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Comments

  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 20
    edited July 2008

    Otter - Thanks for keeping track of all of us!  It's great to see who's finishing.  Makes me know that the end will come. 

    The 2 tx kept me down alot longer than my first one.  Lost almost two weeks this time to just horrible fatigue.  I so admire those of you who are working during your treatments.  I just don't know how you do it - I could barely walk from one room to the next without having to sit down.  I'm hoping that 3tx on Thursday won't be any worse.  It's too much to hope that it will be better.

    I know there's another thread about hair - but I haven't lost anymore since my first tx.  I have a thin covering all over - is it still possible for it to come out?

    Thoughts and prayers for everyone having tx this week!

    Kathy

  • collector
    collector Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2008

    Otter, thanks for the encouragement on the AI part of things.  I know I have to give it a good shot.  Now for my latest whine.  I have been drinking water all day after my final tx this morning and just noticed that I'm not peeing as much as I would be normally.  I'm about to weigh myself to see if I've gained a lot since this morning but I am really afraid of a kidney problem developing since we have kidney issues in our family and my dad fought kidney failure from during his 30's until it killed him at age 80.  I plan to call the onc right away in the morning since I have to go in for Neulasta and want them to schedule me for an exam or whatever if I'm not peeing gallons by then.  During my first 3 TXs I always thought I was lucky when others mentioned gaining water weight and having it disappear but that never happened to me.  OK - gotta get out that scale.

  • ggrose
    ggrose Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2008

    Thanks Otter for keeping track of everyone.  Congratuations to everyone who finished TX's last week.  Hope that SE's were mild and passed quickly.  Good luck to everyone visiting the chair this week.  I'm praying that everything goes smoothly.

    I am so ready for the last TX on Thursday.  I'm not done treating BC by any stretch of the imagination (still have rads and 5 years of Taxomifen) but in my mind, the hardest part is almost over.  I meet with onco on 7/31 for post-chemo visit and then off to consult with the rad onco.  Sounds like I'll start rads sometime in  August if bloodwork comes back normal.  

    Kathy, I still have some hair left too and wonder if it will be spared.  About 90% fell out by TX2 so I buzzed it to 1 in.  The hair that was left was very soft and looked totally white.  Whats left hasn't grown at all but the color has changed back to dark blonde.  I have noticed that my brows and lashes have thinned but that hair on my head seems to be holding on for now.

    Have to get ready for work now -  hope that everyone has a peaceful day.

  • chloekat
    chloekat Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    I've been trying to find my niche and it looks like this is it. Otter, you are by far the biggest wealth of information and such an inspiration. You may not realize it, but your posts have gotten me thru some tough days - THANK YOU!

    I just had my 2nd tx on Friday. It didn't go as smoothly as the first, but now that I've read about your reaction, Terri and Sandra, I'm glad there was a little 'mix-up'. My nurse was on vacation and I had someone else. Her stick wasn't as pleasant and the "cap" wasn't on correctly, so I had to be re-stuck. Then the Taxotere infusion took incredibly long. (It figured...my girlfriend came with me and we planned to go out to lunch afterward.) The Taxotere drip took a little over 2 hours. I guess it was a blessing in disguise.

    I'm still nauseous. I've been taking the Zofran, Tigan and Nexium. Water tastes murky. I'd kill for a glass of Merlot I could taste. lol  I can't believe I'm bald. So many changes in so short a time. All in all, though, it's not so bad.

    PhillyDee, I know how you're feeling as I'm sure all of the other women share(d) the same feelings. The fear of the unknown was the worst. Once you pass thru 'the door', you'll find it's not so bad.   

  • SherriM
    SherriM Member Posts: 90
    edited July 2008

    Otter: Ditto Chloekat, you are a wonderful help to us all!

    collector: I've only had one tx so far, but the same thing happened to me with the not peeing, and when I went to bed that night I was 7 lbs up from the morning!  I told my onc about it the when I saw him last week, and he just scowled and said that was a lot, so I don't know if he plans on doing something differently on #2 or not.  It was a pretty short lived problem--the flood gates opened about 2am, but like you, not only did it feel miserable, it was scary--especially not knowing if it's going to get worse each time.  Are you feeling better now?  Did you see your onc?

     Blessings to all!

    Sherri 

  • collector
    collector Member Posts: 72
    edited July 2008

    I drank a lot more just before I went to bed and then was up 4 times during the night to pee.  Each time there was a lot more and when I got up this morning I was down 3 pounds and I feel like things are back to normal, well, chemo normal.  I went in for my neulasta shot and decided not to mention it to that nurse.  My biggest challenge now is keeping track of all the meds for days 2-5.  I have to make a schedule to get them all in without making myself sick or forgetting something.  At least this is the last time around.

  • chloekat
    chloekat Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2008

    SherriM and Collector, I had the same thing happen. I tanked up on water the day before and day of chemo (at least 1+gallon) and only trickled afterward. I thought. OMG... where did all the water go. The next night post chemo I was up 4 or 5 times. What a relief. (no pun intended) 

  • lanihardage
    lanihardage Member Posts: 92
    edited July 2008

    Thanks to all of you for this most helpful thread, especially Otter and Sandra. I had my first treatment yesterday. It was uneventful, had my Neulasta shot because I'm 2 hours away from the office. Wondering why the bone pain didn't kick in, but the explanation above says I have that to look forward to! It's scary to hear about all the SE's but as someone said, better to know what to do about them if they do show up. I look forward to being a part of this thread with you brave women and supportive husbands/partners. --Lani

  • catlover44
    catlover44 Member Posts: 78
    edited July 2008

    Lani, I've had 3 txs so far, complete with Neluasta shots, and have had no bone pain at all.  So, you may just not have that problem!  I have 3 more to go, however, and who knows what will happen with them.  I'm thinking positive!  Anyway, we all have different s/e's and this board is such a help to let you know if something odd happens, you're not alone!

  • ggrose
    ggrose Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2008

    How's everyone doing today.  It's been quiet here today.  Hopefully that means that all of us have been enjoying life today!

    Well I'm ready for my final TX tomorrow.  I'm well hydrated and have all meds on hand.  I'm having lunch with a good friend on Friday to celebrate. Maybe I'll even try to talk DH to take me out tomorrow to see the new Batman movie.  

    Good luck to everyone else stepping up to the chair this week.  I hope and pray that it's the easiest TX yet for all of us.

    Rose

  • Debbiem425
    Debbiem425 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2008

    ggrose - good luck today.  I know there is a list somewhere in this post of the others scheduled for today but I couldn't find it.  A lot of us finish today - Whoo Hoo!!  Congrats to you all.  I tried to drink more then I usually do the day before but I was up all night going back and forth to the bathroom.  ugh  Now I am tired.  I have never fallen asleep at chemo - but might today. 

    I don't know if I messed up my meds or the pharmacy did but I am short 2 pills of dexamethason.  I hope it's not a big deal - seems silly to get it refilled for 2 pills.  I'll ask when I get there today.

    My hair is actually filling in a bit - I know it will fall out again in 2 weeks - but it's encouraging to see that it will come back.  My hair used to grow so quickly; I am hoping that won't change.

    Hope everyone is feeling good and has a great day!

  • chloekat
    chloekat Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2008

    Rose, Good luck today! Congratulations on your last tx!! WooHoooo!!!! What a feeling!  Today is my coming back to normal self day (had my 2nd tx on Friday, 7/18). Thankfully, round #2 had pretty muchthe same se's as #1. (I complained more this time, though, for some reason. lol)

  • lanihardage
    lanihardage Member Posts: 92
    edited July 2008

    Thanks, Catlover, for the ray of hope. I'm starting to see a pattern -- tired and weak when I first get up, then feeling better as the day goes on (this is the beginning of day 4 for me). Then I got cranky with the kids and knew it was time to go to bed. I got a lot more done yesterday than I thought I would. Yay! I know it can change, but one day at a time.

  • VBG
    VBG Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2008

    Hi All,

    Checking in. 
    I had tx 3 yesterday and so far am felling really good.  I am one of the few that does not seem to get the Neluesta shots but my blood counts are really high so I guess it isn't needed.  It is odd but I have actually felt less SEs with each tx.  I think my anxiety over tx one drove some of my issues.  I have not had any bone pain or aches.  I am more tired for the first 5 days or so but after that seem to bounce back.  I am lucky because I am able to stay home and take it easy most of the time.

    My most annoying side effects have been dealt with the desitin ( the toxicity on the skin the first few days was much improved - thanks to whoever suggested that one) my nails aren't growing and evidently are one of the the last things to start growing ( can be even slower than the hair) and of course the whole bald thing.  Still have my eyebrows and the majority of my lashes!  I do hope they hang on!  There is also a bit of fuzz still on my head but that gets thinner each day!

    SEs are very individual and I feel very blessed that my chemo journey has been relatively smooth! 

    Thanks Otter for keeping track of everyone and for all of your posts both here and on some other threads.  You are so insightful and add so much to each discussion!  I am now half way done and only one more tx to go!!!!!

    Wishing you all a good day!

    Valerie

  • sherry38
    sherry38 Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2008

    Hi Ladies : )  Hope today finds each & everyone of you feeling wonderful & in good spirits!!

    I have been handling my first treatment pretty well.  I had been drinking tons of fluids, but apparantly tons weren't enough because I got a UTI yesterday. : (  I am prone to the darn things anyhow, but I thought I was doing EVERYTHING I good to ward them off.  Was drinking cranberry juice and taking a cranberry supplement too!!

    I am just wondering if anyone had any light bleeding through this?  I was actually on my period when I started treatments, and then it took a couple extra days to stop.  When it finally did stop I notice that every time I exert myself AT ALL that it starts up again.....

    Please let me know if that is normal or not.  I talk to my Dr. on Tues before my next treatment, and it isn't really bothersome, but I am also hoping not a danger sign or anything.

  • ggrose
    ggrose Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2008

    Hi everyone!  Thought I'd pop in and see how everyone is doing today before SE's kick in.

    Thanks Chloekat.  Even though I'm not past the SE's yet, it did feel good leaving the infusion lab today knowing that this was the last TX.  I even brought some doughtnuts in for the staff to celebrate.  Glad to hear that you have turned the corner and are feeling better now.

    Valerie, you're half way done and that's also reason to celebrate! Glad to hear that everything has been going smoothly.  It's great that your WBC counts are up without the use of Neulusta.  The main SE for me was bone pain from the shot.  Finally found relief using vicodin.  I'm not complaining though (OK, maybe I complained a little bit).  I'd rather deal with the pain then end up in the hospital. 

    For those of you who are just starting out, I read somewhere that only 30% of women get bone pain from Neulusta.  Of that 30%, most can control the pain with Tylenol PM. Mine was more severe so I worked my way up to Vicodin.  Everybody is slightly different so you might very well be in the 70% that don't experience any pain at all.

    Sherry, glad to hear that you are feeling OK but bummer about the UTI.  I also had spotting for a week following TX1.  Mentioned it to my onc and they didn't seem to concerned.  My normal period came following week then I've had nothing since.  The hot flashes started right before TX3 so I think I'm officially in chemopause.  You should definitely talk to your onco so they know what's going on just to be on the safe side.

    I just looked at this weeks schedule again and there are quiet a few ladies finishing up this week.  A big WOOHOO and High Fives are going out to collector, Susan, katiesmommy, boo, rogam, Debbie425 and youlooklikeyouneedabeergirl! Hope that everything went smoothly!

    My thoughts and prayers are going out for everyone that needs them right now.

     

  • catlover44
    catlover44 Member Posts: 78
    edited July 2008

    Sherry, I'm also having a good bit of spotting--after tx 1 I had one normal period, then since then (I'm 8 days out from #3) I haven't had one, but have had enough spotting to be annoying and cause a lot of rinsing if I wasn't wearing a liner!  Our poor bodies are just trying to do what they're supposed to do, despite the chemo.  I don't think it's anything to worry about at all.

  • SecretCancer
    SecretCancer Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2008

    Hi all -

     I'm 10 days out from my first treatment and aside from metal mouth, which lasted two days, I haven't had a single side effect.  I feel completely "normal".  Not that I'm complaining, but has anyone else had this experience?  I keep waiting for the ax to drop, but so far...nothing.  Not even the slightest bit of fatigue.  I did get a Neulasta shot the day after treatement, so perhaps that is what saved me.  I took Claritan preventively and did not have any bone pain to speak of.

     As for my period, it should have come last week, but I never got it.  Can chemo shut down our ovaries THAT quickly?  I was expecting to have at least one period through my treatment.

    My hair should be falling out early next week.  Not looking forward to it!

  • chloekat
    chloekat Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2008

    Sherry, I had spotting too. After the 1st tx, my period was due 5 days later, so I didn't give it much thought. After tx #2 last Friday, I started cramping and spotting about 2 days later, so much so that I had to keep using the Always liners. Ugh! It subsided by day #6. I'm at Day #8 now and my body seems to be returning back to baseline.  Maybe the estrogen is getting upset that it's getting the heave-ho? LOL

  • VBG
    VBG Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2008

    Hi All,

    Kim I too have had very few SEs and have felt actually better with each treatment. Almost do not want to admit it since like you I am always concerned the other "shoe will drop"

    Okay wacky story after my 3rd tx on Wed.  Felt great but had some back muscle spasms from my expander fill on Monday.  Foolish me went to bed Wed night will a heating pad on my back, have actually done this many times.  Woke up Thurs morning with second degree burns on my side which wrapped around my back!  Seems perhaps the chemo drugs may have helped "cook" me!  After a trip to the ER, calls to numerous Docs and some antibiotics I am wrapped like a mummy!  Will need a number of follow up appts to insure that I do not get an infection.

    Okay so I was doing so well.....had to have a least one thing go crazy!

    Wishing you all a great day!

    Valerie

  • sherry38
    sherry38 Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2008

    Thank you all for sharing with me : )  It is so nice to have people around that know what you are dealing with, helps alleviate some of the worries!

  • MariaG
    MariaG Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2008

    Have my 1st chemo rescheduled.  It will be August 5th and I am ready for it.

  • TC-Chickadee
    TC-Chickadee Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2008

    Hello to Everyone !!!

    Haven't posted for awhile, but just read through all the posts (had a Tough Tx #2) . . .

    Otter - Thank you for remembering me - it reminded me I hadn't given my schedule - Had Tx #3 on Wed. and if all goes well should have last Tx on Aug. 13 . . . You are so giving and forthcoming with wonderful info. for everyone - Thank you so much - it is so appreciated !!!

    VBG - I'm so sorry to hear about your burns - Hope you are feeling better soon.  I too have not needed Neulasta shots so far - My Onc. also does not automatically give them . . . We are also on the same Tx schedule days . . . Hang in there !!!

    To share with everyone some info. I learned about fevers during Tx # 2 - I had Chills with low-grade fevers from days 5-15, but never over 100.1 and Advil always brought the fever down so I never called my Onc. etc.  Fortunately, my counts had recovered by next Tx time and I was able to get Tx #3, but they said I should have called them because 10 days is too long to go with Chills/Low grade fever.  They were more worried about the CHILLS which can be a sign of a blood infection (sepsis), which can be very serious if not treated.  If I had called them they would have checked my counts and if they were too low I would have been put on an antibiotic - so if this should happen again, I will need to call them.  However, probably because my counts did recover so well, my Onc. thinks my body was probably fighting a viral infection (not a bacterial one).

    Hang in there Everyone !!!  Congratulations to all who have finished !!!

    TC-Chickadee 

  • terridwo
    terridwo Member Posts: 31
    edited July 2008

    OMG Valerie, that is awful and scary.  Good luck with that.

    Maria- Best of luck to you on your 1st tx, may your se's be non-existant!

    Day 7 after 2nd tx and not feeling as well as the first time.  My taste is just coming back since last Saturday and my tongue is so sore I want to cut it off!!!! And I have cold sores too!  Just feel generally more punky than last time and it is lasting longer.  Someone posted about feeling crummy in the morning and then better later, it is the opposite for me.  Afternoons are the worst.

    Sorry about all the complaining, it just goes to show how every person is so different and each tx can be different.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend, SE FREE!!!!

  • slortiz
    slortiz Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2008

    I've actually felt better this time around (Tx 2, Day 8), but the off-taste thing has been worse and my mouth has also been sorer. Today I cooked up this burrito thing for lunch that initially was appealing to me and it smelled good, and my husband assured me it was delicious, but it just tasted like cardboard. I could barely eat it.

    I'm tired of this so I sat down and thought and thought, trying to imagine something that might  taste good to me. I went to the market with hubby and bought some pineapple sherbert.

    Wow!! It was terrific. I had two bowls. Now my mouth is really flaming, but it was worth the pain. This is SO like being pregnant.

  • beergirl
    beergirl Member Posts: 83
    edited July 2008

    Hello to all of you!

    Otter, thanks for posting my last chemo! I am done!  I have not really had too many SE's. Just knowing what to expect helped me a lot. I have been taking femara since one month before I started chemo. Now, my onc told me to stop taking it, get a complete blood workup in 2 weeks and then start taking the femara again. Then I think I will get another CBC just before I see her again in 3 months. I have had almost no SE's from femara. I was already diagnosed with osteoporosis, so my onc started me on Aredia every 6 weeks before I started chemo. I really feel great. She may switch me to another med similar to aredia that I will only need every 3 months.

    For you new members, I am 66,  and semi-retired teacher.

  • chloekat
    chloekat Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2008

    Sandra and Terri, I heard that L-Lysine helps the mouth sores. :)

  • Debbiem425
    Debbiem425 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2008

    hi everyone

    I had my last treatment yesterday and am already feeling tired.  But I am so happy to be done with chemo!  Just sad to hear from my oncologist that it could be up to 6 months until I feel myself again.

    Sherry I also got a UTI - I called the oncologist who said it's probably just cystitis and I was like no this is a UTI and I went in for a culture and was right.  I also have a history of them and knew what was going on - I feel better now after being on the antibiotics.

    Kim - metal mouth is totally normal after chemo - yuk I hate it.

    I am hoping I bounce back quickly this time as I have to finish getting my daughter ready to go to college. I thought we were almost done but now she has decided she wants different bedding from what we ordered.  ugh

    Have a great weekend everyone!

  • rcknrob53
    rcknrob53 Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2008

    You girls are doing great having only 4 cyt and tax, I had to take 16 treatments, 1 a week. My side effects were the same as yours.  Bone pain, which I still have, fatigue, which I still have and skin rash, and steroid face.  I had my treatment 1/2007.  This was a reoc of breast cancer from 2002. It has taken me a long time to bounce back.  

    Have a nice weekend and I am new to the forum, so it is nice to be with others who share the same sisterhood.

    Robin 

  • Drea
    Drea Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2008

    Hi everyone,

    Wow, what a HUGE thread -- I'm so happy to find it!  I've skimmed it, and will be reading it more thoroughly soon.  But I'm eager to ask a question, so here it is:

    How did you choose TC?  Did you consider AC or AC followed by T, or any of the other regimens out there?  Was there anything your onc told you, or you discovered through research, etc. that convinced you that TC was the way to go?

    My situation is this:  I'm a BRCA2 carrier, and I had a bilateral mastectomy in 2006 (when I was 34) for DCIS in my left breast, and risk-reduction in my right breast.  My current dx (see my sig line) is *probably* a recurrence of that DCIS, though it's not clear.  It presented as a tiny, superficial, pebble-like bump on the scar of my original core biopsy.  The tumor is 7 mm.  My onc (who is a BRCA1/2 expert) just ordered Oncotype DX and of course it's a couple of weeks before I'll learn the results.  But she has said that unless my tumor scores low (and of course it *could*), she would recommend TC every 3 weeks x 4 (which seems to be the protocol most of you are following). 

    I'm getting a second opinion on Aug 1, and trying not to get too far ahead of myself.  But I like to  be prepared for stuff, and research is an important coping mechanism for me.  So I'm just thinking... *if* I do chemo, *how* do I know that TC is right for me?

    Thanks so much!  Good luck to everyone who's going through treatment -- I wish you an excellent response and no side effects!

    Best,

    Drea

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