Stage II w/Lymph Node Involvement
Comments
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hi everyone, just completed round 2 of taxol this morning, was ok and as usual was hyper after infusion, my hemo was down again and i asksd to speak to my onco, he told me its residue from the my last AC it takes time to recover and taxol is nit as bad as AC so with enriched diet i should return to normal, my taste is mot so bad today. Hoping it doesnt get worse with this treatment. In my recliner now chewing ice with my furry friends around me. Lol
Hugs to everyone. Cheryl0 -
Chery, did they prescribe dexamethasone as a premed for you with taxol? I have to take it 12 and 6 hours before treatment. How long does the taxol infusion take?0 -
smrivr, no pre-meds the day before. At infusion, They infused pepcid , decadron (this is a steroid for nausea) than benedryl this for any kind of allergic reaction this infusion takes about 1 hour, then the taxol for 1 hour. In all about 2 hours.
I guess everyone meds are different. But i do feel hyper after, i drink a lot of water during infusion snd after to flush the chems out.
Cheryl0 -
Johnetta, no idea about weight and relation with recurrence, sorry.
They di suggest healthy eating and exercise but that is kind of obvious. If they would stop adding so many hormones and dyes to the food we eat this would be a much healthier place. We have to go to special food stores to buy food products without so much additives in it. It worries me!0 -
Hi all, have been lurking and not posting, but here goes: finished taxol nearly 2 years ago now....my hair began to grow back about week 7 which was amazing! By end of tx I felt okay going without a hat or wig. I took claritin for any bone pain brought on by neupogen...had to take decadron the first few tx but when it was evident that I wasn't going to have a reaction, I stopped (a bit early). I take effexor 37.5 mg for hot flashes; I still have them but I guess they could be worse.
Arimadex gives me some hip aches and pains but bikram yoga helps with that a lot--I practiced through all tx and felt like I was the better for it. It's also caused weight gain of about 5-7 pds, grrrr.
As for recurrence rates, all I know is that my oncologist wants me to keep my BMI down as low as possible (I'm around 19-20 now). There seems to be some relationship: here's a link to an article on cancer.gov
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/cancerresearchnews/2012/BreastCancerRecurrenceObeseOverweight
I used to hike 45" after each taxol tx. We brought our dog to the infusion center and when I was done, hubby and I would take her for a long fast hike. It made me feel in control and powerful.
Ladies, you will soon be where I am now. Hair all grown back, just a few scars now, and mostly I show my gratitude every day somehow for being alive.
Hugs
Claire in AZ0 -
Claire, it is so good to hear from you. I think about you often. I am I reading correctly that your hair started to grow back 7 weeks into the taxol treatment? Or 7 weeks after taxol?
I decided not to work through chemo, but will do so during radiation. I just felt I needed to give my students as much consistency as possible.
Did you have your ovaries removed? I am asking because I was told I could not take arimidex unless I was post menopausal. So, I would like to be post menopausal when this is over.
The MO at Sloan also told me to keep BMI as low as possible to prevent recurrence. Exercise is also important. Since my cancer is fed by estrogen, I am looking for some free range chicken farms around here since chicken is really the only meat I eat.
What is bikram yoga?0 -
Claire, thank you so much for posting! I am sure we are all counting the days to have this experience as a bad dream.0 -
smrlvr, I found this about estrogen and foods. I am already buying hormone free chicken from the supermarket. It is marked that way. I will look into free range around where I live.
http://www.foodtrients.com/news/could-you-be-eating-too-much-estrogen/0 -
smlvr,
Hi there! Bikram yoga is hatha yoga done in very heated room with humidity. It's a 90" session and not for everyone, but it's one of the best and hardest forms of exercise and meditation I've ever done. I like to believe it's saving my life....
I also avoid dairy w/the exception of the occasional organic yogurt. I found out that even organic dairy products have natural hormones in them from the cows that produce milk (makes sense). I will eat fish if it's wild-caught. Mostly vegan, with a lot of nuts, veggies and fruit. Very little wheat products or rice products. I don't like legumes or beans of any kind much, so they aren't on the menu much either.
I kept my ovaries but chemo put me into menopause, which was verified by blood work. So as soon as I had a year of proof that I was indeed in meno, my onc. switched me to arimidex.
I started taxol at New Years and by 3rd week in Feb appx 7th infusion. I was indeed growing hair. So white and light only my husband could see it in full light, but he took a photo and I tried to pull them out--they were attached! It's not uncommon for your hair to begin to grow back during taxol, I was told by others on this board.
There's a nurse's study that was exciting to me: women who exercise 3-5 hours a week and work up a moderate sweat (a stroll around the mall won't cut it) have quite a dramatic decrease in recurrence. Here's the study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15914748
You'll get through this, all of you wonderful ladies! Hugs0 -
I had my first check-up/mammogram today since finishing active treatment. It ended up being much more nerve racking than I had imagined.
As soon as I saw the image on the screen, my heart sank. I said, “Oh that looks bad.” The tech said, “Not necessarily. It is where your surgery was, so it is probably just scar tissue.” Not convinced I said, “But how can they tell the difference? It looks exactly like my tumor did, only bigger!” She assured me the radiologists knew what they were looking at, could tell the difference between a tumor and scar tissue, and said we would do scans from various angles so they could have a really good look. Still skeptical, I said, “Okay… but I have heard that if it is going to come back it is most likely to happen in the first year. So, I’m just a little bit freaked out about that blob there.”
After she took the rest of the scans, she said, “There is radiologist on duty here today. If you would like to wait, I can see if he can go ahead and read these now.” OKAY!
As I sat in the waiting room, I started to freak myself out even more. Was she taking them directly to be read because I was a nervous Nelly, or because she also suspected the worst? Seemed to take forever, but I was finally called back in. All clear! Thank you God!! Have to go back for a repeat in March.0 -
what a relief for you. I have my first follow up with BS since July booked for January. Yikes !!!0 -
Noncompromises, how are you doing with Tamoxifen? I start with it on 12/25 and somewhat worried about the SE. I have gained 30 lbs with chemo, they say it is water retention and that I will lose it, hopefully it will do.0 -
Johnetta,
You Goooo Girl! What a relief
Happy Dance HaPPy DaNcE Twirl, Shake, Jump
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Mercedes and gals,
How is everyone feeling? Good I hope. Getting way run down.?? Short of Breath?
My hope for you gals is to feel good for Christmas &every holiday you celebrate.
My 2nd Taxol is Monday and I once again am overly anxious. Did not get my results from my CBC this week so I don't know how it is?
Nervous because I had a cold this week/ mucus, cough, running nose the whole bit and I am afraid they are going to say " No" to treatment Monday. I have mixed emotions. Hell haven't even gotten to the cancer center and already thinking the worst...
I still did not get a call back from the nurse at the cancer center from 2 weeks ago!!! I had a reaction to one of the premeds this time and they never called me back to check or tell me if they are going to adjust my premeds. The nurse doing my infusion told me it is exactly the same premeds as I was getting with AC? I thought they gave something different for premeds & Taxol? Does any one know for sure? I am confused.
I also have itchy rash-ecema/dermatitis? All over my hands/fingers. It started 3-4 days after my infusion of taxol. My hands are cracked/bleeding blisters & peeling. I have been taking a little lit of Benedryl before bed to help with the itchy.
Also have been noticing swelling at my ankles for a month now. This only happens if I have been walking or standing for more than an hour. I am thinking Lymphadema is possible? Is anyone else experiencing this as well?
It is snowing out and oh so pretty so just the reason I need NOT to go out and do my laundry or shop for food ;D
Best to each of you & thanks for being my support group.0 -
Furifriend, I have not started taxol yet, but they have already prescribed dexamethasone for me as a premed. I am going to ask why, but I suspect it may have something to do with the rash?0 -
Thanks Smrlvr,
I too get the Dexam as a premed and take tablets for 2 days after chemo as well.0 -
hi Headeast
Pretty much heading to 2 months on it
Only side effect of note was the 2lb a week weight loss for the first 6 weeks or so Hot flushes brought on by chemo pause ??
Still playing golf and have dropped 8 strokes of my handicap since chemo finished
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And an enebriated spouse who tells me I am an amputee who needs him more than he needs me and I am an ugly mess as no guy wants one boob !!! Lovely !!!! Soooo good for my self esteem Anyone else had acceptance issues from their partners ???0 -
Nocompromise,
I have acceptance issues with myself, LOL let alone a partner. I went through divorce just a year ago and have not had any feelings of connections with anyone since. Right now I feel nasty & ugly. Don't get me wrong I do have a dinner now & then with a friend or two but that is the extent of my socialization as of late.
Good for you & the lowered handicap! Do you go once a week? I would like to learn golf. Maybe in the spring I should take this up, nice thought0 -
Furifriend, how are you sleeping with the dexamethasone? I have so many problems sleeping since all this started, I don't need anything else keeping me awake!
I also am having self esteem issues. My friends from work wanted to get together yesterday and I turned them down. They meant well but I just don't want to be looked at.0 -
I am sorry you both have self acceptance issues - I have tried to take the attitude it is what it is and we do what we have to do to get through it. But he can be a real A....hole at times. I guess tonight is one of those nights.
(((((0 -
Smrlvr,
At first I did have sleep issues as well. I adjusted the time I take the dexamethasone. I take as soon as I get up then again around 5-6PM. Before I was taking late morning then around 7-8pm. This adjustment helped me. Now I sleep pretty good as oppose to waking up every 2-3 hrs.0 -
Dear NonCompro,
I hope he apologized to you for goodness sakes! Maybe the alcohol issue? This is such a hard road we are traveling & don't need added negativity. What happened to love, support and acceptance? You hang tough with us!0 -
fur friend - he took himself off upstairs to sleep. I am wide awake downstairs and can't sleep for worry now Maybe an apology will be forth coming in the cold light of day - I haven't sleptva wink with worry - he is my everything - but he was pretty heartless and verbally aggressive about how he felt last night - is it better to verbal use his feelings and get it all off his chest. IDK but he does like to be the victim !!!0 -
Furfriend, I am sorry you have to go through that on top of the cancer. I understand they also get stressed with the situation. But I also know this is the time we have to think about us first and be selfish for the first time. And time fixes everything.0 -
hi furfriend, headeast and all the other soldiers, wow lots if interesting posts, furfriend didnt realize u werejust getting thru a divorce on top of everything else, wish i lived closer would be over to give u big hugs.
I dont know about u guys, but this time of year i am sobbing over everything, i looked at myself in the mirror the other day, scary. No brows, no lashes, pasty look, and yes out of breath its a big effort for me toget up the stairs to my second floor, no energy blah blah blah. We put up our xmas tree yesterday. Its real so have to wait to decorate, so now still staring at a bare tree, everyone is gone shopping anf hubby is shoveling we got hit with 30cm of snow, its nice. Guess well decorate tonite.
My red count is low hopes it up ive been eating spinach, red meats etc.... I have taxol#3 on wednesday right behind ya furfriend, no crazy side effects yet my tSte is still off
Oh well girls when i feel blah i go to my happy place, floating in the carribbean, turquoise warm waters, long white beaches ................and counting down these treatments til its over
Hang in there mes amis! Love ya0 -
hi nocompromise. Wow cant believe your spouse attitude, wtf! sorry do t like to hear things like this. No one going thru chemo etc should have to hear those words. I truly feel for you snd hope u find the strength to block his words out. you need to be positive, you are beautiful, boobs or no boobs. Mind and soul.
We are here for you.0 -
furfriend2 and nocompromise,
My best to you and all the other breast cancer ladies. I ended a 27 year marriage in 2012 which was finalized 3/13. I had to sell a house I loved and walk away from half a 30 year pension. I month after the divorce was finalized I was diagnosed. I am angry a lot but remind myself of how horrid it was be to be going through this married to my ex. He's out there dating and ? like a teenager. I thought I was brave to end the marriage but dealing with BC takes much more bravery. We all have to remind ourselves of that.
Gracers0 -
NonCompromise, I like your tamox SE of losing two lbs a week! That should help me losing the weight I gained!0 -
gracers. I am sorry for your tough path. I absolutely believe stress is a huge contributor to a cancer diagnosis. I had a very stressful year or two leading up to my diagnosis. And I am stressed again as my 26 year marriage is coming to a close. For me though I am finding the destruction of my marriage much more intolerable than the cancer. With the cancer I felt I had at least some control. Either way, the combination sucks. I did have my husbands support the first few months of treatment but he grew weary of all the cancer talk. I was like YOU are tired if it? To me that was the beginning of the end although I didn't want to believe it. I love my husband. I just wish he felt the same for me. And that is why our separation is harder for me than cancer.0 -
Wtf indeed Mercedes))))
wow. Thank you ladies for being so open
We have had a tumultuous 3 years ( been married 26) and the BC diagnosis just about topped it off !!
Whilst not openly apologizing he certainly admitted the next morning he finds it very hard
gracers, bdavis and furfriend. You are all so strong to face D and Ca !!!
I agree that for me Ca would be far easy more me to deal with than separation or D
Hugs to all xx-0
