and they are tolerable. I hope I can continue to tolerate the drug. I also added 35mg of Fosamax once a week for my osteopenia. I do not have any side effects from the CMF. They will go away when you finish treatment. I have a left over tan from radiation and some swelling but not much. Keep plugging along until that final treatment is over and most of the ordeal will become a memory. Candie, it was great to read your post. I hope you are well. Lots of love and hugs to all of you. This treatment is temporary and will end- keep that thought in your head! Love, Susan
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Hi Sue, nice to hear from you again. Thanks for your support.
Cy, glad you are feeling better. Not fair to have food poisoning after having gone through chemo. I agree, the support here is invaluable. I have never participated on an online forum before, and was a little weary, but I am thankful as everyone here is wonderful. We help each other!
Holly, welcome back. Good to hear from you again. I hope you are coping better now with the treatments. An allergic reaction---man that's all you need, eh? Anyway sounds like your doc is more attentive and on top of things. That's great. I am going to go out today and weed. I don't think I have ever looked forward to weeding as now. It is great to get outside again and the promise of spring really helps cope with all these challenges now.
Rita, the sandwich treatment sounds interesting. I hope we will still hear from you even though you will be going through rads. It will be good to know how you are doing.
Welcome LR,0 -
oops, wasn't finished and meant to correct "weary" for "apprehensive"--darn buttons, hope I don't lose this.
Welcome LR, it is so difficult to make this decision. Maybe another opinion to balance what you have so far? CMF is different for everyone. Most people do not lose all of their hair. I have lost about 30%so far, but no one can really tell. I do because I see lots of strands coming out each day. Other than that inconvenience, hair wise you can probably get through this. Tricks like blow drying hair upside down, using gentle shampoos and conditioners... help. Weight, ya I was really worried about this. I had just lost my desired 18 pounds and was feeling fit and great just before my diagnosis. So far I have not gained, actually have lost some. Again everyone is different. I think when you graze, during chemo, you can graze on lower fat snacks and try to keep moving (walks...) I chose to do chemo, even though the % was low for a recurrence, because I don't really believe stats apply to me personally. It is such a difficult decision, go with your gut and if you pray, ask for guidance---it helps. Anyway all the best to you. Come back and let us know how you are doing. (PS. chemo was my only choice because I am ER-, couldn't do tam... anyway).
Susan, your continued encouragement is so appreciated. I hope the Fosamax works well for you. Did you go into menaupause due to chemo? Just wondering, because I am gearing up for that. I am 44 and perimen. now. I am almost half way through chemo, period due this week, we will see. I am glad Arimidex treat is going well for you. Nice to have that as a back up!
Anyway, hope everyone is enjoying spring and having a good day.
Love and prayers,
Ginny0 -
Hi everyone!
Glad to see that things are still going well for you Ginny.
Welcome, LR....I think Ginny said just about everything I was going to tell you. I, too, had a choice to take CMF or go directly to rads with no chemo. I chose to fight it head-on with the chemo. I have done 3 CMF infusions and will have my fourth on Friday. I have gained 6 pounds so far but am not too worried about getting them off when this is over. Like Ginny, I've probably lost about 30% of my hair but I'm the only one who knows. I use the Nioxin hair products and they really help make it appear fuller. The CMF is very "doable." You may have one day after your treatments when you're not quite up to par, but the rest are pretty good. It's a hard choice to make. Everyone is different. If my cancer comes back after the chemo and rads, at least I will know that I did everything I could have done. I am the type of person that would have wondered....what if I would have done the chemo??? I think the important thing is to make your decision based upon your circumstances and then stick with it without looking back.
The weather here today was wonderful. It really boosted my morale. I worked in my flower beds and tackled some spring cleaning in my master bedroom. Whew! It was really needed!
Good luck to anyone doing chemo this week.
Rita0 -
Good evening to all. Sounds like everyone is doing real well with their treatments. This is good to hear. I had to chuckle to myself when I read Rita's comments about tackling some spring cleaning. I need to talk real serious to myself about starting spring cleaning. This has nothing to do with BC though - I have to talk to myself every year about spring cleaning. We have a house in Mexico & down there I just have to talk to my housekeeper about spring cleaning - up here in California - I be the housekeeper, HaHaHa. On a positive note though I did get my closet cleaned out - yipee. (My husband is a big help)
Well, my 1st CMF treatment has gone real well. I went to the DR today for blood work and all is great. My 2nd treatment will be on the 5th which is a little early. We will be out of town the following week so I am going to get it before Easter.
LR, welcome to the group. I am not as knowledgeable as the rest of the group, but you do want to hit it with as much as you can this go around.
I 2nd Rita's good wishes to anyone doing chemo this week.
Carole0 -
Hi everybody!
Carole, I'm so glad that the first chemo went well. You should have smooth sailing from now on. I think the first was my worst and I think my own nervous anticipation brought most of my problems on, as the others have been much easier for me.
As for the housecleaning.........when I taught school full time and later when I had my business, I hired a house cleaner. What a luxury! Now that I am pretty much retired and just dabbling in question writing and some tutoring, I find it difficult to justify it. The one thing that I loved about a house cleaner was that ALL your house always looked good after they left. I seem to work room by room and when I get them done, it's always past time to start making the rounds again!
The sun is starting to peek through the clouds so maybe we will have another nice day. If so, I'm spending it outside. Chemo hits again on Friday so I don't want to waste any of these good days. :-)
Ginny, hope you are still doing well. Holly, hope things are getting smoothed out for you. Please check back in and let us know.
CY...hope your bout with food poisoning is history and that you've been able to enjoy this nice weather.
Sue, Susan, and Candie....thanks as always for your encouraging words. We appreciate you!!!!
Have a good day!
Rita0 -
Carole, so glad your first chemo infusion went well. Spring cleaning: just started sorting clothing. Most of my attention is outside, cleaning the garden. We have a housekeeper every 10 days and it is a real blessing. I just keep things tidy and organized. I know it is a luxury, but during chemo it is a treat!
Rita, you sound good, as usual. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for your, maybe last, infusion this Friday. Isn't it a little easier to get through this with the great weather
I'm doing well. Love gardening and being outside. It is sunny today and beautiful. Rita, you were a teacher too? I taught for 15 years. I taught elementary kids for 12 and high school for 3. I will be supply teaching after my treatments end. I love teaching, the stress of full time is too much now. What did you teach? I do volunteer teaching at our church for adults. Once a teacher, always a teacher!
Holly, Lr, Sue, hope all are well.
Might ask to get my chemo on Mon or Tue instead of Wed (next week), so I can attend Easter masses... Thanks Carole, you got me thinking about changing---good idea!
Enjoy this beautiful spring day (hope it is nice where you are!)
Blessings,
Ginny0 -
LR..I am just responding to your post on why not do CMF..
It sounds as though you are at low risk..
I did have problems with CMF as it caused long term liver damage for me. There is always risk with chemo, but you have to weight that with the benefits.
It is good to that you have had two opinions..
Hugs, Lisa0 -
Hi everybody!
Ginny, you are right. Once a teacher, always a teacher. I teach the 5th and 6th graders at the Wednesday night family night at our church. The schools are on spring break this week so we don't have family night and I actually miss it. I taught middle school and junior high for 33 years before I retired. The last half of my career was spent teaching JH science. I loved it!!! I still miss teaching but am no longer psyched up about a full time position. I do tutor a boy in Algebra and am enjoying it. I may look into more tutoring jobs this Fall. Winter is a hard time for me as I am a pretty active person and don't like being cooped up in the house.
Hope everybody else is doing well. I'm ready for the recliner tonight so I'll catch you all tomorrow and catch up on the other posts.
Rita0 -
Thanks to everyone for getting back to me.
I start CMF this week, but after reading this I guess I should call the Oncologists office tomorrow to make sure I ask: if I should take any meds before, bring in any foods/drinks with me or how long the drip takes.
I have done so much research up to now, I can't believe I brain farted on this stuff.
Anything else I should ask?
I am scared to death, but I need to be strong for my family and daughter.
Wish me luck!!
Good luck to all of your who are getting treatment this week
Ginny- it looks as if we are fairly close to each other, as I live in Western New York0 -
Well, I wrote this long note - but it disappeared.It is out there in cyberspace somewhere. So just a short note to LR. Have your Onc give you a prescription for nasuea drugs to take after your treatment. Take Senekot-s for constipation (most folks get it). I started morning of treatment and used for a few days. No constipation. Eat something for breakfast or lunch - do not have treatment on empty stomach. Bring water, crackers and whatever else you like to snack on. CMF is very doable. Good luck
Rita: Hope all goes well on Friday.
Ginny: Hope you can get your treatment changed.
Carole0 -
LR...I was scared to death, too when I walked into the cancer center for my first CMF treatment. The actual treatment is not bad at all. Ask for ice chips to suck on while you're having the treatment. They help prevent the mouth sores that are possible and drink LOTS of water, both before, during and after your treatment. You will do O.K. The treatment itself is not nearly as bad as you imagine it to be. It's just time consuming. Let us know how it goes. We will be thinking about you.
Rita0 -
Hi ladies,
Where did everybody go? I bet it's this warmer weather that has all of you enjoying the great outside!!
I had my 4th CMF yesterday. One of the bowling gals took me and we chatted the three hours away. I felt pretty good when I left but had some mild nausea last night. Today I slept in and feel pretty good so far. I think I'll take it a little easier today and pamper myself. A little pampering never hurt anybody.
Hope everybody is doing well and enjoying the warmer temps.
Rita0 -
Hi LR, Carole and Rita haven given you good advice. The unknown always seems to be worst. Prayers and hugs to you on your first treatment. I take colace one day before treatment and then after for a day or so. It helps with the anti-nausea meds that can bung you up. However, sometimes the opposite happens, for me, so I just see what the morning brings and take a pill or not. You will get into a groove with how your body reacts and find ways to deal with it. Grazing is also helpful. Everyone has dif things they eat. Melon, like watermelon, canteloupe....seems very soothing, for me anyways.
Yes, we are relatively close. I live just outside of Toronto, actually further north, west.
Hi Carole, I have had my treatment changed, and so far, so good! I will find out this Monday how much longer I will be doing this. I like to see an end date on my calendar!
Rita, a fellow teacher---neat! I will be returning to teaching (supply teaching for now) in the fall. I really look forward to it! Miss the kids, not all the marking....
Hope your 4th is going o.k. for you now Rita. Pampering is good and you deserve it! Love the warmer temps and the tulips pushing through the ground!!!
Just wondering, has anyone had any bone, muscular pain? My pointer finger is swollen (knuckle area)and has been sore for 10 days. Can't go out and cut my grasses now (too sore). Will talk to the doc Monday, but was just wondering if anyone has had anything similar. Is it arthritis? Haven't had that before?
I'm getting a bone density done on MOnday, with my infusion too. Thought it would be good to have a baseline. Seem to be maybe missing this period---so maybe chemopause?
I'm rambling. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoy this wonderful spring weather!
Blessings and hugs,
Ginny0 -
Hi everyone!
I'm doing pretty good after my 4th chemo. I'm a little more tired this time, but I've just been lounging around. It's still quite doable!
It is so windy here today that it's nearly impossible to get anything done outside so I don't feel guilty sitting in the recliner. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. There's a few of us who want to head for the golf course in the afternoon.
Ginny, when is your next treatment? I really hope you do as well with it as this last one!
How's it going with everybody else?
Sure hope everybody is having a great weekend. Post often!!
Rita0 -
How is everyone doing? Just thought I would drop by for a minute. Need to head off to bed. Hope everyone is doing well. Nothing new out here - next chemo is this Thurs. I am planning on all going well as I have a business meeting in Reno that I would like to go to next week.
Suppose to start warming up. Should be in the 80s by the weekend.
Hope everyone has a great week.0 -
Good morning everyone! Once again the sun is out here which is good!
Carole, good luck with your chemo on Thursday. You will do fine. A trip to Reno....even a business trip....sounds fun. Do you manage to work in a little time for some "play" while you're there? Let us know how it goes.
Today I am getting clothes ready to go for Friday and tutoring this afternoon. It's supposed to cloud up and get rather dreary later today so I'm in high gear for now. First, I'm going to walk my three miles, though. The entire 7 pounds that I have gained is right around my middle and I'm determined that it has to go.
Hope everybody is doing well today. Ginny, is this your chemo week? I get everybody's dates confused. If so, good luck. If not, enjoy your "chemo holiday."
Holly...how are things going with you?
Have a good day!
Rita0 -
Hi everyone,
All the best Carole for this Thursday. A get away is a great distraction!
I just had my 4th set yesterday. I got the best news from my docs that I have 2 more to go now---so I will be finished chemo May 16th
(God willing, with my white blood cell counts--getting pretty low at 0.9) Definitely feel the fatigue, but so far that's it. My day 3 is more challenging too Rita. But I did earlier chemo so I could make it to Easter masses.
Yes, Holly how are you?
So thankful for all the support here. Take good care everyone, and remember we are beating this!
Blessings,
Ginny0
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