Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?
CMF Question
Comments
-
Hi gals...
Ginny, I am so sorry that you have to delay your treatment for a week. The neulasta shot will do the trick for the last treatment, though and then it will be over and you'll be on to the rads.
Today was day #3 for the rads. So far, so good. There's no pain from the treatment and I was out of there in 15 minutes today.
Candie, how bad did you burn from the rads? I met a lady today who was in her fifth week and she showed me her chest. It was extremely red and oozing in places. Did yours get this bad? I almost wish she hadn't shown me. (the old "ignornace is bliss" theory!!!) Could you wear a bra through this or should I be looking for something else?
Melanie, how are you doing now? Better?
Hope everyone is "chugging along" this journey as gracefully as possible. I have to get ready to teach a youth group at church this evening so must run. Take care all you wonderful ladies!!!
Rita0 -
Ginny, You're nearing the end...and it will come before you know it!!!
Rita, so glad to hear that the rads are going well for you. I know people who hardly had any symptoms from rads except for some extras tiredness(a word?).
Keep smiling all!
-Melanie0 -
HI all,
Ginny sorry you have to delay treatment but it's for the best!
Rita, Don't be too concerned about the other gal and her burns, Some make it through with very little burning. as with the chemo we all react differently to the treatment! However you may want to wear something other than a bra as you go along! I have rather large boobs and couldn't handle the bra about half way through it!
Ginny they don't like you to swim in a pool for two reasons, the clorine will dry you out and the clorine doesn't kill all the bacteria in the pool!
Remember to drink lots during all your treatment!
Your hair grows in three month cycles so it may take about 6 months before really notice a difference in it growing back!
Hugs and prayers to all0 -
Hey Cy, what would we do without your encouragement? You are such an important member on this thread. Thanks for coming back and being here for all of us. You're super!
Candie, I bet it really seems good to be finished with the rads. Today I actually got in there and got out in 15 minutes, and that includes getting undressed (and into that lovely gown) and dressed again. Tomorrow I have to see the doctor after the treatment so it will probably be longer. All in all, it takes about 20 minutes to get up to the other side of the twin cities so it's not too bad, really.
Melanie, did you have a mastectomy or a lumpectomy? If you had the mast, you probably won't have to do the radiation. The radiation is usually done to kill any cells that escaped the original site when a portion of the breast tissue remains. How are you doing with the chemo?? When is your next one???
Well, I'm teaching a class at the museum tonight and need to get organized. Hope everybody is doing well!
I'll be back later. Have a good day.
Rita0 -
Hi Melanie, how are you doing?
Cy, thanks for the helpful information and support.
I guess we lost Holly to another thread?
Rita, you sound like you are doing great. Doesn't seem so bad, that is encouraging. I will get my mapping done in a few weeks. How is your energy level so far? By the sounds of it,you are still quite energetic!
Haven't heard from a few ladies here recently, hope you are all doing well!
Blessings,
Ginny0 -
Hi.
Thank you ladies, I have had a very good week. I do have a few mouth sores but they aren't very troublesome. Also, food doesn't tatse that good...but it is not stopping me from eating.
I had originally had a lumpectomy in Nov. and they then found DCIS in my right breast. I chose to have a double mastectomy. When the pathology came back a week later they found an invasive tumor in my left breast that was not picked up on mammo, sono, or MRI. I was very lucky.
And here I am awaiting my next CMF on May 8.
I can't tell you how helpful it has been having read the word "doable" so many times in this thread.
Hugs to you all.
-Melanie0 -
Melanie, Glad you're doing well with treatment. Someone once told me don't try to eat your favorite foods while on chemo cause they won't be your favorite after! I don't like much so that was hard for me. But I still like my favorite foods. But yeah they sure didn't taste good during the chemo!
Rita you'll probably see the rad onc once a week just briefly to see how it looks and see if you have any questions!
Everone rest when you can and drink lots of fluids!
Hugs & Prayers to all0 -
Hi everybody!
I have made it through one whole week of radiation with no side effects. Now it's on to the second week. I hope I fare as well!
Glad to hear that you gals are doing well, too. We just keep marking off these treatments and that brings us closer to the home stretch.
I think this warmer weather has kept some of us away from the computer more. I miss hearing from some of you!!!!
Good luck to anyone having chemo this week. Keep us informed on your progress.
Catch you all later.
Rita0 -
Hi ladies,
I'm so glad your first week of rads went well Rita Hope this week goes just as well!
Melanie, your doc can prescribe "magic mouth wash", it works very quickly to eliminate mouth sores. I hope you are doing better
Well, I will get my blood tested Wed. am and see if I can do chemo this week. If my blood counts are still too low I am seriously thinking of stopping (short of 2 last treatments) so I can get on with rads. I was in the grey area for treatment, and when it looks like the risks are outweighing the benefits, it makes you think. I am going to talk to my onc (hopefully she will call me back!!!) tomorrow and discuss this. If this takes away from the effectiveness then I guess I will be continuing. It just pushes everything behind (rads--which is what was more highly suggested to me then chemo). They said they would give me a neulasta shot a day after chemo so I wouldn't miss my last one. More thinking to do tonight! Being in the grey area can be a real head trip sometimes, although at the same time I am definitely grateful to be stage one.
Anyway forgive me for my rambling, just a little confused right now. The low white blood count is a little scary when so many bugs are going around now.
Patience has never been a great virtue for me!
I really hope everyone is having a good week and enjoying the nicer weather.
Take care,
((hugs))) Ginny0 -
Ginny, I really know how you feel being in the grey area. I had 2 oncs say that they would give me no chemo rather than cmf. But, in the long run we have to go with our gut and with the onc we are with.
I am so sorry that this has been extra difficult for you. We just have to keep in mind (as you wrote) that we are lucky to be in the "grey".
Chins up ladies!
We can do this!!!!!
-Melanie0 -
Hi ladies,
Ginny, I hope your counts are up tomorrow. I, too am thinking about stopping the chemo after the rads. I have had 4 CMF treatments. The last bothered me more than the first three. I'm doing the rads now because my onc wanted the rads administered before I would be through with the chemo. Since I was also in the grey area, I'm really considering calling it quits aftr the rads. Like you, I will talk with my onc and get his opinion but I did four more chemos than I was told I had to do.
I'm really having trouble with chemo brain. I'm doing such stupid things. I always take a book to read while waiting my turn for rads. Yesterday I walked out without my book. It evidentally didn't look too interesting to anyone because it was still there today and I did manage to remember to bring it home. A few minutes ago I took over some things to the golf course. I needed to ask about the free ladies golf clinics and came home without asking. This is driving me crazy (and at this point...that isn't a very long trip!
) Is anyone else having this problem or should I attribute it to old age instead of chemo?????
Melanie, hope you are still doing O.K. I want to comment on CY's comment about not eating your favorite foods during chemo. I love Chinese, but I ate it during chemo and now I can't even stand the smell of it. We walked into our favorite Chinese buffet last Friday night and I had to walk right out. I sure hope this is a short-term effect. Anyway, it is something to keep in mind.
Well, I'm off to weed some flower beds and do the dishes. Good luck tomorrow, Ginny!
Rita0 -
Hi,
I also have 2 more cycles to go,and my blood work has been to low for the treatments. I'm about six weeks behind schedule. I have to go tomorrow also I hope my counts are high enough for the infusion. I too am considering stopping so I can get on with the rads.I'll speak with my onc tomorrow.0 -
Woo--hoo!
Just stopping in to let you all know I had my 12th & last infusion on Friday and take my last cytoxan pills this coming Friday! I plan to have a little ceremony with my family to officially close this chemo phase of my life. So far the plans are to drive over the empty pill bottles and have a congrats cake. When my stomach recovers more, I want to go out to a wonderful restaurant and eat my favorite foods(seafood!). I feel as if I've been living on bread, pasta and bananas for 6 months!
Ladies, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Try to plan some kind of silly ceremony for the ending of your treatments. You wouldn't believe how much I look forward to crunching over those bottles!
Ginny & Ranchette--my onc halved my chemo for the last 2 infusions because my counts were so low. I wonder if yours would consider that as an alternative to stopping treatment completely? Good luck
Rita, I'm so glad the rads are going well for you! My sister in law starts soon and is worried about fatigue.
I'm pretty much finished with the rasp/strawberry garden. I have the plants in the ground(from a great mail order place called Nourse--these plants have great root systems), placed straw for the walkways and am now waiting to see if the plants take off growing....
My hair is very thin and flyaway. People that know me are noticing it, people that don't know me probably just think I have lots of bad hair days! lol. Steroids packed pounds on me and I have little energy spurts mixed with long moments of fatigue. I feel those things will recover with time. My greatest worry is the stomach pain, idigestion, heartburn etc. My onc wants me to see a GI doctor but you know, the last thing I want to do is see another doctor! Oh and no period for the last 2 months--chemopause?? Now I get to wonder if it's a temp or perm condition, I guess...
Friday can't get here quick enough!!!!!!!!!!!
0 -
Hi,
Well I do appreciate your continued support ladies! My onc called today and said she wants me to finish my last 2 chemos. Apparently finishing is important because you could possibly suffer the toxic effects with not all the benefits if you don't? I don't know. Anyway hopefully my blood counts will be high enough to do it tomorrow, then only one more! Holly, your idea about lowering the dosage vs missing it sounds smart. I will keep this in mind to tell them tomorrow, if need be. Anyway the neulasta shot this Friday should help!
Rita, I don't know if I have chemo brain too sometimes, or is it just being over 40 and tired of all these treatments? You sure do a lot, maybe more rest? I know I have to get out there and walk more--pounds starting to climb up there Don't worry, we will be back to normal again
Holly, WAY TO GO, CONGRATULATIONS, FANTASTIC
I am so proud of you! You have really gone through a lot and you just kept going---an inspiration. Please drive over the pill containers once for me (I still can't look at those *&^&** pills!)
Rads should be a walk in the park girl! Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.I'm so happy for you!
A good motivator for all of us thinking about ending early. We can make it to the finish line
(((hugs))) and prayers,
Ginny0 -
Ginny,
You have gone this far--why not consider finishing the chemo--you can do it!!!My hair is slowly getting thicker and everyone is noticing it now. It is coming in curly in the back--I normally have poker straight hair. Thank God CMFer's dont lose it completely. I cant imagine what AC is like!
Rita,
I stopped wearing a bra the last 2 weeks of rads as it was irritating my skin. I continued the no-bra look for 2 weeks post-rads. My skin got red and sore but most especially under my breast. My rad onc gave me 2 different precriptions to use and it got much better in 3 days. It didnt take long for it to clear up once I finished rads.
Melanie,
Food was horrible for me but all is fine now. I have alot of my energy back,too. There is life after all this junk we go through!!!
Holly,
WOO---HOO !!!!!!
I can remember how great I felt. Crush those bottles,hon!!!
You will feel so much better just knowing the chemo is done!! I treated my office to lunch to celebrate to thank them for their 100% support for me. Party,girl!!!
Keep in touch everyone. You are all doing great!!!
Hugs and prayers,
Candie0 -
Hi everybody...
Ginny..good luck tomorrow. I give you big points for finishing your treatment. I'll wait until after the rads to decide what I am going to do.
Holly....CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT! Driving over those pill bottles........TOO FUNNY! Things will really look up for you now!
Candie....I guess I could get by a few weeks with crispy skin! I hope I can hold out O.K. until the last few weeks. At least you have given me hope.
Tomorrow is our Rally for the Cure golf outing and I need to iron a pink polo to wear tomorrow. Probably wouldn't have had to iron it if I'd gotten it out of the dryer as soon as it was done........oh well!
Catch you all later.
Rita0 -
Woo Hooo! Holly glad to see the end I'm sure!
Ginny is almost there too!
Rita is through the first week of rads!
Looks like there are some new gals. Glad we are keeping this thread going so that the newer ones don't feel alone and can get answers from those of us that have done CMF.
It's been almost a year (May 8th) since my last chemo. My hair is getting really thick again! and the energy levels are doing good!
Thinking of yo all and praying that the treatments kick cancer's butt!
HUgs and prayers0 -
It sounds like everyone is doing well.
I had my second treatment and it took a little longer to get over than the first. My next one is May 11th- my anniversary. At this point, i don't care if mt appt falls on Christmas, I am going full speed ahead
I wonder what the 3rd treatmant will be like.
Any insight as to how it gets worse?0 -
Hi all,
Tues. will only be my second treatment. I am a little nervous about it getting worse each time, but I've got to tell you all that this thread makes me feel so comfortable with the entire process.
While times get tough, you see how other women do it and you know that you can too.
Thank you a million times over and everybody...FEEL GOOD!
-Melanie0 -
Each of us handled the treatments slightly different. But the main think is you have an idea how you are doinging with it. The effects are cummulative. so they may feel different than the last time you did it. Just drink lots and try to rest so you keep your strength up.
Hugs & Prayers0 -
Try this again...write a long message to everyone and this thing bumps me off. Boy this keeps happening lately
Anyway hi all you lovely ladies,
Cy and Candie, I so appreciate your support and encouragement. Yes I am going to complete my chemo. My blood counts went way up after one week delay. So I had my second last chemo~~~one to go, yeaahh!!! Amazing how our bodies can heal themselves, very encouraging! I will still get a neulasta shot tomorrow just to make sure I can make my last chemo on schedule and rads. Any advice about this? Glad you guys are doing so well now. Better energy and more hair~~~ya whoo! Looking forward to getting there too. I have lost 50-60% and have all these weird short frizzy hairs, of different lengths coming in all over my head. Is this hair that has broken off, or that new stuff? Did any of you colour your hair after chemo? I'm so do. Anyway, really shouldn't whine, because we are so blessed we do keep some hair!
LR, every treatment can be different and some very similar. I remember Holly cautioning me about #3or #4 that it can be more challenging for some reason. Mine was but I had complications with taking the pills, mixed in with picking up a stomach flu, so who knows. Better not to worry, but be prepared to take all your meds, if you don't have good ones, get them, keep drinking lots of water, and rest when your body tells you too. My second last infusion has been not bad at all. But I take all my meds, regardless. Hope this helps!
Melanie, I think you may get more tired culmulatively, but not necessarily worse. Sometimes if you over tire yourself, or forget to drink lots of water, you may feel worse, but that is something you can do something about. Mouth sores, use magic mouth wash (quick healing), with all else call your onc and make sure you have proper meds and it shouldn't be so bad. The 3 weeks off in between, you go back to normal So hang in there, you can do it.
Any questions, please ask anytime.
Rita, hope you had fun golfing. I think you are going to do really well with your rads. You have come so far and have been quite an inspiration and energy. My bets are you come through this well
Hang in there everyone, this is doable, even when you want to give up sometimes, remember we are completing an important "insurance policy" here. We will all be looking back, before you know it! I'm thankful to be able to complete this, glad I didn't stop.
Blessings,
Ginny0 -
Hi gals...I just wrote a long post this morning and POOF...it disappeared on me so I left the computer in a huff and finally decided that I'd try again.
Ranchette...how was the blood work? Have you made a decision about whether you are continuing or quitting the treatments?
LR and Melanie...like everybody is saying, we are all different. My worst treatment was #4...but it was still doable. I was just a little out of sorts for a few days and it messed up my social life. I think the thing we need to remember is that all of this journey is temporary and we're traveling it to buy ourselves many more years.
Ginny...WOW! Only one more to go! That has to be a good feeling, gal!
CY, do you work outside the home? I'm just curious because you always take time out from your schedule to cheer us on! Thanks for all you do.
I'm still doing fairly well with the rads. Tomorrow with be my tenth treatment and so I've got two weeks down and 4 1/2 more to go. I can do this! It's just an added task to my daily routine. I was lucky to get a very early morning time, so I have most of my day to myself still.
Hope everyone is doing well. All of you new gals.....welcome and please post often. We are here for you.
Rita0 -
Rita, I don't know if you will receive this in time--but I will be getting a neulasta shot this morning 10:00am. I am nervous about it. Does the bone pain last very long? I had to go and read up on this (I over research!) and found to many scary side effects. The unknown once again.
If you happen to be on this forum this am, could you please answer this. Much appreciated.
Hope you continue to do well with your radiation Rita.
God bless,
Ginny0 -
Ginny,
Hello,as you can see I'm not Rita lol.I wanted to make sure you get an answer.I had Neulasta after all 8 of my treatments.You will have bone pain.I had it in my hips,back,and legs the worst.It is hard to explain but you get like zaps and zings all over then it moves somewhere else.Mine lasted 3-4 days.Good thing is I never got sick at all during chemo and my counts stayed up really good.I took Percocet,some can take Aleve or Motrin but it wasn't strong enough for me.Good luck today,don't be nervous I promise it will be ok.
Hugs,
Lisa0 -
Ginny,
I worried and stewed about the Neulasta shot as I had also heard lots of horror stories about the bone pain. I took Extra Strength Tylenol right after I got the shot and continued to take it for two days on a regular schedule. I can honestly say that I had none of the terrible bone pain. I felt a little "achy" on the fifth day in my pelvic area but took another Tylenol and it went away. I worried for nothing. One of my friends has had the shot after every one of her AC treatments and had no side affects until after the last treatment. I know everybody is different, but don't psych yourself into thinking that it's going "to get you." Think positive, take Tylenol whether you need it or not, and go on with your regular activities. I bet you will be O.K. with it. We seem to have been handling the chemo about the same. Hang in there. You are about done!
Rita0 -
Hi,
My blood work was good so I had treatment #9. The onc told me if necessary he will adjust my dosages so I will be finished with all by the beginning of June, and will start rads the end of June.0 -
Ranchette...So glad that your counts were up. Let's hope you sail right through these last treatments. The first of June sounds pretty good, eh? Then you'll have a short relief before rads, which are nothing compared to chemo.
Hang in there. You're on the downside of the hill now.
Rita0 -
Ranchette, I'm glad your counts went up and you will be finishing in June~~~great!
Hi Rita, thanks, we can worry for no reason! Not everyone gets side effects from neulasta. I had my shot this am, and so far,without any meds, am doing well. The only problem was that I totally forgot (chemo brain) not to have the shot on my mastectomy side. I can't believe I forgot! Hope no problems with this as we are supposed to not get blood pressure tests, blood tests...with the arm where you got your mastectomy. I'm just praying all will be well. The good Lord certainly has been protecting me so far! Anyway, thank you for the positive reassurance.
Blessings,
Ginny0 -
I feel so much better everytime I get on this site!
Just curious..what meds are everybody on? The only drug I have is compazine, which I take for a couple of days after treatment. Should I ask for anything else?
This is such an ongoing learning experience.0 -
Goodmorning friends,
Just want to share some "good stuff":
With the steroids (combined with kytril and compazine at times)this time around (taken for 4days) my side effects are minimal. Can eat, drink water (wow!) and feel much better. Had the neulasta shot yesterday and so far , so good, without any tylenol... Getting the right drug combination can really help you get through treatments much better~~~yeah, it does come to an end everyone!
If you don't know already, Ted Koppel is having a 3hr special on Sunday May 6 @8pm EPT, discovery channel on, "Living With Cancer". With guests like Elizabeth Edwards, Lance Armstrong... Looks interesting.
So LR, hope some of this info helps.
What a gorgeous weekend, hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine
Blessings,
Ginny0
Categories
Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.