Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hello All...Hope today is a good one.
KathyL...you can
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Hello All...Hope today is a good one.
KathyL...you can always
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Hello All...Hope today is a good one.
KathyL...you can always
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Hello All...Hope today is a good one.
KathyL...you can always ask
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Hello All...Hope today is a good one.
KathyL...you can always ask about my past cancer. That is fine with me. It was not breast cancer. It was in my upper neck and chest and in the lymph nodes. It is not in my Lymph system now. It was a rare cancer that no one had ever seen. We sent it to ten different teaching hosptials around the US and no one had a clue. My onc (still the same amazing women), just made a plan to get well and it worked. I was actually told I may not make it since no one knew about it. But one year later i was honored as "Cancer Survivor of the Year" ! Nice honor to live and be totally well for 19 years. The breast cancer just kind of came out of no where. We have some guesses as to why but I really do not question it. I am taking this journey and trying to find the positive reason for it. Kind of sucks but there has to be something amazing this time around. My life really changed for the better last time. I guess we always have room for improvement.
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Day #3 after tx#3 with cytoxan and abraxane (the alternate, lower allergenic option vs taxotere). Ended up completely wired by the steroids this cycle and didn't sleep much at all night before and night after treatment but finally slept through the night again last night - and then slept all day today as well - and feel like I still need more! With TC it was day 4 that was my complete fatigue day. Shall see how long this goes. In the mean time, some of the other side effects seem to be doing better as I haven't yet needed anything to help the "waste management system". No nassau for me with either drug combo. Not sure what is normal with Abraxane. May have that figured out after my final treatement.
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Hi ladies, I just want to report that I am done with my TC!!! I had my 4th and final yesterday, and my neulasta shot today. I can't believe how time flew by. Thank you for all your comments - you have no idea how much you have helped me get through this. There is truly a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep moving forward, and never turn back.
Steve, I had my expanders before I started chemo. I got 75 cc the first time, then 60 cc. I'm 34B, and I didn't want more fills because it gets tight and heavy and scared that the stitches will open up. I had a lat flap. I know the skin gets tighter during chemo and we retain more fluids, so that could be the reason why it feels very tight right now. What worked for me was some mild stretching exercises. I also noticed that when I eat too much salty foods, that the swelling/tightness is worse. So I try to avoid greasy and salty food, ate more veggies, and drink lots of water.
I asked my onc today about BRCA1/BRCA2 (genetic testing). There's no history of ovarian cancer in my family, and I have no kids. He doesn't really have an opinion in my case, so he recommended me to a genetic counselor. Perhaps ask Kathy's doc about that?
Looking forward to better days!!!
God bless,
Aurora
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CONGRATS AGAIN AURORA!!
I took the BRCA1/2 will get results in a few weeks, I have one great cousin on my Dad's side who has had BC 2x 1st in her 40's, and the interesting part a great Aunt on the same side who they say passed away from "stomach cancer". the genetic counselor says that is a red flag because they often miss diagnosed ovarian cancer as stomach cancer back then. Coupled with my age under 45 and the history she recommended I have the test. I feel it is important for my children to know. I would also have my ovaries out if it is +.
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Tigwin: Thanks for sharing your story. Didn't realize we had a celebrity in our midst
! Very cool!Believer: Congratulations!
40something: Fingers crossed for you and the BRCA test results. Mine came back pretty quickly for that type of test... less than 2 weeks.
Not much to report and I'm having a hard time typing/reading anyway with the eye twitching today. Later!
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Snoopy dance to you Believer! Congrats!
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40somethingMom,
Be optimistic about that BRCA stuff. I thought I had a strong family history too (maternal grandmother w/ pre-meno BC; maternal cousin w/ pre-meno BC; 2 maternal uncles w/ prostate cancer). My onco surgeon was impressed enough to refer me to a genetics counselor.
The counselor calculated my probability of having a BRCA mutation as being somewhere between 1% and 5.5%. That's not very high--not even high enough for most insurance companies to agree to cover the test. I decided to have a sample submitted anyway, but test it only if my insurance covered a good bit of the cost (>$3,000 if you're the first family member tested).
Apparently my insurance covered the test. The genetics counselor called me with the results exactly 2 weeks after she put the sample in the mail. The lab found no mutations in my BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes....YAY! (Need some good news occasionally, right?)
I hope your test results are negative, as well. Do you know what your "probability of a mutation" turned out to be? (Did they calculate that for you, ahead of time?)
otter
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Wow - lots to read today. This morning I had the lump in the stomach....really wanted to make it to the end of the day and did. The staff played the softball team and I got to play a couple innings...exercising and especially getting to play a game really helps me feel normal..and not like a chemo patient
Tonight the lump is back, everything tastes weird, and my feet and lower legs are really swollen that it a new one. I had chemo Wed..., but maybe it is from the steroid? Took the last one tonight.
Yes, the other hair loss is great...I haven't shaved the legs in 3 weeks and the pits in a week...other body hair just seems to be thinning....the hair on my head is pretty much gone as you can see.
My bad day round 1 was day 3, round 2 was day 2, so kind of dreading tomorrow....but at least it is Saturday
bdatlanta thanks for the laughs...I wasn't so girlie either....but I have been doing the hats, scarves, necklaces and dangly and hoop earings....and the comments about Sharon being girlie crack me up...but I must admit it has been a little fun.
I do the bald thing once I get to work, all the students are used to it...and I did take the hat off in the dining hall today b/c I was flashing....I do have a little convertible...and I will go top down and hat less when it warms up a bit and feel the wind!
Hope everyone has a se free weekend
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Congrats Believer...I totally missed this page before posting....
My last will be April 30th!
They talked to me about getting the BRCA, since I am less than 50...gave me a brochure...if insurance pays I will do it
Insurance would not pay for oncotype b/c of the positive node - mine was microscopic too.....but I said just go for the chemo...my fear was "well what it is before it is microscopic" and lets make sure we get it.....if that makes any sense.
off to bed...think I will take the ativan tonight...
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kathy's hubby: My expander is pretty uncomfortable also. My ps filled it once a week with 90cc each time. He said it was important to fill it as soon as possible because we are fighting scar tissue. They fill it until it is bigger than the actual breast will be with the implant to make room for the implant and so it will "hang" right. Has your wife tried physical therapy? It made a world of difference for me! I went to a pt who specializes in breast reconstruction therapy. The expander still feels like a rock though and it can be uncomfortable especially when trying to sleep. I have purchased a few nice hats from www.headcovers.com. They have a lot to choose from and they fit well.
Believer0711: Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!!!! As soon as your taste buds are back you should go out to your favorite restaurant. In a few weeks your hair will probably start coming in too! It will be exciting to see if it comes in the same as before.
Debbie
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Believer....WOOOOO HOOOOO !!!!!!
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Believer - hooray for you!!! I have less than a month to go, and you can be sure I'm counting the days (right Sharon???)
A friend of mine finished chemo a couple of months ago, and she's getting curly hair. That would be fun, after 50+ years of straight hair!!
CHJ
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CHJ - RIGHT - when I got the chemo schedule and saw that the last two hit the same month, somehow that made everything seem like it would go by quicker and it really has....slept great last night...still a bit weird feeling this morning...but will try to keep moving.
My hubbie shaved his head bald and it is really coming back pretty quick...so once ours starts growing...it shouldn't be too long til we see what we get....
Life's an adventure....Have a great day
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SharonS- what age are the students, do they ask a lot of questions- I admire you are still working out, I stopped after round 2 and need to get back to it now that I'm done- I hope you are feeling better this weekend
Otter - thanks, yes I looked it up on the report they sent me I am 6.8% probability, I'm not worried, insurance paid 100% of first test but the 2nd test they will only pay 60% if negative for 1. I do not think I'll pay for 2nd
tigwin- your story is amazing, so sorry you have to go through all of this now
kathyL- I have to tell you my Mom reads the posts and says, "that kathyL is so nice and helpful with everyone..." hope your tx's ahead w/o se
Of Course, Mom has found all the stories amazing and all of the women on this thread so strong and wonderful! Everyone has certainly helped me through the most difficult thing I have ever faced.
Chj, debap, bdadlanta, aurora, jsman... everyone I hope you're feeling well enough this weekend
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Hi all,
I'm 12 days out from my first round of T/C and trying to anticipate when the hair loss fairy will come. My scalp is a little tingly, itchy, is this a sign? All set with a wig at-the-ready. Did anyone NOT lose their hair on T/C?
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algw - it's good that you are ready. I lost all but a little bit of my hair. I think it's the same with most of us. I'd say I still have about 10% that insists on growing. I keep shaving it off, and that little bit of stubble keeps coming back! You probably have a few more days before it really starts seriously coming out. I have to admit that I found it fascinating, running my hands through and getting big handfuls of hair. You'll be fine!! Hang in there. As we all say, it will grow back!
And welcome to the craziness.
CHJ
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Patricia - I work at a women's college...so I think it is easier for them ...and they are very supportive...
algw - I pulled it out for a couple of days, my husband was gone...but when he came home we did the head shaving...actually the buzz wasn't too bad...but that didn't last too long. I have a little that persists on the back/top of my head but all the rest is gone. and I am actually getting used to this look....
Sure makes showering and getting ready easy, which I think I feel up to now...and I might even make the ladies last tennis match...I am AD, and try to be there to support them.
So maybe no bad days this time? Tomorrow I am worship leader at church...so I hope I make that too.
I worked out everyday, walking, riding the stationary cycle or a bit of jogging day 7-21 of TX 2...think that might be helping me. Since I am an exercise physiologist I am doing a little self experiment...I also took the American College of Sports Medicine Exam for Cancer and Exercise certification...will find out in May if I passed...I was chemo brain at the time so we will see.
Happy weekend
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Thanks chj127,
I am new and find it extremely comforting to have this forum to come to! My onc and his nurses are great, but I really think only those experiencing this circus can give the best advice on the life-changing aspects. Neulasta hell (serious bone pain for me!) was a scary place, but with some suggestions found here I was able to adjust pain meds and see light at the end of that tunnel and I will be better prepared for the next round. Thanks to all of you who share your journey!
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Hope everyone is doing well today.
Believer: Oh Happy Day! It is great that you graduated. I am looking forward to meeting you on Tuesday. Hopefully you will be se free.
algw: Can't say that we don't lose our hair. Thing is we just start out by cutting it short so as not to be stressing quite as much when it starts coming out in chunks. For me, my hair turned very wiry and brittle before we shaved it. It was actually poking me. I don't remember who said it but the Lint Roller is a magnificent tool. I use it every single morning to help me with itching. For some reason after I started using it, the red bumps that had come in the last treatment have not appeared this time.
This is day 9 out from #3 and I am really having a difficult time. The tax and neupogen are really wearing me out. I had to stay home from work both Thursday and Friday. Walking is extremely painful. Screaming sure does seem like a good alternative, just don't think it would do much good.
My lower back, hips and legs are on fire. The dr said to make sure I keep up with the pain meds by alternating Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Davaset, every 2 hours. You'd think I'd be out, but I guess the pain won't let me. I was able to sleep but would wake up due to pain and take my meds. I was definitely not expecting this. Don't have to take any shots over the weekend, so hope that I'm feeling better soon. On top of all this, the problem with the top of my left foot is a blood clot. The onc dr said to put ice on it and that should help. He also told me that he will recommend me to a "vein" dr to take care of it. He didn't seem to concerned. It worries me, aren't blood clots something dangerous? Dr. said this is not common, but I've always had se that are different than most. Need to go lay down.Wishing everyone a Happy Saturday.
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Tigwin...God has truly blessed you with a "miracle". I have faith that his healing hand is going to protect us ALL and He will see us through this journey.
Aurora...did the Happy Dance for you this morning.
Everyone...I have to tell you how impressed I am with all of you when you list everyone by name when you comment. Some of you remember what's going on with 12 different people. How do you do that? I wish I could but the chemo brain won't allow it. It's not that I want to leave anyone out , belive me.
My dh ordered a Laptop computer for me so I'll be able to follow everyone much closer much more often. It'll be like having you all in by back pocket. :>
Love and Hugs,Evie
Hope everyone get's over the ugly s/e's this weekend.
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Good Saturday Ladies,
40something, KathyL and artsee....thanks for thinking I have a special story. I have often thought to write a book and share everyone's story but I have no writting skills LOL
Hope all of our ladies who had treatment this last week are feeling okay this weekend. I am on day 11 and almost feel back to my old self. Just a bit tired and a very bad cold. Nothing to even complain about.
I think I am headed to the organic farm....I have found that since the tastebuds are off, organic fruit and vegies seem to have way way way more flavor. I have been eating strawberries like crazy.
Enjoy your weekend.
Shar
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algw: I think everyone loses their hair with this chemo. As with goldilocks my hair felt really weird a couple of days before it started falling out. I couldn't even style it the way I usually do. It comes out pretty fast, in big clumps. I cut it short when I first found out I would have to have chemo, and then shaved it as soon as it started coming out.
SharonS: Did you have reconstructive surgery? I had a mastectomy and now have the expander in, and I am wondering when I can start exercising. I definitely am going to start walking again since the weather is finally nice here in upstate NY, but I don't know about running.
Tigwin: I stock up on the fruits and veggies before treatment because they are the only things that taste good to me also. We don't have very good strawberries here yet.
40somethingMom: 6.8% probability sounds pretty good, right? I really hate percentages don't you? It only seems to matter if you know what side of the percentage you are on! My insurance will not cover the testing for BRCA so I am not going to pay for it. By the time our children are our age there will be a vaccine or cure for this anyway. I am so thankful that if I have to go through this at least it is at a time when there are so many advances in cancer treatment and survival.
Have a great Saturday everyone! It sunny and warm here in the northeast and I hope it is the same for all of you. Things seem so much better when the sun is out!
Debbie
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algw: as my hair fell out, I too, used the lint brush and it did help, my hair has always been short and know matter what everyone else tells you, it is devasting, but know that IT WILL grow back. I have 2 more treatments left and my hair is now about 1/4 inch of fuzz, I use cetaphil to keep it moisturized and helps so much from drying out. I developed the little red bumps as well, but has sinced gone away. Take care, you will be fine, just hang in there with the rest of us.
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Debap - Only a lumpectomy for me, very small tumor and not aggressive....and cosmetically it did turn out fine. I think any type of activity helps...especially now that it is warming up and we can get outdoors...after the lumpectomy when I had the drain...which seemed like forever, I did the exercise bike.
Sweat is my antidepressant....so I needed to do something......
Everyone worries about me doing too much...but again exercise makes me feel like a normal person...
Still feeling good today, made it to the tennis match....I really think taking the 2 ativan last night...made for a better day today...I plan to do it again tonight.
A friend just brought dinner and it smells yummy, waiting for the hubby to get home...
Sharon
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quick questions:
1. has anyone had any stomach bloating? If so what have you have taken to get rid of it. My stomach is really bloated. Looks like I'm 2 months pregnant - and that my dear would be some Mary and Joseph miracle stuff.
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Hi All, I have been reading all of the posts since I started my chemo Telophis week will be my 3rd. I am doing Cytoxan and Taxotere. I hope that this one goes well. I am very impressed with how well everyone seems to be doing going thru this is not the easy thing. I still work full time I will have my 3rd TX on Wed then take thur and friday off and the weekend then go back to work on Monday. The last Nueslasta shot thank goodness I did not get any bone pain. The only thing that bother me since loosing my hair I developed all of the little pimple like sores on my head and had to take an antibotic for this boy did my head hurt. Has anyone else had this experience with these little sores on there head?
DX: Stage 2 12/0 nodes ER+ PR+ HER-
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