Calling all TNs
Comments
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Question for those who have completed chemo:
My MO is having me do accelerated AC of every 2 weeks, then 12 weeks of weekly Taxol. Who has done this schedule? Were you able to work during the second round of chemo? If so, how much of an impact did it have on your ability to work, and attendance?
I'm concerned about going back to work while on chemo since I drive 45 minutes to/from work and don't have the option to work from home.
If I don't go back to work it's looking like 6 months off work between chemo and surgery/recovery.
Any input/advices/information is greatly appreciated.
t100angel
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angel, I did dose dense AC (every two weeks) and 8 taxol, I would have found it very difficult to work full time. I sub teach so I am fortunate to have flexibility. I know women who have done it, and I hope they respond soon. I just wanted to share my experience since you asked. ((hugs))
TEKA! yes!
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t100angel, there are people who work through it by I really don't understand how they do it. That is the protocol I am on. I have finished AC and will have my 7th Taxol on Thursday. AC will probably be the worst of the two. I have not had WE that are as bad as many people have, but the chemo brain is why I think working would be hard. During AC you will most likely be nauseous, constipated and/or have diarrhea, tired and might get joint pain from the Neulasta shots. By the time you start Taxol, the mental fog will probably really have set in. I found it very difficult to stay focused on anything during AC. Then came difficulty recalling words, forgetfulness and mental fog.
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t100angel, there are people who work through it by I really don't understand how they do it. That is the protocol I am on. I have finished AC and will have my 7th Taxol on Thursday. AC will probably be the worst of the two. I have not had WE that are as bad as many people have, but the chemo brain is why I think working would be hard. During AC you will most likely be nauseous, constipated and/or have diarrhea, tired and might get joint pain from the Neulasta shots. By the time you start Taxol, the mental fog will probably really have set in. I found it very difficult to stay focused on anything during AC. Then came difficulty recalling words, forgetfulness and mental fog.
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Thanks Meadow. I'm am concerned as my MO thinks I will be able to return to work after the AC. I do a very focused job that requires troubleshooting and analysis in making decisions during my 8 hour shift. I'm not sure this will be something I can do even if the Taxol has a reduced SE. The 45 minutes of driving I think will be very tiring, not to mention the mental aspect of my job.
Guess I will have to talk with him further about staying on STD.
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Hello all TN's, I was diagnosed end of November 2014, small 1.5 cm TN. I had dbl mastectomies to make sure I didn't have more coming along. Sentinal lymph node was also clear. I had immediate reconstruction, and am now seeing an onc that is willing to test me every 3 months for any type of changes, as chemo is not a good option for me right now. I feel good about my doctors, and appreciate the posts from all of you who are struggling with this. I will update when I get my next testing done. I am in Dallas, TX and have wonderful doctors. If any of you are in my situation, please let me know.
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Angel, I did dose dense AC and 12 weeks of Taxol. I had an hour commute each way to work and I did work throughout chemo. I took off my chemo days and did take a week off twice near the end of AC. I always say I take after my Mom (and her chemo 30 yrs ago) and was a "tough Irish broad". I dont think I'm the norm though and I think most people take off more time. My kids were older so once I got home, I just layed on the couch and relaxed.0 -
Megomendy, Thanks for the response. I do know that I'm alergic to the family of medicine the A is in so I'm expecting a worse reaction because of that. My MO wants me off work during the AC. My mother, also a BC survivor, and her AC treatment was pretty bad as she is also allergic to the AC. I'm also single and have a roommate, but don't expect them to do much to care for me other than yard work and some house cleaning.
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i worked full time through 3 of Cytoxen, taxotere, three taxol, then had to switch to CMF: did not do the AC
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Kj nice to meet you! Welcome!
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KJ- I am sure someone will answer: there are so many brilliant people on this thread: so glad you found us!
Kath
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Just thought I would pop in & wish all health, success & any waiting results NED!! I read to catch up but don't post too often as find I dwell on negative
I just read an article. Thought all might be interested.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/severe-type-breast-cancer...
I have been out living. Trying not to dwell on past. Easy some days but still have what if's & could be's. Just keeping busy with my yoga & exercise. Went to Sea World Orlando 2 weeks ago with daughter & grandson. Since none of us are guaranteed X months/years, I just living mine like not that many left. At my age that is probably more true than not.
Wishing/praying we all live long productive lives.
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Lookingforward66, thanks for checking in with us, glad you are out there living the good life.
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t100angel I worked through all of my chemo but didn't have a 45 minute commute. I was lucky that I had AC on a Wednesday and my side effects didn't kick in until the weekend when I could rest as much as possible. Why not just take off the days that really affect you and then work through the rest because once I got over the horrible weekends I felt as good as gold. Other than that I think you might find it a bit too tiring to work through the whole lot.
Sizzle taxol affected me in the first 30 seconds of infusion with a pumping heart beat, fuzzy zig zags in my eyes, hard to breathe and hot all over. They gave me diazepam and I waited for half hour and then tried again and it was ok. All other treatments of taxol went ok as well. But it affected the fingers on my left hand with numbness which I still have even 3½ years out (BC side) and gave me a rash on each hand that used to make me cry in bed at night with terrible itching when my hands got warm and during the day all the time I was on it. I only managed 7 out of the 12 treatments when my oncologist took me off it. I can't say I would want to have it again I would much rather have AC because at least I knew that when the worst two or three days were over I would feel good again.
Teka woo hoo. Good for you girl. You certainly showed that cancer where to go. Keep up the good living and enjoy life. You must be doing something right.
LUV enough is enough. You say there are others with worse problems than you but anything that is so distressing to you and which you have had for a very long time is too much. Time for your docs to come up with the reason you are going through your problems and find treatment for you. I really don't think it is cancer because I think some other symptom would have shown up by now but it's time it was sorted out to put your mind at rest. Sending warm hugs with love.
Meadow g'day to you as well but that is the Aussie way of saying good morning, not NZ. That really made me laugh. Thank you.
We seem to have so many new ladies on here and I'm very sad about that but please know we are here for you and all these ladies will give you nothing but good advice and friendship.
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woops sorry cocker!
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Cocker,
My work week is Tuesday through Saturday, and it's swing shift. I'm not really sure I would be able to work those hours and drive home 45 minutes safely. My allergic reaction to the family that A is in is hives, nausea, and it only gets worse with each dose. My mother had severe allergic reactions to the AC treatment, but the second treatment (Taxol?) was so severe that she lost stamina, and had problems standing as she lost leg strength. It's been 15 years since her chemo and she still have stamina issues, and can only go up stairs twice a day without extreme fatigue and pain.
As for taking the time off work, I don't have enough paid time off left to do that. I had taken 2 weeks of vacation at the beginning of the year to move into my new home in early March, just weeks before finding the lump. When I go out on STD for the chemo, the first 7 days are covered (5 working days) by paid time off. That will only leave about 2.5 weeks for the rest of the year. My STD would cover 26 weeks of pay, reduced over time, but still better than working but taking time off without pay for SE's.
My job is also one that requires analytical processing and focused attention to processes. I'm concerned that the chemo may impact my ability to do that. My leadership is expecting me to be out the entire time. I'm going to talk to my MO about staying out the entire time.
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Hi there,I posted this on Liver mets group, but want to share it with you as well, please see below copy/paste
Hi everyone
I'm in my doctors office, getting my third chemo. Met a woman who just came for 6 months check up with a new born (!) baby. We got to talking and she told me that she came to my doctor from Sloan Cetering where they basically told her Sorry but Sorry, go get your affairs in order.... She is stage 4, TN with bone mets now in remission and a month ago she gave birth to a beautiful boy! Is not it amazing?!!! Could not wait to share it with you. Wish you all the same happy story (well ...not necessarily with the baby ;-) )
Xoxo
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Meadow don't say sorry, loved it.
Angel I think you are right take the time off altogether that way you can really get over the side effects and build up strength for when you go back. It's always such a problem when there is not enough leave to cover sick leave and if you take your holidays you have to work a whole year before you get anymore (Is that the same in your country). Whatever you decide will be right for you.
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Cocker,
Yes, my yearly holiday renews on January 1, so what I have has to last all year.
I really think I want the entire time off, including surgery and recovery. That's going to be about 6 months off, or more depending on how my recovery goes.
Tomorrow is my EKG then a half day of work. Friday is my port surgery and I took the whole day off. I'm back to work on Saturday, and then on Tuesday. I start chemo Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how it all goes.
angel
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Ella, that story is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us.
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t100, I'll be thinking of you Friday! Had my port Monday and it was scarier in my head than in real life
just a little uncomfortable today but not bad. Chemo starts tomorrow so let's see how much sleep I can get!0 -
Angel will be thinking of you on Saturday but try not to overdo it so you give that port a little time to heal.
StefLove yea the thought of having the port put in was far worse than actually having it but I loved my port. I have what they called hidden veins in my hands and they had difficulty at the get go with them. The port made things so much easier for me although they were never able to get blood draws from it just able to get my chemo in.
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Ladies, I'm seeing my PCP this morning and will ask for a referral to a Urologist for my urinary issues, but I'm really sacred! I did what I shouldn't do and googled bladder issues last night and everything from a UTI to even brain tumors came up. So now I'm petrified it's brain mets since my culture was negative! Please pray for me!
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Luv, I'm going to say a big prayer in my spiritual fashion but stay away from Google! I know it's so easy to say that and I'm guilty of doing that also- I like to know every possibility of things but honestly, don't we work ourselves up when we do that?! When I was in my early 20's I had terrible urinary issues that made me feel like I had to go all the time. Nothing showed on cultures but after testing with a camera (sorry I can't remember what they call it) it was discovered that the opening from my ureter to my bladder was constricted and needed to be opened. Problem solved. There are so many possibilities, so don't go to that dark place. All the drugs that we have introduced to our bodies have so many side effects or possible side effects. Look up the manufacturer of each of your chemos and I'm sure you'll find SE that you were unaware of that could cause this. Tell your PCP how your really upset about this and exactly what your fearing- I find they have a way of explaining why it's NOT what your fearing! Getting a referral is a good next step so that you can be more comfortable and maybe if your PCP knows how worried you are and how long this has been going on you can get a quicker apt.
Virtually I'm right there with you holding your hand- I'm sure everyone here is joining in with supportive love!
Hugs hon
Shari
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Thanks so much for the kind words Shari!! I'll tell my PCP everything for sure. I love all the support from everyone here, especially when everyone has their own mountain to climb!! XOXOXO!!!
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LookingForward, Thanks for posting the article. That's encouraging information.
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Shari your procedure would have been a cystoscopy where the camera can see right inside your bladder.
LUV thinking of you today and hoping you stir those doctors up to get things sorted for you. Yep try to stay off that Google. Whatever anyone googles now will show up cancer somewhere even if its way down the list of symptoms. But lets not go there. This can be sorted and should be sorted. AND no you haven't got brain mets. In your pocket with warm hugs and lots of love.
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To all the ones starting chemo you have a ton of folks supporting you and praying for you!
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t100angle= Good luck and good luck to all newbies to these boards. Everyone is different with eating. I could only eat scrambled eggs and applesauce. Also, drink as much as you can. I did gatoraid G2 as much as I could. HYDRATE, HYDRATE. Lastly, I never stopped exercising. On my super bad days I still walked. Keep moving. I swear it helped.
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Thanks Cocker! You ladies akways have a way to calm me down! My PCP told me she thinks I should see what the Gynocologist/pelvic pain specialist says on the 27th. She doesn't think it's anything serious, just uncomfortable. She said it could be peri menopause related or Interstitial Cystitis. My initial biggest fear was infection because I'm scared of antibiotics due to my C Diffhistory. I swear that stuff have me PTSD!!! She said if the gyno can't find the culprit then she would refer me to a Urologist. In the meantime I have to drink A LOT of water. Thanks so much for the hugs, warm thoughts and prayers.
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