Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Lynn - kind of comforting to know we started the same day. Let's keep in touch....my hair starting coming out a little bit last Wednesday and today my scalp really hurts and the hair is everywhere. I've had a tough time dealing with this hair loss thing but now I'm over that because it's just annoying to have it everywhere. I think we're shaving it tonight....yikes! Keep in touch.
Diane
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Just reading through all the latest posts and you guys are all incredible. I love this support network!
Quick question for all....surprisingly I got my period last Friday, it blew me away because my onc said the chemo would put me into menopause so I wrote it off. I'm assuming it's gradual??? Did anyone else continue to get their period and if so for how many months? Also, I opted to not get a port and got my first treamtent intravenously....anyone else opt for IV and if so, how's it going? Thanks.
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Dianne, I don't have a port, but only one treatment in. We'll see.
And, I resorted to vacuuming my head, This da*# hair just wants to hang on and I just want it GONE.
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greytmom, have you seen laughter is the best medicine thread, its about trying to find humor in the ridiculous things cancer finds us doing or people saying to us, just thought it seemed appropriate as only here could you tell someone you vacuumed your head and now you feel better. Hugs to you tonight
dimc, my periods didn't stop until after my second chemo and my Onc thinks I'm probably still cycling just not having periods. Some people don't go into chemopause, and some do and then recover a lot depends on your age, thos of us in our 40's have a high rate of chemopause and about a 25% recovery of ovarian function. Don't know how old you are
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dimc, sorry just caught that. I never got a port either, did just fine
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dimc.....some of the women on the March 09 chemo board went with no port and no problem. I did have a port in my chest and loved it. I had not one problem with it. Didn't even know it was there. Others don't fare as well......my girlfriend had problems with hers and couldn't wait for it to come out. I got mine out 2 weeks ago and what I don't like is the scar and the scar tissue underneath....a reminder of what I went through. I will get over it though.
As for period.....I did get it once during chemo then between my 3rd and 4th had some serious hot flashes but alas, 4 weeks to the day after chemo ended I got my period again. My onc said my ovaries are strong and trying to recover from chemo. I guess I will be getting it on Tamox, too....which I need to start this week. A bit jumpy about it, don't know why but will cross that bridge when I need to.hugs
Diane
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pjcrn, welcome to the thread!. Maybe your onc thinks working will help keep your mind off things, but remember, this is ALL ABOUT YOU and your healing. Take care of yourself, first! If you are uncomfortable at all, don't do it and don't think twice about what the rest of the staff will do...trust...they will get by and when you return, they will be thrilled.
You will love your port...especially if you have horrible veins...and your nurses will love it, too. And yes, PAP is right, a folded washcloth works so tht the seatbelt won't irritate the port. I even a few sheet of tissues once, because it was all I had handy. My port area was tender for 7 days or so, but no problems with is whatsoever. I even sleep on that side now.
ok, ladies, I may be experiencing chemo brain...I could have sworn my LE therapist appt. was tomorrow, but thank goodness I received a reminder call that it is on Tuesday. Hummm, I thought, so I went back and found the note that I took when I made the appt. and sure enough, it is Tues. June 30! I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Hope all of you have a good evening and a peaceful sleep.
Afighter
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Afighter, my doc actually says no weights heavier than 10 lbs. EVER! I read somewhere nothing heavier than a jug of milk. (I am intending to rebel against this, but I thought you'd like to know. LOL) I think that is silly and once the initial trauma regarding lymph nodes is over, I just don't think being strong is inconsistent with having a healthy lymph system. I had surgery about 10 days ago and I met with my trainer on Saturday. We were conservative--5 lbs max right now. But I have to have a reason to keep working out. Lifting one lb wights doesn't do it for me.
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Arnie and PJCRN, thanks for the input on the port. I'll talk to the nurses about what will cause the least problem. HAdn't even thought about seat belts. Still have to hold the passenger side belt away from me if I forget my little pillow. Don't think I want to have trouble with driving, too. Boy yo have to think differently with this Big C thing in your life...
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sopris, check out the lifting weights after lymph node dissection thread (think that was what it got named) we talked about this. I had trouble with lymphedema, its now controlled, and thought about that stupid old 10lb weight limit as I picked up some dumbells that were much heavier then that yesterday and put 30 lbs on one of the machines. A lot has to do with how much you were lifting before and being careful with increasing slowly and letting your body adapt slowly. I've always said only a doc who never lifted could tell you that and keep a straight face.
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I'm 12 weeks out of my last TCx6 DD, had my period on the day of 2nd tx and none since then. I'm 41 and suspect I was peri-menopause going in. Hope that helps!
I too went with IV, no port. Made it all the way through and had no problems!
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This thread has been a god send for me!! All you strong, wonderful women have shared all of your knowledge, experience and compassion for those of us who are about to go thru one of the scariest things I can imagine!! The pillow idea was awesome, thanks! I was wondering about the lymphedema- this is my 2nd DX- 11yrs ago DCIS, post lumpectomy and all nodes removed. I have a sleeve, should I wear it on Thus, my 1st tc tx? After 11 years, I really thought I was done, who knew!! Thanks again, and I am so glad to have so many new friends!!!
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I've read the site faithly but haven't contributed much, sorry I haven't checked in. I've done extremely well with only 1 more treatment to go.
My red blood count has gotten low enough that they now want me to have a shot of Aranesp. Has anyone taken that shot yet? They've said it will increase my leg aches/pains just a little bit but I've learned to take their info with a grain of salt. Wanted to really know how bad it could be. Anyone had it?
Thanks
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OMG YOU GUYS!! MAX WON! MAX WON!! AHHHHHHHH!
He gets to MEET Stephen Tyler and Joe Perry!!! I can't contain myself.. I am so happy at this moment.... you have no idea...!!!! I think we won by like 3 votes at 5p!! So, Each and Every vote was so important in this thing.... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.. for everyone who voted and a special thank you for anyone who forwarded this on to their friends and family... OMG!!! Ahhhhh...!!!!!
How do I tell him??? He's downstairs right now...clueless!!! Ahhh!!!!
I know this is a small victory in the scheme of things.. but you have NO idea what it meant to me to be able to do this for Max.... You guys are the absolute BEST!!! Thank you so much!!! I can't wait for Wednesday!!!!!!
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hi there, I am so glad he won!
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So glad he won Holbolt!!!! Don't forget to tell the housework thread, ok? Yippppeeee!0
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Ok....today is day 14 so I woke up pulling on my hair with nothing coming out. My scalp was so tender when I shampooed, still nothing. Had lunch with friends and was telling today is supposed to be the day when it begins falling but nothing yet for me. As I tugged on my hair a handful of hair came with my hand and we all just cracked up! You had to be there Patti 0
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Oh my goodness PAP... almost the same thing happened to me!!! My scalp got really tender and then on day 14 my dd was over and I said well nothing yet...tugged and hair came out. We both just gasped...lol I shaved my head three days later... called my dh at work and said, "How much do you love me?" He stated alot and said, "what did you do?" I told him I shaved my head and he couldn't believe it... lol I haven't lost my eyelashes yet, didn't cry when I shaved my head but might if I loose my eyelashes. Having been a redhead, I have fair skin and would look like a zombie.. Sending good vibes to you PAP... it'll grow back...
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hotbolt: so happy for you, posted on a couple of other threads
pjcrn: can I give you my opinion that really isn't worth much? Wear your sleeve 1) reminds everyone caring for you to protect that arm 2) you will be getting a lot of fluid. My lymphedema (and yes, you should never make decisions based on one person's experience) didn't start until I got a lot of fluid fast when I got sick. But, my LE therapist had me wear my sleeve for 3 days during and after my last operation when they would be giving me IV fluids. They'll give you more for chemo then I got for surgery. If being careful for one is important...
cat1: don't know, our center went to blood transfusions when there became a question about the safety of erythropoeitin stimulating agents in the treatment of breast cancer, so can't answer about how it feels to get that injection, maybe someone else can answer?
PAP: so happy you're keeping your humor. My head felt much better after I shaved it and the hair came out. hugs to you tonight
arnie: your DH sounds so sweet. For me the eyelashes and brows were about 8 weeks after the 3rd TC cycle. They're back in, but the right, at the lateral edge is very light so unless you're looking from close up it looks like I shaved off 1/2 of one brow, not my most attractive look...
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Holtbolt: So glad Max won! I bet he is overjoyed and probably won't sleep tonight!
Arnie, Pap: You ladies are funny. I find humor in us ladies who have been bald for a while. Arnie, your one brave lady to shave your own head...my hats off to you...actually I prefer no hats on my bald head. I am sure your both beautiful hair or no hair.
For those thinking they are about ready to loose their hair a word of experience....my head was hurting and I knew with in days it was going to be everywhere except my head. I had DH buzz it off. I was going to have power over when I would loose my hair...sure glad I had him buzz it. At the time I was the biggest cry baby...but afterward I felt in control. Having been bald for a while I actually love the quick showers no bad hair days. I started regrowth around chemo 4. Now 3 weeks and a few days from chemo 4 I have long hairs which have no color and they are about 1/2 or a tad bit longer....the other hairs are growing back all over my head but much shorter. I lost a few lashes and brows hairs but nothing to worry about after treatment 4. So "Bald is Beautiful"!!!
On my swollen feet their still there but I think the Lasix may be doing a little more...keeping my fingers crossed.
Hope everyone is doing good.
Nadine
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kmmd, thanks for the advise, I rarely have trouble, and was tought to wrap for compression, but this new sleeve will help!
I am getting my port at 7am in the morning.... I hope I can sleep!
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Thanks webwriter, Diane, kmmd and Lynn for the period and port feedback, it all helps a lot. So my husband just shaved my head, couldn't take the hair everywhere anymore, even in the dishwasher??? I cried...because I hate that now I look the part of cancer patient and that I have to share it with society. Oh well, it will be all be fine. It's just part of the journey. I have round 2 tomorrow and hope everything is uneventful. I'm still catching up on my Desperate Housewives episodes downloaded on my ipod that I missed this season so that should make the time fly by. Have a good evening ladies!
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Nadine... I agree... I do the bald thing most of the time... I wear baseball hats out. Wore the wig once...and have never put it on again. I agree... the showers are sooooooo fast! Love that!!! I have a question... I shave my head when it gets prickly...when should I stop that? I start my first Tx tomorrow... do I stop now? I have no idea when to let it start growing in again. I hope the Lasix continues to help your swollen feet. I'm a tad edgy about starting the Tx but know that it's only four then on to rads then ???? Love to look at the funny side of things... my way of dealing with things I guess... Have a good nite..0
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dimc: cyberhugs to you tonight in vast quantities. Wish I could put your hair back for you. I did ok with bald until done with chemo and then just wanted to be done with the cancer patient look, I so hear what you're saying.
Nadine: agree with you, I love how fast showers and AM primping took (no brows, no eyelashes for mascara, no hair to shampoo, dry etc). Complained yesterday that the hair needs to be shaved again because water ran in my eyes, you get used to the ease of bald or stubble very quickly. Hope the lasix keeps working for you!
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Arnie: I took my husbands mustache trimmer on my head once after DH buzzed it. I had hairs popping out of the follicles and bad headaches. A few days after that the hair was still coming off on a wash cloth so I had DH look at it. I couldn't figure why I still had hairs micro as they was popping out of my head. Some good advice I received is to use a lint brush and roll it across your head...or do as we also did we used duck tape. Let me tell you I felt so on top of the world...felt better than a back rub...no more hairs. I wouldn't keep shaving your head...just my opinion.
I had 3 wigs and gave 2 to the clinic. I have one just in case I should need to wear it...probably won't however. I wear baseball caps also when out. I gave up the wraps and stuff. I love the baseball caps because I can take it off or put it on fast. I am careful about sun on my head so I do wear sun protection on any areas exposed to the sun. I used to hide the fact I had no hair and now I am over that...my feelings is walking my shoes and experience the journey and then others can say what they want. I get a kick out of people in stores, its like they either are so nice and smile or they dodge you like they are afraid I am contagious. DH and I laugh a lot on how people react. I have a BC baseball cap that is nice and I wear it when we go shopping so any questions folks have the cap pretty much answers them....except one creepy looking guy looked at my chest a week ago...I wanted to say yup I have one boob. Dumb nut. But I also try to keep the humor going...keeps me sane.
Nadine
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Hi ladies. I just finished my last TC and I'm so happy. I still had a reaction even though I took the steriod yesterday and they put more into my iv along with benedryl. They stopped the drip and gave me ativan. That worked. Boy, the taxotere really wants to get me!!! I'm so glad it's done.
Very happy for Max that he won! I voted a few times. I'm glad it helped!!!
About this weight gain. My np told me 10 to 12 lbs and I've rose to the occasion. I've gained 10 and I still have the effects from this chemo to add on more. I feel like I'm gaining a pound a week. I'm bummed but I'll just have to work hard to take it off. I wish I could respond to all of you indivually but I'm too tired from today's chemo. Love to all!
Sukiann
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Congrats Sukiann... can't wait until I can say I had my last one
Nadine...that's exactly why I like the baseball caps too, easy on, easy off. When I met my brother and sister's at a restaurant a month ago for breakfast... one sister and my brother hadn't seen me bald yet. My brother hugged and hugged on me and when he finally sat down he said, "Sis are you bald, bald or just loosing it" I whipped my hat off right there in the restaurant and said, "Bald, bald". Lol They all laughed and a woman at the table next to me told me that her mother had battled cancer years earlier and she commented that she loved my attitude. I have a pink Michigan State baseball cap with a pink ribbon on it that I wear out too. That way people know that I'm battling breast cancer. I actually forget about my "baldness" alot. One day a couple of weeks ago, my dh needed to stop at a department store for something and I opted to stay in the car, because I was tired. I called my dd on my cellphone and was talking to her... I had taken my baseball cap off without even realizing it until a woman pulled in the parking space next to me and did a double take... I told dd about it and we had a good laugh. It is what it is for now and I'm just going with it.
Heading for bed... hope everyone has a blessed sleep.
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dimc,
I had a period after my first and second TC. The second period lasted about 2 weeks. I finished my last TC on 6/5 and haven't gotten a period yet. But my onc still thinks I'm premenopausal so I'm on Tamoxifen right now. He says I will probably have a few more periods.
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When Annabelle got her wig, the lady showed her a basball cap (many color choices) with velcro along the sides and back edge to attached velcro strands of hair. It was way inexpensive compared to the wig.
She got one in addition to her wig, and wears it often when going out. Looks exactly like she has hair and is wearing a baseball cap; and it's a lot easier and more comfortable than the wig.
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Sukiann: congrats, hope the next few days and kind to you
Arnie: I need that cap, where did you get it?
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