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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2008

    Artsee:  I had my BP done on my leg when I was in the hospital when they couldn't use either arm.  Yes, it is always higher in leg vs. arm.  Takes a lot more force to pump blood to lower extremities (father distance), so BP is higher.  But I don't know what a normal leg BP should be.

    Dean15:  I had some ankle swelling after round 1 from taxotere.  That's gone away, but now I get swelling of my eyelids each time-real pretty!  I usually don't notice it until the second week out (this week for me), and it lasts a few days.

    Trina:  I so know how you feel!  Everyone keeps telling me "one more to go and then you're done".  Like it's over that day.  Yes, I'm happy I'll be done with chemo next week, but you're right... that's only part of it.  It'll be 2-3 weeks after that before the SEs are done from that round, longer for some of the SEs to be gone that have hung around the whole time.   And it'll be months before my body really feels normal.  And what the hell is "normal" anyway now???  I should feel happy, which I am, but it's not "done" with the last tx day.  Oh yeah, and I have to do herceptin for a year, too.

    Maybe I'm just cranky today, too.  My eyes are all puffy (d*mn taxotere!), and my one eye is twitching like crazy.  I am pale with patchy hair growth, and look tired even when I'm well rested.  I feel like a freak, and look half dead even with makeup.  I hate chemo!

    Sorry , had to get that out!  At least the sun is shining and it might hit 50 today-woohoo, heat wave!  Have a good day all.  I'll perk up later Smile

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2008

    Trina & Kathy - I totally agree about being "done".  The day of my third tx (out of 6), people were saying how wonderful that I was halfway done.  I didn't try to explain that no, I was NOT halfway done, as I had not worked through the se's and low days of tx 3 yet.  I'm not "through" tx 3 until I start to feel good the week or 2 following tx 3.  But I don't get into it, I know they are just trying to be nice.  I'm sick of my cancer already and if I were my friends, I'd be sick of it too, and want it to be over!!  So I don't always say what I really think.  My last chemo isn't until the first week of May, which seems like forever from now, and then I wait a few weeks and then rads until sometime in July, and the summer will be over before I have a reasonable amount of hair.  D@*& it all anyway!!!

    Rant over.  Yes, Kathy, it's going to be a nice day in Baltimore, too, and I feel reasonably decent (except for lack of sleep because I couldn't turn off American Idol last night!) and will probably go walking at lunch time.  So there are lots of things to be thankful about.

    JT, Kathy, and Artsee - you made me laugh about the drug comments.  A while back I started putting my prescription drugs into a plastic Tupperware thingy, and the other day I couldn't get the lid on it because there are so many bottles in there!!  Guess I'll have to get a bigger container.

    Have a good day everyone!  Hope you all keep the se's to a minimum.


    CHJ

  • guitarGrl
    guitarGrl Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2008

    CHJ - they still make Tupperware?



    Trina & others - let me chime in here with the same complaint. Right after my second TX, people kept saying I was half way done. What? Hadn't even had the side effects for that TX yet. Other people are not going to understand - that's why on- and off-line support groups are so good.



    Well I have the hands swelling s.e. this week too. But I also have a question - the hand on the arm that lost the lymph nodes has become prone to bruising. Right now I have two cuts that I don't remember feeling when they happened and what looks like a blood blister. Is this "normal" or is it just me?



    susan

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2008

    LOL, guitaGrl - I use "Tupperware" as the generic term.  It's like "Jello" and "Kleenex"...

    But actually I think they do still make it.  Laughing


    CHJ

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2008

    Morning all...I get what you mean about all the meds...I never took anything but a vitamin...last night I went to get a bandaid and couldn't find them b/c of all the other drugs.

    So the AT fixed my knee it was better and he says want to try a run...I say sure...so we are having a great run, and I am thinking this is good and then....I fall...he is trying to catch me, I am trying to catch me, but down I go...scrape my hand, elbow, face, knock the wind out...we sit for awhile and run back and he does first aid.  Of course it was my right side where I had 21 lymph nodes removed....I am a bit sore today, and my arm looks a bit more swollen....

    Processing all of that was like you know I thought I was having a great run and then down I go...it was a bit uneven, but I have ran there tons of times...so I tell Charlie you know the worst thing is that I am not in charge of my body....which is an awful feeling...especially when I get paid to teach people to be in charge of their bodies...

    Anyway last night my ya ya sisters came over...we did pizza and had a little wine.  Didn't sleep well last night so look pretty awful today and my hair is coming out big time and not just on my head, and my left nostril won't quit running...oh well at least it isn't both...

    Blood work yesterday, hematacrit came up 2, but still had to get the shot.  Maybe it will boost it a bit more this week. 

    Here is a question - they tell me to rinse raw fruits with no skins and veggies in water with vinegar...anyone else get this advice?

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2008

    Guggerty: I feel your pain. Granted Friday will be just my 2nd round, but having done this before I know that it does get better.  Just before this last mammo I helped my dh put up a fence. Check it out: board on board, approx. 7 ft high; 23 panels, just the 2 of us. It did take 6 months cause we could only work on the weekends and when the weather was good. So, I know that the strength comes back. If people can't be patient and understanding then they are the ones with the issues, not you.

    It did take almost 4 years and the chemo brain was challenging, but I took fish oil; omega 3 every day. My onc thinks that is what helped me keep my head above water.  The chemo may be over, but your body is still reeling. When it ends? Everyone is different and with the rads it just seems forever. I also did rads the first time around and it seems less difficult, at least to me due to having had such extensive se. Hang in there. I feel your pain, and mine. Cry Sending out an extra (((hug)))).

    Cynthia

  • trumpet84
    trumpet84 Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2008

    Artsee - I have had my BP done on the leg also.  I found on a web site that normally, the systolic blood pressure in the legs is usually 10% to 20% higher than the brachial artery pressure. Blood pressure readings that are lower in the legs as compared with the upper arms are considered abnormal.

    JT, Kathy, Artsee, & CJ127 - I have a mini pharmacy as well!  My scrips take up a full shelf in the kitchen cabinet.  I have to take a blood thinner now, so I've added needles to mix.  This is so not fun.

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited March 2008

    Sorry Gugg, that's not what I hoped it to be on the last time. I'd better choose the work days sparingly after that corect? Keep yourself nourished, and take the vitamins. I too have the rads and AI's to look forward too.Were you on T/CX4?

    Artsee

  • 40somethingMom
    40somethingMom Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2008

    Trina -you hit it on the nail for me, I am only starting #3 & the se  have not hit yet, but I keep thinking what next when tx's are done, how do I get back to my routine, tennis, helping out with kids at school, social-- back to my normal.  I am one of the lucky ones (i guess) I went with the mastectomy to avoid radiation and was very lucky to be node negative radiation=yet Onco score was 25... I need to research my reconstruction still and want to weigh the benefit of tomoxifin vs hysterectomy.  So I guess it's not going to be all over just like that. And then all the MRI rechecks...

    Wendy- you must be feeling this way, I'm sorry to hear 4x is not going so well, I pray for you

    KathyL-Next week will be your 4th Good Luck!

    Artsee- maybe those eyetwitchings can win you that prize Aurora spoke of -could fetch a good title--BC Side effect Abstract//Eyetwitching

    Good luck to all of you on #1 & #2 not long gone from my memory is the feelings of the head pain and hair loss, I feel for you all.

    Patty

  • PAlady
    PAlady Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2008

    Hi Ladies!

    Finally among the land of the living. Last tx on Friday was a b#@ch.  I was much more tired starting on Friday and so achy.  I am glad it is over.

    I go to see the radiation Onc on 3/20.

    Guggerty - today is the day that I finally felt like I was done. Even though I know I will have linger SE's  I feel like the worst is over. I hope you do to soon. I broke down and cried a bit today cause I feel like I have actually made it through this part of the nightmare. Sounds like you will be starting a bit ahead of me on the radiation.

    Dh and I are leaving for Vegas tomorrow for a long weekend. It is a free trip and I really wasn't sure I would be able to go - but I woke feeling much better this am. So maybe I'll get lucky! I was fretting over what to do about the wig, cause I was sure I would be setting off some type of alarms since there are a couple of metal parts underneath at the temple. Decided I will just wear my scarves while traveling even though I didn't want to. We have a couple of dinners to go to so will just pack the wig.

    Goldilocks - I loved the horse story and printed it out.

    40something - I am trying to figure out what to do as far as having ovaries taken out or tamoxifen, too. It makes my head spin trying to figure all this stuff out.

    As far as the twitching eye, mine has settled. But, for about the last week or two I have had a twitch in my ear. It makes the sound muffle as it twitches. So annoying, but I am guessing it is the same type thing. It has been happen much more since tx on Friday.

    I hope everyone is getting over their se's and doing well. I have been thinking and praying for all of us. It will be over soon!

  • jt1945
    jt1945 Member Posts: 23
    edited March 2008

    Well each day brings something new doesn't it.   Woke up this morning with a fuzzy mouth.  The doc says it is not thrush but it is sore and the mouthwash burns some.  Also some bumps and red places on my neck and face.  My husband and I did go out for breakfast this morning and it tasted OK.  I do have to stay away from toast for awhile because it hurts.   White bread toast is a comfort food for me.  I'll have to eat instant mashed potatoes instead! 

    I have a runny nose but it may be because of spring allergies.  Maybe I'll take some benedryl; I can be groggy but dry!  Are allergies getting any of the rest of you?

  • beegirl
    beegirl Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2008

    Had my second tx this afternoon. They were running an hour late but I still was able to walk home at 6:30. I did start to get tired, probably because after the 2 steroids last night I woke up around 2am and never really went back to sleep. My onc Dr suggested using tylenol/PM next time (I may take one tonight to be safe). She also recommended the stool softener/laxative for 2 nights. Maybe the leftover yellow curry I just ate will help, too.

    You're right about the mini-pharmacy. I like to keep my bathroom counter clear, but I need a bigger box for all the stuff.

    SharonS - I was told to avoid raw fruit that can't be peeled during the low white blood count days, but I haven't heard about rinsing with vinegar and water.

    The top of my head isn't hurting any more, but I'm shedding a lot. Using packing tape on my head and to remove hair from clothes really helps.

    May we all sleep well tonight!

  • WellWater
    WellWater Member Posts: 4,524
    edited March 2008

    Artse:  Yes, I was TCx4 - so happy that I "only" had four compared to some like CHJ (all my sympathies to you) who have 6 to get thru.  This week I don't think I could do 6 - this 4th round really knocked me out.

    I'd like to say that the vinegar/water wash for veggies and fruits is the best stuff you can possibly use.  1c vinegar - 2c water...put into a spray bottle - spray and rise well.  It has been proven to work better than an antibacterial wash - heard this on NPR months ago and I've been using it ever since. 

    I'd like to also pass on another tip - those of us who still have eyelashes.......toss away your old mascara every 6 months - bacteria grows in the tubes and with our susceptibility to bacteria it would be very easy to get some eye issue.  It's even recommened you do this when your immunue system is up and running - in our conditions it's even more important.

    It's so comforting to have people understand that the "last chemo treatment" is not the whoohoo that everyone else seems to think it is.  Yes, it's wonderful to not have to do it again but I still have a long road and I know that I can suffer s/e's from chemo long after my last tx. 

    PA - hope you have the very best vacation - I hope the weather is great and the luck of the Irish is with both of you!  Laugh lots and win big.

    Beegirl - Who knew you'd find yet another good use for duct tape?

    jt1945 - Isn't it so much fun being a science project?  You just never know day to day what new joy comes your way......ugh.....

    ((hugs)) Trina

  • Believer0711
    Believer0711 Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2008

    beegirl, noooooooo, don't eat the yellow curry!!!! Just kidding , i got the hives after eating the Indian spices Undecided. The nurse said it could not have been due to the TC because it's flushed out of our system in 24 hours. But I do believe that it's due to my poor immune system during chemo. So I'm on prednisone and atarax now. It's getting better, but I still have the red spots/marks all over my head and body. Not a pretty sight!

    jt, runny nose (sometimes with blood) is a side effect, from what I've read. It's weird for me, because I only have that at night or in the morning. So it seems like allergy.

    Good night, dear friends. My prayer tonight is for all the people who have loved on us, took care of us and supported us during this journey. May God bless them with good health and courage, and may He keep them safe wherever they are.

    Take care and God bless us all!!!

    Aurora

  • ladyofvenice
    ladyofvenice Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2008

    Good Morning Ladies!

    I've been reading your thread for a couple of weeks now and must say that I greatly appreciate all of the information and words of wisdom I have received!

    I am heading out this morning to start my first of 4 TC treatments.  I found out last week that due to my Her2neu+ status that they will now add Herceptin to my mix.  Many people have to go through the Herceptin for a year; however, my onc. has told me that since my tumor was so small and no node involvement, I just have to do it along with the 4 T/C treaments.  That was good news!

    I have a prescription for Decadron (steroid) which I started last night and will do every 12 hours (5 times); have Emend to take this morning prior to treatment.

    Have a bag of reading material packed, my husband is bringing a deck a cards and will probably bring along some water and maybe some snacks.  First tx will be at least 4 hrs.  This stuff should keep us busy!!

    By the way, my name is Vickie and I'm from Pasadena, MD.  Was dx on January 24, 2008 and must admit, I'm seeing life through different eyes now!  Hope you don't mind me joining your group.  I look forward to chatting with all of you in the days, weeks and months ahead!!

    Have a great day,

    Vickie

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2008

    Welcome Vickie - this is the group that you hope you never have to be in, but if you do - it is the greatest place in the world to voice your concerns, worries and of course triumphs..

    Hubbie got back last night, my hair was coming out in clumps so had him shave it....we will have the taco and margeurita party another night...the buzz doesn't look too bad...but I focus more on my ears...that stick out quite a bit...never noticed that with my thick hair....the buzz won't last long as those little hairs are still coming out...might have to get out the lint roller tonight...

    Off to work...have on a knit cap now...another great friend...will change to ball cap when it warms up...will try another short run today...hope I stay on my feet

    Have a great day!

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2008

    Welcome, Vickie!  Sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us.  And welcome to a fellow Marylander - where are you going for your treatment?

    Hopefully you can dodge the worst of the side effects, and breeze through your treatments.  If you've followed this thread for a while, you understand that there are lots of similarities, but we each have our own individual journey and we all react in unique ways.

    Best wishes & hope it all goes well for you!!

    CHJ 

  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2008

    Good morning!  Lots of catching up to do.  Nice to see everyone's posts.  Today I head off to the ps to see when she can do the next step (nipple).  She wanted to make sure chemo stayed on schedule since I was already well healed prior to chemo.  I think I have to wait some time after chemo before she can do it... maybe a "nip" for the summer!

    CHJ:  I love American Idol.  Watch it every week.  My faves: Carly and David Cook.  But I like the young kid (David), the rocker nurse (Amanda), and the Australian guy, too.  It's a good group. 

    SharonS:  Ouch!  That fall sounds like it hurt.  About fruits/veggies:  I was told to wash everything very well and avoid foods that couldn't be scrubbed well (like raspberries b/c of all the nooks and crannies).  They just said to wash with soap and hot water.  Did not hear about vinegar.

    40somethingmom: I sound like you.  No rads after chemo, but still need some reconstruction done.  So, I still feel like I'm not "done" after the last round.  I have to do herceptin for a year, too.  So I truly feel like I'm not "done" until that's over and my port is gone.  That day will be major celebrating.

    PALady:  Hope you have fun in Vegas.  Congrats on this milestone (done with chemo)!

    JT:  I've had the sore mouth too off and on after each tx.  I brush really carefully (or I bleed), and use lots of baking soda mouthrinse until it goes away. Seems to last about 3-5 days for me each time.

    Beegirl:  Love the tape idea!  LOL!  I can just picture that...

    Trina:  Thanks for the tips!

    Vickie:  Welcome!  Sorry you had to find us, but you will get such great support here.  I'm doing herceptin also, but for the year.  I had a very small tumor also but my onc does the full year regardless.  I do my last TC next week (3/19!).  Then on to herceptin only, and I have some reconstruction to finish.  I was dx in August 2007, so it's been a long haul so far.  This website had been a godsend!

  • 40somethingMom
    40somethingMom Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2008

    Day #3 TX3 much more fatigue this round I just want to stay in my pj's and cuddle up on the couch, puffy face, heart racing, heavy chest, I'm use to it all nothing major, bone pain starting, but I'm not waiting this time I took my vicadin. 

    I'm so thankful Mom and Dad are here to keep me company and get the kids off to school, 77 year old Dad has even been taking "Maggie" my golden doodle for walks daily.  So thankful!!

    kathyL- sorry to read about your puffy eyes- I so get the "Your 1/2 way done talk- drives me nuts!

    PAlady- I hope you have A GREAT TRIP let us know all about it--& good luck with rads

    Vickie- welcome keep us up to date on how you do round 1

    beegirl- good luck today with se- I can not imagine walking home from tx

    CHJ- hope you are having a good day

    Trina- thanks for the mascara tip

    jt945- sorry to hear about the Thrush

    SharonS-  hats seem to push those ears I noticed the same thing after going bald

    All have a good end of the week. 

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2008

    Hi all, been busy today.  Go for my blood wk and dr visit before tomorrow's 2nd round.  Sure have been "flashing" lots today. Started the steroids this morning; think that is why I'm first extremely ON FIRE, then F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G.  Can not have a happy medium.

    Dh seems to be getting sick. His sinuses were swollen and this morning he had the sniffles and runny nose. Great, may have to go by myself tomorrow. Actually he would take me and then I would have to call him to come get me.  Oh yea, and dh was feeling so off that he even forgot to tell me Happy Birthday. Remembered after he left for work and called. That's ok, he gave me my present a couple of weeks ago.

    Everyone seems to be getting one thing or another. Several people are out sick, and then there will be others out for spring break. I'm feeling good so far. Trying to avoid all the sick ones. Kidda hard.  Some people just need to be on meds cause they are always-out there.Tongue out The rude, none caring co-workers that say to others; "if she is sick then she needs to be out, just cause I don't feel well why should I care?" So people don't even have a clue. Same co-worker say that her daughter was pregnant and that she wished it was cancer it would be better to deal with than being pregnant.Yell Crazy people. 

    Not looking forward to tomorrow, but hey...get through, just do it!

    Welcome newbies! Sorry you found us, but we are a fun group. We complain, cry, and triumph together.  We also learn how to cope with everyone's se and how to best deal. I had a slurpee with me the first time and plan to do so each treatment. It is to help with the mouth sores, and tenderness. The coldness helps keep the pores in your mouth smaller. I really can't complain about the mouth much.

    Everyone have a good Thursday!

  • wrsmith2x
    wrsmith2x Member Posts: 127
    edited March 2008

    Hey guys - checking in on everyone.

    Am starting to feel almost human again.  The bones still ache and I am sooooo easily fatigued but my spirits are raised and I am gearing up for Radiation.  Go for tattoos on 3/27 and start on 3/31 then 6 1/2 weeks and done! 

    Sleep is not happening too well - too many hot flashes!!

    Anyway, am starting to chat on the rad board too.  Saw Trina there too.  Come on over.......

    I want you ladies to know that if I had not had this venue to talk and get my feelings out I would have surely lost my mind.  Between this and my blog I have gotten it all out and that has been very empowering to me.

    Ladies, we are strong and we will not let this cancer beat us!  And we will live each day with more gratitude for being here!

    I hope all are well and se's are slipping into the background quickly.

    Cheers!

    Wendy

  • Believer0711
    Believer0711 Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2008

    Happy Birthday Goldilocks, and I pray your TC tomorrow goes smoothly. You'll get through this!!!

    God bless you,

    Aurora

  • ladyofvenice
    ladyofvenice Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2008

    Good Morning Friends!

    SharonS, CHJ, Kathy L and 40SomethingMom (and anyone else I may have missed) thanks so much for the warm welcome! 

    First TC+Herceptin treatment yesterday was looong!!!  Was in the "chair" for 6 hrs. 10 mins.  My husband was with me the entire time (except for a trip to the bank after I was hooked up), we read, watched TV, he went down to the cafeteria and brought us lunch, and then we played some cards.  All in all a pretty good experience under the circumstances.

    CHJ - I'm doing my treatment at HarborView Cancer Center in Baltimore.  Since I work in the City I have to drive right by there all the time, so it's really a breeze.  Surgery, chemo and radiation all in the same place.  Not to mention, I love all of my doctors and my chemo nurses yesterday were absolutely wonderful!  Did I read in one of your posts that you mentioned walking in Baltimore?  Do you work there as well?  Also, I have some friends who live in Woodbine -- is that near you?

    KathyL - congrats on your last chemo approaching. I just know you'll be glad to get it behind you and start to move on!

    40SomethingMom - hang in there.  I'm so glad you have your parents there to help you out with your kids and your furr baby!!

    So far this morning, I'm feeling OK.  Put some Miralax in my morning coffee as I think some of those "clogging" issues are about to start.  I'll be heading by the Cancer Center for my Neulasta shot on my way in to work this morning.  Am really kinda worried about the bone pains from this one.  How long before  these se's kick in?

    I plan to work today but will probably bring some work home in case I'm not feeling up to going in on Monday.  I'm thinking I'll probably start feeling the full se's this weekend.

    Happy Friday to all and I hope you all have a great weekend!

    Talk to you soon,

    Vickie

  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2008

    Vickie:  I do the exact same regimen as you on Wednesdays.  It is long!  My first round of SEs was pretty easy, it got a little worse with each subsequent round though; but remember, everyone's different.  I start with the bone aches Friday afternoon/evening and they peak on Saturday.  By Sunday, I can tell they are improving some, and they're gone by Tuesday.  Motrin every 6 hrs. helps as does Claritin (I take Claritin daily starting the night I get the Neulasta shot--Thursday--, and continuing until about Sunday night).  Hope this helps.  Rest easy this weekend.

    Wendy:  Good luck with rads.  I don't have to go there since I'm stage one and had a mastectomy.  A tip for the fatigue:  here in DE they've started using Ritalin.  One of my friends used it and said it did help perk her up.

  • WellWater
    WellWater Member Posts: 4,524
    edited March 2008

    Good Morning:  I am feeling human again but still have a "full" feeling and not sure what that is about.  It's like all my veins and arteries are full.  I get hungry but cannot eat much because I feel so full.  Who knows...there are so many goofy s/e's, just another one to add to the list.

    Vickie:  Glad your 1st tx went well.  Over 6...wow - I thought mine was long at 4 hours but then you're getting H along with the regular tx.  I always got my Neulasta shot the day after and that night is when all my s/e's kicked in.  The nurses said it was chemo reaction and not the N shot.  Who knows.  Anyway, according the scripture the s/e's of N kick in 8-10 days out.......I never noticed any big change or bone pain that supposedly accompanies the N shot leaving the bone marrow but we're all different.

    Goldilocks:  Happy Birthday.......hope dh is feeling better and able to go with you today.

    Have a great day......Trina

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2008

    Good Morning Ladies - Was tired of not sleeping so took 2 tylenol PM and had a good night. However I woke up at 715 and was supposed to meet a friend for breakfast at 730 and the place was 15 min away..However due to no hair I took a shower in 3 min...jumped in my clothes and was off...only 10 min late...so no hair does have it's positives!!!

    OK, here is a SE that I haven't seen discussed for about 2 days after my RBC shot I feel bloated and short of breath...on my run yesterday I had to walk more than run...yesterday my pants hardly fit, but today it is ok....anyone else get this shot.  Neulasta is helping the WBC...no problems there..

    Have a good day.  Sharon

  • 40somethingMom
    40somethingMom Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2008

    Day 4 tx3 woke up surprisingly refreshed this morning.  Much more fatigued this round overall and yes full feeling, I can feel the chemo pumping through my body, heavy chest.  I had hot flashes last night, but nothing major.  I feel throbbing but not pain in my lower back and knees and am taking the vicadin regardless to ward off a hit like last two txs.  Am I crazy to think I have this all under control?  time will tell

    Goldilocks-  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  hope your DH feels better

    Vickie- hope you can keep the se under control

    Wendy- your picture has such spirit, love your smile, I can tell you will do fine through rads, like KathyL I am a lucky one to forego, even at stage II with no lymph node involvement and mastectomy, I just need to get started on research for reconstruction, I still can not decide what to do

    Sharon and Trina  everyone have a great day, I'm off for a walk with mom sun is shinning in MI snow finally melting!

    Hugs Patty

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2008

    wrsmith2x:    Hot flashes have been such a steady, common part of my life...a few tricks that help. They now make remote control fans that if you have one by your bedside you can turn on without getting up. Sure dh will need to dress a bit warmer, but then I don't leave it on all the time.  I also carry an Ipod looking fan that I got from Wallyworld. Pretty flat and can sit on a table. Great when eating out. My friends and family understand that this is my norm. Been this was for 5 years at least flash once an hour. It gets worse for me now due to the drugs. Now when I flash it is intense. I also have a revolving fan at my desk and a small 7 inch fan under my desk. These have really made a better life for me to tolerate "the flashes".

    Gyggerty:   DH is not better. He even had to sleep on the sofa last night so in the event he may be contagious, I don't get sick.  Frown He is suppose to get to the dr today and get checked out, in the event that he may need antibiotics.  I haven't heard from him yet so we'll see.

    Everyone;  Thank you all for the warm birthday wishes. 

    Had blood drawn yesterday, and it looks like they drew it with a turkey baster! The whole is huge.  I don't have a port, so now they will need to locate an un-stretched vein for today.  I need to see what the lab tech was thinking using such a large needle. It is already starting to bruise.

    Wishing all a great Friday. I will make the best of it, and will check in tomorrow.

  • Believer0711
    Believer0711 Member Posts: 64
    edited March 2008

    Oh it's a beautiful day in Dallas at 75 degrees. Goldie, are you enjoying this too Cool.

    Ladies, I'm so thrilled -- first time to wear a bra since mast/lat flap on Jan 4!!!! No discomfort, nice cleavage -- awesome feeling!!!! I can finally see my boobs in their proper places hehe. I've been wearing those sportsbras from Walmart (3 for $9.98) - they're comfy but I have to put kleenex over the nips to make them look even. So today, I tried on the bra and voila!!!!

    Hope everyone's having a great day!

  • bdatlanta
    bdatlanta Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2008

    Hey ladies,

    I'm back. been MIA for awhile cause of the depression. Went at got some meds the other to deal with it.


    Plus, I've been spending a crap load of time at the doctors. My WC is way high - so that's good because no more evil neulasta shots. But my port has been given me problems - after several xrays its doing o.k.. And I was down with a fever last weekend.

    So I'm just getting back on my feet, mentally.

    Have last tx next Thursday. Can we say "dancing in the streets"??? I'm so over the damn chemo side effects. Like today, I'm extremely fatigued and cranky. Supposed to go to a big political event tonight but not sure I even feel like being around other people.

    Will check in over the weekend...