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CMF Question

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Comments

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited February 2015

    Mandy, you and I are together. I have one Friday and last one 3/23. Then on to rads!

  • Maryland2014
    Maryland2014 Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2015

    Just a warning to you gals still on chemo.....had a cramp in my calf last week, not too bad, just felt like a muscle pull, but when it went on for 5 days and nothing made it feel better, I finally called oncologist, and they said " come in".

    Had the ultrasound,and sure enough, blood clots in my leg! Remember, the only symptom I had was a leg cramp, no redness, swelling or heat, though I did have a rash on the same leg. So now on heparin shots in the abdomen, and Coumadin in the future.

    If you feel anything unusual, get it checked out! The posting from Mandy, probably saved my life, since she had only pain. This is nothing to fool with, better safe than sorry! Diane



  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited February 2015

    Hi Diane!

    Lucky that you found your blood clot. And it is not just on chemo that you need to be careful--the "hormonal" therapy such as tamoxifen can increase your chances of having a clot. I had a clot years ago---it was just a dull ache in my leg. Unfortunately, I did not think it was anything until I had a pain in my back when I inhaled--and yes, I had a clot in my lung! My clots were unrelated to chemo and I was only in my 20s when I had them. Many hugs!

    Mandy1313



  • Maryland2014
    Maryland2014 Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Mandy, chemo nurses said " good catch" cause you did not have typical symptoms, I feel lucky that I had read Va. Beach Mandy's post!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2015

    Oh Mandy, I am so glad you found your blood clot. I think they are fairly common with the chemo and hormonal therapy. I had one just about year ago in my leg, too. I thought that it took forever to get rid of it. Hang in there, gal! Hugs!

  • Maryland2014
    Maryland2014 Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2015

    Thanks Ritajean, leg is feeling better, shots are a pain, only 2 more days, then on to pills. They did put me on one of the newer meds, that don't require weekly blood draws, didn't know how much more my poor rt arm could take!

    Only 2 more infusions of chemo, then I'm done, and NOW I am losing hair! Trying not to freak out, hoping it is just a shedd, and will stop real soon! But today I've lost more than in the whole 5 months I've been doing chemo! Diane

    ,

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2015

    Don't panic about your hair, Diane. Most of us have had the same thing happen to us! I think you would have lost it all by now if you were going to lose it. It seems that it sheds more at different times in our treatments. Hang in there. You are on the downhill slide now! Hugs!

  • Maryland2014
    Maryland2014 Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2015

    Ritajean, Thank you, Thank you, so much, I can always count on you for some calming words. My hair hung I there so long, chemo nurses were even impressed, then for it to start falling out when I was almost done, I really was freaking out!

    3 days til my cast comes off, 3 days til my next chemo, then 1 more week and I'm done! Really finding that hard to believe and so anxious to get my life back! You all have been such a blessing, so glad I found you.

    Thanks, Diane


  • leighrh
    leighrh Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2015


    Can someone tell me about when CMF is the chosen chemo path?  Is it for certain stages? Does it just depend on the pathology of the tumor?

    Just had a lumpectomy and pathology came back with 1 node positive so I am sure I'll be doing chemo.  I have an appointment with my MO on Wednesday and am just wondering if CMF might be an option?

     

    thanks!

  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2015

    Leigh - I'm sorry you had to join our group, but there are many knowledgeable women here that can help you and support you.

    I'm not sure why certain regimens of chemo are chosen over others.  I know when I was given the option of chemo, I was given the choice of four rounds of taxotere or 8 rounds of CMF.  I chose CMF because it wasn't quite as taxing as taxotere, but it still is definitely chemo.  I also have to work during chemo and CMF was the better choice for that.

    Come back anytime!

  • Maryland2014
    Maryland2014 Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2015

    Leigh, Sorry you find yourself having to join us, but we are here to support you. Many of us become long time friends.

    Most of us on Cmf do very well. There are 2 types, all IV, about 8 treatments, every three weeks. The other is oral Cytoxan for 2 weeks, with the mf infusion on day 1 and 8, this goes for 6 months. This is the one I am on, and have done very well. I also chose this route as it had less side effects than the 4 cycle TC I was first offered.

    I know you can't do the same chemo twice, but don't know how they decide, which to use. I think they feel most people want to get it over with that is why they offer the shorter cycles. But when compared, there is no other choice than CMF as far as I am concerned. I was told, the choice is mine, and my Hopkins Dr, said it is still a very good treatment, and he would not have let me do it if he thought otherwise.

    I did not want to loose my hair, and this was my best option. All the gals I am In touch with, still have their hair, though it does thin. We have also managed to keep up with our routines, as far as working. Though some days you are more tired than others.

    If you decided to go this route or are given the option, we are here to help you. This site meant so much to me when I was first diagnosed and did not know what to do. Feel free to ask us anything, Hugs,Diane

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    Question: I have one more tx a week from Monday. ;This week is the first time I have really been EXHAUSTED

    Is it the cumulative effects of CMF? How long to get rid of the fluid? I am on lasix but one foot still swells

    Kath

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited March 2015

    Hi Kath/Tobycc

    For me the effect of CMF was cumulative. By the time I finished my 8 TX, I was exhausted and could barely walk around the block. but the good news is that it will go away. I finished my treatment in May and by July I was on a trip in Europe walking all around Paris quite energetically. So hang in there.

    I can't give you too much advice about fluid retention...for me the thing that worked was weekly acupuncture treatments with two on the week I had chemo. The prescription medications did not work.


    The end is in sight---keep going and before you know it, you'll be done.


    Hugs,

    Mandy

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    thanks Mandy! Yes, I am still doing acupuncture: it is just really expensive where I live, so I am going the day after each tx

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited March 2015

    Tobycc/Kath: Have you considered having the acupuncture the day before the tx? I know I had alot more treatments than you did, but on the treatment week, I'd have acupuncture the day before. My tx was on Tuesday so I'd have acupuncture on Monday. I don't know if that makes a difference but it might be worth a try.


    How is the exhaustion? If I am counting right, you have only one more tx--so hang in there! You will be finished before you need it.

    Hugzzz.

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    I will try that this time. Did you also feel more bloated, huge than ever? I know I am not eating enough to feel this way.

    I have gained 15 pounds since starting chemo, which apprently is the normal amount. Yeesh

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited March 2015

    Hi Tobycc/Kath!

    I don't remember whether I felt bloated at the end of chemo--but I was able to control alot of the fluid retention with acupuncture. I wanted to suggest that you might consider the simple methods of dealing with swollen legs--keeping them elevated, doing some upside down bicycle exercises, etc. I do not know if they will help, but they will not hurt. I did gain weight from CMF. The weight gain had nothing to do with what I was eating because I kept a food diary and I really did not eat much at all. I remember reading somewhere that people gained from 10 to 20 kilos on CMF and that many found that to be the worst side effect. I private messaged you my email address in case you have some other questions that you'd rather not put out here.

    Best,

    Mandy1313

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2015

    Hi Kath,

    Yes, the cumulative effects of chemo are now affecting you. It is quite normal to be tired....even exhausted... by this time in your treatment plan. Also, unfortunately, most of us did gain weight during CMF. I'm sure that some of it is just water retention but it's impossible to lose until you are off the drugs. I escaped most of the swollen legs and feet so I can't give you much info on that. I felt better when I stayed active and I walked alot. Do you have a pool? Maybe some water leg exercises might help.

    We have been enjoying your sunny weather and our time to leave is rapidly approaching. I have had good intentions of contacting you but this one car syndrome is not working well and Dave has been doing some work on a condo for some of our Illinois friends so that leaves me wallking or bicycling. We will be leaving on the 31st of the month. By then the Illinois springtime will be rapidly approaching and I love springtime in Illinois. We looked at some properties down here but didn't find what we really wanted. The realtor told us to come back in the summer and we'd get better deals but we are not ready to move down full time yet.

    Hang in there. You are cruising into the finish line now. You about have this licked! You will probably be tired for some time yet, but there is good life after CMF. Hugs to you!

  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2015

    Phew - I thought it was just me.  I have gained 20 pounds while on CMF and have 2 more treatments to go.  I am so embarrassed because most of my clothes do not fit and I refuse to buy new larger clothes when I will be off chemo soon and then can lost the weight.  I can't wear any of my jeans and have few work clothes that I can wear.  I sure hope the weight will come off after chemo, but I have to start tamoxifen after.

    Any suggestions?

  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2015

    Ok - here goes - I know this sounds crazy, but I have had intermittent pain under my left shoulder blade since last week.  I don't remember doing anything differently and lord know I haven't exercised.  LOL  I tried adjusting how I sleep and that hasn't changed anything.  It is weird and does not feel like a muscle strain, but I'm not a doctor.  I mentioned it to my mom and she said I should contact my MO because left shoulder blade pain can mean nothing or it could be something more serious like a pulmonary embolism, heart trouble, etc.  Since I have had trouble with blood clots and just came off the blood thinners and know chemo can do crazy things to the heart, I shot my MO an email.  I am not normally an alarmist, but I swear I wonder every time I feel something different in my body.  Is it cancer?  Has it spread?  Crazy - I know.

    I know in my head that I just got off blood thinners on Friday, so it couldn't be a pulmonary embolism.  I also know in my head that I am currently undergoing chemo so it is unlikely that the cancer has spread.  Heck - I'm only doing chemo because of the oncotype score not because they didn't get the tumor and my nodes were negative.  I know anything can happen and no one can tell me it won't come back.

    I just guess I am a little hyper sensitive.

    Thanks for listening, ladies!  I really appreciate it.

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    You did the right thing!!!! When is your last one? Mine is next Monday: I have decided to ring the bell: I know there are pros and cons: I talked to a friend who is a nurse at my center, and she said folks who know they will never ring the bell enjoy it when others do.

    Mandy, please please keep us posted: is he good about emailing back quickly? Probably nothing, but you gotta take care of YOU

    blessings,

    Kath

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited March 2015

    Hey Tobycc/Kath--you are really at the end of the downhill slide. Monday will be here before you know it and you willl be done. And yes, be optimistic and ring the bell. I am sever years out and everything is fine.

    Other Mandy--did your doctor ever get back to you? How are you feeling now?

    Hugs to all in and out of treatment.

    Mandy1313


  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2015

    My shoulder turned out to be just muscle pain.  :)

    Had my 7th chemo treatment last Friday and am getting better.  This time was a tough one stomach wise, but 4/10/2015 will be MY LAST CHEMO TREATMENT!!!!!

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited March 2015

    Mandy, that is great news about your shoulder. I had some crazy stomach problems during my last two tx but look at it this way, you are in the home stretch! Before you know it, chemo will only be in your past!

    Toby, was yesterday the last chemo! You did it girl!!! Wow! Wahooo! And congrats for finishing.


    Hugs to all

    Mandy1313


  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited March 2015

    Congrats to Toby who should be DONE with chemo now! YAY!

    Good news Mandy on your shoulder! It won't be long now and you'll be joining the "No More Chemo" gals!

  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2015

    Hi Everyone!!!

    It's been a while since I've been in here, but I just wanted to stop by to cheer on my fellow chemo-sisters!!! Hope everyone is doing well

  • Maryland2014
    Maryland2014 Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2015

    Finished chemo on 3/19, now on to rads for 4 wks! Had my work up yesterday. Will be SO glad when this is over!! Diane

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    CONGRATS Maryland! I rang the bell yesterday: the patients loved it. I brought treats for all, etc.

    I won't start rads until 4/13: going to TN for a few days weekend of 4/9

    SO glad to be done and can start losing the chemo weight gain. The average gain on chemo is 15 pounds. I managed 16. Two a month for 8 months of chemo: UGH I feel like a tic :)

    Moving Forward with His grace!

    Love and thanks to all my CMF sisters

  • Tobycc
    Tobycc Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2015

    MI, you can do it!!!!! Right behind me :)

    My stomach too got worse after the one three weeks ago. I am replacing patch every five days and I feel like a tic after yesterdays last one.

    Man cant wait to lose this weight. Nurses said in about a month it should start to drop

    Kath

  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2015

    Toby - CONGRATULATIONS and doing the HAPPY DANCE for you!  I am glad that you are done with chemo now and can move on to the next phase in your life.

    I'm glad to hear what your nurses said about weight gain as I have gained so much while on chemo since October.  I'm hoping to lose it quickly, but we will see.

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