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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • Anniemomofthree
    Anniemomofthree Member Posts: 370
    edited May 2011

    Yeah Dragonfly - your last one....what a great feeling!

    Lilylady - you are on the road to being cured...celebrate!

    Good news on the post TCH regime.  Like so many before me, I am 5 weeks posts TCH and was struggling.  Went through the wierd post TCH stages...bleck of post chemo, achy legs, swollen thighs, no motivation, etc.  Just like so many said here before said, at about week 5 or 6 you start to feel a bit more like normal, 7 pounds dropped (I mean without really even trying) and my jeans are no longer skin tight.  Things are looking brighter! 

    Hang in there everyone...congrats to those getting down the road with herceptin.  I can not wait ot be there,too! 

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited June 2011
    lilylady Yes, I've been skydiving before...I went for the first time for my 40th birthday and loved it so I decided to make it an annual birthday tradition. This will be the third time and I'm so happy that it worked out to fit it in after chemo...it was really close because it's only 3 weeks after the final TCH and 3 days before the first radiation but it seems that it's meant to be. Skydiving is the most exhilarating feeling in the world. The speed of the free fall is incredible followed by the peacefulness and quiet of gliding under the parachute. I'll definitely share the video...I'll be bald of course but it will make this year even more special:)
  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited June 2011

    dragonfly - you're done, you're done, you're done!!!!!  Yay!!!  Please tell me we won't see your bald head BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE A HELMET ON!!!  And yes, I am yelling!

  • shelclaire
    shelclaire Member Posts: 30
    edited June 2011

    Does anyone know how Lisa 1964 and cinrae are doing??

    I think of you all often and read your posts as soon as they hit my email. I pray for each of you daily. I am almost 2 years since starting chemo and on the neratinib trial right now with one month left. I wanted to share something I invented before cancer and having cancer made me motivated to just go for it. I would love for you to share it with others, see me on FB and of course if you want one just let me know. I thank God for each of you and the doctors that keep working to keep us well.

    I also wanted to share that I have loads of easy recipes to go with so anytime you need to know what is for dinner pop over and look something up. When I had my surgery I could not or was afraid to move my arms for fear of ripping a stich and using bags to do everything was a huge help and as a chef I had always used them but invented The Bag Holder to have a container to help me to everything that a bowl or plastic containers did. I hope you love it, share it and show some support. I was a TCH girl and currently in the neratinib trial with 4 weeks left. Since I thought I would be dead by now I moved quick and wanted to make things hapen, do any of you feel that way. Praying for a cure each day> http://www.thebagholder.net/  see me on face book too:)

  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 325
    edited June 2011

    Dragonfly. You are done! From this point uphill all the way! For me rads were not bad. I followed Docs orders to moisturize all the time. Granted a pain going every day, but you get in the groove. Omaz you are so almost done with herceptin! 6 more for me with one this thursday.libraylil

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited June 2011
    pastedGraphic.pdf This is after my chemo today...DH and I took the boat out for the first time this year and it was a beautiful day on Long Island. I know I'll feel awful soon enough but I savored the day and knowing it's the last TCH:) Can't believe how weak and sore I am at this point...I can hardly move-looking forward to better days! 
  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited June 2011

    DH and I took the boat out for the first time this season after I finished the last chemo today. It was a beautiful day on Long Island! I can't believe how weak and sore I am at this point not to mention the 14 extra pounds of fluid/weight I'm carrying now. I know I'm facing the next 10 days of horrible side effects but I'll just savor the fact that this is the final chemo and better days are definitely ahead...can't wait for some hair to grow. Right now I just have the slightest colorless stubble...Oh well, look on the bright side-with 90 degrees and frequent hot flashes I might be better off with no hair at the moment:) 

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited June 2011
    lil - I'm counting them down!  I had the infusion over 90 minutes today and seem to be feeling much better than when they do it in 30 minutes.  Lil, what is your anti-estrogen - AI or Tam?
  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited June 2011
    dragonfly - That is victorious stance - WhoooPeeee!!!
  • LindaKR
    LindaKR Member Posts: 1,304
    edited June 2011

    Congrats to all of you who are finishing up treatments - I had my last herceptin 2 weeks ago and the port out today.  Getting the port out was much easier than I expected, they did it in the Dr office, with just a local, took about 45 minutes, no pain, a little pulling, but....  I think this is making me feel more like a survivor vs patient than I've felt.  Real stepping stone to the rest of my life, now if I could just get a handle on all of the SE's I'm still suffering. 

     The Bag Holder looks great, thanks for sharing the link.

     Linda

  • imatthew
    imatthew Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2011

    congrats to all of you.  My wife finished "TC" in March and now just has herceptin ever 3 weeks until December.  So far they've been going OK, some fatigue and joint/leg pain for a few days about a week after her infusions, but it's nothing like the TC SEs.  She's starting to grow her hair back, and she's heading out this weekend for her first Komen walk with a bunch of friends.  She also has her 2nd stage of reconstruction the week after next.

    Thanks to everyone for their support/help. 

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited June 2011
    Thanks for joining in imatthew!  I am glad that things are going well for you both.
  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited June 2011

    dragonfly - that smile says it all my triplet!  So, so happy for you.  Lisa tomorrow and Thursday for me - can't wait!

  • kqteaches
    kqteaches Member Posts: 13
    edited June 2011

    dragonfly1  You look fabulous.  Congratulations on being done...I'm so proud of you!  You have provided such good input on these boards.  Tomorrow I will be half-way done.  Seeing your picture makes me know brighter days are ahead that don't involve scheduling doctors appointments and x-amount of days to feel cruddy.  Days 4 and 5 are bad for me...so I feel badly to read that you have 10 yucky ones.   Take care...and DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN  LOL!!

  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 325
    edited June 2011

    Dragonfly the pic says it all. No more chemo lurking around the corner.



    Omaz I m taking arimidex

    Libraylil

  • lilylady
    lilylady Member Posts: 478
    edited June 2011

    Dragonfly-that picture should be on the cover of a book or something. You outshine even the beautiful background!! Sounds like you are an active lady-you will be down to fighting weight in no time.

    I am forbidden from bringing up the weight issue to my onc again. I have changed my diet so radically for the good that I feel like I should have been rewarded with a 10-15lb weight loss. He tells me since I have not gained any weight during tx-that is my reward. If I continue to eat clean after chemo the  weight will come off. I was 20lbs too heavy going into this-horrible long winter weather and cooking for my parents who I am trying to put weight on...

  • pasmithx2
    pasmithx2 Member Posts: 224
    edited June 2011

    lilylady--Every second person asks me how much weight I've lost and they're surprised when I say, "Uh, nothing!" I wouldn't object to dropping 20lbs but all I do is drop 5-10lb after a round of chemo and then gain it back before the next round. I think it's mainly fluid. If I come out at the end the same weight that I went in I'll be happy. I'm doing the best I can but I will worry about weight loss when I less of this other cr@p to worry about.

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited June 2011

    Hi all- Dragonfly- cool pictures and you are a brave woman- boating & skydiving. I finished too- right behind you- no more Taxotere/Carbo SO Happy!. And SpecialK the last chemotriplet of our one day apart same cycle tomorrow. That is great news!

    I am with you- I have gained 10 pounds. I am actually going to thrift stores to buy some temporary clothes- dresses, a few shirts/pants. I am determined this weigh will come off- but don't know how long. I needed some things to wear to work- and some of my pants are getting uncomfortable and gross w/ the weight.

    Next milestone for me is 7/6 exchange surgery- no rads. I will start on Arimidex in about a month I think (I will ask the MO next week). Seems I hear everything from no side effects- to tough side effects- to first month side effects that resolve or greatly improve. So don't know what to think. I have already been through menopause, but hear the hot flashes will come back anyway. 

    I agree- not the time for us to worry about weight loss- bummer I complain about is- I'd much have rather eaten dessert with every meal to gain the weight enjoying food rather than chemo bloat gain!!! 

    Oh well... We are warriors- we did it- and those of you still going will do it. YEAH!!!!!

    Probably will start feeling the chemo pain soon- by tx 6 the timing of the stuff gets so predictable.....

    Lisa

  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 325
    edited June 2011

    Lisa you did it! I started arimidex a week ago and so far no SE that I can pinpoint. It is the last week of school so I chalk up any aches and homicidal thoughts to that. Btw I have always had trouble with my weight. After chemo and during rads I dropped 20 lbs just cutting out fat grams and sugar. I m joining the cancer wellness program at the y over the summer and hope more will evaporate.



    Thrift store shopping? My favorite alternative entertainment.



    Special k you are next



    Lisa just remember every SE will go away and no chemo lurking around the corner. Mentally it feels better. Libraylil

  • kriskat
    kriskat Member Posts: 116
    edited June 2011

    Congrats to all finishing TC this week! I am so happy for you ! I go for #5 next Tuesday and last one is 6/28!

  • lilylady
    lilylady Member Posts: 478
    edited June 2011

    Has anyone talked to TonLee? She was a frequent poster when I just was getting started. I happened to think of her today

  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 475
    edited June 2011

    TonLee started a tripple positive thread. i think a lot of the gals are over there.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited June 2011

    Triple positive thread here: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/80/topic/764183?page=1  Looks like TonLee is now posting in the May 2011 Radiation thread.

    Dragonfly that photo is awesome!

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited June 2011

    Libraylil- yes i like thrift shopping. I got alot of stuff and went to another store yesterday. For some inbetween clothes- some cute dresses too- one was 8 dollars one was 10!  Can wear to work. Normally I am a pants girl, but dresses are easier now.

    I agree- I am starting to feel bad now 24 hrs post chemo- tired achy just weird. And it's great thinking this is it.

    So great to hear of the Arimidex- I agree w/ what Lago said somewhere recently- folks more come on here to get help/support so we will hear about the bad stuff more due to us trying to help each other. I just don't see how Arimidex could be worse than chemo. (THat's my positive thought & I am sticking w/ it!) I hope!

    Thanks for the support. I hope to be better again in several days. 

    Lisa

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited June 2011

    Hi ladies,

    I'm done - yay!  Dog ran away right before we left so there was dog-chasing drama and I had to go to the onc office before my DH found him!  BP was high so I asked for Ativan - it knocked me out after I got home, and I slept until 3:30 a.m.  All in all, glad to have it done, even though this next week will not be fun!  At least I don't have to gear up for the next one!

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited June 2011

    Great job Lisa and SpecialK!!  I think you will be surprised.  I expected the worst and was pleasantly surprised that it was much easier than all of the other treatments.  ((hugs))

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited June 2011

    Man I hope so - I had the worst time after #5 - am dreading this next week, and would love a happy ending!

  • Anniemomofthree
    Anniemomofthree Member Posts: 370
    edited June 2011

    SpecialK - thinking positive thoughts for a good #6!  Yeah, you are DONE DONE DONE!!!

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited June 2011

    Thanks- it's rough today (TCH 6 was Wed) but hoping to be better soon. About the same as last time but less pain- just weakness and no appetite. It is great knowing that I won't have to face this again in 19 days- that'll be the main thing to get through.

    And those behind- I have no regrets. I wanted to have every treatment my md ordered. And the side effects are treatable and you get through them one day at a time.

    Hang in there others- I am hanging today myself- knowing it'll be better soon.

    Thanks for the support.

    Lisa

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited June 2011

    Thanks anniemomofthree!  It does feel good not to have to go again in three weeks - just have to get through the SE from this last one.  Where are you in the process?

    LisaGH - keep hanging in my triplet!

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