Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Thats Great News my2boys!!
Sailor....Im so jealous..free massage! I go today for my Herceptin...Trying to drink lots of water this am so that my veins are good.
Does anyone have issues with blistery bumps on their chests? They pop when I simply rub lotion on....then burn of course. I am going to ask my onc today about that..
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MY2boys: so glad to hear your good news on top of my bad news. Went in for treatment #2 today and the onco said no go. After a week and a half on meds, the infection has not healed enough and it looks like it's moved to the other tissue expander too. They put me on an anitboitic iv drip and another tomorrow and up my meds to a stronger one. They want to reevaluate on Monday. I cried like a little girl in the offic upon hearing the news. Never knew not receiving chemo could be so disappointing. I've got my eye on the finish line and now I just got another week added to my sentence. So disappointing!
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Magnolia, I hope the more aggressive treatment clears up the infection. It's so disappointing to have treatment delayed, but it sounds like the focus for now has to be on beating the infection.
Sailor, I'm jealous of the free massages too.
Week 5 after last chemo: I'm midway through week 5 and I've noticed quite a lot of improvement this week.
At the beginning of the week, I had complained about my loss of leg strength during chemo. It is only a few days latter and I'm feeling quite a bit of improvement. For much of the week there has been a short flight of stairs (9 steps) between my meeting room and the bathroom. Since I'm drinking at least 6 cups of fluids a day to help lower my creatine, I get plenty of chance to use them. The exercise hasn't gotten me back to full strength, but I feel I'm at least half way there.
I'm now able to really enjoy food. During chemo, I couldn't tolerate the least bit of peppery heat in my food. I also couldn't stand even the smell of garlic much less eating food with it. Now I can eat spicy food again and can enjoy garlic. My sense of taste is back to normal.
People who last saw me in November during week 3 of my first chemo have consistantly commented that they are glad to see me back to my old self. I thought I was doing pretty well in November but I guess I wasn't my usual perky self.
My last two chemo cycles were rough. I hope that it helps those campers going through the low points in chemo to hear that the lows aren't forever.
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Maggie - I'm so sorry to hear about the infection delaying your chemo treatment. I hope that the IV drip does the trick and you can get back on track soon. I'm glad that they didn't throw caution to the wind and do the chemo anyway. It's much better to be safe than sorry. Let's keep a good thought that Monday will give us some good news. I'll remember you in my prayers.
On a much smaller scale, my implant infection delayed the start of my physical therapy. The cord vein in my arm is hurting like crazy, but I have to wait until the infection clears up before I begin exercising. One of the side effects of Cipro is an increased risk of tendonitis, so I will wait a week before beginning.
Blue - I'm so glad that you are feeling better. Any hair growth yet? None here.....although I thought i saw a few fuzzy patches a few days ago....I'm still waiting. My creatine level went down after I started getting extra fluids during infusions. I still have them give me extra with the Herceptin infusions too. I was always a big water drinker during the chemo treatments, but the creatine level seemed to climb anyway.
Smile - I didn't have any issues with blistery bumps. I see that you live in Florida. Have you been in the sun? Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Let us know what the doctor says.
Stay strong campers....
Anne
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Cupcake-I can't believe you are almost done with rads! How many weeks did you go? Did you get any burns? What did you use on your skin? I find out Monday when I will be starting. It has been such a joy reading all your posts. You are truly a positive role model for all of us. Bless You!0
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One down and 5 to go!!! Yahoo! glad that first one is under my belt!
Smile, I have the same thing on my face, the dr. says it is a reaction to the steroids and to try benydril cream. My husband kids me that I look like a short haired raccoon with a red mask instead of a black one! You know, you should not mess with a woman on steroids!
Hope yours and mine goes away soon.Karen
Life may not always be the party we hoped for, but as long as we are here we might as well dance
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I found out from the nurse today that the rash is from the chemo... It is clearing up now....and as for my hands..thats from the taxotere.
It is nice to hear that it wont take long to start feeling normal again after chemo..that is what my eye is on..the end. I had a Birthday Dinner tonight with a group of girl friends and I feel like I ran a marathon today.
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Kjbell: Thank you sweetie. I had 30 treatments. When you get them five days a week it goes pretty fast. Next thing you know your done. My worst part of it was the fatigue, but I learned if I came home and took a nap and went to bed early to get a good nights sleep I breezed through it without fatigue. For me I needed the rest. I only used Aloe Vera on the burn. 100% though not the kind you get at Walgreens that say Aloe Vera, cause that has to much alcohol in it and other stuff. It has to say 100% or at least 98%. If you have an Aloe Vera plant you can use that too, which would be 100% of course. The burn looks worse than it feels. I will go in and put a pix on for you. Unfortunately the same picture shows on every post, but I wanted you to see it.
The ones of you with infections I know now why they didn't recommend to me the surgery for the breast and expanders while on chemo because your body can't fight infections. My surgeon won't do it for a year past radiation as he doesn't want to cover up anything that could hide behind them and not be seen, like a cancer regrowth. I will wait. Who knows by that time I might like it this way and not go through surgery. We will see.
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Congratulations Cupcake on managing the se's of radiation. And, Blue Dasher, well done. Things are looking up. With love, Bethany
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Bethany - love the pic with HAIR!!! - How many weeks out from last tx was it taken?
Maggie - I too would have cried like a baby if I had been held back a week. Hang in there.
Lisa
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Bethany, my hair is about the same as yours. I have a few stray hairs that are longer and I mentioned to my husband and grandson I should have them cut so everything would grow at the same length. they laughed at me since they can't see them very well unless I pull them up. My husband said it was only me that could tell.
I am so sorry about those that have infections. You must get them well though even if that means delaying a tx. I had to delay a couple of tx but it got over anyway and then the rad. I was not as lucky as Cupcake on the burn. Mine hurt and still hurts some. I have one blister that popped and it is in a bad place where my arm rubs. I got home from work last night and the sore had bled. I guess the sleeves in my suit were too tight so it rubbed. I am glad the rad are over but I had 7 weeks and 1 day. I had to skip 2 days for ice one week and also a Friday of the same week to go to my brothers Memorial and so I ended up making up the days at the end. It seemed long. I was not so tired but I just hurt but I had a lumpectomy and it is harder if you are larger, at least this is what doc told me. I wanted to cry because I was having to make up the rad days but I tried not to let anyone know. I did tell the rad doc I was finished and he said it is just a few more and basically told me I had to do it. I really wanted to cry then.
I am starting to work more now and boy am I tired when I get home. My arthritis is part of the problem though. I wish I had a desk job right now but normally I like being on the go. Maybe I can get stronger just keeping on with doing more.
Hang in there sisters that are still in the tx stage and don't get too down. It will pass soon and those who are finished congrats. I know you are happy but it does take a while to get back to normal. If you kept up the exercise then you will do better but if you are sick I know it is hard to do. I was so sick a lot of times the only exercise I got was running from the couch to the bathroom and also the walking into the hospital for tx. hehe.
I can't seem to get a pic of me to go on the site. I guess it knows I might mess up everyone's computer.
gramma23 (Carolyn)
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Well another step in the journey. Leaving shortly for the hospital for the mastectomy and axillary node dissection. I'm nervous but this should be pretty easy after fighting through chemo for the past four months right??
Cupcake - My surgeon is off the same opinion as your's no hint of reconstruction until well after rads are completed. I did meet with the plastic surgeon for a consult and the reconstruction procedures scared the crap out of me, so I'm with you just wait and see.
My best to all.
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Carolyn: Hi I was hoping to hook up with you after we left the room. So nice to see your doing ok cause you had such a hard time with chemo. I'm surprised your hair hasn't grown any faster. Leave it up to you to be different. I have a question for you. While doing rads did you wear a bra or anything? I didn't and maybe that helped not to have anything rubbing. I noticed a lot of ladies did in my tx area and was wondering if that made the burns worse. Could be something to pass on to the ladies in here to think about if it would help. I only wore my compy camisole and then a blouse.
Cali4:I know you won't get this until you are home, but I will be thinking of you today and send a little prayer for you. Mastectomy surgery isn't so bad. Hope you come in and say yours was ok too. Will be nice to see your path report of how well the chemo did. Especially our Herceptin. After hearing the problems with chemo and infections with the expanders I'm glad my surgeon decided to wait. Are you with Kaiser? Maybe that is their policy if you are.
Beth: Your hair is so pixy darling. Love it.
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Cali4:Thinking of you today and pray that it is successful and without event. Please let us know.
Maggie: That soooo sucks. I can relate as I have to go in early my next TX to look at my liver functions to see if I can have TX. I would be dishearten if I can not have it. It seems that we plan out lives around our finishing. We make plans God laughs. My thoughts ans prayers are with you.
Cupcake:I have not posted for a few, so just read your post about getting into shape together. I am game. There is a site for motivation too. I am going to take advantage of PT as a jump start. My doctor is all over me getting my body in great shape too. It will take at least 6 months for me to accomplish that but I am going to do it. This summer will be very physical. But hey if it takes off more of my chances of a recurrence and it something that I can do, I will do it. WE CAN DO IT.
Bethany:Dang you look sooo cute.
Blue: Your doing it sister! Getting stronger and stronger. Keep up the good work. I hope that I will do as well as you.
Gramma23: Seems like you getting up to speed with life. Always good to read your post.
Lisa:Wait en for pic.Any new growth this week. I think that it is soo weird that of all the horrible side effects that hair is the worst. Sometimes we can forget that we are going through this and then you catch a glimpse of yourself and BAM. It really a dichotomy that we after DX want to treasure every moment of life and at the same time we wish we could fast forward. I guess I will stay in the moment. Did you say # 5 was the worst???
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Hello to all! I haven't posted much lately but have been reading and keeping up with everyone. I had tx#5 yesterday and am already feeling the effects. It seems to happen a little sooner each time. I have to go to the clinic this afternoon for my neulasta shot; then I'm sure I'll be home for a few days. I can really relate to everyone who's posted about the weight issues. I just keep packing it on!! I didn't gain right after surgery or even the first couple of treatments. However, I've really made up for it since tx#3. That's also the same time I started taking neurontin for hot flashes; I've read that it can contribute to weight gain also. It's very discouraging since I had spent the 6 months prior to diagnosis working out and dieting (lost 20 lbs and gained some muscle). Oh well, I suppose I can do it again. After all, the most important thing is to do everything possible to prevent a recurrence. Hope you're all doing well and have a great weekend.
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Rayhope: Watching you like a hawk and praying that you breeze through this TX. Hang tough sister.
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Bold: I'll let you know. I know you're right behind me, and I hope we both breeze through to the end!
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Cali-hope all goes well for you today. I had mast first, then chemo. Makes you wonder why docs decide to do things differently for us. I was sore but really had no pain. Cupcake-I don't know much about rads, but is the big reddened area one burn? I thought it was a tiny beam of light that was angled to zap tiny pinpoint areas? It looks painful and sore. I'm glad you said it is ok. I finished chemo today and have been so excited all day! I walked into chemo crying like a baby (fear of the unknown) and walked out with my head high and with a smile on my face. We made it!
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Cali - You are in my prayers.
Cupcake: It is always good to hear from you - glade you nearing the end of the rads.
Carolyn: Don't work too hard!!! You still have a lot of gunk to get out of your system!
Bold: I don't have enough hair to show up in a pic. I am getting really dissapointed about that. I got so excited over Brenda's incredible growth and tried to base mine on that - not happenin'!!!! My target for ditching the ball cap was March 21 - one week from tomorrow and my 45th b-day. At this point, I do not see that happening - not even remotely. I have a full covering of fuzz, but it is very short, stubbly and translucent. Of course, I would LOVE to blame the slow growth on Tamoxifen, but there is no reason to beat myself up over something I have to take. What would I say to my husband and family if this crap came back in 5 years and I had not taken the tamoxifen "Gosh guys, I really hated being bald, so jee, guess I accidently chose dead". Not a good idea.
Everyone Else: There are so many newbies, I just can't keep up! But my best to all of you and have a great evening!
Lisa
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My infection is just about all cleared up now. HOORAY!
Here's a funny story. I went to the eye doctor today to have my eyes checked. With all of the tearing and eye twitching going on, my oncologist had suggested that I should have them checked. My eyelashes have started falling out too....ugh. So anyway, there I was at the eye doctor's office and after the examination the doctor tells me that my vision has improved since chemotherapy......lol. My vision is just about perfect now! I was half kidding around when I asked him if chemo helps your vision and he just smiled.
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Lisa- don't forget...Herceptin slows hair growth. I am 13 weeks out and have 1/3-1/2 inch. My hair is very thin (I'm sure the Arimidex isn't helping) I actually colored it the other day because my white sideburns were showing with my brown wig. Now they are brown and it looks much more natural with the wig on.
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Checking in and saying hello and welcome to all the newcomers! As you have probably discovered this is the place for support and great information.
CALI: I have been thinking about you all day and hoping your masc. goes well. Mine really wasn't painful and after chemo it will seem like a breeze, I hope.
I am almost 2 weeks out from Tx #5 and it wasn't soooooo bad. I am looking forward to #6 and this being over. Somewhat like the end of a marathon. I haven't found out yet when i begin rads 5x week for 6 weeks.
MY2BOYS my eyes twitch and water and I am sure I look a little crazy. It would be nice to think my eyesight has improved!
I think that we are all obsessed with our hair. i think about it all the time and wonder how long it will take to grow. Probably much longer than I would wish but it is nice to hear reports from those of you ahead of us.I didn't know that the Herceptin slows hair growth. I'd rather have herceptin than hair as that is what is going to keep me around for a long time.
I think that the improving weather is making us all happy. I love Spring and although it snowed a bit last night, I can feel it in the air. Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love to you all and have a great weekend
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My2boys: Good for your eye sight, but keep it checked. My diabetes totally went away while on chemo, but came back a month after...
Kjbell: Congratulations! Yipee eeee for you. No the burn doesn't hurt at all, not even a little bit. I had the cancer cells in my Axillary Node so the next place they head after there is the neck and the Thoratic nodes so they hit the chest wall. There is three different rays, or rather three different places they give one dose to making it three. Now I only have one zap on the scar. With my "fat" the burn sort of went caliwampus and looks like a strap burn. So they zapped the Supraclavical area and the upper Axilla. Don't worry it won't hurt you at all.
Bold; When the plastic surgeon suggested I needed to loose the weight before I see him I got a little tiffed. Its like a man wants to know when his dinner is ready an hour after you gave birth to a 12 pound baby. Yikes fella's we have went to hell and back and you think we can just pop right back...HELLLLLLO. I started today by watching the portion size and choosing more healthy foods. I still have to wait some to exercise to make sure my body is well enough. Some in here exercised the whole time on chemo...I sure couldn't. I had lost 67 pounds right before dx and was going for more but had to stop. Going through this is NOT the time to think about dieting. I have been reading about the fat cells and how they hold Estrogen. Great, not going to give those puppies any place to hide. Fat has to go...bottom line.
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Dear Ladies,
This is day 9 and I ran a temperature of 102 degrees celcius.
Foolishy, I ate some salad (tomatoes mainly) yesterday and got diarhoea yesterday afternoon after the acupuncture. I forgot to avoid fresh produce!!
About the acupunture, did it for the firrst time in my life! It's great! They poked about 12 needles into my arms and legs - didn't hurt, just felt a bit numb.
And you know what, I slept so well last night and felt very good (if not for the diarhoea), I think the acupuncture really helps - it cost less than HK200 and was over in 30 minutes. They gave me lots of herbs and pills but I thought I'd save them for the third week. The elderly sinseh said my heart was racing and asked whether I had any heart problems! I said it must be the herceptin.
The temperature plunged some 10 degrees this monring and I must have caught the chills when I went near to the balcony- felt terrible the whole morning with 102-103. Finally took children's motrin and it worked!
Hey, do I need to see the doctor for the fever? It was the first fever I had since my operation! Ah........the salad!! I hate going to the clinic or hospital - it is high season for the flu here.
I feel really really tired....................................still couldn't eat well - just nibbles and bites.
Hugs and kisses
Ipohgirl
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Ipohgirl, DO call the chemo nurses if your temp is 100.5. It can be very serious if you don't. I don't want to scare you but I do too. My brother got an infection after his first chemo and although he had other problems this did not help. My friend also had an infection after #4 chemo and we lost him yesterday. I am not sure what all was going on with him but he was older. I didn't avoid fresh fruit and veg much but they do suggest to always eat cooked foods. If you eat out any it is hard to know about everything. You may have the flu but they still need to know when you have a fever like that. I hope you do better after this but my chemo nurses were there for me 24/7 and I imagine yours are too. Find out what they want you to do when you are sick and you might check with your onc about acupuncture esp. if they are breaking the skin with the needles. some have acupressure instead during chemo. Drink that water and esp if you have been running a temp.
Cupcake my rad. did hurt a lot. I did not have a mast but a lump. I do have fibromyalgia and could have caused my extra pain but I hurt like I burned myself on a fire. I had some nasty blisters and they burst and my skin broke down. I have one still oozing but is getting better and I am over a week out from the last rad. I guess it just goes to show we are all different in everything. My doc did not think I was unusual though with the burn. He said larger breasted women have more problems. I did have to have 2 units of blood while I was taking rad. the chemo onc thought it was because of the sores and also rheumatoid arthritis. he said since they have a blood test proving I have that they can give me Procrit or Aranesp instead of blood next time since I have developed an antibody. the antibody is from allergies though and I think it was because of the pneumonia shot they gave me after the last blood transfusion and I had a bad reaction to it. Yes I had more problems than most but my eyes did get better and now I am back to wearing my glasses I got before cancer and I can't see as good as I did. I did have fuzzy vision some after TCH but once I was over the SE then I got better.
About hair. My leg hair is growing and it didn't much before chemo. hummm!! My hair on my head is filling in and no bald spots but not growing in length as fast as I would like but maybe by the time I have to have my drivers license renewed in Aug I will have a cute hair do. If I never have long hair again and NO cancer I can live with that.
My2boys I am so happy the infection is clearing up.
Lisa, you are right about the work but I have to make some money because these bills are piling up between me and my hubby. He was not able to go back to work because they don't need him right now so that puts us in a bind. he has done a lot around the house while he is off and got poison ivy or something on his arm. It does not itch though which is strange but anyway he is better. Next week is spring break so I will have an extra boy home from college. he will stay here and work at a job he does in the summer. His brother stays here too but we don't see him much between his work and school and girlfriend. He has been helping his parents too since they are finishing building their house. I do see laundry though. Thank goodness for washers and dryers! I did this all the time though even right after surgery so I am able to do this pretty easy. Thanks for thinking of me.
All the newbies, I hope your SE are few. Come here for help. We are all different but I know someone will have gone through what you are. I lost weight during chemo. I have kept it off so far and now that rad are finished I can lose more. I don't need to lose much more but would like at least 10 lbs more. We are starting to get warmer so I can get outside and walk now. Also working will cause me to stay on the go. I need to get the crew straightened out up there at work for sure. the one girl that came after I had to be off is not nice!
gramma23 (Carolyn)
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Ipohgirl: You do need to call your onc if your fever is 100.5 or higher--hope you feel better soon. Yesterday was day #3 after treatment #3, and I felt pretty yucky. By late afternoon I was really nauseated, so I took my pills and went to bed about 7:30--much better this morning, thank goodness. My son and his girlfriend are coming to visit us today, so I hope to have a good day.
Mary Ellen: How did you do with treatment #3
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ipohgirl: I agree a fever that high needs to have attention. Also I was told not to eat fresh fruits and vegetables while on chemo as the things on them, while we are well, our body can handle, but while on chemo and our immune system is so low we cannot. So even though you clean them good best just to stay away from them while your on chemo. Won't be long and you can have them again.
Carolyn: Like I said you are one that has went through the wringer the most. I am, or was, or half of me carries a 42 C so I am up there on big chest. I was just fortunate not to have any S.E.'s of rads outside of the beginning being fatigued. Rest was my medicine.
Helen: I feel for you cause I know , and I mean I really do know, how you feel. If a person never walked the chemo field before you have no idea how bad it can be. Just rest through it and know I'm thinking and praying for you.
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Did I read that we are starting a diet/fitness support group? I need it! Chemo was keeping my wieght down. Now that I am done with that BUT my normal activity level is not back yet AND tamoxifen, I am gaining weight rapidly! I tried to get bank into the gym, but when my platlets tanked, the onc forbid any resistance training.
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ipogirl, I hope you have already seen the doctor, but if you haven't, you need to with a fever. My instructions were to go to the emergency room if my temp got over 100.5 during the hours when their office wasn't open.
When my white cells were low, I was told to not eat unpeeled raw fruits or vegetables.
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ipogirl, I agree with bluedasher. You need to go to ER if you cannot see your oncologist. Sometimes fever is not a sign of infection or virus it can be a sign of something more serious. Please, please do not wait. When our blood levels are off it can set off a chain reaction of problems that need to be taken care of as soon as possible.
Lisa, I am with you on the fitness support. I may have to come see you sooner than I expected and we can whip these tired bodies back into shape!
Have a good week end everyone! Thanks...Traci
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