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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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Comments

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited May 2008

    Morning my sisters,

    It has been a while since I posted and see many new names. I graduated 4/24, and am just now getting a bit of fuzz.  Look like a baby bird. I am still wearing caps, but they done fully cover my head. I was told that I look like a biker. Some one posted a few pages back that once our hair is gone she rubs her head. I have done the same through the entire time. I suppose its just a calming feeling. Being bald is easier to get ready in the morning-the no blow drying thing. I do however take time to put on the eyeliner/shadow to see my eyes. Unbelievably, my eyelashes are still dropping off. My new "crop" looks like it's coming in salt/pepper. We'll just wait and see.

    Jisman: I have dealt with the hot flashes since the first BC, and just recently found some relief with a new product that I found at a trade show. You can find it on the internet to review for yourselves. It's called Koolin Klothz and have helped. I too alternate between hot flashes and being chilled(doesn't last long) just like you covers off, covers on, covers on with foot hanging out, can't say when it will stop, but I have learned to deal with it. Not really suffering anymore, had to get past that. Hope someone figures out how to get rid of them.....

    Believer; great to hear you are doing well. I have continued to be challenged by the leg/hip pains.  Now I get the wonderful swelling in my calves and ankles about every other day. Having to take lasix about 2xs a week to control it. The onc says that it may take 6 months to go away. Great...just want to get past this.

    Sisters: this is not an easy road, but a do-able one. Emotions can run high, even at this point. Chemobrain is challenging, patience does run thin at times, but remember We Are S-U-R-V-I-V-O-R-S!

    Have a safe holiday weekend, and se Free(as best/possible).Cool

  • TennesseeMichele
    TennesseeMichele Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2008

    Hi all,

    Just wanted to put in a word for the beaubeaus.  I have a few, and like them very much.  They are a bit pricey, so I don't wear them when I hang around the house, but wear a bandana or cap instead at home.  The beaubeaus are lined in cotton and stay on well.  (They do get warm in the sun but anything on our heads will heat us up.)  They come with matching scrunchies so that the long tails can be secured up if you don't like them hanging down.  I went through chemo 17 years ago (different cancer) and wore wigs then, but found them hot, uncomfortable, and itchy.  When I found out I was facing chemo and hair loss again I knew scarves were the way I wanted to go, and I haven't regretted the decision.  People compliment me on them all the time.   I know to some people scarves scream out "I'm sick, I have cancer" but I don't mind standing out as a cancer patient.  That's just where I am at this point in life.  

    But I also understand that not everybody wants to stand out in the crowd because of their hair loss.  Maybe having lost my hair before makes it a bit less traumatic for me this time around.  I'm sure looking forward to having it grow back again.  Every morning I look in the mirror hoping I'll see new growth but I know I'm rushing it.

    Karin, I think that's a good approach to the kids at your school.   The children at the elementary school where my kids attend have been wonderful with me and my hair loss.  Some have asked to see my head, others want to touch the scarves, and a lot ask me about  my medicines and why they make people lose their hair.  The teachers have told me that they have been able to talk with the kids about cancer and chemotherapy drugs, and I think it's wonderful that they're able to learn about a subject that we as adults often find difficult to discuss.

    I have one more week before tx #5.  Trying not to think about it but I know I can do it.  We can ALL do this,right?!  These last 2 tx's my kids will be home so I won't be able to rest like when school was in session.  Guess I'll be calling friends to see who wants to have some kids come over!    I did find tx#4 to be rougher than previous tx's, but the se's ended more quickly and were gone by day 6.  Except the eyes twitching and watering; don't know why those lasted longer.

    Wishing all a good weekend and holiday. 

    Michele

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    Believer and goldilocks, it's great to hear from you.  I do wish there was a switch that would flip about 3 wks after our last chemo tx, and all the residual effects of the chemo would vanish.  Until I started hanging out here, I didn't realize that the SE's would be cumulative and some of them would remain for weeks or months (or longer) after chemo was done.

    I am tired today.  This is ... (counting)... day 12 of round #3.  This should be a "good" day, but I'm more run-down this cycle than last.  Every darn cycle has been different--so much for being able to predict what's going to happen!

    The hives I had during round #2 have been absent this time.  The scalp bumps (which became pustules = folliculitis) that plagued me last time haven't reappeared.  I did have a touch of indigestion this time, despite double-dosing with omeprazole (40 mg/day) from days 1 through 10.  The diarrhea has been a regular event each cycle, but it lasted only 2 days this time.

    What is new and very annoying is this foot thing--first, just sore, tender feet, which actually occurred during #1 and #2 but went away after only a couple of days.  This time, the soreness progressed into red patches on the sides of my heels, right at the edge of the callus.  One is about 2 inches in diameter.  These red areas are very red--like a severe burn; and they hurt.  There are no blisters or peeling (yet).

    I called my onco's office on Friday, and they agreed it's the Taxotere.  It's probably hand-foot syndrome, although the nurse didn't state that specifically.  I was told to keep the areas slathered with ointment (Aquaphor, or some other fragrance-free emollient), keep my feet cool, don't walk around any more than necessary, and call them if it gets worse.

    I took some pics to show my onco when I see her on June 4.  I'm thinking I might post a pic here, or make a separate thread on skin & nail problems from Taxotere and Taxol.  I had never seen pics of this before.

    It is good to hear from the veterans that eventually all these things will be gone. 

    otter

  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 60
    edited May 2008

    Otter: the feet sound painful.  Is the aquaphor helping?  It must hurt to put anything on your feet and yet with open sores your feet need some type of protection.

    Praying for healing...

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    Robin, it really only hurts when I put pressure on the sore spots.  It's a lot like a sunburn--keep from touching it, and it just feels warm.

    The Aquaphor helps a little, but it is so greasy.  It's like Vaseline.  It actually feels soothing to put Aquaphor or other creams on the red areas.  The skin isn't broken--they aren't open sores, fortunately.  But, I haven't been able to wear shoes or socks for awhile.  Even slippers are uncomfortable.  The best thing turns out to be going around the house barefoot.  We have ceramic tile floors in nearly all the rooms, and hardwood in the rest; so the floors feel cool and nice.

    That does put a crimp in one's social life, though.  Can't exactly go around town barefoot, even in the Deep South.  :)

    otter 

  • JaniceWA
    JaniceWA Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2008

    Well I finished chemo on the 8th of May....they had to decrease the dose because I'm pretty anemic I actually qualify for Procrit but because of strict guidlines I had to wait 3 days to get it and by then I actually needed a blood transfusion as well.  Then about 3/4 days after all of that excitement I woke up with severe stomach pain and went to the ER to find out that I had gall stones and had surgery that evening!  I am so looking forward to a lot less drama!!!  On the bright side of all of this... the surgeon who removed my gall bladder is HOT! and I have a date with him next week (okay fine... it's a post op appointment but I am looking forward to it!! lol)

  • SusanDL123
    SusanDL123 Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2008

    I had 1st of 4 rounds of this 1 week ago. Have not felt too bad but today I have bone pain. Tylenol helps. Metallic taste and dry mouth driving me nuts and I am worried sick about losing my hair.



    I wonder if anyone has my experience. I had a lumpectomy on 4/11 with negative sentinel node biopsy and clean margins. Surgery went well and surgeon thought radiation would be all I would need. Enter the medical oncologist who suggested I have the Oncotype DX test run to determine recurrence risk. Waited 13 days for the results and I got a score of 40 which is a high recurrence risk. He recommended chemo. It seems that the cells are "aggressive". Reduces my recurrence risk from 27% in ten years to about 13% in ten years. I understand and I am having the chemo but I feel like I didn't get the straight story from the beginning and was hit with something after feeling everything was really OK. I guess I just needed to vent someone who would understand.



    Thanks

  • beachmom13
    beachmom13 Member Posts: 85
    edited May 2008

    Susan, I know how you are feeling.  I felt the same way.  When I had my biopsy, they also did an ultrasound of the lymph nodes and said they could see no cancer there.  They also did a ct scan and mri.  Just before my surgery, the surgeon said he did not think chemo would be necessary, but they would probably want to do  radiation.  He also said they would not need to remove any nodes and I shoud be able to return to work in 2 weeks.The first thing I remember hearing after surgery was they found cancer in at least 1 node and had takes out 16.  Then I hear chemo and radiation would probably be necessary.  My surgery was Mar. 24 and here I am still not back at work.  When I met with the onoc.  he said it was by decision, but by doing both I could reduce the chance of recurrance to about 5 %.  No oncotype was done.  Yes, it was my decision to do this, but I feel I was led to see only the "sunny side" of the picture.

    The bottom line is you're not alone.  I'm sure that are many more in our same situation and this is the best place to be to vent and have others understand.

    I am also on TC and most of the se are over around day10.  Today is 12 and my taste is pretty much back to normal.  That furry feeling bothers me more than anything.  All of us have anquished about the hair.  We have approached how to cope in different ways, some have let what happens happen, some have buzzed or shaved before it started to go, some when it started.  Mine started to go on day 14 and I neurotically and methodically sat on my couch and pulled it out over the course of 2 days.  Then I saved every bit of it.  I have no clue why, but it's all sealed up in a plastic bag.  I wear ball caps, but do have wigs that I'll probably use when school starts in the fall.  Some wear scarves, some go commando.  You'll find what works best for you.

    I'm sorry that you have to be here with us, but we will all support you when you need supporting and celebrate with you when you need to celebrate.  Otter keeps a chart of when everyone has their treatments, so let her know what your dates are.  We're all hugging you right now.  Feel it?

  • sandym
    sandym Member Posts: 70
    edited May 2008

    Hello,

    It's been a beautiful day in Connecticut today.

    Kfalls:  I'm a day ahead of you, day 12 of TX 2 and I'm exhausted.  I do ok sitting but whenever I'm on my feet, I feel weak and sometimes, lightheaded.  I don't know if the 15 days of prednisone I  finished 3 days ago for an eye inflammation plays a roll but I definitely felt better by this time first round. 

    Thanks for all the ideas and links about scarves. I can't wait to take off the wig and am anxious to build my scarf wardrobe.

    Have a good evening.

    Sandy 

  • gramadeb
    gramadeb Member Posts: 66
    edited May 2008

    Hi SusanDL, Your diagnosis is the same as mine. I felt the same way - told I would need a lumpectomy followed by radiation. After surgery, my surgeon told me that I had clear margins, node negative and then surprised me "you will probably need a few rounds of chemo" I was surprised and didn't understand at all. Main concern was mine being a grade 3. Waited for oncotype results which came back at 28. Oncologist said even though this was in the intermediate range, it was too high and I would need chemo.

    As you said, Oncotype DX determines recurrence based on the cell structure and genetics found within the cancer cells. It helps determine if the cancer cells are going to respond well to chemo. Since you are a grade 3 and have a high oncotype score I am sure that is why they decided on chemo.

    I was so upset when I found out I needed chemo  - thought lumpectomy, radiation and hormone therapy was all I would need. I will have my fourth and final chemo on Tuesday. I know that I have done everything I could to prevent cancer from coming back - but not exactly how I felt when I first found out!

    Chemo is doable. Each person reacts differently when it comes to side effects. I tolerate the infusion well, then between 12 and 16 hours after I get some kind of allergic reaction. For my final dose, I have to be admitted to the hospital so they can watch me closely for 24 hours. A little afraid of having a severe allergic reaction - but at least I will be in the hospital instead of at home like the other 2 reactions.

    Seems like most of us can be strong for chemo, but the hair loss seems to make the cancer more real and apparent to everyone and is very stressful. If you are thinking about a wig - I would suggest looking for one before your hair falls out - then you can find a similar color and style and be prepared for when you will need it.

    Lots of gals make plans to shave their head once the hair starts falling out. I did that, and it did make me feel better to get it over with.

    I got 2 wigs and cannot wear them. Just don't feel comfortable. I have been wearing scarves and like that much better. My hair on the sides and back has been growing for about 4 weeks. Top of my head grows between treatments, then falls out, then starts growing.

    Have you tried Biotene for your dry mouth? Works pretty well.

    You will get lots of support here as you go through this journey. Don't be afraid to vent anytime you need to!

    Deb

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    I know how some of you feel, about chemo being a surprise.  My surgeon was so optimistic--tumor was less than 2 cm, wide margins, clean nodes, ER+ HER2-.  I was worried about chemo, but she told me several times that it was becoming more and more common for women with early stage, ER+ BC to not get chemo.  However, the surgeon does the surgery.  He/she doesn't call the shots when it comes to chemo.  That's what medical oncos are for.

    Even the medical onco (the first one) was optimistic, the first time we met.  He was a bit concerned about the size of my tumor, and the fact that it was Grade 2 and not Grade 1; but he figured chemo would not be in my future.  But, he did think it would be a good idea to run an Oncotype test.

    I waited EIGHT WEEKS from the date of my mast/SNB until I finally received the results of the Oncotypte test.  There were a series of clerical errors  etc., and I asked for a different oncologist as a result.  When the test came back with a score of 26, everything changed.  Suddenly, I had way too many variables that were in the "intermediate"-risk range, and chemo was recommended by both the oncos. Since I had waited so long, they both wanted to move very quickly to get me started on chemo.

    I can't say I was shocked, because I always knew there was a possibility that my chanting "low score, low score" (i.e., a single-digit Oncotype score) would not work.  But, after 8 weeks of peace and quiet, it was quite a blow to have to show up at the chemo infusion center 3 days later for my first tx.

    BTW, this day has not been a good one.  Yes, my feet hurt (see previous posts).  There won't be a pic of my sore feet today, because I just feel too crummy.  I've been running a low-grade fever for 2 days (between 99.5-99.9), I feel achy and tired, and my throat has that general soreness like from the mucositis that normally occurs around day 5 or 6.  I really suspect I'm coming down with a cold, although I don't know where I caught it.  Sure I do.  I haven't been anywhere, but my dh has been running all over town, visiting his old co-workers, shopping at WalMart for me, going to Lowe's, etc.  Lots of chances to bring home a bug.

    So, my temp is still half a degree below the "call" threshold of 100.5.  Wouldn't you know, though, it's a holiday weekend!  If it does reach the magic number, I'll have to call the on-call doc at the hospital where I'm treated, 2 hrs away.  They'll have to figure out how to get me the antibiotics, and/or get my wbc checked, on a major national holiday.  All the local doc's offices, and even the pharmacies, are closed tomorrow.  (Anybody know of a pharmacy that will actually have a pharmacist on duty tomorrow?)  That leaves 1) going to the ER at the regional hospital, and having them work over the phone with the on-call doc at my cancer center; or 2) driving 2 hours to go to the ER at the cancer center.

    Wow.  Sounds like fun.  I sure hope this is "just" a cold and my temp doesn't go up more.  It's day 12, for pete's sake, and I'm getting Neulasta each tx.  What could happen?

    otter 

  • revkat
    revkat Member Posts: 122
    edited May 2008

    Count me  among those told by the surgeon "it's just a little, non-aggressive cancer" only to have it be twice as big as expected, and a grade higher, and in the first node. I still remember her saying "it might be bigger than our estimate, but not twice as big." Which it was, exactly.

    Oh Otter, I hope your temp goes down overnight. I really doubt your wbc counts are low since you get the Neulasta, but they will want to run all kinds of tests to be sure. And then it will turn out that you have a viral infection and lots of wbc's to fight it and they will send you home. (That was my story this week). Drink lots of fluids.

  • Jisman
    Jisman Member Posts: 96
    edited May 2008

    Janice - Well if you have to have surgery and have doctor visits, it's nice to have some aspect that is worth looking forward to!

    SusanDL - I had a somewhat similar experience although not exactly the same.  My surgeon led me to believe I was likely to see radiation after the lumpectomy rather than chemo although she did also indicate that if chemo would be needed, it would add time.   It was the medical oncologist who indicated in my consultation with him in advance of surgery that 1.0 cm tumor size is a key determinate of chemo or not, yet he indicated that sometimes the imaging estimates are larger than the actual tumor so I really was not expecting to need chemo.  Turned out my tumor was 1.5 cm.  Had the Oncotype test and off to chemo I went.  Now done with that and starting radiation next week.

    Sandym -  where in CT are you?  I'm near Danbury.

    Otter -  sorry to hear about your ailments.  Wishing you a speedy return to "normal" health.

  • NurseLisa
    NurseLisa Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2008

    Hi all!  I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.  

    Susan:  you sound like you have similar circumstances to me, too.  My onco and surgeon both told me that the criteria for chemo are tumors above 1 cm and women who have not reached menopause.  Although, when I went in for my lumpectomy, I didn't know this and was just expecting radiation and hormone therapy, too.  Hang in there and keep up with this site...everyone here has lots of good advice as well as good shoulders to cry on.

    I'm "looking forward" to my 4th and final tx on Wednesday and am nervous as my 3rd one was bad.  I had a reaction and a fever.  Is the 4th one usually worse than the 3rd?

    Good luck to all those who are joining me this week.  Remember, each one that goes down is one less to do.

  • collector
    collector Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2008

    I, too, was encouraged to believe that my diagnosis was grade 1, stage 1, no node involvement and that chemo wasn't necessary.  After snb and lumpectomy, the grade was changed to 2 and I am on the cusp of stage 2 but no node involvement.  The size of the tumor was also much larger and both oncos I consulted said they would recommend chemo no matter what my oncotype score was.  I was really blindsided by that and officially withdrew from my previous policy of THINKING POSITIVE.  I'll never think that way again.  I have invasive lobular and I'm getting the sense that I will continue to be blindsided at every turn on this trip.  Of course, the doctors just say that for the most part they treat the lobular the same as they treat other types of noninvasive .  Right now I'm at Day 8 from Tx 1 of T/C and I still have the horrible chemo fog, fatigue, weepiness, chills/sweats.  My stomach seems OK and no constipation/diarhea at the moment.  I am monitoring my temp closely since I had the same sinus, jaw pain and constant drippy nose that Otter mentions.  Hope everyone enjoys this last day of the weekend.  It has been a mental challenge for me just to get through it.  Sure doesn't seem like any holiday weekend I've ever spent. 

  • SusanDL123
    SusanDL123 Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2008

    Hi all,



    Thanks soooo much for all the responses. I feel better already to hear that others have had things change as the process went on. I will press on!!



    Today is Day 8 of round 1. I am hoping to go to work tomorrow so I hope nothing unexpected happens. I am in the process of getting a wig so I will have it before my hair falls out. I keep hearing and I guess it is true that anticipating the hair falling out is the worst part and that it is a relief to get it over with.



    Still have back pain this am and of course that bad taste in my mouth. I who love my morning cup of coffee have given it up in favor of a diet pepsi. The coffee tasted so bad I couldn't drink it. The diet pepsi tastes just fine. Others may want to try it.



    Thanks for all the support.





  • NurseLisa
    NurseLisa Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2008

    Gotta ask this:  does anyone experience vaginal pain with sex?  I don't know if it's dryness or a chemo s/e.

    Hey, I have a new word: 

         Chemovice (n):  advice given to, for and by chemo patients.

                                   also goes with:  chemopause, chemobrain and

                                   chemofog.

    thanx, guys

  • debap
    debap Member Posts: 51
    edited May 2008

    NurseLisa:  For me tx#3 was by far the worst.  I also had a fever but no reaction (although I did with #2).  Tx#4 was a piece of cake in comparison.  I'm on day 19 after final treatment and feeling great so hang in there!  If you are worried about another reaction, make sure they run your chemo slow and give you premeds.

    Debbie

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    Um, NurseLisa, the answer to your question is "yes", but the reason is "all of the above."  I was dealing with natural menopause for 5 yrs before BC struck, so the dryness is familiar.

    Chemo presents additional problems.  Not only is there dryness (notice how dry your mouth gets?), but there is also mucositis (inflamed, painful mucous membranes that can be abraded and torn), a decreased wbc (which reduces resistance to infection), and even the likelihood that we are secreting our chemo drugs into v*ginal secretions for a few days after each infusion (that is, if we have any secretions anymore!).

    For specific advice (if you want some), check out the "I Want My Mojo Back" thread on the "Moving Beyond Cancer" topic.

    SusanDL and collector, you should be feeling better any day now.  debap, it is good to hear that tx #3 might have been the worst.  I wonder if that's because, for those of us doing 4 cycles, we're done after tx #4 so we can see the light at the end.

    otter 

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    Sandy - glad to hear you are feeling the same way. I just bounced back from round one so now i am a little frustrated with my fatigue.

    Nurse Lisa - I am just so amazed you could actually think about sex :) Jealous too, my poor husband.



    My surgeon also told me no chemo - then my onco suggested it so it sounds like the surgeons and oncologists need to get their act together about advice!



    I get my pic line on Monday so no more sticks for me. Just trying to be positive. I hope. :)



    Have a good week.

    Karen

  • lotodgs
    lotodgs Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2008

    ladies, sorry some of you are having bad s/e, just remember this will pass.

    as some of you know, I had my last treatement on May 5, went and had a ct scan of the chest on Friday and go on Tues (late)to meet with the ocono for our next step, I don't think I will have to do radiation, as that same area had been radiated 13 years ago. Please say an extra pray for me that the outcome of the news will be positive. I pray every day for all of us on this thread that the Lord will direct us and help us through this journey. Thanks !!!! 

  • sandym
    sandym Member Posts: 70
    edited May 2008

    Kfalls - It is frustrating.  Each morning I wake up feeling fine but fade quickly.  We did go to a Memorial Day parade but I'm glad it was a very short one.  I just had to get out in this glorious weather.

    Jisman - I'm near Hartford.  We like the Danbury Mall but haven't been in a while.  We try to get into NYC to visit our son so go through Danbury often.

    I've found the road to chemo rather twisting also.  My surgeons said yes but my onco (whom I love) was on the fence.  After my bilateral mastectomy (with tissue expanders- can't wait until they're out), I was triple negative.  My onco suggested another pathology review with the same pathologist - the one she said she would ask to do her own pathology - and this time I was ER+/PR +, HER2 -. I don't understand how it changed.  She sent me to another onco for a second opinion who agreed to chemo.  I needed someone to tell me to do it and I'm glad as I feel like all the bases are covered. I had been on Arimidex for the last 5 years after my initial bout of bc and after T/C, I'll be on Tamoxifen for another 5 years.

    Sandy

    Sandy   

  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2008

    Hi,

    I'm Julie from Illinois and will have my first tx tomorrow.  Thanks for all of the helpful information.  I don't feel too stressed yet.  I definitely feel more prepared by reading all of your posts.  I never would have gotten this much info from my hospital.  Hearing how all of you have made it through gives me the inspiration and determination to get through it myself.

    Thanks,

    Julie

  • TennesseeMichele
    TennesseeMichele Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2008

    Good luck Julie!  Let us know how you do.

    Michele

  • sandym
    sandym Member Posts: 70
    edited May 2008

    Julie, I have actually enjoyed my first 2 infusions.  The onco nurses are the best and my neighbors have been wonderful.  I thought I would just stay to myself and read the stack of material I brought. Never did much reading but I did do a lot of visiting.  I even got info from one patient on where to find wigs in our area.

    Sandy

  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2008

    Everyone seemed very nice when I had my chemo class several weeks ago.  I'm taking plenty to read along with my dh.  My two DD's will be spending the day with grandparents.  I'm just ready to start on this part of the journey.  I had to heal after SNB last month and needed to wait for DD's to finish school with the least amount of disruptions - like we haven't had enough already.  They are 12 and 9.  I like talking to people and probably won't be able to concentrate on my reading material anyway.  I just love the support that is shown to all women on this site.  Thanks for making me feel welcome.  I've been reading the posts for about a month and just finally had the nerve to post something today.  I guess I still need to feel like I am doing the right thing.

    Julie

  • gramadeb
    gramadeb Member Posts: 66
    edited May 2008

    Hope everyone had a good weekend. We had a tornado that hit just a few miles from us - and only a few blocks from our son's home. Softball size hail - pretty devastating. Did keep my mind off chemo!

    Tomorrow is final chemo. Getting a little more nervous about an allergic reaction. Being admitted to hospital will be best, but concerned about how severe it could get. Have been much more fatigued after #3 - of course having a cold hasn't helped. So 24 hours in bed may feel good! I am not very good at resting when I am home - always finding something that needs to be done.

    Lotodgs - thinking positive thoughts for you

    For those getting their cocktails this week - hope all goes well. For those with ses that are hanging on - hope they leave soon.

    Deb

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    Good luck gramadeb - just think - the last one! Will think happy thoughts for you.

    Welcome Julie - you will find this site wonderful and so supportive.

    Sandy - yes I have the fading fast syndrome too. Guess it is just part for the course.



    Karen

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    Well, I thought I was gonna avoid the docs with this fever thing, but no such luck. My temp was fine all day today, but by suppertime I was feeling a little achy...and my temp was 100.4. Whoops.

    We ate supper--a wonderful, tender steak, grilled especially for me (and my hemoglobin) by my dh. After an hour or so, I took my temp again, and it was 100.6. I checked it again a few minutes later, and it was the same. DRAT!!!

    My dh and I called all over the place and couldn't find a pharmacy that was open at 7 p.m. on Memorial Day...and then we found one CVS pharmacy in town with a pharmacist on duty 24 hrs/day. What a discovery! We must have called a dozen places within a 50-mile radius, including 2 other CVS pharmacies, and this was the only one open. I think I'll transfer all my business there.

    So I called the onco on call, and she was so sweet. I could hear a baby fussing in the background. She listened to my symptoms, and decided I wasn't sick enough to warrant driving for 2 hrs to the ER at the cancer center hospital. She said my ANC could be low, since the low point with TC comes between 10 days and 2 wks and today is day 13. She thought maybe I had a mild sinus infection, which does make sense. So she called in a script to the CVS pharmacy for a week's worth of Avelox, and told me to call my onco with a progress report in a few days. She thinks I'll be fine by my next chemo (June 4). Whew!  Escaped that one mostly unscathed.

    Wow. We have a busy week coming up. Here's who I see on the list:

    Monday 5/26:* NurseLisa (#4), Lano (#3), clcady (#3 T)

    Tuesday 5/27: JulieC (#1), karebear43 (#1), danismom (#1), craftygal (#2), SharonF (#2), nmjohn (#3), gramadeb (#4), Kathy [kathy's_hubby] (#4)

    Wednesday 5/28: MsKarin (#1), Lenny (#2)

    Thursday 5/29: jas (#3), ladybugcyndi (#4), Senora (#4)

    Friday 5/30: 

    *I don't know if these ladies actually got their tx's today, since it was a holiday. My cancer center was closed today.

    Smooth sailing to those who are up tomorrow. Gotta go--I'm watching a re-make of "Andromeda Strain" on A&E. And I thought chemo was bad!

    otter 

  • beergirl
    beergirl Member Posts: 83
    edited May 2008

    Hi all! My TC#1 Saturday went well and I felt good Saturday afternoon. Sunday...a little queasy. Today I was sick...vomiting, diarhea too. I went to onc for neulasta and he gave me more meds for nausea, diarrhea. Mush better now. how long before the neulasta pain hits? He did warn me about it, but did not say when. I go tomorrow to get blood drawn.