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Comments

  • ladybugcyndi
    ladybugcyndi Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2008

    I had tx of TC #1 on 3/27, went very well for the first 2 days.  I took meds as prescribed and on schedule.  Got the "bone pain" in my hips and thigh bones which lasted for about 2-3 days.  That eased up, then the funky taste came and I lost my appetite for food and liquid.  Had a rough patch there, but came back alright.  I ended up off work for the first week post treatment.  Another problem was my bp .. I'm on lisinopril and hydrochlorathiazide (diuretic), and my bp dropped way low .. had to adjust those meds.  Just taking the lisinopril now, but have notice my bp seems to be creeping back up on me.  I go back on 4/17 for tx#2 ... I am hopefully more prepared with what to expect from my body this time.  Like everyone else, the constipation hit that first week and if now, luckily resolved.  You can bet that I will continue to take my fiber and colace on schedule though. 

    My hair started coming out below the neck, at about day 10 and the head started coming out about a day later.  My hair is very thick and very curly, otherwise I would have been bald the same day.  I had it pulled up in a ponytail and was afraid to take it down for fear of it all coming out with the hairband.  Finally lastnight I sad screw it and took it down, as I sat and combed it with a wide toothed comb, it proceeded to come out by the masses.  This morning I took a shower, scrubbed my head and the shaved it after it dried.  Not that took much time since most of it was in the trashcan.  Wore my wig out to dinner tonight, itchy and hot and I was very conscientious of it.  I felt like everyone knew it was a wig, you know?  I will probably stick to scarves and caps, unless its something like dinner out with friends or something. 

    I hope everyone does well this week .. for those having treatment, good luck and drink plenty of fluids ... for those done with tx, lucky devils!

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2008

    bdatlanta...yes it would be a miricle if I was pregnant...48 years old LOL but I swear I could pass for a few months right now.  I am on day 11 and it has been the past four days.  It is crazy.  I think it is because my how do I say this ...my bowels have had a mind of their own for the past 7 days.  I have gone from one direction to the other and I think my stomach is just swollen from it.  Tonight is the first time I feel like it is starting to go back to normal.  See what happens tomorrow.  To treat it I have just been eating as bland and healthy as I can.  I actually started juicing today to see if I could get my body to cooperate with me.  Drinking lots of water and wearing baggy clothes LOL.

  • algw
    algw Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2008

    goldilocks: I can certainly commiserate with your Neulasta pain. I spent last weekend in the same shape you are describing. I tried Tylenol, Advil and Aleve and none of those cut the pain enough for me to get any sleep. Finally resorted to taking Percocet, left over form my surgery, and was able to get an almost full night's sleep. It's tough because that pain is relentless and you cannot keep still. I hope you are finding some relief and know that it will subside soon. My pain started 24 hrs. after the shot and lasted for 4 days.

    I wish you strength and patience.

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2008

    Ladies, I am feeling much better today. Don't have a voice, but can walk like a normal person once again.  Sure does feel good to be getting around. Suppose the voice has something to do with the minor nose bleed and drainage at the back of my throat.  After being in so much pain the last few days, this is nothing.  Whew! That was getting extremely tough and depressing. I am happy to be much better.

    Happy Sunday all.Cool

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited April 2008

    Sharon....I don't know if this was adressed before but, with your DX, why did you have to do chemo??

    Evie

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Goldilocks - glad to have you back among the living!!!

    CHJ 

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited April 2008

    Is it just me, or has anyone else gone through sort of a biphasic (manic/depressive) response during their tx cycle?

    For the first week or so after tx #1, I felt crummy in all the possible ways.  I felt like a sick dog, trying to find a place to hide so I could curl up and die.  (OK, a little over the edge on drama, but you know what I mean.)  By day 8, though, I felt better, despite some continuing GI problems.  Day 9 was better still.

    Then, all of a sudden, yesterday (day 10) dawned, and it was like none of this had ever happened.  (I know, it won't feel the same once my hair falls out this coming week.)  Today, day 11, I feel so good--maybe even better than before this all started.  Great appetite, reasonable energy, no aches or pains, etc. etc.--enthusiastic about doing things.  Right now I don't even remember how bad I felt a week ago.

    Does this regimen cause delayed amnesia, or something?  I mean, I'm not complaining.  In fact, with tx #2 coming up in 10 days, I should be getting scared, but instead I feel like everything is normal.

    Weird, huh.  (Enjoy it while I can???)

    otter 

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Otter - you sound pretty normal to me!!  I have some pretty wild mood swings during my 3-week chemo cycle also.  There seems to be no rhyme or reason for it.  I find myself looking forward to treatment day - ready to put one more under my belt!  And my description of the Saturday after my Wednesday tx has always been, I just want to crawl under something and be left alone (not as bad as "curl up and die").

    I'm finding as I go through treatments, I don't have as much energy as I did earlier, but then I'm closer to being done (2 more, with one this Wednesday) so I am able to feel hopeful and positive.  But then there is radiation on the horizon...  Sometimes I am able to press on and be normal, and other days I just am so depressed and down about the whole thing.  

    So, is that "normal"?  With us, what the heck is normal???

    Hang in there, you're doing great!!  Enjoy and the good days, and when you have a bad day, let it happen and remember that this too shall pass.

    CHJ 

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2008

    Otter...you and I are on the exact same treatment schedule.  I felt and fell EXACTLY like you do.  I was actually feeling very normal yesterday and amazingly normal today.  I do not feel like I have cancer today. I still have a major cold that is causing me to hold back and heal totally but mentally I feel like me again. It is very strange to go from cocktail of poison put in your body to okay I am me again.  For me one down five more to go, then bilateral masectomy. 

    Lets enjoy the good times !!!! Celebrate feeling good !!  YEAH !!

  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2008

    T/C was recommended to me.  Currently I am 6 days post-op left completion mastectomy and insertion of infusaport.  The onc said treatments would start any where from 2-6 weeks post op.  A part of me wants to just get this gone and over with.  Another part wants to be able to completly recover from the insult to my body from two surgeries - want to feel as normal as possible before these drugs turn my world unside down. 

    Suggestions?  what did any of you do - or is there really a choice?

    Getting nervous...

  • debap
    debap Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2008

    swimmer60:  I have my tx#3 on Wed. also.  I am so glad to be halfway done!  I had the same red, itchy bumps on my head after tx#2.  It was really annoying! I used hydrocortisone cream and they were gone in 2-3 days.  Good Luck on Wed.

    robink:  I started chemo about a month after surgery.  I had a mastectomy on my left side also.  I just wanted to get it all over with as soon as possible  Also, they don't do the switch from expander to implant until you are finished with chemo and you will be tired of the expander (if you are doing reconstruction) before then. Did you have oncotype testing to see your chance of recurrence?

    I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

    Debbie

  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 109
    edited April 2008

    Artsee:  I type in Word while I read the posts-that's the only way I can remember each person, and even then it's no guarantee!  Someone on another post told me about that after I was impressed how she remembered everyone.

    BD:  I think Tigwin is probably on the right track about the bloating.  I, on the other hand, have gained 10 lbs. through this whole blasted chemo ordeal.  Too bad I can't lose it as fast as I seemed to have gained it.  Doubt it's bloating that I can blame my belly on! 

    Goldilocks:  Glad you're feeling better!

    Algw:  Welcome!  As you can see, we're pretty chatty here, with many good ideas/suggestions.

    Otter:  Enjoy it for sure!  But seriously, I did feel somewhat like that, too.  Definitely low days, but the "good" days I wanted to try and do everything under the sun.

    Now that I'm done, I am so busy doing things (how did I get things done when I worked??).  Not looking forward to returning to work at all in fact.

    Robink:  Welcome.  Sorry you had to find us this way (BC).  Surgery takes a toll on the body.  And chemo is a major roller coaster.  I'd give yourself some time to recuperate from the first insult (surgery) before you pile on another (chemo).  Most surgeons recommend 4-6 weeks break before starting chemo.  But a lot depends on your actual diagnosis.  I had my mastectomy in Oct. '07 and didn't start chemo until Jan. '08.

    Well, I have to get the kids ready for bed soon.  Sorry I didn't post to everyone individually-know I'm thinking of you all and hope everyone has a good week.

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Robink - I also waited just over a month (5 weeks I think) between surgery and chemo.  I think that's pretty normal.  You'll do fine, please don't get yourself too worked up about it!  Let's all say it together (how many times have we said this before???): "the anticipation of chemo is worse than the actual experience."

    Hang in there, and come her for support and questions any old time!

    CHJ 

  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2008

    So how about working during treatments?

      I am a nurse at a busy clinic.  The flu season is over but illness is always present in our facility.  Prior to my surgeries work was actually helpful, it was one of the few places I didn't think of what I was facing.  Also, my co-workers/friends were so wonderful, so supportive without the look of saddness or pity that some others gave me.  And I've heard about "chemo brain" - I wouldn't want any of my nurses less than sharp.  My onc said he would cover me for as much time off as I need and that is reassuring. 

    Just one more decision amongst what seem like millions...

    CHJ - I agree that worrying/getting worked up won't accomplish anything.  You and all the others help minimize my anxiety.

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited April 2008

    Hi all - Amazingly, I still feel ok today, so no bad day so far after #3 on Wednesday...however my legs do feel a little wierd...had bad bone pain treatment 1, but none after #2.

    Artsee - I had one positive node and am 49, so the onc thought it would be good to do...and I did too.  He thought I would do well, and that it would really decrease the chance of recurrence.

    I was actually diagnosed on my 49th birthday...it was Jan 1, I had a call waiting from the hospital and they hung up.  When he called the next day, I asked if he had called on the first and he said yes, but I saw on the chart it was your bday and hung up....

    I know it is a surprise to everyone, but I never imagined getting cancer...my family has bad hearts and I stayed in shape.  I always do BSE, Mammograms right on time...had my kids at 23 and 27, and breast fed both.  When I get diagnosed...the surgeon was sure it would just be take out the tumor, check the sentinal node and on with radiation....we were all surprised!

    As with everyone, I am just ready to get it behind me.  And like others have said, some days I feel completely normal except for the hair thing..

    And I am with chj...chemo days are a day off, and a good nap, and one more behind me..

    Hang in there everyone...there are good days ahead!

  • debap
    debap Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2008

    otter:  I definitely have mood swings, mostly Day 3, 4, and 5.  I think some of it is just coming off the steroids.  I have warned my poor family ahead of time.  I am normally pretty cheerful.

    robink:  I find that "chemo brain" only affects me the first week after chemo.  After that I feel pretty good untilthe next treatment.  I haven't missed any work except for the actual chemo days but I am a teaching assistant, no life or death in my hands.  I woek with high schoolers so I jsut let them no if I am little off.

    Debbie

  • gramadeb
    gramadeb Member Posts: 66
    edited April 2008

    Otter - I had the same mood swings. It did feel good to have some days where I could forget I had cancer - well not forget - but not constantly on my mind - felt more like my usual self with lots of energy and good appetite. Then of course my hair fell out and it all became real again!

    I gave up in the wig thing - just can't wear them. So I am into scarves. My family says they look much better than the wigs so I am comfortable with that. Even went out to dinner and handled it pretty well! Why is it that I still have to shave my legs and pits but don't have any hair on my head! Seems a little unfair!

    I go for round #2 tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good week!

    Deb

  • swimmer60
    swimmer60 Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2008

    Debap, Thank you for sharing with me that I am not the only one that got these little like pimple sores all over their head this came on after my hair fell out. But I still have them and I am taking a RX for them hoping they will go away soon, So anyone after Cycle 3 is it worse after or is it simular two cycle 2? Has anyone heard of Angel food cake to help with Nausea? I have seem to read this somewhere I thought? This web site is even better than going to a support group.

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2008

    Rblink..I am a phamacuetical rep and my onc does not want me to work due to walking into docs offices all day with sick people all over the place.  I am actually glad to take the time off and concentrate totally on me versus everyone else.  You know how you do that being a nurse.  I actually got a very bad cold after my first round of chemo, this is day 12 for me.  Got the cold day 9.  One of the worst colds I have had in I cannot remember.  System is just very low right now to catch whatever someone is carring aroung.  Be Careful.

    SharonS...I am laughing outloud right now...My name is Shari my last name starts with S and I was diagnosed on my 48th Birthday !!! And yes I took was the healthy one in my family.  Very similar stuff. 

    GramaDeb...Good luck tomorrow...I hope for a very uneventful days ahead for you.

    Swimmer60...yes I was the angel food cake post.  I read it on a website and tried it and it worked.  Nice little treat.  I found having some salty, sweet, bland cracker or bread stuff got me through whatever the nausea felt like I could choose one of my stash and really did okay after my first round.Baked potatoe was also a good dinner option.

    Night all.

    Shar

  • revkat
    revkat Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2008

    Hey I did pre-op appointments to celebrate my 48th! Is that close enough to you birthday girls?

  • bdatlanta
    bdatlanta Member Posts: 40
    edited April 2008

    I think the bloating is coming from the steriods. I was taking steriods for 8 days because of the pain on the fingernails.

    Robink - my onc. suggested not being around anyone with a potential for carrying germs when going through chemo because your white and red cells are too low to fend off a serious illness.

    Otter - the mood swings come with the all exclusive packaged deal called breast cancer. The chemo depression was by far the worst thing after the neulasta pain and the chemo brain.

    Tigwin - glad you're feeling better.

    Even though I'm 3 weeks out from my last and final tx, I still feel exhausted. So not looking forward to seeing the radiation crew on Tuesday.

  • jt1945
    jt1945 Member Posts: 23
    edited April 2008

    Hi everyone,

    Congrats to those of you who are done.   Yeah.

    Welcome to the new ones.  We all have a lot in common right now.

    I was interested in the comments on the bloating problem.  I have been having that issue too.  I will be having tx #3 on Wednesday (16th) and have gained about 5 lbs since starting chemo.  I am trying not to eat more than I normally did but the bloat goes on.  My stomach just seems full all the time.  2 people I hadn't seen for a couple of weeks saw me last Thursday and commented that my face was a little rounder.  Gee, thanks!  The nurses said it was normal to gain weight considering steroids and taxotere make you retain fluid.  I refuse to buy bigger clothes so my wardrobe is pretty skimpy right now.  At least I don't have to go to work.

    My hot flashes have really increased lately too.  Maybe the weight gain affects that too.  Geez. So far the nails are doing OK.  I do get tingling and slight numbing in my fingertips off and on.  I hope it's not neuropathy.

    I see that there are several of us doing chemo next Wednesday.  I will be happy to get that 3rd one done and only have one more to go.  Then on to radiation.   Kind of puts a kink in vacation plans doesn't it.

    Hoping everyone's s/e's are light and go away soon.

  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 109
    edited April 2008

    Robink:  I am a pediatric NP in a very busy office.  I decided not to work during chemo. It was the height of flu season (and rotavirus), and I didn't want to risk more illness than I had to.  I am very glad I didn't work.  I still got a cold 3 of the 4 rounds, and they lasted FOREVER each time.  I normally never get sick.  I'd hate to think how much worse I would've been surrounded by the germs I usually see daily at work.  I also have chemo brain all the time now (after round 3 it seemed to hang around and got worse).  I'm hoping to go back to work in May, but am kinda worried about the brain function to be honest.  I guess it depends what kind of nurse you are and how demanding your job is, but if you have the opportunity to stay home and can swing it financially-I'd say do it and not work.

    SharonS:  I was completed blindsided by my diagnosis also.  No family hx, I breastfed both my kids over a year each, was never overweight, and "did everything right" with my health.  Cancer sucks!  I'll never take my health for granted again, that's for sure.

    Swimmer:  My hardest round-mentally and physically-was round 3.  But not everyone has that experience.  I've heard of the angel food cake helping nausea, but not ‘til I was done, so I never got to try it out.

    All you girls doing birthday appointments... I had a good one.  The week after my 37th in December I had my exchange surgery-I got boobs for mine!

    And about weight gain-the bain of my cancer existence!  I've done chemo almost a month, but the weight kept going up.  I've gained 10 lbs.  And I'm a person who weighed the exact same weight for years steady.  I am hating life (well my body at least) these days.  Today is my kick off to exercise day and my attempt to get my fat-@** back in shape!  I have to go back to work in 3 weeks and nothing fits.  I know a lot of it is fluid b/c by the end of the day I look like a stuffed sausage.  I hope it all goes away soon.

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited April 2008

    Kathy L - I am with you on the wt gain...I have gained 10 also, and it is killing me...I did have to get some new pants and shorts, since I am going to work.  I am even staying active and am not eating that much...so some of it has to be the taxotere and steroids...

    My husband says you look fine....but some days I feel so out of shape.....but it will all be better and we will have hair again - right?

    Sharon

  • algw
    algw Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2008

    I'm with you ladies, a member of the bloat brigade! And I really don't want to buy any bigger pants - how depressing.

    Well, it's happening. My hair is going. Woke up this a.m., ran my hands through it and had a handful! A little freaked out. My hair is really thick, not sure how fast it will go?? I have my wig ready and thought I was prepared, but is anyone ever really prepared for this?

    Bald Woman Walking.

  • bdatlanta
    bdatlanta Member Posts: 40
    edited April 2008

    algw -  "Bald Woman Walking" - ROFLMAO!!! That made my day.

    I'm about to venture back into my normal work world today and I'm going nude on top. I was just thinking about how many people willl be freaked out at the meeting this morning, but algw's comment has given me strength.

    Thanks ladies!!

    Have a great day everyone.

  • algw
    algw Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2008

    Good luck bd! You are brave to go nude.

    Think of your bald head as your badge of courage.

    I think your beautiful smile will outshine your head Wink

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Yes, bd, you are braver than I am.  I'll go out when mine grows in as much as a crew cut, but I'm just too self conscious to run around nude.  Good for you, though!!

    algw - it is weird when the hair fallout happens.  My first time, 13 years ago, I remember standing in front of the mirror, fascinated by how I could just run my fingers through my hair and have handfuls of it come out.   You'll do OK.  You might not lose every bit, but you'll probably get to a point where it's just easier to shave it off than to have to deal with the mess.

    And... yes, everyone, I have the chemo-10 (pounds) also.  When I first got my dx, I was so stressed out I actually lost 10 pounds.  I never lose weight without trying, so that was a new thing for me.  And during my first 2 tx's, I was pretty sick (stomach flu, cold, low blood counts, dehydration, you name it) so I didn't gain any of it back, and they were encouraging me to eat & drink more to keep my weight from going any lower.  Again, a new experience for me.  I've been on a diet since I was 14, always fighting those extra pounds.  Well, now, with the last 2 treatments, there doesn't seem to be enough food in the universe for my appetite.  I can't seem to stop eating.  So I have those 10 pounds back.  And I have the clothes that fit the extra weight, because it's where I was before.  But the minus-10-pounds did feel much better.  So I, too, will be trying to get them back off once treatment is over.  I have been trying to get some exercise in, but someone has replaced my legs with lead weights and it is so hard...

    Have a good day everyone!

    CHJ

  • kathys_hubby
    kathys_hubby Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2008

    Good Morning Ladies and welcome to a new week!

    Most importantly to start off - Congrats Aurora! It must be a great relief to have that part of your treatment behind you.

    Kathy has treatment #2 tomorrow. Please think a quick little prayer for her when you get a chance. I've been pushing her to start increasing her fluids, we hear that helps a lot with the se's and also makes sure the chems spread out everywhere in the body to catch any of those little micro-buggers that might be hiding. As far as we know, she isn't get any steroids. What steroids are you ladies talking about, and what are they for?

    Two friends came by on Saturday and gave her the buzz cut. it's real close around the sides and back, and a little spiky on top. I think it looks cute, she would love if it could stay that way.

    Tigwin and Sharon - As far as diagnosis stories go -

    Kathy and I were watching a democratic debate back in January. She had an appointment for her mammogram the next day. John Edwards comes on talking about health plans, and says "Tomorrow a woman in the US will go to the doctor and find out she has breast cancer." Kathy looked at me and said "Maybe I should cancel my appointment." Of course, she didn't, and found out a few days later that she was that woman. She's 47, had four perfectly healthy and normal pregnancies, breast fed all four, eats right, small breasted, not overweight, regular mammograms and BSE's, etc, etc. No family history, no risk factors. She didn't pick BC, it picked her. We'll never know why, and it won't go away just because we don't think she should have it. So she is dealing with it the best she can, and looking forward to it all being over. What else can she do?

    Aurora - We went for the genetic testing, and we told something like 8%. Our insurance company has twice denied the BRCA test because her number is so low, but the genetic counselor is trying again because of the lymph involvement. We want to know if it ultimately makes sense to do the other side and the ovaries too. The BRCA test would make that decision easier, I think.

    Debbie, KathyL - Her expander seems to be pulling on both sides, under the arm and at the sternum. Because there is a little metal plate in there that the ps can shoot into, I think she feels that sometimes too. I'm hoping that when the permanent implant is in most of the discomfort will be gone. Like I said, she was inflated pretty quickly (it didn't take much! Smile) so she's probably still stretching. The good news is that she slept on her left side last night (the surgery side) and didn't even realize it. So it must be getting more comfortable.

    Regarding the chemopause, does anyone know where in the process that might start? She's one day from her second treatment, and got her period on Friday. Does it happen to everyone? I guess we'll check in with the onco tomorrow to get a better idea of what to expect. She's a very "young" 47, so we don't really know what to expect.

    There I go, running on again! Sorry, Ladies!

    Steve

  • algw
    algw Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2008

    CHJ, I see you're in Carroll County - I grew up in Hanover, PA just over the MD line.

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