Stage II w/Lymph Node Involvement
Comments
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Sara - I had AC dose dense x 4 followed by Taxol dose dense x 4 (both every 2 weeks) plus started Herceptin once every three weeks with the Taxol. I worked all through the chemo, though to be fair I only had to show up somewhere once a week on Thursdays (by and large). I had my chemo on Mondays and was fine by Thursday (except maybe toward the end of the Taxol, by which time I did have a couple of rough weeks). It definitely helped that I could take it easy at the front end but had a reason to rise above/be normal as possible toward the end of each chemo week (I teach at a university and Thursday is my teaching day). They have amazing meds now for the SEs. My only bad SE really (aside from hair loss) was that I too developed a fever which caused them to put me in the hospital for a few nights to get IV antibiotics (I personally thought that was overkill as I felt fine almost immediately upon being admitted). I went to a salad bar the weekend after my second AC -- BIG mistake -- and they think I got food poisoning (which caused the fever). They had not told me that raw fruits and veggies have bacteria that healthy immune systems fight off easily but chemo-impaired immune systems do NOT. So be careful with public restaurants and the eating of raw fruits and veggies while on the AC.
I definitely agree with Gina -- counting down the weeks was a big help in getting through it all.
Lilah
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Lilah - Thanks for sharing your AC experience. I seriously am feeling so much better after reading how all of you here have handled it. I have a similar work schedule to what you describe - will likely only see clients on Fridays each week - maybe Saturday am too if needed. Luckily, I'm a therapist (social worker - not physical or occupational) so I sit in a chair while I work. And I have my own practice so I make my own schedule and am keeping my caseload low for awhile.
Now on to another worry - the hair. I'm so worried about my changing appearance being a distraction for my clients. I feel like their distraction and any exaggerated empathy for me would not be ideal in their therapy process. I did get a wig yesterday (WARRIOR - I went to Susan's and it was a really amazing experience!!), and it's similar to my own hair now, just darker (which I have been in the past off and on) and it has long-ish bangs (which I haven't had in 12 years). So I went to my own stylist yesterday with the wig and had her transform my current hair to look a bit more like the wig for the next 6 weeks until it starts coming out. I really hope that people don't really even notice the wig. Am I being unrealistic?
(This logistical stuff on top of the medical stuff is all so freaking exhausting).
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You're not being unrealistic - when I wore my wig, I actually got compliments on how great my hair looked! Nobody who didn't know could tell. I'm sure you will be fine!
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Sara - I had my 2nd AC treatment this morning and came into work at noon. I know tomorrow I won't feel great but today I'm fine. The Neulasta shot can sting. I get it at the hospital, I didn't want to deal with giving it to myself. I opted to get the shot in the rump. I did get some body aches that lasted 24 hours or so but subsided. Not debilitating aches but they did get my attention. I got my hair buzzed before my 2nd treatment. I had thick shoulder length hair and the wig stylist at the hospital said it could take a week of shedding so I did it early. I wore my wig to work for the first time yesterday and a co-worker (guy) said "Your hair looks nice, did you straighten it?". I just said thanks. I don't think the average person in public would know it's a wig. I had nothing to do in the shower without hair! And nothing to do before make-up and dressing, it's very weird! Are you starting your chemo in March? If so, you should check to see if there is a discussion started. I'm with the February group and you could read the entries if you want to see how others are handling the side effects. I got GREAT information from the ladies that started before me. Gina0
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Sara -- not unrealistic at all. I actually have -- on at least three occasions -- met up with a friend who didn't know fully intending to tell them (because I assumed they would know I was wearing a wig) and in EACH case the friend went so crazy for how I had done my hair (bangs -- which I've never had -- and straight, which I am not usually) that I didn't have the heart to say it was a wig. I guarantee you that people will not notice except to think you got a new do). How smart of you to get your hair styled like the wig! I had my hair buzz cut to about 1/2 inch just before my second AC treatment (so, two weeks into the treatment) and it all fell out (well 90% did anyway) at the end of week three (or one week after the second AC) like clockwork. It was pretty horrible to go through but I was grateful it went pretty fast and that it was short. As you can see from my pre-chemo picture, I have (had) long hair.
I have to say I love my wig. I will be sad when I return to the curly/frizzy and the no bangs (because my hair is not good bang material)... unless of course the post-chemo hair decides to come in straight! At the moment it's about 1/2 inch - 3/4 inch long (though not as thick as pre-chemo 1/2 inch yet) and while I probably could go without the wig I just don't want to yet
Lilah
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Sara, my wig is great. I had it styled just like my hair and picked out a wig similar to my own hair. People go nuts over my hair now--i have had so many compliments and I laugh and tell them its a wig and they can't believe it!!! So a lot of the conversation is about what a wonderful wig I have and some gals have asked where I got the wig. It will all be fine. I felt squeemish about it at first, but then the first day I wore up someone who didn't know me came up and said what beautiful hair I had. go figure
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Thanks again for all of the info and encouragement everyone!
Interesting hair story - like I said earlier, I went to my stylist yesterday and had her change up my hair to more closely match my new wig so when it all comes out next month I won't seem so different with the wig on. I had been a little stuck and not taking very good care of my hair lately since diagnosis, so my highlights were VERY washed out and light, and my roots were VERY dark and gray, and my hair was much longer than usual. Looked bad. So yesterday I got about 2 inches cut off, had the color darkened (way darker) and had bangs cut in (really does look just like the wig!). The client at work who I was most worried being freaked out about my changing appearance came in today. She and her mom didn't even say anything about the change - they either didn't notice or didn't care. So now I really do feel confident that when I get the wig on, maybe I'll get away with it. Here's hoping...
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hey all,
My mom just started on her first chemo session on the 11th of March. She was doing great on the 12th, but the side effects started to kick in by the 13th.
She felt like vomitting and had body aches. But she is trying to exercise in the morning!
Anyway thanks for all who are supporting me. It has been such a roller coaster journey and dont know what else to expect. Just hope after this treatment, no more cancer will stay in the body!!!
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Sara - You mentioned you were planning to have your AC on Mondays so your down time is during school for the kids...very smart.
I just wanted to mention about the Taxol. With that one, you might notice about a 3-day delay after treatment until the side effects kick in, so if you were going to have the treatment on a Friday, you may not be feeling well the Monday after. However, if you're doing weekly treatments the side effects might not be so bad, so you could be just fine on Monday. Just thought I'd give you a heads up in case.
Gina - glad to hear your treatments are underway and going fairly well. I found the AC SEs to be fairly short-lived. I hope the same for you.
Bugsfire - I know your Mom will do great. Keep your chin up!
About the wigs...glad you have found the "looks" that work best for you. My hair really started to come out on the 15th day after my first treatment. I had a short cut before chemo to prepare, and then when it started to go, out came the clippers. I never did go for the wig...it was amazing how everyone adjusted to seeing the new bald me. After I got past the initial "naked" feeling I had, I have to say it was actually really liberating not to have hair. Showering was so fast and easy, and I thought not having hair to worry about when you're not feeling well is a blessing! Everyone should do what works best for them. I wish you all the best!
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I agree Mouse (about the liberating feeling once you get over the loss)... I also have to say: I looked awesome in a turtle neck
Now that the hair is growing back (very Jean Seberg at the moment) I still like the turtle neck!
Lilah
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Saralmom-So glad that Susan's Place worked out for you! I wore a wig, actually, many different ones throughout..lol I got bored of the brunette one so I had a redhead and lighter brown one..short..long You can do this and no one will even know! Your head may get cold at night so buy a night cap.
Sorry I haven't been on lately...kids and work is keeping me busy. Hubby FINALLY found a new job..so blessed! He starts tomorrow. I had a D & C today because I had a thickened uterine lining and since I am on Tamoxifen, they had to biopsy it. I am sure all is well. I feel fine, it was the damn IV that killed...I have poopy veins. They poked me numeours times in my hand, arm , feet and all failed so they had to put IV in my juggular...ouch but I am home and resting and should be fine in the next day or two.
I am still reading all your posts and thinking of all you Warriors!! Stay strong and when you have a moment that you can't....come here. Someone is always here with the light on! xo
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Warrior -- Aw that sucks having the IV in your jugular! Hope the results are benign. And wooo hoooo on your hubby finding a job!
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Warrior - crossing my fingers for you and hoping you don't have a nasty hicky-looking bruise from your IV.
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Mouse6 - thanks for the encouragement! I go for AC #3 tomorrow, so I know I'll have a quiet weekend. Did you do 12 weekly T or 4 every 2 weeks? I'm not trying to get too ahead of myself but I'm already thinking about Taxol and the side effects.
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Hi everyone. I have too much time on my hands this week I think (done with major appointments, plan in place, but not starting chemo until 4/12 b/c I'm leaving for China with my son tomorrow for 12 days) so I've been reading all kinds of posts all over these forums. So the thing I'm worried about now is if I have enough of the right meds for after chemo. I have filled prescriptions for Emend and Compazine. But that's all I have. Do I need Zofran? Pain meds after Neulasta? I'm having AC dose dense every 2 weeks.
What has your experience been with meds?
Gina - good luck tomorrow with tx #3.
And thanks to all who have made me feel so much better about the hair stuff. Feeling confident lately - we'll see how it really feels on 4/27 when the wig lady takes my hair off...
Got some good news this week - BRCA negative!!! Finally something went the best possible way it could go. I'll take it.
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Hi everyone
Im so glad to have found this site cos i had lymph node involvement as well and its good to meet people in a similar position. I was dx 5years ago and am still doing well. My friend was diagnosed 11years ago she had 5node involvement and is still doing great. I was reading you all have young children, I have a 12year old son and a 14year old daughter. Please keep posting cos it is really great to meet you all. x
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Sara -- my ONC prescribed the Emend (3 days starting on day of infusion) and a steroid (Dexamethasone) plus a pill for nausea (sorry can't recall the name but it was one I was to take as needed every 6 hours for nausea... I think I took it ONCE). I'm not sure what Compazine is...
I believe the steroid was to make the Neulasta work better (but I could be wrong). I always had the Neulasta shot the day after the infusion and I too had dose dense. Except for losing my hair, I had a easy time of it on the AC. For Taxol, when I no longer needed Emend or any anti-nausea pills, my main problem was neuropathic pain (which 600 mgs of Advil helped with).
Drink lots of water the day of and days following the infusions... it helps!
Cheers,
Lilah
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Hello saralmom,
I had the same meds as Lilah: Emend, Steroids (dexamethasone), and anti-nausea meds.
I had to take Emend and day 1, 2 and 3. I never took the anti nausea meds, I just never felt nauseous! They did raise the dosage of steroids to counter allergic reactions I had from chemo. I had steroids on day 1, 2, 3 and 4. It made me really hungry!
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Steroids just kept me awake! I was always up all night on the day of my infusion. And the only time I needed the anti-nausea pill was the day after my first infusion... because I made the mistake of taking a friend to BJs and she bought a cooked chicken... the smell in my car just got to me! After that I simply avoided strong smells in small spaces
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Dear Saralmom,
As someone who is finishing up SIX of each, let me go back to AC. I never did Emend, and never filled the ondansetron prescription. I had them cut down from three days to two days of dexamethasone as stays in your system forever. Then nothing more than Tylenol for pain.
I did have minor constipation, but just used regular fruit and veggies. My stash of prunes is untouched other than eating 4 at some point.
Try to get out and do at least some walking each day. I did a lot more than walk the recommended half an hour per day, but exercise will make the trip through a lot easier.
Lilah is right about the water. My problems sleeping were due to what happens when you drink gallons of it each day, which I did for most of the first week of AC. (A good thing though that I woke up.)
I had leg cramping so drank Gatorade the first night. It helped.
I didn't lose quite all my hair, and was really not that important once I realized I could keep up with my life through treatment.
Taxol is a lot easier than AC was. I am now training for summer cycling events. Have some nail tenderness and achiness on Days 3-5, but nothing worse. I also would have been fine with 4 DD AC, but 5 and 6 kicked my butt. Jealous about China. - Claire
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Wow Claire -- amazing how you sailed through AC with little ancillary drugs. Also I'm amazed to hear you say Taxol was no problem! For me Taxol was a bitch, definitely worse than AC... the first one knocked me on my butt (like a mack truck)... then I took advil the night before day three (I always felt bad on day three) and was much improved. I also had to stop wearing high heels due to neuropathy from the Taxol (or could be the combo of Taxol and neulasta) -- I'm happy to say, though, that this was temporary and I am BACK in my stilts
Some say Claritin helps with Taxol's SEs but I do take Claritin (10mg) daily so I don't know. Everyone is different. The good news: for most it's not as horrible as you think it will be and if you stay active, drink plenty of water and try to do your normal life as much as possible (be WILLFUL), you can make it through with grace.
Lilah
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I only took the dexamethasone tabs with my first AC which gave me blurred vision and sleep disturbance. I also took a lot of anti-emetics with my first AC (zofran, maxalon) which made me very constipated and miserable.
For subsequent AC infusions I didn't take the dex tablets and only had Emend x 3 tabs for nausea and I felt much better, even the nausea was better than the first time.
The taxol didn't cause me any issues until towards the end when I developed leg pain day 4-5, Claritin did help along with over the counter analgesia.
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Hi new here, I'd like to find someone, who has been through chemo ,that is also, a type one diabetic. I also have stage 2 with lymph nodes involved. I'm about tostart my thrid chemo treatment. And today my hair is falling out in chunks.
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Hi countrystars,
I am not a diabetic, but can say that I had to watch sugar crashes so can only imagine. I managed them by eating a lot more protein than I normally would. Eggs were a godsend, but also ate a lot more meat than normal.
The ACS site has something on nutrition, and I took the part on protein to heart. Not as critical with Taxol, but really helped wiht AC. Then I filled in with fruits and vegetables. I ate carbs too, but focused on protein and feuling for endurance.
I got my hair buzzed just before the "chunks" phase. Really controls the mess, and when I saw the floor of the salon, was glad they were the ones to sweep things up, not me. - Claire
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Sorry I'm in Alberta Canada, very dry here. My face, was so bad, the other night, I wanted to rip it off. I have mega prescription creams,, Nothing is helping. Unfortunately the steroids are causing my Blood sugars, to go high. . Trying to keep my Blood sugars on an even keel, has been very frustrating. When they are high I feel even worse over all. I also had my hair cut short before starting chemo. I didn't feel, I could handle, hair down to the middle of my back, falling out. Thing is ,Dr. said because they had to, put me on a different chemo, because I'm diabetic it would only thin. Ha I think, at the rate it's falling out today, I'm going to be bald. I'm feeling, pretty down today. Most days are ok, I try to look on the bright, side of things
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Saralmom - My AC#3 went pretty well, was able to pick out some hats at the hospital care wear store and got out for lunch with my sister after treatment. Went home and rested after that. I get Zofran, Emend and Dexamethasone in clinic before treatment on Friday. On Sat, I take 1 Emend and 2 Dex. On Sun, I take 1 Emend and 2 Dex and on Mon I take 2 Dex. Whew! I also have Compazine and Ativan for nausea on an as needed basis. I do take the Compazine on Friday and Saturday nights. I find it helps me sleep. I'm also on Ranitidine (an acid blocker 2 x daily) and that helps with heartburn that AC can cause. It's hard to believe a person can take so many drugs at the same time. Have a great time in China! Gina0
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Gina - I'm assuming Taxotere the same type of drug as Taxol...I've had the Taxotere. To answer your question, my regimen is 4 treatments, 3 wks apart. Actually, my last one is on Thursday this week.
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Mouse -- woo hooo!!!!! One more to go!
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Thanks Lilah! Yes, I find I'm excited to be finishing chemo, but also very nervous about surgery. Have you had surgery?
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Oh I have I had surgery! When I was first diagnosed last spring I had two lumpectomies in June ... the second one having gotten ALMOST perfect margins (three clear, one close)... then I did chemo from August to October... then had a unilateral MX (right breast) in December. I am in the TE phase now and will have an exchange (and a lift/reduction of my left breast) in May. So yeah I've had surgery
The first lumpectomy (my first surgery since I was 16 years old) I was very scared. I was mostly afraid of the anesthesia. But then the day of surgery I have to say the best part was being put to sleep and waking up and it being over. The second surgery I was relaxed because the first was so easy (they removed so little, it seemed to me, that you could hardly tell anything was gone). The second surgery sucked. I had the SNB and they removed a lot of tissue from my breast (making it look awful). The area where they removed nodes hurt and was numb for a long time and my shoulder was stiff for months (though eventually I got info about stretches and that helped). So by the time my third surgery rolled around I was apprehensive about post-surgical pain (though no longer worried about anesthesia). Amazingly, my MX was a breeze. When I woke up in the recovery room I felt a flood of relief because I knew immediately that the pain was not going to be bad (when I woke up after the second lumpectomy I was in BAD pain). All in all, it's been very good since then and the growing TE is sort of fun. I am looking forward to my (hopefully) final surgery in May and the implant, which everyone says will be MUCH softer than this horribly hard TE.
What kind of surgery are you having Mouse?
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