Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hello new friends, welcome to the thread! Yep, everyone's experience is different. There'll be bad days and good days. I'm so thankful that my side effects have been very mild - Thank You Lord.
Goldi, did you call your doc about the rib pain? Btw, my hubby and I would like to bring you dinner one of these days - if you don't mind. Please pm me :->.
KathyL, congrats on your last treatment!
SharonS, glad to hear that yours went well. Hoping your se's are manageable.
C-Babe, how did yours go?
Atlanta, love your pics!
Ladies going for treatments this week (like me, tomorrow), I pray everything goes smoothly.
Good night, sleep tight!
God bless,
Aurora
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Nice to hear how everyone is doing. I have chemo tx #3 tomorrow. The Decadron is giving me hot flashes already today and I am irritable in general already. A little nervous about SE's for this one b/c a lot of people have mentioned #3 was a little worse. So far I have not had to have Neulasta. The weather was 87 degrees down here today, so I plan on starting a water aerobics class in about a week or so, when I feel a little better from this treatment.
Rachel
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Welcome newcomers. Read this board well...I wish I had found it before my first tx, but nonetheless I did find it and all the women are awesome!!
In 5 hours I go to have my last round of chemo. I am beyond ecstatic. I'm soooo over the side effects. But mainly I'm over with the chemo fog. Damn, that is the most frustrating thing. I used to have an unbelievable photographic memory and now it takes me twenty minutes to find a belt or the car keys. I'm tired of wanting to cry because I'm so frustrated with not finding stuff.
I started reading the radiation board and its got me mighty nervous because some say the radiation fog is worse than the chemo fog and I'm doing 30 sessions of radiation. Lordy, I won't be able to find my dog during radiation. I'm also not thrilled about having to buy a new wardrobe of bras or the fact that I will have to get out of my fleece pajamas once a day.
But I'm happy that I'm finishing chemo. I'm wearing my pink scarf and an awesome pink boa. Yup, we are going out in high style.
Oh and I'm beyond excited about getting this cyborg of a port out of me. I'm thin like some of you and the port sticks out as far as a coca-cola top. It's been great when used for the chemo but I don't let them draw blood from it - it just hurts too much. Last week I spent 6 hours in the xray room because I was having a thobbing pain that ran from the port to the top of my ear. My doctor thinks the port is pinching a nerve - umm...yeah its been pinching since Dec. 28, 2007.
One tip: make sure you get a good nurse that knows how to access your port. I didn't find this out until last week that there is a huge difference between nurses who are adapt and those that are not. So today I'm getting my oncologist's nurse to access my port before I head to the chemo nurses. My oncologist's nurse doesn't hurt me. Wish I would have known this 3 months ago.
I'll report in later.
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Good luck to aurora, rachelgators on your tx today. And special hugs to bdatalnta on your last round! It's such a great feeling to walk out at the end finished! Today I go back for my last neulasta shot-- I'm taking the nurses some ricotta cheese brownies for getting me through all this.
I feel kinda tired today (probably some residual benadryl... it always hits me hard) and my cheeks are flushed (probably the extra decadron I got yesterday). My usual hot/cold feeling (maybe the herceptin, I can't tell), and the pit/rock-in-the-stomach feeling. Not too bad, all I'm used to by now. Saturday is usually my hardest with the bone aches and fatigue-- I plan on sleeping a lot then!
Some tips to pass on... bdatlanta-- here in DE they've started using Ritalin to combat the fatigue from radiation. It is so far a success from friends I know that have used it. Ask about it, as I do hear the fatigue from radiation is worse that of chemo's and can last a while even once you're done with radiation.
To newbies that have ports: BDAtalanta is so right about who accesses your port-- some are better than others. My center also has a numbing/freezing spray that they use if you ask them-- it works awesome, does not hurt, and takes effect almost immediately after sprayed. Much faster and less messy than EMLA cream which has to be on for at least an hour before access and has to be covered with an occlusive dressing. In addition, the spray is free; EMLA is RX through a pharmacy so you have to pay whatever your prescription deal is. I ask for the spray all the time if I don't know the nurse that will be accessing me; the ones I know are good, I go without anything.
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Hi everyone,
Had treatment #3 yesterday, and all went well. I was a bit sleepy during and after from the nausea meds they give me, but boy, do they work well for me! Had lunch with friends after treatment, then home to sleep.
Best news of the day was that the results of my FISH test for HER2neu status came in to confirm (the IHC results) that I am negative, and the onco nurse told me (by phone) that the doc is REDUCING my treatments to FOUR from SIX as a result. Not sure I completely understand this change of plan, but I have a call in to the doc to ask about the details. That would be huge! I am psyched!
Slept "well" last night, up every two hours, but that's normal for me, and I go right back to sleep. Having a Neulasta shot this evening, and not looking forward to Easter weekend, anticipating the bone pain. However, I took Claritin last treatment for about 7 days and found that helped a bit with the Neulasta se's.
Wishing everyone all the best.... long sleeps, long hair, long lives.
xox
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bdatlanta- KathyL- SO HAPPY FOR BOTH OF YOU ONLY 1 MORE TO GO YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! I agree about port It is just like bdatlanta for me coke bottle sticking out an inch and I have them do blood in my arm for the same reason, it is a sucking hurt and I do think some nurses have done it and it did not hurt as much--Definitely must be a technique involved and the nurses do not all know it --If I was starting Chemo I would Ask!! We FIGHTERS need to ban together to make this whole experience more pleasant for anyone who has to endure treatment!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE GOING THIS WEEK YOU ARE ALL IN MY EASTER PRAYERS!
C-Bee-- That sounds Great! I have been thinking of you with very high Onco scores doing 6 treatments made me sad (I have a friend who did the 26 weeks study of TAC felt so much for her) but I understand the %'S
Well, I just got a call this morning about my blood work-- they say Liver is even higher and my onc wants me to go back today for more blood today and have an ultra sound as well?? a bit nervous, but hope all will be well, I still have the darn lower back and abdomen throbbing pains and my port is still throbbing I'll mention that to them again today
I am most tiered of everyone around me saying "you feel good today don't you?" "you look so good" that's the one that gets me I can look good but not feel great, well I do have great days, but overall for me tx3 has been worse I am very fatigued and never feeling 100% it's kinda sucky and people I know are getting tiered of me saying I am not feeling great, I'm tiered of it as well !! That's just how it is for me.
Glad I got most of the Bunny Stuff for the kids the other day out of the way! My son can not stop talking about how the Easter Bunny has to hide the eggs better this year because he is older and needs a challenge, ha ha keeps me going
Sunshine in Michigan-
Patty
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Hey c-babe.....Good for you !!!!I love hearing that. O.K. I was wondering this whole while as to why you had to do 6 tx and I only had to do 4 tx. As you know, we are identical in our DX and this explains it to me.
Guess I always assumed (you know what they say about that) you were Her2 - , like a am. Soooo, now you'll be done before me. What a wonderful surprise eh?
God's blessings to you, hope you can eat at least one chocolate Easter egg.
By the way day 15 and the comb was pretty full this mornign. And I thought it wouldn't happen to me.Ha! Still havent tries the wig on...
....:(
Good Mornign Everybody else out there, Artsee
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I tried posting Tuesday yet ran into the down for maintenance notice after having completed the entry so it didn't actually post. And of course, it wiped out my note too. Aargh!
Congratulations to SharonS for her accomplishment on the half-marathon. Thanks for taking all of us along. That may be the only half-marathon some of us will ever "run"!
An update on the hair loss front ... body hair (not head) started thinning on day 16 after tx1. Head hair started thinning on day 19 - which was exactly when my onc predicted. Much head hair loss on day 21 - before then my recent pixie cut still was presentable. Definitely using wigs, hats, and scarves from her out. I got 3 wigs - ine that looks close to my pre-chemo look (short, curly, dark brown), and then two others which are short and straight - one in dark brown and the other in dark auburn. Figured if I need to do this, I should try to have fun with it. In hindsight, I may have benefited from doing a true buzz cut as soon as the hair started thinining - most of my hair loss happens in the shower and while the hair is significantly shorter than how I used to wear it, it still is long enough to be very noticeable. I keep telling myself that I knew it would happen, I am prepared with my wigs, etc, and it will grow back yet looking in the mirror after each shower is a bit tough. Glad I do like how I look in the wigs!
TX#2 was yesterday. Unfortunately, the ease of TX#1 was not repeated. Had a hypo-allergic reaction to the Taxotere even though no problem at all first time around. Severe abdominal pressure, hot flash then went through my face up to my ears, dizziness. Nurses and doctor responded immediately to my call button (as they should), stopped the drip, gave me oxygen as a booster just in case (good news is I did not have problems breathing). Once everything settled down and confirmed stable, I did get the Cytoxan but Onc has decided to change me over to Abraxane so I go back today for that. One nurse said the last time she saw this type of reaction was 9 years ago. Well I guess this means I am so special! May have freaked out DH even more than myself - all he could do was watch, poor guy. The Abraxane is a newer drug that has less likelihood for allergic response yet does not have the same body of evidence of Taxotere since it hasn't been around as long. Need to do a bit of my own research on that yet but clearly need to move forward with completing tx#2.
Here's hoping for uneventful days for all of us!
Joan
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Hi all! So many of us have graduated so to speak. Yeah for us! Welcome to all you new ladies!
Ladybug, I made the mistake of not cutting my hair, as believe it or not my Onc told me I would not lose my hair! I had medium length curly hair, and if I had know, I would have cut it short in advance. It was very traumatic to have large clumps come out in the shower. I then looked like a fallout victim with long straggly clumps of hair! Cut it now so you will not be too traumatized.
Everyone reacts differently, like everyone els said the anticipation is the worst part!
Good luck all!
P.S. My MRI came out ok!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!
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Congrats to all that have completed this leg of the race. I wish you all the best and hope you come back to check on us occationally. I had to stay home today. My body aches were so bad that when I went to the onc for my neupogen shot yesterday they suggested that I rest for a day. So I guess, this is the se for me from round 2. I go for my last neupogen shot today. My energy is shot, so I will just be a couch potato today. Pasta seems to be the most flavorful for me.
My hair is pretty much gone, and the places that have some hair still are hurting. dh has started putting avocado oil on my head and it really is making a difference. It helps with my nose so why not other parts? That's great news for me.
Dh knew that I was a bit run down yesterday, but he continues to encourage me to push ahead. That is part of the reason I actually went to work. The biggest thing that happened and I believe it concerned him was when we got up we usually turn the heat on to knock the chill off the house. Well, there was no heat! The AC/Heater was not working at A-l-l. Did have a major thunder/lightening rain storm and did lose power briefly the night before. I thought it may just be the circuit breaker. Not. Dh looked at it, removed a part and said that he would get on it as soon as he could. We both went to work, and since I was also a bit concerned I called him a couple of hours into the work day. He said, " I thought you would call on your lunch break,and I wanted to surprise you". He opted to take the day off and repair the heater. What a surprise. He did have to call a repairman due to it not being that simple. He told the company that his wife was having chemo and that it was of utmost importance that the house be regulated so that I wouldn't get sick. They came out immediately, had to actually go out of the area for parts and finished it all in the same day. We even got a discount as a bonus. It is great when there really are people out there that have a heart and care for strangers and their wellbeing. Today, I have heat and dh is a true angel to be continually dealing with such challenges.
So this leads me to a question...has anyone done anything special in appreciation for their dh's? I know that without him, I would not be in such great shape mentally, physically or spiritually. He was around the first time I went through this and now this time. Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments.
Have a se free day, all.
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Hi all
bdatlanta - love the pink boa congrats to you!
Kathy L - I feel a bit flushed today also...at least it gives me color...my RBC was good yesterday too, so I guess that helps...I have that funny stomach feeling today also. My benedryl kicked in last night and I slept all night..can't tell you when I have done that last
Go for neulasta at 230 today...not looking forward to the bone pain...my felt like my bones had gas! Will do the claritan again, and got a refill on the pain med.
We are all learning new skills at my house...my husband did the lint rolling on my head and then my son home on spring break decided I should wear a scarf instead of a ballcap today...so he picked one out and tied it for me...they were so sweet.
Have a great day...hoping I can make it through the tennis team match and then onto a surprise bday party for our admissions worker...
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Goldilocks...last night I made a pie for someone who had lost a grandson - apple which is my dh favorite. So when I opened the oven I called him in and said look I put in one pie and two came out...he was estatic...
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Today I took my daughter and 4-1/2-yr-old grandson to the Port Discovery Museum in Baltimore (an hour away). He loved running all over the place, and fortunately my daughter managed to keep up with him. I had water with me but forgot to take a snack so we had an early lunch. It was such a change to take a vacation day rather than sick leave!
I'm tired now but slept better last night after taking 2 tylenol/PM's.
Does anyone else have toenails that hurt? My little toes seem to curl under or something and really start to hurt in cetain shoes. They're not turning black or anything so I'm not sure what to do.
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Thanks again for all the good advice. I'm one of those people who like to know EVERYTHING going in. I don't "imagine" any of the symptoms just because someone else had it. I just want to have the info. My co-workers think I'm nuts for wanting to know the worst possible things that can happen. But I figure, if I'm prepared for it, I won't be freaking out thinking this was unheard of, you know? Therefore, I'm really glad I came here and found you girls. I cut 1 inch off after my diagnosis. I plan to go in for my wig fitting this weekend. I'm half way looking forward to losing my hair. I think the dread of losing it, is worse right now.
I go Monday to have my port put in. Question for you all. Is it obvious where the port is? I mean, some of my shirts are scoop necked and I am wondering if it will be visible? Not that it matters, but I just want to be prepared. Also, they told me it will be uncomfortable for a week or so. Did any of you find this to be the case?
Thanks girls, your the best!
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3rd treatment down!!!! Wow, got that out of the way in a breeze - Praise God! My veins were very good today, so bloodwork and infusion were easy. Hives are completely gone, but feel a little bloated from the prednisone.
To show my appreciation for my hubby, I give him surprise cards and notes and I try to be very attentive even on my bad days. Sometimes it's hard, but for all his sacrifice during the past 6 months - that's the least I can do. He's God-sent to me, and I truly mean that. Next to God, I owe him my recovery. So my hats off (whoa, there goes my baldie hehe) to all our wonderful hubbies, and loved ones!!!
Beegirl, today i felt twitching on my fingertips and cuticles. Not painful, just a little weird. I massage them with lotion. I should get that tea tree oil.
40somethin -- girl, I really really hope that everything's ok with the liver, etc. I worry when other organs/body parts get affected somehow. We're trying hard to get this bc out of our system, and here comes an interruption. I'll be praying for you.
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Welcome to the newbies from the last couple of days. I'm really bad with all the names; this was so even before chemo brain! You've joined a great group. Without it I would not have had much of clue to what to expect on my first tx. As it was my s/e's from the first tx were pretty mild, but I did have them pretty much like most of everyone else on this thread.
My hair started falling out yesterday (day 15) so I had my husband give me a buzz cut with the 1/2 inch cutter. It is very liberating. However, I now look exactly like my brother! I have some cowlicks that grow the opposite way from the neighboring hair. Interesting to see the framework of my hair problems.
I went to the 'Look Good, Feel Better' program last night and had so much fun. I wore my wig and even the cosmetologists were surprised when I they found out I was wearing a wig. That felt good. Anyway, everyone should attend this program. They have it everywhere and if you haven't heard of it check with your American Cancer Society office and they will tell you where your nearest one is. It is so worth the time and it free and you get a wonderful bag full of cosmetics. We also learned how to work with headwraps and got to try on wigs. We had women with cancer from age 60's to as young as 17!
Some of you have mentioned having a twitching eye as a s/e from the chemo. Well, I have a twitching lip and nostril. I feel like I am the Easter Bunny. Seems mostly to happen when I am putting on lipstick, but it if keeps up for the next 3 tx's it could be interesting. Other than that I feel almost normal; just more tired than I would usually be. Next tx is March 26 and I have 6 family birthdays coming up from March 30 to April 9. I'll show up but probably won't party much!
I hope everyone keeps feeling better and has a nice Easter Sunday.
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ladybugcindi, I had my port put in the same day as chemo. Everyone reacts differently, so keep that in mind. My port is like someone said a bottle cap under the skin, the incision is about 1 1/2 ", it was painless and does show, but I don't let that bother me when I wear a scoop neck top, also it does not rub on your bra strap, I guess it depends on the surgeon.Mine was not sore at all, just treated it gently for the first 10 days, did not take a shower, just baths, so the water would not beat on it. It is fine and many people rave on the port, I will have my 2nd treatment on Monday.lotodgs
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Morning all, yesterday was the worse day I have had yet. Could not get energized no matter what. Slept off and on most of the day. Dh took me to get my neupogen, and the nurse decided that I best come in today for another and blood work. My legs/hips are extremely painful. They said that the chemo and neupogen are battling it out. Sure wish they could do this somewhere other than in my bones.
Decided since my energy was better today that I would come to work. as long as I am not walking around, I do pretty good. Am taking tylenol, darvaset and Ibprofen. You'd think I would be out like a light. It hasn't even touched me or the pain. Spoke with dr office and they said that after today I should start feeling better. Ya think? No more shots, that should help.
I plan on making today a Good "Good Friday", just because I can. You all inspire me to do so. I'm here and that's a good thing.
I wish everyone a Good Friday.
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Hi Ladies!
Got back from Vegas on Sunday. Had a GREAT weekend! Didn't win any money, but we didn't lose any either, so that was good. It was so nice getting a break from BC thoughts and to see some sunshine. We don't get much here. The weather was about mid 60's which would be like a heat wave. Even though it is spring on the calendar you wouldn't know it by our weather - we just got a few more inches of snow the other day. I am ready for some real spring weather. The Claritin must have worked again because I hardly had any bone pains this time. The ones I did get I got during the night.
40Something - We have a goldendoodle, too! He just turned 1 in January. I hope everything goes well with your liver tests.
SharonW, KathyL, bdatlanta - Congrats on being done!!! Woohoo!
SharonS- Congrats on the ½! Your time is awesome. Thanks for taking us all with you - that is an honor!
Bdatlanta - You are too funny! The orphan annie hat is hysterical! Glad you seem to be feeling less depressed. Glad you stayed safe during the tornado. I think you look great bald!
Goldilocks - sorry to hear about your shopping experience. There have been a few times through this journey where I thought I was ready to face something and just wasn't - of course I am much more emotional than I used to be.
Beegirl - Where do you get the calendula cream? I have seen it mentioned in a few places, but not sure if it is a brand or a type of cream. Unfortunately, we did a lot of walking on Friday in Vegas (we did a scavenger hunt which was loads of fun!) When I took my shoes off, both of my larger toenails were discolored. The right was just a bit sore and slightly colored. My left is all black and still sore. I hope it isn't going to fall of, but am afraid it might. Not sure why that happened as my shoes fit fine and were not new or anything.
Jt - I have gone on the treadmill 4 -5 days a week from the beginning and I think it makes a huge difference in recovery.
KathyL - I had the flushed face this time, too. It came on the night of tx and the next evening, too. Now I have two areas on my cheeks that seem to get red really often. Reminds me a bit of the slapped face look. I am hoping this goes away.
C-Babe - good news on getting your tx's reduced. Only one more to go!
Jisman - a great tip I got off a gal from a different thread, type your responses in word and then copy to the thread when you are done. I had lost a few responses and it is really frustrating. Haven't had a problem since. Scary about the reaction. Hope everything goes well today with the new drug.
Well since I am about 14 days out since last tx, wondering if I will be losing any more eyelashes/brows. I hope not. I would imagine if it were to happen it would be happening in the next week.
I have had a problem with fluid retention this round too. I am trying to keep flushing with water. Seems to work better some days than others. Foot cramps are really painful and I haven't found anything to help that yet.
I had blood drawn on Thursday for the BRCA test. Not sure what I will do with the results, but thought I was finally ready to deal with whatever comes from that. Has anyone else been tested?
I go for my simulation for rads on Monday. I am supposed to start a week or so after that. Dr. thinks I will only need 5 weeks which makes me happy. He has to wait for some more info from the surgeon.
Sorry this post is so long! Have a great day everyone!
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I did the BRCA test and got my results about a month ago. Had decided that if I were positive, I would likley have my ovaries removed since the detection testing for ovarian cancer is nowhere near as advanced as for BC. Also decided that I would not do a bilateral mastectomy snce detection is what it is - just up that testing frequency. Had my action plan crafted in my mind before the results came back and then heard I was negative for both mutations so no need to advance that particular plan.
My second take on chemo treatment #2 went much better! They treated me with kid gloves even though we were trying a different drug. Better safe then sorry!
Having trouble sleeping - not sure if that's the steroids or some other SE.
My bran, applesauce, prune juice, and honey concoction is working well to help keep me more regular. Decided to try that before the OTC stool softener.
A good day and weekend to all!
Joan
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C-Babe: Congrats on your good news. How nice to only have to get 4 txs now! I, too, am not looking forward to the bone pains this Easter weekend. I managed to get everything done ahead of time (mostly), so I'm hoping I can just lay low and let everyone around me take care of things.
40something mom: Hopefully the liver stuff is just a reaction to all the chemo. I know TC can elevate liver enzymes and cause the liver to enlarge. Sending vibes your way that this is all it is. My kids, too, are looking forward to Easter. They are home today through the 31st. I hope I can keep up with them that long, especially after this round of chemo. At least there will be lots of people around until Tuesday.
Jisman: I had the same taxotere rxn with round #2 and #3 (flushed face/chest/neck, saw flashing lights, had trouble breathing and got oxygen, felt dizzy). My cancer center said this rxn is very common with taxotere. In fact, both days I had my rxn, someone else had the same thing happen the next row over from me. This last round of chemo, they gave me lots of benadryl and extra IV decadron (on top of the oral I already take), and I was fine. They tell me it's not an allergic rxn, but an adverse rxn. I still wish I hadn't had to go through it twice! You're lucky they switched your med.
Loopyloulee: Yipee for the good MRI!
Goldilocks: Of course we'll be back! At least I will continue to return even though I'm done. You gals can always PM me, too, if there are questions and you haven't seen me in a while. I'll probably be going back to work late April/early May and won't be able to check in as much then.
What a great dh you have, and how nice that the repairman was quick. To answer your dh question... I have to admit I feel like I should do more for mine to show my appreciation. But I did give him a card with lots of my thoughts in it. And I've been making sure her gets out with his guy friends regularly, which is a huge stress relief for him. He bowls weekly and plays poker about once a month. I know he likes to be able to do this. I also let him buy a new bowling ball (even though money's kinda tight), so that made him happy, too. I guess I've just been doing little things along the way.
Beegirl: Haven't had any toes problems. A few of my fingernails turn purplish at times and occasionally hurt, but that's it so far (knock on wood!).
Ladybug: I am the same way. Glad our tips and info have been helpful to you. I am fairly thin (well, at least I was prior to chemo!), and my port does stick out about an inch. If a shirt is tighter-fitting it is obvious. I can wear some v-neck and scoop neck shirt, however. So it really will depend where you surgeon places your port. Mine is below my collarbone about 2-3 fingerwidths, and about 2 fingerwidths inward from my bra strap. My port site was sore for probably about a week after surgery, bruised for about 2-3 weeks. I had mine accessed the first time 2 days after surgery-I asked for the numbing/freezing spray which worked great and I felt nothing (and I'm a wuss).
PALady: Glad you had a good trip. I think it's great to get a break from BC talk. I was BRCA tested and both were negative. I'll be keeping up on genetics stuff in the BC news b/c so much more will be coming out in the coming years I'm sure-there have to be other genetic tests that will become available.
Well, I think I'm through all the posts now. Feeling the tiredness setting in today, but not much else that's too bad yet. Hope everyone has a good weekend and a nice Easter (if you celebrate it).
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Hi all - Had chemo 2 on Wed..felt fine yesterday, but couldn't sleep last night. Felt ok this morning, breakfast, morning BM ( i have not had any problems there thank goodness) and off to work....where I just started feeling worse and worse....so came home. Took a nap, and feel a tad better,but certainly not great. Maybe this means I will be better for the Easter Bunny...Hope everyone has a SE free weekend....I am still waiting on the bone pain from the shot yesterday. That started 3 days after shot last time...I did the claritan, but I take a prescription antiinflammatory and they told me to try that this time....relafen...
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PAlady - Glad you had a good time in Las Vegas. It really does help to get away from the BC for awhile. I found a calendula/honey cream at Whole Foods. There was another brand with calendula (it's a part of a flower) that was a lot more expensive, so I got the cheaper one. It doesn't smell great, but I think it is helping. You might check with health food stores or look on the internet. For the foot cramps you might try tonic water. I know someone who drinks a glass a day to prevent leg cramps.
Hope everyone can relax over the weekend!
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Hi everyone! Day 2 of 3rd TC, and so far feeling good.
PALady, welcome back from Vegas! Did you watch any magic shows? Hehe, I'm a sucker for those. I used to live in Missouri, and we'd go to Branson just to watch the shows. How retarded can I be?
Atlanta, your last tc today! How did it go?
SharonS, Joan, I know what you're saying. I tried to take a nap today, and I was wide awake like an owl! It must be the steroids. Tonight I'm gonna have to take ambien, or I'll be miserable tomorrow.
Goldie, Patty, sorry you're having bad se's
. I pray you feel better soon.Jt, I'm going to the LGFG on April 15. I hear you get a lot of freebies like makeup and stuff?
Loupy, glad to hear your MRI is ok!!! Must feel like a big burden off your shoulders - whew!
Enjoy the weekend, ladies. Wishing you all a Happy Easter!
Love,
Aurora
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OMG, Hello to you all, the last time I was here was 1/21/08, I can't even figure out why I haven't been back, it may have had something to do with going back to work and my daughter's sport activities.
Last week I completed by last tx, this by far has been the most maddening. I developed a widerspread of skin irritation, my Onc said it is somthing like hyperpigmentosis (spelling??). However, I feel extremely lucky and blessed that this is probably the only s/e that caused the most discomfort. I would like to say if it weren't for this site and all of you there is a lot of stuff I wouldn't have known along the way, Thank You. I plan to return to keep in touch and I wish the very best to all of you, if there is anything I can share please feel free to call upon me.
Apparently everything went according to my Onc's plan, on 4/1/08 I start the tax pill for 1 year, and if my period continues to be non-existent then I may move on to the other type of pill, all in all I will be taking a daily pill for the next 5 years. When my Onc said that these tx would probably create hot flashes, he wasn't kidding. One of my co-workers is getting me a T-shirt that he thought was fitting, "Your're hot, in flashes", he kinda has different humor.
My dh and I are busy planning were we will be heading once I get over the skin irritation and Thank Goodness my appetite returned yesterday along with my taste buds, here I come Olive Garden. Looking forward to seeing how long it takes for my hair to return, this has been a real sore spot for me, since I had extremely long hair and knowing I probably won't be able to grow it that long again. Oh well, don't tell but I really didn't mind having shorter hair, my prep time was quite a lot less than before. I read somewheres back that someone went to the "Look Good, Feel Better" classes, so did I, that was really lots of fun, lots of nice makeup and other stuff, plus I got to meet some really neat ladies, I would highly recommend this course to others.
Has anyone had a s/e where you eye constantly tears up? What a drag, but this too shall pass.
I am so happy we are now into this season, I love Spring and Summer, all new things come alive, and that is what I feel like will be happening to me. I had a Nurse I would go to for my Neulasta shots, if she wasn't there I didn't want anyone else, she gave them the best, they didn't hurt, well on the day I received my last one she finally shared with me why she took such care when she gave the shot, she too had received them when she was taking tx for a different form of cancer. She and the other nurses gave me a certification of completion and as we talked about the accomplishment I said I was looking forward to returning to my old self. This very wise Nurse told me that I would never be my old self, but a newer and better self, and as I reflected back on what she said this is to be very true, my life has changed tremendously since the day I received my diagnosis, my faith in God, my love for my family and my tolerance for things I have no control over have done a 380 and I couldn't be happier (I was and still kinda am a control freak). However I still have my 22 year old living at home and acting like she is 13, but this too shall pass.
Well my dear friends I wish the very best for each and every one of you and for those I didn't yet get an opportunity to know more of. I hope to visit with you all in the future. Take Care and God keep you in his care. Always Me~Jackie
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Believer: Where are you going for the LGFG on April 15? I called yesterday and left a message, figured they were off cause of the holiday. Don't have her name here cause I called from work, but is it LGFG that also feeds dinner? It would be great if we ended up in the same class. I hope there is still room. Thanks all, for encouraging us to get involved with Look Good, Feel Great. I am looking forward to the experience.
Had to have another neupogen shot yesterday and still am having challenges standing/walking across the room. The bone pain is crazy. So, I'm taking all the pain meds possible and don't plan on doing any driving. dh will be the "designated driver". I'm not sleepy, just greatful that I am up and moving, however slow. Trying to remember to pick up my feet. This feeling I hope is gone soon, cause I am tired of this. My tongue is raw, and I can taste salt in everything. Settling more for milk, ice cream, smoothies, string cheese. I love to eat the "cuties" little kinda oranges, but last night pretty much ended that. Burn, baby burn!
Getting through this one hour at a time right now. Hope everyone else is se free. Since I'm having a rough time, just pass your se this way, I'll bare the burden so you all can enjoy the weekend. If that were possible. I enjoy the conversations we all have. Thanks for sharing and being in my life.
Have a happy Saturday.
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I completed 4 sessions of this coktail beginning in November and ending in January. I tolerated it quite well. I felt mildly nauseous in the 1st treatment, my doctor prescribed Zofran to help and it did. My oncologist also had administered Benadryl and an anti nausea RX intravenously prior to the chemo infusion and this helped greatly. The only real problem occurred in the 3rd session when they tried to increase the drip from 100 to 265, I passed out and then was bedridden for 4 days. I would develop a rash, resembling hives and it would dissappear after the first week. My sessions were scheduled every three weeks. It did leave me quite lethargic. My white cell counts dropped in the 3rd session but my body was able to recover without any drugs but the 4th session levels dropped significantly and I needed a series of shots to elevate the levels. SO, it was not so bad for me, howver other women in my support group did have a tough time and it apparently is the Taxodere that causes the most problems.
Georgette
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Hi All- third day after T2...can't seem to find energy anywhere....just weak, weak...maybe a better day tomorrow...
Sharon
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Goldie, April 15 6pm-8pm, at Baylor Regional Med Ctr at Plano (Conf Rm A/B Garden Level). Dinner provided, free parking, free makeup/goodies. RSVP in advance 1-800-4Baylor. Yessss, I haven't called either, hopefully we'll be in the same class. Yey, we will finally meet!!!
Hi Jackie, congratulations on your tc graduation! I appreciate your encouraging words. Agree completely, we will never be the same again -- only a lot stronger -- in our faith in God, resilience and everything else, right? God bless you and keep you healthy and cancer-free forever. Hugs.
Happy Saturday dear friends!
Love,
Aurora
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Tx #3 went okay on thursday. The fatigue set in almost immediately. The heartburn is pretty bad. Zantac has been helping some. I have stayed away from meat. Just doesn't sound good.
I did have BRCA 1 and 2 testing back in November. I was negative, but b/c of my ethnic background I was at a higher risk for gene mutation. I would have had my ovaries removed if it had been positive.
Rachel
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