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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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Good morning
A beautiful autumn day here in Auckland, NZ. colours are beginning to change. Because of our sub-tropical climate we don't get a great dispal of colour her so imtend to go south in a couple of weekends for a wee break and to look at the autumn colours.
Feeling rather tired today but that's because we went to dinner at friends last night and were rather late home - least I know what has caused it.
Only problem at present is my mouth which is getting wors not better and makes everything taste like cardboard.
It must have been the time to finish off Easter eggs. I found the ones I had not eaten yesterday so sat and ate a lovely dark chocolate egg whilst watching TV, felt rather sick but it was worth it. I still have a couple of eggs left which I will devour at a later date if I can keep them from DH.
Interested in all the taxol talk. I was shown the stats and asked what I wanted - it was my choice - I could have refused everything but do think the onc would have been fairly persuasive. With all the treatments I get up to about a 70% chance of surviving 10 years so was prepared to take everything. I would love to be around to see grandchildren and to be able to retire and enjoy a quieter life.
The shooting at VT is shocking - have seen a lot of news on TV. We have had only one incident like this here and that was many years ago. We have incidents of single shootings but multiple ones are unusual because of our gun laws which are very strict. You cannot carry guns in NZ and it is very diificult to get a licence for one even though a lot of people have them for hunting.
Catherine - I was fascinated to read that you had polio - I had polio at 12. Like you have managed to most everything I wanted to. I intend to have a bumper birthday party in 2009 when I turn 60.
Those blisters - got one weeks ago it is hugh and just can't get it to clear up. I do wonder about the drugs they are filling us with.
Had better get myself moving and get dressed. Have a few messages to get and visitors are coming tomorrow so will have to start sorting out the spare room for them. We are having renovations done at present and it is full of boxes from our bedroom.
Hope all those visiting the bar go well, I have a lovely break until May 3.
Sleep well
Alyson0 -
Hi Gals---
Just back from AC #4 (last one), but was so nervous and nauseous before that I had to take 2 nausea pills and a xanax....before all the anti nausea stuff they give me before hand. Queasiness never went away, so I got took a copule more, and now think I may have to have a little nap before friends descend with food (for them) and diversions, which I will probably snore through! When I'm up to it, I'll try and figure out how to post silly hat pics...the parrot hat went over pretty well today...
To the rest of the barflys....hope you're doing well!0 -
Catherine - I would LOVE to take you up on your kind offer when I do get around to planning my trip to Paris and France! I got a one day trip from London this summer, and I am dying to go back again. It was so beautiful and I personally found everyone very friendly, even if I was massacring the language with my rusty college French. Merci beaucoup!
Jan, a lot of the women on that web site can probably give you hints on how to get insurance to pay for the testing. Just sign on to the forum and ask the question. Sue Friedman is the one to ask in particular - she is awesome and knows all kinds of stuff. They are having a huge forum on the genetic cancers in Tampa the week of May 17th if you are anywhere close to there and could go. And I still think if you can find that long wig in red, it will be the BOMB!0 -
Hello everyone! Put me down for Taxol #1 tomorrow 4/19/07. Looking forward to NO side effects like from AC and ready with tylenol,motrin and even heavy-duty percocet if necessary, for pain. I just hope no need for neulasta/neupogen injection this time around. That was the WORST pain ever!
My eyebrows and lashes still hanging on although thinned out alot, I just perk it up with eyebrow pencil. Wondering how much longer they'll last. Also, my fingernails and big toenails are greyish-black at the bases but no discomfort. Let's see what taxol enhances,or does away with, or has no effect on. It will be interesting.
Pat0 -
Monday - Vegas
Tuesday - SammieKay (10th Taxol)
Wednesday - Karen (1st Taxol)
Thursday - Carynn (1st Taxol, Pat (1st Taxol))0 -
Good luck tomorrow, Pat - I'll be thinking of you. Had my LAST Taxol this morning, and hereby pass the torch to you. Hope the time goes quickly for you and that you have minimal side effects.
Mel0 -
WHEE! Top of the roller coaster ride:
I had a breast MRI, and a mammogram today as part of the workup (CT scan got moved til tomorrow). Listen to this news: breast tumor was 1.5 cm to start......DRUM ROLL PLEASE.... it is now 5 MM (NOTE: Millimeters, not Centimeters!) It shrunk 67%!!!!!!!! I am so happy I can't tell you. Now if I can get a similar result on the liver lesion (was 1 cm) I will be a very happy girl!!!!!!!!
What a trip!
Did any of you have a Full axillary dissection? Would you be willing to talk to me about it? Everyone is leaving it up to me about whether I want node surgery or not since it will be watched and treated systemically. My oncologist did not favor a full axillary- said it had been a long time since he saw one done well, where no substantial harm had been done to the area. I don't want to live with the long term side effects of lymphedema, etc. if I do not have to. Would love your opinions.
Sitting here drinking the Barium stuff for the CT scan tomorrow. Even that can't get me down. I feel terrific!
Love to you all.0 -
Congrats my friend luckymel! I hope to be half as tough as you! I wish you the very best now and always.
Pat0 -
Wonderful news, Leah... You make us feel teRRRRific, too from your results!
I had an axillary dissection (they removed only 5 nodes, though, and these were clear of cancer, while 2 sentinelle nodes were positive out of the 6 they removed, no extracapsular extension). I have no visible scar in my arm pit neither down my arm. They go up there from the mastectomy site, then they sew back inside, and that's what makes you feel as if you have a cord in your armpit. I did not have much pain at all at first (thank you Vicodin), but 3 months later I still feel a tight chest (nothing unbearable at all). It is more perceptible at night and early in the morning, but I completely forget about it as the day goes on, especially during my walks which make me totally pain free. I do not take pain med for that, and I try to stretch as recommended (the surgeon gave me a booklet with very simple exercises, and I had 4 physical therapy sessions so far for lymphatic drainage. I do not have lymphadema, yet, hopefully won't, but I have to be careful not too do too much with my right arm -- neither with the left which has the port
). I have now, every now and then, some shooting pain in my ribs and armpits and the surgeon said this was excellent news because that's the sign the nerves are growing back -- LOL.
My range of motion is back to normal (has been very soon after surgery -- never needed any help for anything, getting dressed, showers, etc. could always manage by myself without much pain at all from day 1 after surgery). I must say I love the lady surgeon I had, she is so upbeat and encouraging. Anyway, I do not know what a complete dissection entails, but they really try to make it as little damaging as possible. Expect numbness in certain areas, but sensitivity should come back over time. The back of my arms is still a bit numb, but it is not too annoying.
Well, Leah, we want to hear about the scan for tomorrow and send tons of good vibes for as encouraging results as today's... Have a good night sleep,
Hugs
CatherineH0 -
Leah-how wonderful I am sooooooo happy for you. Let us know how the CT scan goes, I am praying for similar good news.
I had Taxol #1 today and guess what------nothing happened! Isn't that amazing for me!!!! No reaction. I understand the side effects are 2-3 days away but I am up for the little victories. In fact got there at 9:30, they started the infusion at 12, by 12:30 I finally relaxed and fell asleep until 3 and it was over and out the door at 3:30. So heck I slept though the whole thing. My onc painted a grim picture for side effects but we will see.
The second piece of big news is today I can now drink water for the first time since Feb 17th. I have sucked down five huge glasses tonight. OMG it is wonderful. I think it is the first time I have not been dehydrated since Feb too.
My brother has taken me to all my chemos except today, he and his wife will be having a baby on Friday by induction. I treat his kids as my grandkids since they don't have active grandparents. So it is sooo exciting to add another one. Something to think about and look forward to besides cancer.
Went to the first support group. It was good learned a lot from the others in the group.
Will keep you updated on side effects
Karen0 -
Fellow Cruisers,
Had my last of 4 A/C today. My shingles have cleared up for the most part. No more nerve pain. What a relief to get it over with. Shingles and chemo. I'm not entirely sure I've seen the end of the shingles, but if they come back, the arm is the best place to have them...not that there is a good place, really.
Like Freethought, I went into the chemo room nauseated...long before I had any chemo...popped a xanax, asked to have the zofran very slowly (makes me feel so weird and have headaches) and get the entire liter of fluid while I was there...
Still have headache and steroids make me feel anxious. Last A/C though...I have graduated....
Will start on hormone therapy probably, I'm not sure...lately it's been better for me to see the "short course" and not the big picture. I'm becoming anxious in my old age...50 y/o. LOL
Plan to get my new job started late next week. I hope to be perked up by then. I know in the next couple of days I can expect to be fatigued (WAY,WAY) so I'm in no hurry to get back. I don't want to start a new job being pityful!!!
Best wishes and big hugs to you all...
Tracy0 -
Good for you Karen, hope SE's will be minimal... keep drinking all that good water...
Take care,
CatherineH0 -
Hi Steph! Long time no see! I hope you are feeling better today. I can totally relate to the fatigue issues. Its my new normal. Since its been my worse side effect, Ill take it! (Like I have a choice!
) While I was still tired, I bounced back a lot quicker from #4 that #3. Quite a few of us found out just how important the fluids are. If you cant handle the water, try some Gatorade, lemonade, anything without caffeine, even popsicles! Anything to aid with keeping hydrated.
Alyson I can relate to the changing of the colors. Living in the desert, we dont see much of it here either. But a short 2 hour drive to Flagstaff, AZ where they get all four seasons (ours Vegas too is basically need a sweater, or sweats, and need shorts!) does the trick. Its not so bad tho. This is the time of year that the cactus and desert poppies bloom and its absolutely breathtaking! So enjoy your break!
Pat See ya at the bar! You basically could have written my post. Im all stocked up as well, and have the glutamine on hand. Since Im already having very minor neuropathy, I probably could have started the glutamine already, but Im holding off to see just exactly what turns up. Even tho it was pricey, if I dont think I need it, Im not going to take it. We will have to compare notes later today and as the week goes on. Ill be thinking of you!
Mel You are lucky! Congrats on that last Taxol and thanks for the good wishes!
Leah Congrats on the shrinking tumor! (I cant wait til they re-measure mine too!) Sending big hugs and positive thoughts on the liver lesion. Being able to see results so makes this journey worthwhile! Keep us posted my fellow IT sister!
Catherine Whats up in Colorado today? Nice enough for your walk? I will be chained to the computer today as chemo day and the day after are work from home days for me. I swear, every single chemo Thursday my plan is to come home and nap for a bit. And every single chemo Thursday something big needs my attention and I get gypped! Its ok tho. Its a nice feeling to be able to know that my boss knows Im getting stuff taken care of; and it certainly keeps my mind active and focused so Im not complaining TOO much.
Karen Congrats! Im with you, its the little victories! How do you feel today? On A/C I usually felt ok on days 1 & 2. Days 3, 4 & 5 have been my challenges. So curious and a bit anxious to see whats in store. I hope you continue to feel great!!! BTW Congrats on the new baby in the family!
Tracy Congrats on the last of the A/C! Im so glad to hear the shingles are clearing up. My MIL had them all over a few years ago (she was in her late 80s early 90s then), and was completely bed ridden from them because they hit the elderly so hard. She had to have some type of nerve block shot for relief. She did bounce right back tho just as ornery as ever. She is 99 now and doing fabulous! My latest indignity, while certainly NOTHING like the shingles, is acne. I couldnt believe my eyes yesterday! Where the hell did this come from!! I remember my chemo buddy at work had the same problem for a short time. It really is a very bad breakout all over my face. Thankfully my makeup covers most of it, but it really sucks. Even as a kid I never had it this bad. Luckily the breakouts are small and not the cystic kind, but sheesh Chemopause, acne, a bald head. Whats next?! Im thinking of getting my braces put back on, and wearing my glasses 24x7 so that Ill look and feel my very best. Hahaha
BTW a big congrats on the new job!
Hey Melanie We are the first night race of the year and qualifying is tonite. Im trying not to whine to loud, but DH did finally tell me I should go to Robbys website and buy a shirt. Doubt that I will, but this will be the first time in a long time that we didnt get to visit with him. Cant wait til November!!!!
Well, going to login and get some work done for an hour or so before its time to go. Ill do my best to check in this afternoon and let you all know how Taxol #1 went.
Hugs to all!
Carynn0 -
Carynn, hope you, too, like Karen, can sleep tight through the 3 hour Taxol infusion. Will be thinking of you...
Another glorious morning in Denver (330 days of sun/year...)and the clock is telling me it's time to go play outside... I have tons of laundry to do, and other little chores... also want to move a couple of clematis out of dogs' way and repot a jasmin and an orchid I was given by a dear friend here.
A gentle day to all,
Till later,
Hugs to all
CatherineH0 -
Hi Carynn...I was thinking of you today as well. Hope everything went well. We really won't know anything for a few day though huh. That's ok, I'm loaded for bear if need be. But I hope not....I'm a chicken. A CHICKEN loaded for BEAR!!
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Hi all -
Pat, you are right. It was very uneventful and anticlimatic. I admit I was pretty anxious! Blood pressure was good, but we had a good laugh over my heart rate. My Onc reminded me that should I start to feel any pain, it would probably start Saturday. She asked what I had in the house for it and yup, loaded for bear!
I thought this one part of our talk was odd tho. She was concerned that I already had minor nueropathy. She didnt think that should happen so soon and wants me to consider visiting a Neurologist. I really dont know if I will just now, as since I've already been given the Taxol, so wouldnt that schew whatever they look for? On the other hand, maybe I can go represent all of us and see what a Nuerologist says about nueropathy....we shall see. Well, time to go watch race qualifying.
Thanks for all the good wishes. Hillary, now that Pat & I have checked in, I pass the bar book back to you.
Carynn0 -
Taxol day #1 post infusion-Didn't sleep a wink last night. I guess without the phenergan the decadron did me in. I tried ativan last night but tonight I will try ambien. I think the decadron also did a number on my GERD. I have had horrible heartburn. Made the mistake of drinking half a diet coke and I think the carbonation put me over the edge-you guessed it threw up like no bodies business. But felt fine after. I will avoid all soda now. No bone, muscle or joint pain today. Got my neulasta today and that always kicks in on Sunday.
Carynn if you go to the neurologist I would be interested in what they said.
Hopefully off to bed
Karen0 -
Karen, you already needed the neulasta? Just curious as I am dreading ever having to need it again.
Pat0 -
Oh yea, in addition to the usual bloodwork drawn, I noticed they drew for iron levels. Maybe to see if it has to do with my high fatigue levels? I'll know more next week.
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Pat - I will be continuing Neulasta. I'm told it's faily common with any DD chemo protocol. I have been soooo lucky, great nurses so the shot itself is not near as bad as I expected. Minor tenderness in the shot area for about a 1/2 hour. No side effects (knocking wood) from any of the previous 4.
Karen - I'm so sorry you're feeling bad. Maybe, just maybe, that diet coke was what you needed to get your system back in order and get a good nite's rest.
BTW...Ward Burton made the show, we'll have one more crusier watching this weekend.
Carynn0 -
HA, finally! Awesome Carynn. Thanks for that tidbit. I'll be watching!
Pat - I still do the Neulasta also - I don't think she's basing it on my WBCs as they've been fine all along. I am hoping I don't need the Aranesp (Procrit) Monday tho. I've actually been feeling normal (as in pre-chemo) with the exception of my eyes. I saw your post on my contacts thread. I would bet your problem with your contact isn't allergy related. When I tried mine after my 2nd AC, we were in FL for bike week and my MIL was complaining the entire time about the pollen so I wondered too if it was more an allergy problem, but I can't even imagine what my contacts would feel like if I tried to put them in now. Isn't it weird how they can be dry but watery at the same time. I told my Onc about it and she looked at me like I was nuts. Just don't know any other way to describe it.
In more general speak, my energy level has sky-rocketed since my first Taxol - I'm at the bar again bright and early Monday. At this time, o fingernail/toenail issues, no eyebrow/eyelash issues and my taste is pretty much back to normal. Not sure when I posted her last, but bone pain was at its worst Thursday and Friday (but very controllable), minimal Wednesday and Saturday and pretty much non-existent Sunday. This week's been great.
Oh Pat, the other thing is my iron levels were down before my 3rd or 4th AC, so she told me to take 325 mg ferrous sulfate or ferrous (whatever the other one is) - one in the morning and one at night. Btw, during the office visit for my Taxol infusion on the 9th, the PA suggested I take them with orange juice - the acid helps break down the pill. Those may very well have something to do with my energy level.
Leah - wonderful news. You're our guiding light!
Karen - hope that's your last bout with the stomach stuff. You certainly deserve a break.
Catherine - I can finally boast that I woke up to a beautiful day in central PA. Heading towards the 70s today - gotta carve some time out of this work day to get 3 or 4 miles in. The pup's gonna love it. Hope this doesn't mean your weather in CO goes down hill like it did the last time we had some warmth.
Good to hear from all who checked in this week. Looks like noone is hanging out at the bar today?? Twink, Marsha et al. - where and how are you gals?
Hugs to all!
Phyl0 -
Good morning! Just a quick post before starting work.
Phyl & Pat - I wear contacts as well. The biggest thing that I've noticed is that I used to wear them from about 4:30 - 5:00 in the morning until bedtime - what ever time that may be, so a good 16 hours, and more on the weekends. Since starting A/C, I've noticed I need to take them out about 5-6 o'clock. I too have the watery eyes, but mostly in the morning and night, and that doesnt bother the lenses too much. But like Phyl said, later on, the lenses feel dry on the eye and it's time to take them out. Pollen count also been very high here and I do have allergies (should say did, chemo has that in check as well except for really bad days). I dont see any difference on Nuelasta days, so I dont think I can blame it. Hmmm....I just wear them as much as I can and switch to glasses when it seems to be time.
Off to the grind. Dont know for sure what exactly is my favorite work from home part - the communte, or the dress code! Take care all! 0 -
I guess chemo is still affecting me. I forgot to take one of my Zantec pills after supper the other night and danged if I didn't wake up the next morning feeling sick to my stomach! So I guess the chemo after effect still lingers! My rads doc seemed surprised that my hair still hasn't grown any 2 months after the one chemo dose. She loved my shoulder length brown wig, thought it was made from real hair but its synthetic.
Yesterday morning I could see the full field of my rad's, I'm pink and red all over now. Today is number 26 and the last full field zap then its on to the boosts where they concentrate it to the area of where the cancer was and the rest of the area gets to start healing. I feel like I was out in the sun too long topless and burnt. Not exactly fun doing chores when moving the arms makes the burns hurt! 8 boots then I'm done! Going to have a biker friend drive me next week, hubby is worried I will hit the fatigue wall and not be able to drive myself home!
ErinsGram...orange juice is a big sugar boost. My hubby is pre diabetic and orange juice is what he drinks if he's feeling dizzy. It is a great energy booster!0 -
Pat, he said as long as I was doing dose dense I would have to continue the neulasta. No aranesp this time though as my red counts were good. Although I have heard others say they did not take neulasta. I am going to look at my counts next time and talk with him about it.
Starting day #2 post taxol feeling fine, just a few aches but nothing bothersome.
Karen0 -
Hey guys, real quick.....the only reason I didn't do the neulasta shot with the DD taxol last week was because my white count was a whopping 26 the day before infusion. He cancelled it for that one treatment.
Catherine, I wrote a big long post on Wednesday before heading out to my girlfriends house for a BNO over night and somehow lost it to cyberspace. Usually I copy before sending it but was in a hurry and didn't have time to retype it all. Just know I am thinking of you all everyday and popping in realy quick to read what is going on with everyone.
Phyl, starting to feel like you! This is a good week for me before next Wednesdays treatment and I am trying to make the most of it. It is so warm here and friends are starting to talk pool talk so I HAVE to find a mastectomy bathing suit. Man oh man, do the indignities never end?
Karen, I had a little heartburn with the #1 taxol also. Good thing you can do the water now!
Catherine, I had no doubt you were a little quirky. I can just see you and hubby sitting at booth, savoring the pizza and half pint that you like every once in a while. You are so quaint and such a special spirit.
Tracy, are you completely finished?? WOW that would be great, hormone therapy sounds like a walk in the park to me after all this chemo crap. Let us know what that is like.
Leah, drum roll my butt....I played the whole orchestra for you!
Carynn, whew you got that first one under your belt. Hope you doing OK. Just know when the SE's go away, it leaves you feeling pretty good, not as draggy like AC.
Love to all............Marsha
Pat laugh out loud at CHICKEN LOADED FOR BEAR!0 -
freethought, I would love to see your wacky hat collection! Come on girl, you keep promising pictures!! I sure love a quirky personality..............Marsha
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Good afternoon:
Here's what I have for bar reservations. The questions marks mean that my feeble chemo-addled brain can not remember/figure out if you are dose-dense/weekly/whatever and therefore whether you are scheduled for next week. Please correct as necessary.
Monday - Phyl, Jen (?)
Tuesday - Hillary, Catherine, Sammiekay
Wednesday - Marsha, Wendy (?), Theresa (?)
Thursday - StephJ (1st taxol), Piper (1st taxol), Tracy (?), Kim (?)
-- Hillary0 -
Hillary, just add me to every Thursday for 11 more doses of taxol!
Pat0 -
Can someone tell me the dosage for B6 and B12 for neuropathy. I know it was discussed but I can't find it.
Had first taxol on Wed, pain started last night, Friday. Also started having tingling in my hands and toes. Advil worked during the day but ended up taking percocet as pain increased during the night.0 -
My next chemo is on the 5th of May then only one more to go. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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