Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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Tipnas, just wanted you to know my cheeks turned bright red!! I looked in the mirror the morning after my first T/C and couldn't believe it. "Where did I get this sunburn??" I didn't realize it was a possible SE, but I guess it was. So you aren't alone there.
Thanks to everyone for your support. In a lot of ways, this is a very lonely road. No matter how much our family and friends try to help, they have no idea what it's like.
Happy holidays, everyone!
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Sueshane, I too must admit I'm a closet eater too, y do we have to suffer, isn't it bad enough that we have to suffer through chemo, now our husbands...
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Hi Ladies,
I had my 3rd treatment today. Thankfully it was very uneventful. I was very scared, though, after the reaction last time and had to have a little cry. But the nurses were great, as usual, prepped me with lots of premeds and took the taxotere slow. My white counts had come up in the normal range, but I still get a neulasta shot tomorrow, so hopefully my white counts will be a little more stable now. I'm half way done with the Taxotere and carboplatin. 3 more to go. I hope my next 10 days are as uneventful as the treatment. I do think I'm coming down with DH's cold. I have a slight sore throat and a little congested. But I have plenty of white cells to fight it with.
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grandmaV, WOW!! you're half-way through. that's an awesome feeling. hope your se's are minimal this time. stay in touch, ok? merry christmas!0
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Grandma- I am glad to hear such progress from you. I know you have battled with your counts and even had one treatment delayed. I am glad things went so well this time.
To all - I had my 1 week after blood counts checked today, and the white cells were way up. The tech just said at the time that it looked like the neulasta shot was working, but I have been having a 99.6 - 100 temperature going on most of the week. Then tonight it went to 101.4, so I had to call the onc on call. He said that there was something going on with me besides the lesser fever the white counts could have caused. He said it shouldn't be scary dangerous because I am making lots of white cells right now. I don't feel any pain in any part of my body, so I have no idea where the viral or other infection I am getting is coming from. The doctor said to treat the temperature with tylenol, then call him in the morning and let him know how the fever is doing. I told him that the only real thing I have noticed that was different from last time is that I am much more tired this time. Last time, I was getting my energy back by day 6 or 7, and this time on day 8, I can't walk across the room without feeling winded. He said that the effects were cumulative. I had heard that before, but I thought it was for AC. I take taxotere and cytoxin. What do you guys think who take taxotere? Do you think the effects are cumulative?
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bahamamom3, They tell me the effects of taxotere are cumulative, especially the fatigue. I just had my tx today, but will let you know. I slept for hours this afternoon, and will probably be up all night. I feel pretty good otherwise. After my last treatment, for the first 3 or 4 days, I couldn't walk from room to room without getting out of breath, but I didn't know if it was all the steroids they pumped into me from my reaction, or if was the taxotere. Probably both. I'm still feeling congested, so am probably coming down with a cold. I hope that's all it is. There's a lot of stuff going around.0
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Dear Bahamamom3 - Last week I had my second t/c. I was more tired & in bed for 1 additional day (3.4 and 5th day after chemo). I tried to change my sheets one day, and had to just lie down until my husband came to help me - just didn't have enough energy to keep standing. I have heard that the fatigue is cumulative. I hope that the tylenol works on your infection and that you get better from here! I also get the nuelesta shot.
GrandmaV - I hope that your husband is doing better - and really glad to hear that you are not struggling any more with low counts! I am sure they will help you fight the cold you might be getting - Sending lost of postive thoughts on that one!
Even with a very high white count because of my neulesta show, I am in the hospital with an infection on my incision line from Oct. surgery. Right after my second chemo treatment, the scab fell off one section, and it was clean for a week, but 2 days ago, it got puffy and my onco sent me straight to the er, and admitted, while they grow cultures and figure out what this is. I AM SO BUMMED! I was starting to get used to the SE's, but this scares me! Has anyone else dealt with an infection like this? I have an infectious disease dr. on it & he tells me that I have tested positive for C-diff, but he believes I may have something more complicated. I need to stay here at least till Mon., to see if I respond to the heavy duty antibiotics I am getting IV. Christmas in the hospital - not fun!
Phyllis - How is your infection going? Are you still getting IV antibiotics - are they working?
Positive thoughts to all and hope your holidays are with minimum SE's!
Juanita
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Bahamamon I also geat taxotere and cytoxan. I've had 3 treatments and have had more side effects with each one. Especially fatigue, nausea and metallic taste in mouth. It seems to me that side effects are cumulataive and that it takes a little longer to bounce back after each treatment. I hope your fever goes away and you start to feel better soon.
WaveWhisperer the red cheeks are just another thing! I didn't get them until about a week ago and I'm in my 3rd cycle. I thought I was developing rosacea. I've had a few people say I look cute with rosy cheeks, which is sweet but I'm a little too old ........... !!
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bahamamom3:
I am on TC too. I have had 3 of my 4 treatments. I can tell you I was wiped out for one full week after treatment 3. This week (week 2) has not been so bad. I don't have a skip to my walk yet but hoping I will before the next treatment. I do believe it is cumulative. I don't get the shot to help with white blood cells (Thank goodness). My doctor doesn't prescribe it unless there is a problem. It seems that those who get the shot have more terrible SE than those who don't get the shot. My SE are over by day 8 each time. Fatigue has been more intensive each time. I do believe it is cumulative.
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Bahamamom, I am taking taxotere and cytoxan. Next week will be #3 and I am still fighting the nausea and fatigue from the last one. My Onco said that some of the SE's are cumulative, so I guess this is the norm. I just find it weird that the nausea has hung on. I try not to take the meds as they make me sleepy, so I bought some ginger tea which seems to help.
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Juanita - I am so, so sorry you're in the hospital! That is very suckipating. Where are you? I'll come visit. What kind of goodies should I bring?
I finished the IV antibiotics on Tuesday and saw my MO on Wednesday. I'm now taking Cefprozil for 7 days. She cancelled my chemo this week and we will restart that next week hopefully. She did a culture to see what is causing the infection but those results take about a week...hopefully will have them in time for chemo on Wednesday.
I still have a low grade fever but I hope I'm getting better since it's now about 99.3 instead of 99.9 to 101 degrees.I still have a bloody nose but am only going through a half a box of tissues a day instead of a whole one! I plan to stay home alone with movies and books. If I get an energy spurt I might make a pot of stew...or not!
Take care of yourself and tell your doctor you still need the A Team even over the holidays.
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Thanks to all who replied about the cumulative effects of taxotere. That really does make me feel better to know that the effects are cumulative, so I can make better predictions for the last 2 treatments. As a middle school teacher, I try to be out as little as I can, but I wan't to be prepared if I am not going to be able to get back to work as soon each time. Since I had that 101.4 fever last evening, I am not really sure if maybe some of my lack of energy had been the result of whatever it was I had or was catching. I never really had any pain or other side effects that I couldn't attribute to my treatment, so it was hard to tell how much was caused by the 2nd round of chemo. Anyway, I do feel better this morning. One of my daughters has taken off to go do my last minute grocery shopping, and my sister-in-law sent her husband and children over this morning to deliver a huge package of Christmas cookies. That was what I had hoped to accomplish today, but now I am thinking, I don't have to. How nice!
Merry Christmas to all! You are each in my daily thoughts. I wish the best for you and yours this holiday season.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS, LADIES....HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND!!
OXOXOXOXOXOX
Kathy
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Juanita, I would be scared, too. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. I haven't had to deal with anything like what you are. But it's something we all worry about. I hope your doctors get it all sorted out soon and you can get back home.
lots of hugs
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Phyllis - So glad to hear your temperature went down, but sorry chemo was delayed. I am thinking good thoughts that you will be ready & set to go next week! I would love you to visiti!!! But, I'm in Santa Monica, CA - probably quite a drive from where you are! I actually have asked many of my friends not to visit, I am worried about them catching this infection! Only my stubborn family & friends have come - they don't take "no". Do you know what your bloody nose means? I just started a little one, but didn't tell my dr. yet - I will make sure to tell the next nurse that comes by.
The funny thing is, I feel fine! So I am so bored here at the hospital. Wish I could go home and wait this out. But disease specialist says he needs to see improvement and culture results before that.
Keep well, get lots of rest, and make sure to have a happy and wonderful holiday!!!!
Happy Holidays everyone! Juanita
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Happy holidays to all and a healthy prosperous new year too
Juanita hope u get discharged soon!0 -
Juanita - I'm in Nebraska, so it should only take a couple of days to drive it!..I understand about visitors and infection though. I've declined a couple of invitations to Christmas dinner tomorrow. The offers are very nice, but now may not be the time to accept. Today I had about 1/2 a day of a normal temp! Woohoo! I had a little energy and some of my appetite back. It's amazing how much that little bit perked me up!
I think my bloody nose is an SE from the weekly Taxol treatments. It started the week I had my first treatment. PCP and MO don't seem concerned about it....but I'm betting (with my vast Internet knowledge and online medical degree
) that it's an SE. Others on BCO have said that it's an SE. Whether it's related to the duration of the sinus infection requires more study on my part!I'm glad your family is able to visit you and that you're feeling good! Please have as fun and merry a Christmas as you can have! I'm sending wishes for a quick resolution for you!
Happy Chrismas to everyone!
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I hope everyone is having a happy, healthy holiday with their loved ones!!! Thank you ladies for all the good thoughts. I got the best present today - I was discharged from the hospital - Woohoo!!!!! I was there only 3 nights. I am home with antibiotics & now I have a new dr (like we don't have enough of those already) - an infectious disease dr to add to the stack of dr. cards. He will know in a week if there were any other bacteria lurking in my infection. Right now, I am looking forward to a quiet week, before my 3rd dose of t&c next Tues.
Phyllis - thanks for the good wishes - they worked & I'm home! I am so happy to hear about your normal temperature & and appetite - you are certainly kicking that infection's butt! I thought that my bloody nose was a SE also, but I'm still working on my online medical degree! You have treatments every week - you are so strong - that must be very challenging. Did you end up making that stew? Any good movies you can suggest - I like to have them ready to go for my stay-in-bed days after chemo. I hope that you were able to enjoy your Christmas day - Thinking of you!
Lory - Wanted to hear if the ginger tea helped with the nausea? Last t&c treatment I tried not to take the meds, and used ginger ale & snaps to curb it, but by the 3rd day, it was making me so sick, I went back to the meds for two days & then I was ok, tired, but ok.
Love to hear how everyone did over the holidays - Juanita
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Tipnas, thanks for the headsup...it was thrush and Diflucan has helped tremendously.
Bethu77, waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak, with my hair. It's thinning a little, but no biggie yet.
JTT, we just got a bunch of movies for Christmas and I'm looking forward to enjoying some on my upcoming down days. I got "The Help", and we always love musicals, and anything suspenseful, a wide variety.
Can anyone tell me if we have all seen SEs be cumulative? I'm having round 2 on Tuesday on A/C...4 of that then 4 of Taxol. I get the Neulasta each time the day after. I didn't have any trouble with that this first time. Claritin worked for me, but I've heard others who still have issues.
I hope everyone was able to enjoy Christmas, even though differently than usual. We did here and - best gift of the day- our son plays football at a small college in Western PA. Colors are black and gold. During the month of October, the personal trainers all wore black shirts with PINK lettering and the pink ribbon in honor of BC awareness month. The shirts were not for general sale, but Bobby took it upon himself to work out getting some for all of us! He had to buy a dozen, sell the extras, and keep what he wanted. A bunch of his friends bought them...(and all these big football players wore pink tape that month in my honor!) Anyway, he was so excited to get them, and made us open them first, all at the same time! He's still a little kid at heart!
Here's to a good night's sleep...I'll check in tomorrow.
Andi
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Happy Christmas, Ladies! I felt pretty good again today! Good enough that I took a walk around the park. That was only a 10 minute walk, but it's the first one I've done in a month. Progress! I hope you all had a good day also!
Juanita - I'm so glad you got to go home! I didn't make the stew but I did pan fry a strip steak and made some mashed potatoes. It was yummy! Red meat really hasn't been on my menu for several years, but I'm pretty excited that I could taste it and it was good! Today was the John Wayne movie marathon on AMC and I got sucked into that. I'm sure that was a good use of my time. I don't have too many movies, but I love Secondhand Lions, the Lonesome Dove movies, Belazaire the Cajun and The Secret Life of Bees. Not blockbusters, but nice little movies.
As for my weeky treatments, I've been told that these (Taxol) are the easy ones and that the FAC later is what will kick my behind. I can hardly wait! I'm keeping the advice about ginger in my pocket for when I need it, also the advice to take Claritin with the Neupogen. My treatment is sort of backwards from many that I read about on these boards. The Taxol over 12 weeks has not been a picnic, but I have been able to work part-time every day but chemo days....and except when I was too sick with the sinus infection. I'm halfway thru the Taxol, which is a good thing.
Please let us know the results of the culture. I'm so glad you're home!
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I have a cold--itchy, watery eyes, tickle in my throat, coughing and congestion. I am scheduled for a treatment tomorrow morning. My last A/C. My oncologist's office is closed today. I am considering calling her answering service to talk with her. Has anyone else received treatment when they felt so sick because of a cold/congestion? I don't know that I consider this an emergency but I don't want to drive 80 miles again to be told, "We can't treat you today." I only have one more A/C and want to get it over with!
My fingers are now peeling on the finger pads. I don't have fingerprints any more. They seem to have vanished. The feeling hasn't come back yet either.
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Beth, I'm sorry you're still dealing with your cold. I'm not sure if that would delay your treatment or not. I felt like I was getting a cold just before my last treatment, but it didn't develope into anything, so far. My DH still has his cold, and I've been so afraid of catching it. I hope you get to have your last A/C.0
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Beth, I have been like that throughout the last 2 trreatments. I wake stuffy and coughing;but I believe mine is allergies. WE had chinese for dinner last night and I am all puffy today and joint sore today.. ack.. lots of water to flush it out. I have my 3rd tomorrow..hope all goes well for you.
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Beth - We continued my treatment through my cold and into my sinus infection. Finally it was my persistent low grade fever that delayed last week's treatment. Having said that, I'm on Taxol X12 not A/C so that may make a difference.
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Good morning all. Does anyone have any experience with leg pain? I tweeked my knee after last treatment and now the knee is better but have pretty severe pain in lower leg.
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CHH,
I was told muscle and joint pain could be a SE of my treatment (taxol/herceptin) I would check with your MO and see what they say. They will have the best understanding of what is a SE and what is just regular old pain from something else.
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. Everything was pleasant here, sometime with extended family and some time just hanging at home with kids and H. Tho physically I generally feel OK, emotionally I am worn out. Tired and tired of being cheerful for those around me, don't want to be told I am amazing and that I am handling things well. This whole thing stinks, but curling up in a ball and giving up is not an option.so yes I certainly look and act like I am handling it all well. Sorry for my vent, think the holiday has gotten me down.
Gentle night
nel
Genlte night
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TMI ALERT!!!!!!!!! I have hemorrhoids after the last AC dose! UGH!!!! I'm not talking a little problem, I'm talking can't sit, waddle when I walk, afraid to go to the bathroom typeof problem!! I've tried Prep-H, Tucks, stool softeners and sitz baths. My MD office was closed today so I'm waiting to call in the a.m. In the meantime, I thought I'd see if any of you have any words of wisdom for my bleeding bottom
I think a trip to my GI surgeon may be needed if I can't get it resolved at home 0 -
Kim - I'm so sorry! I have no suggestions other that what you've already tried. You must be completely miserable. If it's not one thing it's the 87 others. I'm so sorry!
Healing thoughts coming your way.
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Nel, I know just how you feel. My family is great and supportive, but it is so hard for them to completely identify. They tel me I'm great and amazing, etc. Had meltdown tonight since my hair is starting to fall out, and I couldn't decide if I should go ahead and buzz it or if it was too early. Round 2 is tomorrow so I will feel lousy tomorrow night and probably Wednesday. Anyway, while I appreciate what they are trying to do, most people wouldn't really want to hear how I am REALLY doing! My family does and knows, but others? No, they don't need to hear the details.
Kim, I am SO sorry for your pain! With round 1, I have had more diarrhea than hemorrhoids, but had them with each pregnancy, including vaginal hems. Miserable! Hope they can find some more significant solution for you!
Please know that I keep you all in my prayers and know that while we don't give up, this battle is so hard, physically and emotionally.
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I hope everyone had a restful Christmas! I am getting ready for my last chemo on Friday. Going tomorrow to pick up my Neupegen. Thursday, blood work and oncology appointment. Radiation Oncology appointment to come in the first week of January.
Still quite tired after the last round and here we are about to do it all again. Hard to believe I am almost done. Seems like just a short while ago I was panicking about starting chemo and here I am almost done. I dont think I would have been able to handle it like I have if not for all of the encouragement and information that I got here. Thank you all for your support!
I am hoping that the last treatment is not too bad, the cummlative effects are what worry me. I can not imagine being any more tired than I am right now. I was like a lump in the chair most of Christmas day, not much help to my hubby at all.
Today, he was the best husband ever, and braved a Boxing Day sale to buy me a new tv for the bedroom. Talk about being spoiled!!!
Wishing you all the very best of the season and new year of new health to everyone!!
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