Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hi Women-
Well, today is the big day for me (2 weeks after first treatment)--my hair is starting to fall out. I met a woman the other day who told me it took a month for hers to fall out. I'm wondering what the rest of you have experienced. Otherwise I am feeling mostly OK--still running, sleeping well and eating enough.
Keep up the good work, all of you.
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Anyone having a rash break out? I am on day 7 after tx #2 and I started breaking out with a rash on my head!! And it itches! I put hydrocortisone cream on it to stop the itch. I don't know if this relates to s/e or not. I go in to have my catheter redressed tomorrow and I will definitely ask the nurse about it.
Can anybody tell me if the "dead' taste buds get better and when?
Do they get better between treatments or is it pretty much gone until after chemo is finished?
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Winnie,
My hair started falling out exactly 2 weeks after the first treatment, too. By day 18, it was unmanageable (unwashable without falling out in clumps) so I buzzed it and began wearing my wig. However, my hair never completely fell out... just thinned significantly. Here I stand, two days before my fourth treatment, with a 1/4 inch fuzz all over my head, with lots of scalp showing through. I never felt the need to shave it completely off.
My tastebuds would vanish three days after treatment, but reappeared after about two weeks of feeling "dead." And the cycle continued....
Best of luck to you.... your hair WILL grow back!
C-Babe0 -
Hi All -
Headed into tx #3 on Wednesday so I'm in the midst of my "best week". Having occasional hot flashes, got some of the red bumps on the crown of my head, scalp is itchy every now and then, my face is breaking out, and continuing to have moderate pain in my wrist. Still have some hair although no where near enough to go without a wig or other head covering.
Funny, but the wig that I am tending to wear the most is the one that looks most DIFFERENT from my pre-BC look. Definitely did not expect that. May have to change my hair color and style once I have my own hair back again!
After the allergic reaction to Taxotere during tx#2, I am actually having Cytoxan and Abraxane this round (hoping you won't kick me out of this thread!). Onco thought that would be better than increasing the meds to try to control the reaction. I had the same symptoms as others with that allergic reaction - dizziness, hot flash, turning bright red; don't recall breathing issues yet the nurses immediately put oxygen on me so that may have solved that problem before it developed. Definitely was scary.
Thinking of everyone. Have a great next day.
Joan
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I am 2 weeks out from TX #2 and my scalp has about 1/4 of fuzz , I find that if I keep the scalp moistured (sp) all the time, it doesn't itch as well, I put Corn Huskers oil or Cetphail on it, I have alot of red bumps almost like zits (this is a s/e of our drugs). HOpe this might help someone.
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Hi All - Welcome to the newcomers. I have tx 3 on Wed. This time they don't have me taking the dex pre chemo...I asked the NP about it and she said that is my onc routine if pts don't have reaction to tx 1 and 2. After reading all the reactions, I am a bit uneasy....anyone start with reactions on tx 3?
However I think some of the uneasy feeling is related to the fact that I feel great, and know that I am going to get put under again on Wed..oh well this too shall pass.
Have a great day everyone
Sharon
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Morning all.
Start of a new week. Guess since this is #3, I shouldn't be surprised of how I'm feeling. Nausea is constant, and bone aches are strong. I have been regular on both nausea meds and pain meds. The taxotere must be doing its job. Go for a full week of neupogen shots, so hopefully I can stay strong and push through this. There is a co-worker that I just heard saying that she is running a fever...great
if you're sick with fever are you not suppose to stay home? I am doing my best to stay out of her "air". The onc nurses said that around day 4-5 is when my blood count starts to drop, do I need to go home because she's sick? I guess I'll call the onc nurse to inquire. If I'm not moving around a bunch I feel pretty good. I am doing my best to keep a good/positive attitude. Of course, it is Monday....
Wishing all a minimal se day. Good luck to those that have treatment this week.
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Debap: I've taken the "bad Karma" for us for sure-so you should be fine next round! Let me know how it goes.
Anna: My taste buds seemed to come back each round after 7-10 days, though chocolate never tasted "right" until now that I'm totally done (I've been done for 3 weeks).
Winnie: My hair, like C-Babe's, never totally went bald. But it thinned and fell out so badly that I shaved it off. It definitely started growing back between #3 and #4. I've been done now for 3 weeks, and the hair is definitely coming back. Very soft and fuzzy on the top of my head. I have a friend who finished chemo in January and she has enough hair now that she wears nothing on her head-looks like a pixie cut.
Goldilocks: That sick co-worker should stay home! Remember to hand wash a lot. I think if you aren't directly around her you should be OK. I'm not sure what you do, so I can't offer other suggestions. Keep an eye out for fever with yourself, of course.
Tomorrow I go for my first herceptin only infusion (done with TC now). Should be interesting to see what, if any, SEs I experience with it alone. Since I got it with TC before, I couldn't tell what SE was related to which drug! I'll also see my onc and get bloodwork done. Curious to see where my counts are now.
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I am enjoying this weather so much, took a walk with my dog and talked to my retired neighbor, who had no idea I have been going through BC for the last 5 months. That's the way it is in MI you can go all winter without seeing your neighbor sometimes.
Debap- this is my final treatment #4 second week, I'm doing better than #3, but not 100% at all. So Happy to be almost done! My lower back is having the shooting pains and I have the heart burn. Taste is terrible again. I think the sore throat this time is the worse, I remember a few girls from the past mentioning, anyone else experiencing that. I believe it is my sinuses are draining in the back of my throat and making it sore- last time it seemed to drain out my nose more. OH Well not complaining just can not wait to be past it all!!!!!!!!!!!
Artsee was not sure how to get to the thread you mentioned??
Prayers to anyone having treatment this week!!
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40..Go into Chemo,before,during and after..then click on"your favorite tips from your onco Dr. or nurse".
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anna47: I have the same exact rash on my head! Mine started day 11 after tx#2. I also put hydrocortisone cream on my head to stop the itching.
Does anyone have any better suggestions?
40somethingMom: I am so happy for you!! It must feel like a milestone finishing this stuff. Are you going on tamoxifen now that you are done with chemo?
KathyL: How many treatments do you get of herceptin?
winnie 264: My hair started falling out 2 weeks after tx#1 also. I couldn't stand the hair in my face and eyes so I shaved it off. My boys kept calling me GI Jane. Eventually, most of the stubble fell out also. Now I have the itchy scalp with red spots, which is annoying. I wear hats that I get compliments on, but I feel like I have a billboard on my forehead "Breast cancer patient!" I know it will grow back and this too shall pass.
Debbie
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Greetings All-
My hairdresser very graciously offered to come to my house to cut my hair, which I took him up on tonight. He cut it very short, not buzzed--wasn't quite ready for that yet, but maybe in a few days. This short hair is so liberating, I too think I will change my style when I have hair again.
About the rashes, I have a painful itchy rash on my hands. Thought I remembered someone mentioning something other than hydrocortisone. ALSO, today my sister who works for a library system told me about this documentary "Crazy, Sexy, Cancer". Go to the website--www.crazysexycancer.com. This woman is amazing and really uplifting. I am looking at this as a reason to make a positive change in my life and she is my new mentor!
Also I got this idea to try and drink much more fluid--16 8 oz glasses a day, and I swear I feel better--wash all that waste junk out of my system!
Be well and keep the helpful info coming.
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Hey Ladies,
haven't posted in a while because I have been having a hard time (physically) from the last round 2 weeks ago. It has been pretty awful. Both red and white cells were low so I had to get 2 booster shots. As previously with the Neulasta shots, my body did not take well to the pain - spent the first week stuck on the couch.
Then my fingernails and toenails started hurting really, really bad. Never had that side effect before. So I was down all last week with painful nails. I'm on steriods now and that seems to help while I'm taking them. but the pain comes back back when the steriods are wearing off. They say the pain will go away when the chemo leaves my body - estimate time "they don't know". So no typing or working at all last week.
Then I got the cyborg port out last Friday. Oh mother of mercy does getting 6 stitches in your upper chest hurt like hell. Feels like I have been in gang fight and got my butt whipped. Now I'm on hyrdocodone for that pain. Looks like some blood has come through the gauze - I pray that I didn't bust a stitch or something. Will go to the oncologist and get that checked out tomorrow.
oh yeah, I'm getting my radiation tattoos tomorrow morning at 9 am. have no clue what that really entails and how much pain I shall experience. Radiologist wants to start radiation on Monday, April 14th. yes, can you believe it???
I swear this has been a damn whirlwind since September 2007. Not one damn moment to breathe, assess, and absorb all of this. I'm drained and tired. One damn doctor's visit after another. People think I have this amazing strength, when in fact I keep going because really how does one stop after being diagnosed? You aren't giving that many choices - either take the treatments or risk dying.
I have an appointment to see my personal therapist tomorrow. I hope she's prepared to get me over this mental funk.
Will check in later today. Thanks for this Board!
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bdatlanta - I'm sorry to hear about all your issues. It really is a tough battle sometimes. I know exactly what you are saying, though, about the whirlwind. It's so true. And yes, people tell me too that I am such an inspiration, when I feel like I'm doing all I can to barely hold it together. I'm past my 4th tx and have 2 more to go, and the fatigue is really starting to catch up to me. And I still have radiation to look forward to (yeah, like I'm really looking forward to that!!) Anyway, vent away, this is the best place for it!! And I hope you start feeling better soon. We'll all get past this, and hopefully look back and laugh at the absurdity of it all.
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Debap: my onc said I'll be on herceptin for "a calendar year". I think it's something like 17 txs total (they're every 3 weeks like TC was for me). Thank God my first 4 that I had with chemo already count in that total. When I go today I'll be asking for some more detail-- like how many EXACTLY now that herceptin's all I'm down to.
BDAtlanta: So glad to hear from you again, but it sucks that you've been feeling so crappy.
I know what you mean about the low counts. My neulasta keeps the WBCs up, but my RBC keep drfiting down. Now that I'm done... I'll be curious to see today where both are and if the WBCs will drop now that I no longer will get neulasta. And, I hear you about being drained. I've been doing this since August (8 months-- I just counted). I barely remember what life was like before this mess started. And I swear I don't know what to do on a day when I have no appointments. It's literally one foot in front of the other some days-- don't look back, and don't look forward too much.
Glad to hear you have personal therapist to vent to. I've found mine is an absolute Godsend. Definitely pulls ya out of the mire. Keep your head up woman-- you are a survivor and there IS light at the end of the tunnel (and as someone said before-- it's not a train!).
Good luck with rads. I've heard mixed reviews about it. The tattoos aren't too bad though from what I hear... tiny, look like moles almost. Most people seem to get 3, though some have gotten six-- guess it depends on your center and probably where your tumor was. Keep us posted on you!
Well, I gotta run. I'll be leaving in about a 1/2 hour to go see the onc, get labs done, and get herceptin. Will check in later if I can.
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Hello, ladies. I'm Steve, my wife Kathy was diagnosed in January, had surgery end of February, and started her TC treatment on 3/25/08. She is er+/pr+, HER2-, 3.8 cm, 4/20 nodes. And she is very frightened. We have an excellent doctor with a great reputation who is absolutely convinced that 6 treatments with TC (followed by radiation) will do the trick. She is 47 years olds. The tumor was removed cleanly, and she has an expander in place which has "balanced" her very nicely! She is concerned that she should be receiving adriamycin to make sure they do their worst, even though the doctor and many articles I've read seem to indicate that the TC is just as effective for her situation. We have four kids, and she wants to make sure this works.
It was obviously all a big surprise for us, she is young with no family history and no risk factors. Although she is a very strong woman and a very positive person, she goes through the "why me's?" on occasion and today is one of those days. Anyone else out there who had node involvement (IIB or IIIA) and can offer words of encouragement? Bone and CT scans were clear. She really,really wants to recover and live a normal although changed life. And I sure want her to also!
BTW, we are at Day 14 after her first treatment, and other than bone aches (Neulasta?) and metallic taste in her mouth she is doing fantastic. She had Emend for nausea the first couple of days and it did the trick. She's been eating like normal with no unusual side effects. Her hair hasn't done anything yet, but we did go wig shopping Saturday in anticipation of the inevitable. We hear it usually hits around day 14 to day 17.
One treatment down and five to go! Those of you out there who pray, please pray for my Kathy!
Steve
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bdatlanta, so glad to hear from you again, I was worried, go ahead and vent I feel the same way every other day. The words "I'm so proud of you-- you are so strong" is nice of people, I know they mean well, but makes me want to gag. Today I feel pretty good, after a night of lower back pain and sore throat, hot flashes, it is absolutely amazing how i feel pretty good today!! I go from I think I'm going to die to what's wrong with me suck it up ---I'm fine take on the world!!
I need to get this port out, do I have the surgeon or ps do it?
yep tamoxifin next,5years, not sure what to expect-- i'll have to read up on it, I already am going into the menapause, who wants a period anyway, not me done with kids
Steve- you sound wonderful, that is what Kathy will need your support. We going through it, can be so mental through all of this, my heart goes out to you and my husband and all the support people, but we will get through this and life goes on! Sounds like with 4 kids you guys will need to reach out to others for help, hopefully a couple of the kids are babysitting age. Take it day by day. Blessings to you, your wife and your family
kathyL - good luck with the herceptin, again I'm jealous (in a good way)you are done with your reconstruction, but I am happy to hear it was so successful for you, gives me hope
chj, debap, winnie all prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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bdatlanta, so glad to hear from you again, I was worried, go ahead and vent I feel the same way every other day. The words "I'm so proud of you-- you are so strong" is nice of people, I know they mean well, but makes me want to gag. Today I feel pretty good, after a night of lower back pain and sore throat, hot flashes, it is absolutely amazing how i feel pretty good today!! I go from I think I'm going to die to what's wrong with me suck it up ---I'm fine take on the world!!
I need to get this port out, do I have the surgeon or ps do it?
yep tamoxifin next,5years, not sure what to expect-- i'll have to read up on it, I already am going into the menapause, who wants a period anyway, not me done with kids
Steve- you sound wonderful, that is what Kathy will need your support. We going through it, can be so mental through all of this, my heart goes out to you and my husband and all the support people, but we will get through this and life goes on! Sounds like with 4 kids you guys will need to reach out to others for help, hopefully a couple of the kids are babysitting age. Take it day by day. Blessings to you, your wife and your family
kathyL - good luck with the herceptin, again I'm jealous (in a good way)you are done with your reconstruction, but I am happy to hear it was so successful for you, gives me hope
chj, debap, winnie all prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Welcome Steve and Kathy. Thanks for being able to take the time to join our sisterhood. Unfortunately, due to BC (breast cancer) you were brought to us. Good thing is, we are a self inspiring group that are here for each other. We moan and groan, cry, laugh, complain and share...so hang on cause this ride sometimes is more challenging than any of us could imagine. My dh(dear hubby) along with my sisters dh's give the best they can. My dh gets frustrated because this BC is something that he can't control. Men as a general rule want to protect and shield us from stuff like this. Wish that was possible, but it is not. They only thing that can be done is to brave the situation, take the treatments and get it behind you to face new and wonderful adventures. I am no stranger to this as a few of my sisters. This is my 2nd time around. We are here, just keep posting and asking questions.
Bdatlanta: I understand the pain and aches. I am currently fighting to not miss work. However, I can see this not lasting all week for me. My sides are starting to ache, my hips and joints are burning...this is only 5 days since #3. My concern is that I don't have much time to be out. No work, no pay. I do get to keep my job, just won't get paid for the time I'm out. The good with the bad I suppose. If I stay at my desk and not walk around much, I am going to give it a try. Do need to go and get my neupogen shots every day this week. I get a metallic taste after each neupogen shot, but it only lasts for 45 minutes.
For those of you getting ready to go into the next phase; radiation. The markers are very small tattoo's and do look just like a mini-mole. They used green on me, so I can always see them. I won't be doing rads this time. There is nothing there to rad.
As of now, when I am done with the chemo: this should be it for me. Just will be completing the reconstruction. I am allergic to Tomoxifin and all the bc drugs that follow after chemo. I am pretty much out there on my own when this is done. So, everything needs to be "dead" no tracers, no markers or any signs of bc. They say for me if it comes back...that's it. So, Keeping the P-O-S-I-T-I-V-E attitude is a must.
Wishing everyone a comfortable day.
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Hi Steve,
This is a very emotional time for both you and Kathy. The one thing my husband has been very good at - as well as my children - is to keep me focused on what is happening today - taking it one day at a time. I know that feels impossible - and for me there are still days where that is not an option. But there are many days that I would have been more of a basket case if my hubby had not kept me focused on today.
My hubby also went to see his doctor and discussed the situation - gave my husband the opportunity to talk about his feelings with a healthcare professional. He was given a prescription for anti-anxiety med just to help him through some of the tough times (he had many sleepless nights worried about me). He feels better because he says he can now be there for me all the time.
Deb
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Hi Steve-
You are a good husband to log on here and write. I'm sure Kathy is scared--this is scary stuff! But, as my 8 year old (worrying) daughter and I say "Worrying doesn't change tomorrow, it only ruins today". Adriamycin, from what I could determine from my little research, did not have a better 10 year disease free survival rate, and it has the added drawback of possible cardiac damage. A friend of mine did it a year and a half ago (she developed a murmur), she said they call it the red devil because the side effects are so nasty.
About the hair loss, it was great you went wig shopping early. This was a good piece of advice I got and wouldn't have thought of. Many people say "Maybe you won't lose your hair" and I was actually starting to believe it when I got the sore scalp on day 12. Another survivor friend described it as the feeling you have when you've had a ponytail in too long. That's just how it felt! It starts gradually, but is creepy and depressing, so that's why I had my hair cut very short last night (not quite ready for the buzz).
Keep positive! It's the only way. This doesn't mean you won't be said and overwhelmed (all of you), but just don't let that define you. You are all strong and Kathy will be fine. Enjoy the love and support of those around you.
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winnie, deb, goldi, patricia - Thanks for the warm welcome! My wife means everything to me, so I am trying to learn as much as I can and be as positive as I can for her to get her through this in one piece. We live in a great, supportive community and are getting lots of help from our church and school groups. How great is it to get home from work and have a delicious warm meal waiting for you courtesy of our Good Samaritans program! There are a number of women in town who are going through the same thing at almost the same pace, so Kathy has lots of people to talk to.
As I said, we have four kids, ranging from 10 to 17. Old enough to take care of themselves for the most part when necessary, old enough to be really helpful when we need it, and young enough that they can't always understand that right now they are not the center of the universe! But they're great kids and they undestand what Mom is going through and are doing their best with the situation.
Everyone here that is TC - What did your doctors say to convince you that this will work? Why not Adriamycin (other than its reputation as the "red devil")? Our doctor said that in his opinion it seems to work best for people that are triple negative - if you are er+/pr+ there is no added benefit and the TC works just as well. We are still not past teh point where once in a while we don't worry whether we made the right choice.
Kathy's next treatment is next Tuesday 4/15. I wish everyone who is getting theirs today a side effect free week, we'll be thinking about you, and thanks so much for having a place where we can come, ask questions, or just vent. God bless you all.
Steve
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Steve,
My onc told me that research is showingTC is as effective as Adriamycin and Cytoxan without the heart problems that can be associated with Adriamycin. I did some research on my own and found the same info. I am 54 and didn't want to add heart problems on to my list if I didn't have to.
I have my second round on 4/14. Round one went very well, minimal side effects and am hoping that round 2 goes well also. I will be thinking of you and Kathy next Tues.
Kathy is very lucky to have a supportive husband - you will make her journey easier!
Deb
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Hi Steve, you're a sweet husband to get first-hand information for Kathy. I'll keep you guys in my prayers. This is not an easy journey, but just remember that it is temporary, and it will get better. The "why me" stage may linger, but just remind her that BC is random. I used to blame myself, my past, whatever - and when I asked my doc why, she said "you're at risk, because you have breasts". I truly believe there's a reason for everything, unfortunately, being human, sometimes we can't comprehend all these. Be strong and keep the faith. God bless you!!!
Atlanta, great to hear from you. Hope you'll feel better soon and bounce back!!! C'mon girl, you can do this!!!
KathyL, how's your herceptin tx today?
Goldie, wear a mask, don't take any chances. I wear mine every now and then, just to be sure. Don't get sick now, cuz we have a date on Tuesday (LGFG) :->.
I'll have my final TC this Thursday, and I can't wait to do the happy dance
Happy Tuesday everybody!!!!
God bless,
Aurora
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Steve -
I heard the same thing from my onc about TC versus AC. It appears to becoming the new protocol for treatment of early stage bc at my local cancer center. Heard it was as effective if not more so than the prior standard (AC) without the heart health risks. Must admit that I decided to go with the onc reco here rather than do incremental research. My onc is part of many clinical trials and has been a real straight shooter; I trust his judgement and expertise.
Great that you have a strong support community. I know what you mean about having a meal delivered after a rough day. I felt funny about it at first but so many people want to do something to help. I eventually agreed that having a meal delivered on chemo day and day 4 (my total fatigue day) - and any other night that first week after treatment would be much appreciated.
Joan
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40somethingMom: I'm pretty sure that whoever put in your port has to be the one who takes it out. Did you have reconstructive surgery ?
goldilocks: Have you tried something like hydrocodone to get through the day at work? I don't have any sick time b/c I used it all with my son's illness, so after the mastectomy I used hydrocodone for a week or so to get back to work earlier. Is your bc ER+?
kathy's hubby: My onco said the same about TC that the others have been posting. Apparently it is just as good, if not better, than the traditional AC without the cardiac problems or risk of leukemia. I also checked the Dana Farber website which seemed to agree.
Besides the rash on the scalp, I have a red spot on my thigh that kind of looks like a pimple with a white head surrounded by a red circle about the size of a penny. Does that sound familiar to anyone? My little one is immunocompromised and I am so afraid of developing shingles and infecting him.
Debbie
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Debap-
Regarding the blemish on your thigh, I think it's probably not shingles because I believe they develop in more of a cluster, along the nerve path (usually on the trunk). Also they are very hot to the touch and itchy. Even if it were shingles, it's just reactivation of an old virus in you (chicken pox) and I don't think you should worry about transmitting anything to your little guy. Show it to your dr. though and if he thinks it's shingles he can prescribe and antiviral.
Hope this helps.
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bdatlanta, 40somethingmom, KathyL, and others--
I am SO jealous that you are either finished, or just about finished, with your TC treatments. A week ago, I was thinking, hey, this is just 4 treatments, I can do this! It's less than teaching a semester of classes or whatever, and look at all the women with BC who are breezing through 4 rounds of TC. No problem! I started last Thursday, which makes this day 6 of round 1.
SO....here I sit with a stomach full of nails (indigestion), abdominal cramps (diarrhea), the usual Neulasta (or is it Taxotere?) body aches...and now the soles of my heels are starting to hurt when I walk. What's with that?
I'm just whimpering, gang, and I know I can do this, but it really feels awful in the meantime. I have a pretty low threshold for pain, as I'm now finding out. How much of this stuff comes and goes with each cycle, and how much of it is pretty constant through each 3-week cycle? I had hoped the indigestion would calm down by now. My onco nurse said to take Pepcid AC round-the-clock from the getgo, which I've been doing but I might need to graduate to something stronger. She said to take Advil for the Neulasta pain, which helps but now I don't want to stick it in that acidy stomach. She also said to try Percocet at night (leftover from surgery) if the Neulasta pain was too bad for Advil.
Darn. And this is just day 6 of round 1.
otter
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Thanks for the love ladies. Today I felt that I was in a powerless whirlwind at the radiation office today. I can't even fully absorb everything that happened. Not that it went too fast...it just went without any input from me.
My entire left side (cancer boob) is covered like a tic-tac-toe board. Seriously. I have black "x" marks, blue "x" marks, some high flouresent blue "x" marks, and the two black circle tattoos. One tattoo is smack dab in the middle of my chest - oh yeah there's a pretty site and the other tat is on the left breast.
As I was getting dressed the technician did 2 things that completely blew my mind. First he said "don't get the markers wet until after next Tuesday or we will have to do them again when you come in on Tuesday". I gave him the WTF? look because a. how does one not get the entire left side of their body wet while taking a shower and b. next Tuesday? who has an appointment next Tuesday.
Well, apparently I have an appointment next Tuesday. yes, he slipped me this appt. card and said "we'll see you next Tuesday at 1:30 pm". Huh? When did I agree to this? What if I had something to do next Tuesday. When I asked what was it for , he was like "oh its for more simulation". Then he said, "we'll also do more simulation on Wednesday and then I'll give you your schedule for treatment". What the HELL? I thought we were starting treatments on Monday and now I have some dude who has decided to take over my schedule without my input.
My head just swirled as I left the building. I'm calling the radiologist tomorrow to explain to her that I'm not their normal 70 year old patient who has nothing else planned for their days and I need to have some input on this scheduling thing.
The answer to the "don't get the markers wet" - I have to take sponge baths for the next 7 days. A tic-tac-toe board and I will smell so pretty.
Spent the 60 minutes with my therapist just in tears from the overwhleming nature of today.
As far as the port goes, my onc. said it is healing well. Told me the pain should ease up in 2-3 weeks and to stay off any lifting (both heavy and light). Still continue with the pain meds.
Otter - here were my consistent symptoms every round: tastebuds are shot to hell from the day of chemo until the beginning of the 3rd week. Don't worry about that you can't taste the food - just eat and drink. Your tongue and taste buds are pretty much raw so stay away from anything spicy, peppermint (unless its tea for the tummy), acidic juices like orange juice food. Neulasta pain started 4 days after the shot and for 36 hours between day 4 and 5 were the absolute worse. My pain centered in my spine and there is nothing to do but to ride it out. Advil worked, but its not a sedative so I was awake a lot. if you can take off work during day 4 and 5 after the Neulasta shot then I highly recommend it. After those 36 hours are up - you will feel amazingly better. I mean its the weirdest thing, but you will feel remarkable. Week 2 was the week for depression during the first 2 tx until I started taking Wellbutrin. It has helped. The third week I spent feeling anxious about having my next round of chemo. The nausea feeling doesn't last past the first week. The steriod, Dexamethasone, is pretty good. Whimpering is good - we're here for you!
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Hey, gang...
Just had my fourth and final T/C infusion today... I'm DONE! Now to settle down (possible on steroids?) and wait for the final round of side effects... hopefully well-managed this time around!
I will have 3-4 weeks off, then will begin radiation therapy and hormone therapy (most likely AI, since I'm 15 months without a period). Eager to start this new phase and move on!
Wishing you all well...
xox
C-Babe0
