Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Fill Out Your Profile to share more about you. Learn more...
Take Our Poll: How well do you feel your family understands your diagnosis?
Share your story: Your reflections about Mother's Day

CMF Question

Options
1…5681011…282

Comments

  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Candie, Good luck tomorrow- I will be thinking of you. My next one is Monday 18th- Yuk, Yuk and double Yuk!!! But we are making it through slow but sure. I have not had the nail problem. I swear, I feel like I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I got my hair colored today. No loss or thinning yet according to my hairdresser. It felt good to get that gray out! Hugs to you and you'll do fine tomorrow. Susan

  • straykat
    straykat Member Posts: 26
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Had my nine-month med onc check this morning and all is well.

    I remembered to ask him about chemo options if there is recurrence and he said that CMF can be given more than once but that the mix could be sligtly different depending upon path reports, surgeon reports, etc.

    I don't know why, but I consider this to be good news! I did OK with the CMF side-effects and know I could do it again but with far less fear of the unknown.

    Mimi
  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    I know that I have a few side effects but it culd be soooo much worse. I cannot get my hair colored cause it is thinning so much, hairdresser is afraid it might all come out. Well, like I said--it could be worse.Thanks for your support.

    Mimi,
    Congrats on your onc checkup---I am so glad I chose the CMF.

    Hugs and prayers,

    candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Mimi, Congrats on a great follow-up. You have been a big help to us on the CMF board. Thanks for that. Intresting to hear about the repeat CMF. I am always grateful that I was able to have this option. Thanks again. Susan

  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Mimi,
    Congratulations on the follow up and I ditto the thanks for all of your info. It seems like forever ago when I first asked questions about CMF and you were right there. Everything you said was right on and it was a comfort to go into it knowing kind of what to expect. I am getting myself psyched for #5 this Friday. The 3 weeks in between seems to go by so fast. I have my 6 month mammogram next Wednesday and am worried. Hope it doesn't hurt too much. I still have tightness and some pain where my incision from lumpectomy and mammosite is so I'm counting on it not being too pleasant. I can't believe it has already been 6 months since this all started! Hope everyone is hanging in there.
    Sue
  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan
    Hi. Had my 5th treatment yesterday..all went well..I still feel fine today...I started to take ant-nausea drug today...gonna try it...ate lots of fruit today too and took a colace...first sign of constipation and thats it I quit the nausea drug....I hope it works...they gave me another prescription for compazine--5 mg-- cause that usually doesnt cause constipation they say...when I took the 10mg a few weks ago it made me very dizzy and made my heart palpitate....well after next weeks 6th tx I will be have way there!!

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Candie, I'm happy to hear from you- I have been thinking of you. It sounds like #5 went well for you. The compazine is strong and can cause the dizziness. I try to just take a couple of the Kytril and I do use metamucil every night so no constipation. Gosh, I hope we're not becoming old hats at this since we are tolerating it well! Halfway done next week-hooray for you!! It is a good feeling as I never thought I'd make it this far. I can't believe Monday will be my 5th treatment. They say our bodies do get adjusted to the drugs after awhile so hopefully we will sail through the rest of the treatments. I al going home to Long Island next month for my high school reunion and I so want to feel good and look good. Have a good week-end and stay well and lets stay positive. Next year at this time it will be a memory for us. Hugs and prayers back to you. Susan

  • d23
    d23 Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2006
    Options
    This is day 12 for me, and I get my next dd CMF on Tuesday. I'm starting to get nervous about the whole hair thing.

    How long was it before your hair started coming out? How much did you lose? I've heard anywhere from a little thinning to people losing 60% of their hair. My hair is shoulder length, and I'm wondering what I should do with it, other than using Nioxin. WHat did you guys do, and when in the process did you do it?

    Thanks.
    Mindy
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Mindy, Everyone is different. I will have my 5th CMF tomorrow-all IV- and so far no thinning or shedding. My sister had CMF several years ago and she never thinned or lost hair either. I have used all the Nioxin products since the start of chemo. I am so hoping that I will make it through the next 4 without losing hair. I have had my hair colored twice during chemo and will go again next month for another color. I guess I would advise you to continue using Nioxin every day and just see what happens. My oncology nurse told me if I haven't lost hair by now I probably will not. So I remain optimistic and of course, dread going tomorrow for another treatment but then just 3 more after tomorrow. Good luck to you on Tuesday and come here anytime with questions- theres always one of us CMF girls lurking around. Susan

  • d23
    d23 Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Thanks, Susan. Wow, I didn't know it was possible not to lose your hair at all. Because everyone was so sure I'd be getting AC/T, I got all prepared and got fitted for a wig. The only problem is that I don't like the way the Nioxin makes my hair look. But if that's my worst problem, I'll be a happy camper.

    Mindy
  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Mindy,
    I just finished #5 and have had thinning but nothing that is noticable to anyone but me. I cut my hair short just in case I did lose alot because I was told it would be less noticable but I probably would have been ok if I hadn't. I am enjoying the short hair, it makes getting ready for work alot easier and gives me more time to sleep in the morning. I also use the nioxin and I agree it doesn't do much for the styling part of hair but if that is the worst than so what. I also have colored my hair during the chemo.
    Susan, good luck tomorrow, I just did #5 on Friday and now one more to go! I know what you mean about dreading it but remember it is only temporary.
    Sue
  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Mindy,
    My hair has been shedding since after the 2nd treatment. It noticeable only to me and to those who know how thick my hair really is. It is constantly shedding everyday. I had my hair cut 2 months ago (I usually have short hair in the summer months) and it has not grown at all. It is a lot grayer too. My onc has advised me not to color it as he thinks it may all come out if I do color it. He still thinks it may only thin,tho. I use the nioxin products--it is good for my scalp as it is also very dry and scaly in the back only. I use hydrocortisone cream on that part of my scalp too. I have finished 5 treatments with the 6th one this coming Wednesday...6 more to go after that!! I am almost half way there. Mindy it is doable--we are all good support for one another.

    Susan,
    Good luck tomorrow on your 5th tx. I am excited for you for your reunion. I am sure you will be fine and look beautiful. We have an inner beauty to us now---a challenging feat we are overcoming!!! So glad we keep in touch. Compazine is working nicely for me so far--felt decent this weekend.

    Sue,
    Congrats that you only have 1 more tx to go!!! I dread each tx but you are right--it is only temporary.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Hello all. I had #5 yesterday and it went well. A bit nauseated but I can deal with that. I swear it's all the fluids I drink for two days that make me nauseaus. Well, 3 to go, all in October finising up on the 30th. Rads are scheduled to start on Nov. 13th along with Arimidex-ugh!! I am so frightened about how I will tolerate the Arimidex. I told my Onc yesterday that if it interferes with my quality of life be ready to try something else. I read about all the side effects and it scares me. I also need to concentrate on finishing chemo before I worry about the next steps!! Anyway, I am grateful that I was able to do CMF. Now I go for my Neulasta shot today which has been decreased to 2mg which lessens the bone pain. I hope everyone has a great day.Candie, do well on Wednesday- We'll be thinking of you. Hugs and positive thoughts to all. Susan

  • d23
    d23 Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Thanks, everyone for all the info. Today is my second treatment, so we'll see how that goes. I'd be amazed if I'd made all these preparations (including getting a wig, because I was so sure I'd be on AC/T rather than CMF)and then nothing happened. A lot better than the other way around, though. Maybe it'll be like surgery - I'd spent so much time feeling bad about how I'd look after surgery (I was a d cup beforehand), and then when the time came I was amazed to discover that I actually looked better flat-chested!

    I do seem to be coming down with a cold, so I've stopped worrying about my hair and started worrying about my sinuses during and after chemo. Guess I always need something to worry about.

    I remember somebody was starting chemo today - good luck with it. It really might not be as bad as you were expecting.

    Mindy
  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Mindy,
    Good luck with your second treatment today. Take one worry at a time. That's what I try to do. Being prepared is a good thing. I will be thinking of you today. I have treatment #6 tomorrow--

    Susan,
    So glad you will be finishing chemo in October. I dont finish till December so I will need you to finish me thru.
    Don't think about rads and arimidex til it gets here. I try to take one worry at a time.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Hello all CMF girls, Treatment #5 this past Monday kicked me a bit harder than the previous 4. I think maybe more emotionally. The nausea wasn't too bad but I was more fatigued this time and way more emotional. I just couldn't seem to stop crying. Maybe I am just getting tired of the whole routine. I know I only have 3 more chemos but I keep wondering what is the real benefit. I read so much about women choosing not to have chemo for a tiny benefit and they just do radiation and the AI's. Sometimes I get SO tired of everyone saying how good I look when inside I am so fatigued. I push myself to do normal things each day but it seems like I just have a heavy heart all the time. When does the fear of recurrance go away? Oh well, I didn't mean to vent like that- normally I am pretty upbeat. I hope all is well. Candie and Sue and Mindy, how are you all doing? At least it is officially fall and we made it through one season. I'll try to keep my chin up for all of us. Hugs and prayers. Susan

  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    Sorry you are feeling so bad. I know exactly what you mean. You described how I felt this past weekend after my 5th exactly! Please promise you will take some time for yourself! The fatigue can really get you down. Take a good long nap. I slept almost all of Sunday. Just was so depressed and the nausea was so bad. I have learned that it really is ok to just shut down for a little while. I think we will always second guess what we did and worry about recurrence. I just had my 6 month mammogram yesterday, stressed out totally but everything was ok. It really didn't hurt that much either. I like going to my breast specialist now instead of the hospital for the mammogram. I found out the results right away, saw myself that there was nothing there. Hang in there, it really is almost over! Don't know where you are, but I am in Georgia and we are having some beautiful fall weather and it really lifts the spirit! Hope everyone is doing well.
    Sue
    Sue
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Sue, Thank-you for all the kind words and encouragement. I think I am expecting so much from myself and need a reality check. My sister went through CMF and she told me #5 would be toughter. She also said to remember that I am not sick, the drugs are making me sick. I am always so upbeat so the temporary depression was foreign to me. Yeaterday, fourth day out, i was much better and today played 18 holes of golf and feel like me! So, I suppose my last tthree will be like this and i will just have to deal with it. I am in Ohio, Sandusky ,which is on Lake Erie and we too are having nice fall weather. When is your next one? I will go on October 2. I go every two weeks. I hope you are feeling well and thanks again for the understanding. Love and prayers to you and I hope Candie and Mindy are well. Susan

  • d23
    d23 Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Had treatment #2 on Tuesday, and started feeling a little bad yesterday. Spent the day basically in bed today. I'm fine as long as there's constantly food in my stomach. My hair seems to be thinning but I'm not finding extra clumps coming out. The hair itself just seems thinner. I'm the only one who's noticed so far. Hasn't been bothering me. I just want to know where it'll end up. My mother-in-law will take the kids out for the day tomorrow, so my husband and I can just hang out. Even if I'm feeling sick, we have a bunch of tivos and dvd's to hunker down with. Somehow, I've been a little weepier than usual today, but it really hasn't been a bad one. If my pattern holds, I'll feel like myself by Sunday. We just have to take each day as it comes. I hope everyone's feeling up to snuff soon. Mindy

  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    Glad you are back to 'normal'! When I read your post it was so weird. The nurse at my drs office and the PA both told me that #5 was usually the worst for everyone and there you were saying exactly how I had felt after my 5th. I have my last one on Oct. 6th! And since I have already had mammosite radiation, I am on to Tamoxifen. I only had to have 6 treatments every 3 weeks. When I started in June it seemed like forever until October but here it is 2 weeks away. Isn't it weird how many different ways we are all having the same combo of drugs? Also, how as quick as we feel bad we feel better? I have pretty much been able to set a clock on when I can suddenly tolerate food and drink again, it is around noon on Monday, (I have my tx on Fridays usually around noon). At work they can usually read it on my face. I start out Monday morning feeling and probably looking like crap and then at lunch I perk up. I'm just glad it disappears so quickly. I am so glad that I was given this choice, aren't you? Hope everyone has a good weekend.
    Sue
  • straykat
    straykat Member Posts: 26
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan,

    I had to go back to an e-mail journal I was sharing and it looks like #5 was the hardest on me too (my treatment course was 6 series of infusions, each 3 weeks apart). By that time I'd long been rid of the mouth sores, constipation problems and nausea, so it was the fatigue that really settled in. The fatigue lasted for a long time and I find I still tire easily, and this is ten months post-chemo and eight months post-rads (no further treatment).

    When I realized I was 2/3 of the way through I knew I could withstand the rest and plodded through. It wasn't easy, but as we've learned to say, it was 'doable.' That's because we're fighters and winners and warriors and ain't nothin' gonna' git me down! Hard to lift a fist up when it's exhausting to do so, but the attitude was there.

    After reading some of the monthly chemo threads and realizing what others were going through (mis-placed ports, infections, hospitalizations, adverse reactions to drugs, lack of empathy from loved ones, lymphodema, etc.,) I felt grateful - not happy or 'blessed,' but just damn grateful that I was experiencing minimal side-effects. Remember the old 'Hang In There, Baby' posters? You can do this!

    As to the hair-thang. I lost about 20%, noticeable only to me and my hairdresser. It began after chemo #4 and there was an additional amount lost after #5, nothing after #6. No clumps, just stray hairs in my brushes and in the shower. I too had bought a wig and wound up dontating it to my chemo facility without having worn it.
  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    Ok now I feel weird. My #5 was a breeze...felt great...just had #6 this past Wednesday and I feel horrible. Nauseau drug not helping this time..very tired too. I was spoiled by #5. I know what you mean abut being emotional. And I, too, am so tired of people saying wow! you look good. As if nothing is wrong. I want to scream sometimes and say--I am on chemo--how do you think I feel??? My mom thinks that I should be perfectly normal during all this cause as she says "you are not doing the STRONG chemo"!! No one has a clue,right!!! One of my coworkers encourages me by saying chemo is chemo is chemo as cancer is cancer is cancer ( she too had a bought with a cancer--not breast-- 2 years ago--no chemo tho she just had radiation).I put on a great face everyday--I feel good I say--inside I want to scream,shout and get off this ride I am on. Well, 6 more to go for me!!! yuck!!! Glad you are starting to feel better now. Remember you have all of our support and love.

    Sue,
    So glad you only have one more to go!! We will do the happy dance!! I am glad,too, that I was given the choice of drugs.

    Mindy,
    I find sometimes that keeping belly full helps too.Hope you are feeling ok now.

    Well, friends, I am in New Jersey and the leaves are turning here,too, and getting pretty. I plan to take a walk this morning (some garage sales around too--I like those!!) and gather some leaves and branches for a nice vase I have. I want to "smell the roses" more. This bc has made me look a life differently. I could cry at the thought of what good friends I have found in all of you. Good does come out of all this!!! Love you all!!!

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Candie, What a lovely post- thank-you. This ordeal has taught me SO MUCH about what not to say to people going through illness or grief or anything. My husband can't understand why I'm not thrilled when people say how good I look. And most say, Oh, you haven't lost your hair as if they want me to! God, I never used to be this sensitive. Maybe I should take some chill out pills! But Candie, we are getting there. It's almost October and I can't believe we have come this far. I told my oncologist last week that I will start rads on Nov. 13th and be done by Dec. 29th. He just said OK, you are on a mission. That will be 2 weeks after my last chemo. I'm tired of hospitals, doctors, blood draws, Neulasta shots and everyone and their brother looking at my lumpectomy scar. See, I do need a time out pill. Thanks again for all your support and have a great wek-end. When do you go for the next Tx? Mine is Oct. 2. Lots of hugs and prayers and thoughts to you. Susan

  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    I know what you mean about the hair issue. My continues to thin. Yesterday, it was just falling out all over the place. I went to garage sales and rummage sales. I parked the car and literally dragged my body around and I was sooo nausueas...everything tasted horrible too. But the walking did me good. I wore a baseball cap as I hate when those hairs fall out. Thank God I still have hair tho. I went by myself for some alone tme. I was out all day. My next tx is Oct.11th. That will be #7 --then 5 more to go after that. I finish in December--then on to rads!!
    My sisters wanted the 3 of us to have our pic taken to give to my paretns for Christmas. I told them---hell no!!- I dont want to have to look at that pic on the wall and remember chemo days--one understood the other said oh it's ok--but it's not ok--so we will not do it til the spring. They say I look fine.. but I dont feel fine...see they dont get it!!
    Well, hope you had a good weekend. We continue to get thru this journey--and thank YOU for all your suport.

    Too bad we didnt live closer to one another--well, maybe one day we can meet. Do you live near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--cause i want to go there next summer.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited September 2006
    Options

    Hi Candie, I was laughing about the picture issue. I have told everyone- don,t come near me with a camera!!! I don't want reminders of how lousy I look and feel. I swear, I will break the camera. You have a good rest period until the 11th. Enjoy the previous weeks. I live 45 minutes from Cleveland and the rock hall. I will meet you there next year if you go to visit. I have not been there yet I'm ashamed to say. I go for tx on Monday-yuk!!! But this week I feel so good. It stinks to know next week you won't. I keep looking for those Christmas decorations to remind us that we will be done then!! Hugs and prayers. Susan

  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    #6 has been a tough one for me...I am on rest now and still dont feel up to par...ususally I feel "normal" by now..all foods tate like--well,they dont taste like they should I can tell you that...water is still absolutely horrible..oh,well... I keep telling myself it could be so much worse...I cant wait to get off this ride I'm on...I dont like it....hope you are well...

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie
  • SCMartin
    SCMartin Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2006
    Options

    Hi Candie, I am so sorry that you are not up to par yet. I hope it gets better very soon. I go in the morning for #6 and then just two left. I have to feel better by friday when i go to NY for my reunion. I will write this week- Hi Mindy and Sue- hope you are well. Everyone take care and lets stay strong. We can make it through this. Hugs to all Susan

  • Sue227
    Sue227 Member Posts: 45
    edited October 2006
    Options
    Susan
    Good luck with #6 tomorrow. I am gearing up for mine this Friday. I can't believe it will be my last one! I have had alot of hair loss with #5. It usually stops by the end of the first week but this time it is continuing to fall out every day. Not alot, but enough that I notice when I get out of the shower. Who knows what #6 will do.
    Candie,
    Sorry you are feeling so bad. It is frustrating I know but just go with it. If you have to stay in bed, then do it. You deserve it! I know what you mean about the taste of food. It has been a long time since I actually enjoyed the taste of alot of things. Can't wait for that to come back.
    Hope everyone is doing ok.
    Sue
  • socallisa
    socallisa Member Posts: 10,184
    edited October 2006
    Options
    Hugs to you from a fellow CMFer from five years ago.
    Just to let you know I am sending good thoughts your way.
    Lisa
  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2006
    Options
    Susan,
    Have fun at your reunion!And good luck for #6. Totally enjoy yourself at the reunion. What a fun thing to do! I started feeling better yesterday and the food I ate actually tasted a little better.

    sue,
    Thanks for your words of encouragement. Yes, I can't wait for food to taste normal again.

    Lisa,
    Thanks for your good thoughts.


    I am going to see Elton John this coming weekend. Tickets are compliments of my sister and brother-in-law. They thought I could use a treat!! I love Elton so I am sooo looking forward to it.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Candie

    ----------------------------------------------
    Lif is a Long Song...Jethro Tull

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.