Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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grandmaV, i'm so glad you're getting the neulasta shot now. from my experience, it really worked. don't forget to take your claritin the day of (some say an hour before) and several days after. i did that and i never had bone pain from the shot. good luck!0
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Thank you, YaYa5, that's a good reminder. I have my generic claritin ready. I also got steroids to take the day before, day of, and day after this time. After my reaction last time, I'm glad they're taking more precautions. They're also going to give me more premeds, steroids and benedryl, and start the Taxotere drip really slow. I've been reading over on the December rads thread and I noticed you've had 9 rads now? How many are you getting? Do you still have the pain under your arm?0
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grandmaV, i get my 10th treatment today, and i'll be getting 30 in all. 1/3 of the way so far!! yes, i still have the pain under my arm and a rash on my legs. i hope i can see the RO today because i'm getting uncomfortable.0
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YaYa, it sounds uncomfortable. I wonder what would cause a rash on your legs? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question, but I know very little about rads.
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I just returned from having iv steroids and received a script for daily doses because of SE caused by taxatrene. The onc says I cannot have this for treatment anymore because of my bad reaction. Now I have a week to decide if I try taxol or stop treatments. Any help ?
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>I just returned from having iv steroids and received a script for daily doses because of SE caused by taxatrene. The onc says I cannot have this for treatment anymore because of my bad reaction. Now I have a week to decide if I try taxol or stop treatments. Any help ?0
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I meant taxotere.......sorry. But thanks for help.
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Fulton, I'm sorry you're faced with this difficult decision. Has your numbness, sore throat and rash gotten any better? Did your onc say this was an allergic reaction? I think taxotere and taxol are very similar chemos, they're both taxanes, so they work the same way on cancer cells, but I don't know if they're so similar that they would cause the same reaction. What did your onc say about that? You're probably going to receive herceptin and a hormone receptor blocker because of your Her2+ and ER/PR+ so you would have more treatment. No one really knows if your benefits outweigh your risks in this case, so it comes down to what you feel is right. I wish I could help more.0
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I didn't get my treatment today. I feel like I have bronchitis but my blood work was normal. I feel sick--sore throat, cough and ear hurts-- but I don't want to get off course. The nurse said I could take my Emend, the bag of saline was hooked up to my port and she started the decadron in the bag. My onco came in and I told her about my swollen fingers and toes and how it feels like I have burned my fingertips. She said I couldn't have treatment because the swelling would just get worse. I am SO disappointed by this news. I don't like the delays in treatment and wanted to stay on track. Oh well, I guess I will get to enjoy Christmas with my family!
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Beth- So sorry to hear your tx is delayed. Altough hard to digest, the onco is doing what is best for you. Hang in there! HUGS & positive thoughts coming your way.
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Beth, I had my second tx delayed a few days because of low platelets and know how disappointing it is, but like TexasRose said your onco is doing what's best. It'll give you some time to get over your cold and give you a chance to experience some happiness with your family, a break from the depression. Have a good time.
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Grandma, thanks for trying to help. Yes, I know I have more treatment coming and 7 weeks (35)treatments of radiation. I feel I have come this far and I don't want to leave anything to chance.
I am sorry for all of the delays for everyone. I have had two and it is a major downer. We can only do what our bodies will let us do and thank goodness for good caring Onc's.
I am thinking with this last delay at least my husband won't have to look at a sad face for a few days..z.....I may even wear my wig for Christmas!0 -
Beth-I know you are disappointed to have a delay. One of the things that makes this whole situation more bearable is knowing that you can mark off things as they come along. So ultimately, every time there is something that prolongs our treatment, it creates more stress for us. Hopefully, your onc knows what is best for you, though, and will do the best she can to get you moving in the right direction again as quickly as possible. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy eating all the foods you wouldn't have been able to eat otherwise.
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I had a pretty rough night. Just as I did after the first treatment, I went through a few days (about 4-6 mostly) where I was just dizzy and felt weak, like I might pass out. Well, this time, I got up to go the bathroom and never made it back to the bed. I collapsed before I got there. My husband heard me as soon as I hit the floor and got up to help. He said later that he could not get me to respond and that I was very close to going to the hospital. I am really glad I didn't. I was fine once I woke up and got back in bed, just confused because I had pictured myself traveling the last few feet to the bed and then landing in there instead. I have been really tired, but I have not felt as much actual pain this time. I figure I am over the flu-like sympoms now and am hoping to continue not to have any reactions to the neulasta shot. I am taking the claritin. Today was the 5th claritin, so I will plan to take it a few more days. I am hoping that I can eat something at least by Christmas. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and enjoys their families this holiday season.
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Hi y'all- Is is just me or has the emotional roller coaster increased with each tx. I am now breaking out in tears and sobbing hysterically at a drop of a hat. This is soooo very foreign to me. I seem to be more sensitive to perceived slights by others & I find I am sometimes disappointed in my interactions with loved ones. I am trying to be very kind to myself, expecting that I will make misteps along this journey. I also am trying to understand the missteps of my loved ones, as I know this is equally difficult for them. I guess my expectations are that they would be more understanding. I am feeking so vulnerable and emotially fragile. I tried talking about it with my DH, bur no progress. I guess I wll just have to keep the tears flowing----I have been taking long walks to cry in private.
Wishing y'all a blessed holiday season surrounded by loved ones and filled with cherished memories.
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Wanted to share a sweet moment. My 6yr old daughter slipped me a love note before she went to bed, it read, "From Heaven to mom I hope you get well and more happy living." So sweet, so glad I had daughters, they can be so sweet.
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Hey all. Seeing so many of you struggling yet triumphing (most days!) is a good thing. I am sad for many of you struggling with rough days and SEs. Mine are settled for the moment, but it is only day 9 after first tx. I know I have a lot to look forward to! And I still have a yeast rash, fatigue, etc...not completely free and certainly not my normal Christmas mode either. A few hairs in the shower this morning, but not alot. I have a feeling Christmas day may be my shaving day! What a memory! In the midst of all of this, I'm not trying to be superwoman either - we should NEVER feel bad about crying or being down! We are fighting a monster and it's for the long haul.
Tx 2 is next Tuesday, Neulasta shot routinely the day after, as long as I can handle them, with Claritin. I handled it fine this time...time will tell!
My thoughts are with you all - GrandmaV, Fulton, Texasrose, bahamamom and so many others that I feel like I'm getting to know. Blessings on your Christmas...may it be filled with sweet memory-builders whether it is 'normal' or not. Stay strong and fight hard.
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Hi Everyone, I just wanted to check in and say hi. I've been enjoying some SE free days and also enjoying spending time with my mum who is visiting.
Texasrose thanks for responding about the Emend. I asked my onc about it when I was having my bloodwork done on Monday. He said I get it in my IV at treatment and I could try it orally if I want but he suggested I try raw ginger root sliced thinly and soaked in salt water. He said it was as effective as some of the anti nausea meds and also helps with the horrible metallic taste. It soesn't sound very appealing especially if your're feeling nauseaus, but I'll give it a try next time.
GrandmaV glad your hubby is feeling better. I hope the Neulasta takes care of your low blood counts and that all goes well with your next treatment.
YaYa I didn't realize you had started rads. !/3 of the way there, that's great. I hope you find something that gives you relief from your rash
A couple of questions: Has anyone on the T/C regimen started to lose their eyelashes? I've lost some and wondering if I'm going to lose them all. My cheeks have started flushing and look "rosy", anyone else had this? I'm also starting to feel like a blimp and have gained a couple of pounds at every drs visit! I'm not exercising as much as usual but I've never had a problem with my weight. I hope most of it's fluid retention from Taxotere. Anyway, all minor discomforts, it just seems when you think you've got all the usual side effects something else pops up!
Welcome to all the new ladies, you've come to a great place for encouragement and support.
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Good morning all.
TIPNAS - I've only had the one tx so just starting to lose hair, but some others have told me it varies person to person whether all/some/no eyelashes disappear. Same with eyebrows. I think it's expected but like most SEs, varies from person to person.
I've started with a mouth sore or two, or else it's thrush - another SE? Anyone have that? It's day 10 for me. Thought mouth sores would happen immediately after tx, so this may be all thrush. They had me chew/suck on ice chips during my tx of Adriamycin to help minimize the sores. Weird, the little things they do to help. Weirder still, the things that happen to your body through this.
Have a good day, everyone. Thinking of you all so often.
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I am so blessed to have each of you going through this with me. You are the only people in my life who know exactly how I feel.
I have a prescription for the neuropathy in my fingers. I don't like to take pills especially after I read the possible SEs. My onco told me she hasn't heard of this happening with A/C but it is possible. She has heard of it with Taxol which I will be receiving after the A/C. Is this when everyone ices their fingers and toes? And how do you do this during treatment? I will give it a go if it helps me keep my feeling in my fingers and keeps the swelling down!
I too have gained a lot of weight during this time. I try to get on the WiiFit Plus a couple of times a week and walk outside as much as possible. But there are days when the couch is my only friend! It doesn't help (or maybe it does!) that I went to a cookie exchange last Saturday and have had to sample each cookie!
Rose - My family knows that after treatment on Tuesday I will begin crying on Thursday and I may stop on Monday but I will definitely stop by Tuesday. It is very frustrating for me but I have been told by every doctor I see that it is a SE from the steroid. My youngest daughter is 26 and she wants to visit each week if possible. She is at each of my treatments but only comes down every other Friday--the no crying one! She also recently had a miscarriage and doesn't want to spend the whole visit crying.
Bahamamom - Thanks for the encouragement. I have seen many people who have gone through what we are going through and they are doing okay. Some are just now getting their strength back after nine months or so. Those are the women who worked full time during chemo treatments and rads. I am staying home as much as possible and taking care of me. I have never done this and everyone has told me to do it.
Julie - What a joy our children are! My son is 29 and my two daughters are 26 and 27. They have blessed me so much during this time. They try to visit as much as possible and they encourage me a lot.
Andimom - When I first joined this discussion group and read about people losing their hair, Grandma V posted she lost hers at day 16. Mine started clumping out at day 16 also. It was the day after Thanksgiving that my husband and daughter shaved my head. I had my SIL take pictures so I have picture of my first and only mohawk along with others of the process. My sister suggested putting it to music and my brother suggested taking pictures during the growing in process and doing a small film. I have taken many photographs during this time. Hopefully, I will be able to sit down and do a scrapbook sometime.
To Everyone - Stay strong and know that we are here together and I know I have received so much help from each person who posts. I get mouth sores about a week after treatment. One tip is the 100% pure coconut oil for cooking. It make my potatoes with cheese taste so much better.
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Hi Ladies- well round 3 of A/C kicked my butt and now that i finally feel better i go today for my final A/C treatment..yay! I am anxious as usual as I know what follows for me..the dreaded neulasta shot! This for me has been the worst part of it all..i swell like a big balloon and have such bad pain I can barely walk..today i am asking for something strong for pain..if this is going to ruin Christmas i plan to at least be "happy" on pain meds! Wish me luck
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Ok, time to vent, my DH is so annoying, he nags at me about what to eat and what not to eat, then he goes and eats what I can't eat right in front of me, ughhhhhhhhhhhh, so annoying! Why r there so much diet restrictions!!!
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Tipnas, I have lost lashes in the middle of my right eye.. both top and bottom lashes in the center are gone.. lol it looks funny when I put on mascara.. but I will take it. My 3rd T/C will be Tuesday..I have lost hair everywhere but my arms.. so I still have Robin Williams arms..
Beth, I did not ice my fingers with the first round and lost half of one nail. I requested ice packs for my second round..so far so good this time. I will ask for them again next week. They brought me latex gloves filled with ice and tied with a knot end. This made it easy to curl my fingers into the ice pack. I did not ice my toes, and have not had any isses there. I too have GAINED..ugghh I am just trying to not gain any more. I have been watching my sugar intake and calories this week, and have lost 4 pounds. Maybe this is what I will try to do throughout my two upcoming treatments.
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Lory you made me laugh! I'll have to take a closer look at Robin Williams arms! I've had 3 T/Cs and my lashes are gone in the middle too. I like to wear mascara but am afraid when I take it off more lashes will come out. I went and bought some false ones yesterday, I've never worn them before but if they all fall out I'll have a back up. Good job on losing 4 pounds! You have inspired me to try. I've just been eating anything that tastes good and it's not always healthy!!!
Beth I don't feel good about the weight gain either, but when I start to beat myself up I remember that these are not normal circumstances. Right now wer're doing what we can to get through and it's great that you are exercising.
Andi I've suffered from a sore mouth throughout my treatments. I developed thrush on the last two and had to take diflucan which gave me almost instant relief. I also rinse with Biotene and have used something called Orabase paste on the individual sores and found it helped a lot. I also got a prescription for Magic Mouthwash from the dr which is very good. I think the trick is to attack the mouth sores before they get bad as they can be miserable. Good Luck!
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Beth, I'm icing my fingers and toes during Taxotere infusion. I try to start at least 10 minutes before taxotere starts, during, and for 10 minutes after. I have an ice bag I got after my surgery it's long enough to lay across both feet on the toes. For my fingers I use bags of frozen peas. The peas stay frozen a long time and you can form them around your fingers. They work quite well. I bring extras in a cooler, just in case. I also chew on ice chips during infusion to try to prevent mouth sores. My onco had never heard of icing fingers and toes, but after I gave him copies of the studies he said it was ok. The chemo nurses had never heard of it either, so I gave them copies of the studies too.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18286527
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15994152
Also this link has great suggestions on how to do it:
http://www.cancerlynx.com/icenail.html
All of these links are for Taxotere and primarily to keep from have nail problems. I found out it's not for neuropothy, but Taxol can cause nail problems too so it could help to avoid that.
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beth, I forgot to mention. Some have mentioned taking the supplement acetyl l-carnitine for neuropathy. My Onco didn't want me to take it. So I'm waiting until after Chemo to take it. But others take it and say it helps.0
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Beth, I just got an answer from dragonfly1 over on the Taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin thread. She said icing fingers and toes does not help with neuropathy, it is only to prevent nail soreness and lifting. She recommends Acetyl L Carnitine and Glutamine for neuropathy during chemo and that her onco approved taking them. Also B6 and B12 but that her onco wouldn't let her take those. Here's a link to our conversation or you could PM her if you like: (It's toward the bottom of the page) She will know the links to show your onco if you need them.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/578284?page=407#post_2768149
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Naan1004:
OMG! Your post about your hubby is my story. He nags me constantly about what I am eating. I can't eat/drink anything with Aspartame (Very Bad for you), sugar, fat.... without him making some snide comment. I am becoming a closet eater. I have told him that once Chemo is done and the steroids are over, I will discipline myself, but until then I am going to eat to get through this. Granted I have gained a ton of weight. But come January, Weight watchers here I come. I lost 30 pounds on WW two years ago, I know I can do it again...
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Thanks GrandmaV. Are Acetyl L Carnitine and Glutamine natural supplements? I have a cold and sinus thing going on now. I have a prescription for the neuropathy that is making me so sleepy. I have been awake for only a few hours today. I hope I get used to the medicine soon.
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Beth, They are both amino acids something our bodies need a lot of. Acetyl l carnitine occurs naturally in animal products and is used as a dietary supplement for a lot of things including alzheimers, age - related memory loss and nerve pain. Glutamine is found in plant and animal proteins, yogurt, milk, cheese, raw spinach, raw parsley and cabbage. Normally our bodies store glutamine for future use, but chemotherapy can deplete our stores of it. I didn't know any of this, until I googled it.
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