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Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?

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Comments

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Kim, I've been having the same problem.  I've been trying not to eat much and take a shower after every bowel movement.  They're still sore but not bleeding anymore.  I honestly think the stool softener I was taking was aggravating it.   I don't know what else to do.  It's a terrible problem.

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Sorry I haven't posted in awhile...wishing those with issues a quick and healthy resolution and to those feeling great, I am so happy for you.  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  After over 2 weeks of feeling pretty gross during the 2nd cycle, my MO said I should take all 3 anti-nause meds this time (Zofran, Compazine & Ativan).  Has anyone out there taken all three in a day?  I am a little leary of it, but want to avoid feeling so nauseated this time.  Please share if you did and let me know how you spaced the timing between each drug.  I would appreciate it.

     I was blessed to feel pretty good for the past 7 days and truly enjoyed quality time with friends and family.  I can honestly say I actually enjoyed being able to finish all the last minute things I needed and wanted to do for the holidays.  I hope you all had joy and pleasure with your loved ones as well.  So, I wasn't posting on the board as I was truly keeping busy and living life!  As I said, a true blessing. 

    Tomorrow is the 3rd treatment for me and I am looking so forward to being 1/2 way through the process of the chemo even though the Herceptin will continue through next November.  I can live with that I think/hope.  It is 1:45 a.m. and the steroids are doing their job of keeping me wired, hence here I am in the middle of the night.  However, as is the same with most of you, I will make up on the sleeping in the next week or so in the days right after treatment. 

    Hoping you are all feeling good, better and on the way to a great day tomorrow!  Take care...I think of you often and feel so lucky to have you all here for advice, support and a for being there to listen to my whining.  Be "talking" with you all as the days go by...just think, by next year this will all be in the past.  Here's to a great and healthy 2012 for all of us!    Linda

  • JTT
    JTT Member Posts: 15

    Linnyhopp, Just a quick post, I am exhausted . But wanted to let you know that i take the compazine with marinol every 6 hours on my two bad day after chemo. although it makes me very tired and I am quite out of it, it keeps the nausea away and I m able to eat pretty well. when i know its time to take it, I have just gone to bed and watch movies. Good luck, hope all goes well and the nausea is minimal.

    Juanita

  • Lory48
    Lory48 Member Posts: 266

    Linda, I to was given the three meds for nausea, however,  I have only taken 2 of them together so far. I woke at 222 this morning and could not even go back to sleep. I have the steroid buzz going on. My 3rd treatment is in a few hours, so I will sleep through that for sure.

  • Kim137
    Kim137 Member Posts: 105

    Thanks ladies for listening to be rant about my 'roids. My boyfriend couldn't believe I would post such on a forum. Nothing is taboo to me at this point! ha!



    Grandma V- I feel your pain....literally! I actually bought a sitz bath to use since I was tired of having to get in the tub after each BM. The sitz bath is very convenient. I suppose this too shall pass. :(



    Linyhopp- I also take Zofran, Compazine and Ativan but the Ativan is given to me thru my port at the end of my chemo session. It helps with anxiety which in my case has lead to extreme nausea. My Onc gave it to me my second round since my first round was HORRIBLE! luckily for me, it seems to help a great deal. Ativan may make you drowsy. I hope you can get some relief.



    I'm anxiously awaiting Thursday when I'll get my last AC!!! I'll be halfway thru! Only 4 DD Taxol's to go.....and Herceptin for a year, but my Onc says that's a "cake walk" compared to what I've been thru. I hope she is right! I'm going for what may be my final tissue expander fill today. I'll be glad to get that whole process behind me. Although hate that my exchange surgery will have to wait til after chemo. :( Not sure yet if I'm getting rads. I meet with the RO next month to decide if it's needed. Since my MO wants to throw everything and the kitchen sink at me, I'm kinda expecting rads will be in my near future.....damn that little rogue lymph node!!! :(

  • claireinaz
    claireinaz Member Posts: 714

    Kim137, I suffer periodically from aching bottom too :>)  not even a SE from chemo--it was from giving birth!  Anyway, you need a prescip suppository--I got one that was foam but have used others--and it helped tremendously in 24 hours.  I hope by now you've been able to contact your doctor and you're on the way to mending.

    Claire

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Hello everyone! I had my LAST A/C treatment today!!! I was coughing a lot during treatment and I have prescription cough syrup which will help me and my husband get some sleep tonight. My fingers are peeling but my onc said that is a good sign. They are not swollen so I think I can live with that.

    Going from hearing the news that I need chemo to being halfway finished is amazing! I didn't think i would ever reach this point. Thanks to all of your for encouraging during this time. I still have to deal with the effects of the steroids but won't get them with the Taxol. I won't have the Neulasta injections either. Has anyone had SEs with Taxol? I need to be prepared.

    I hope each of you havce a celebration when you reach a milestone in this journey! For now, I am going to take a nap...

  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597

    Beth,

    Half way thru is amazing!   i have had 8 weeks of taxol/herceptin, 4 more to go.  Minimal SE. Lost my hair and that crummy taste in my mouth, but that has been the worst of it.  I was told the fatigue would be cumulative and I think it has.  I have been able to work thru all, but no longer try and do 6 things at once, walking thru life, no longer running.  And I nap alot of afternoons, but I used to do that sometimes anyway.  I was told this would be the easier round for me and I have felt pretty well.  Good luck

    Nel

  • Kim137
    Kim137 Member Posts: 105

    Thanks for the input Claire, my MD office was close yesterday and today was her day off, but I'm hoping to catch her tomorrow. If not, I'll be seeing her Thursday before my chemo so I will ask for a script then :)



    Yay Beth!!! Congrats on getting halfway thru! I'll be done with AC this Thursday and moving onto Taxol with you. :)

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Sadly, I could not have my 3rd (and half-way through) chemo today.  My platelet count was 16 points too low after I had my blood work a second time this morning.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad my onc is careful, but I was hoping to get it over with.  However, trying to be a glass half-full person, I am happy that my brother called immediately after I posted my "fan club" to let them know the status to say that he was making a reservation at a nice restaurant to have a New Year's Eve celebration dinner.  Got to go with the flow and enjoy what we can when we can!  Actually the onc wanted me to have chemo this Thursday or Friday to try and stay as close to schedule as possible but both my regular chemo center and the one in San Diego (30 miles from my house) are both booked solid and couldn't fit me in.  Wow, it's overwhelming to think of how may of us are going through chemo at the same time.  So...I have to accept that I will now have to enter into March before my last chemo and just get over myself!  I was so hoping to finish at the end of the February, but better safe than ending up in the hospital, right?

    Hope you all are feeling good and thanks for all the answers on the anti-nausea drugs.  The pharmacist was really helpful today with her info so I think I am set for the next time I need to use them with your and her input.  Have a great evening!

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Beth, so glad you got to have your tx.  All done with A/C.  Congratulations.

    Kim, I hope you get some relief soon.  I have an appointment with my primary doctor Wednesday and will talk to her about it.

    linnyhopp, I know how you feel.  My 2nd tx was postponed due to low platelets, but they rebounded very quickly.  Enjoy the time with family.

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Thanks everyone for the congrats. My Onc gave me the okay for the natural meds for neuropathy. Now, I just have to find a store that sells them!

    I'm wishing a Happy New Year to each of you!

  • Tipnas
    Tipnas Member Posts: 82

    Hi Linda, nice to hear from you!  Glad you've been feeling good and enjoying time with family.  I'm sorry you were not able to have your 3rd treatment, but you're right, you don't want to end up sick.  I hope you enjoy your New Year's Eve dinner and that you're enjoying the amazing weather we're having!

    I'm going for my 4th and final treatment tomorrow, hopefully my bloodwork will be okay.  I know many of you have more treatments to go and I feel so thankful, but I'm very much looking forward to being finished with chemo and moving onto the next phase of treatment - radiation.  Has anyone had watery eyes and blurry vision from T/C?

  • bahamamom3
    bahamamom3 Member Posts: 275

    Tipnas - I had blurry vision the first treatment.  It was mostly the first few days, but even a bit the 3rd week.  My doctor thought it may have been high sugar (mine was 246 that time) or low blood pressure.  I take pills for blood pressure, and she advised me to check it daily, and if mine was low, don't take the medication that day.

  • Tipnas
    Tipnas Member Posts: 82
    bahamamom3  thank you for sharing your experience.  My husband went through chemo almost 15 years ago.  He had the watery eyes and blurry vision and ended up with permanently scarred tear ducts and had to have a tube inserted in one tear duct.  So I'm a little wary.  It's also a pain as all the mascara runs off my few remaining eyelashes!!  I will mention it at my treatment tomorrow.
  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    tipnas, my eyes watered off and on throughout TCH and still do although i'm 6 weeks PFC.  my vision is still blurry, too.  my RO told me not to change my prescription yet as it should clear up.  i hope she's right!  good luck with your treatment tomorrow.
  • Tipnas
    Tipnas Member Posts: 82

    Thanks YaYa5!  I think I read somewhere that Taxotere may be the culprit.  I hope your radiation treatment is going well

  • phgraham
    phgraham Member Posts: 909

    kim - I hope you're feeling better!

    e-jaye - Congrats on your great husbing and your new TV!  I hope you get some energy back.

    Andimom- Did you go ahead and buzz your hair?  For me, once I did that, it was one less issue to worry about.  I mainly wear caps outdoors and shopping and go with the bald look at work and home, but that's just me.  The caps get too hot and I think the Taxol has broken my internal thermostat, so I wear them as long as I can, then I'm done. 

    I had my 7th of 12 Taxol treatments today and I feel good.  I saw a different onc today because mine took some vacation this week.  He inquired about my sinus infection and bloody nose and I explained what was going on.  He said he was inclined to say it is climate/weather related also because a bloody nose wasn't a normal side effect of the taxanes.  I pointed out that, usual or not, taxanes affect the mucosa and maybe I should feel lucky that it was my sinuses and not also vaginal and rectal bleeding.  He stopped for a second and agreed. 

    He said that I was right about the mucosa and that he would refer me to an ENT because it is more complex problem than my primary or his office deals with.  He also said that the CT scan showed acute sinusitis over chronic sinusitis and that the chronic sinusitis should be addressed.  Okay!  Somebody listened!  Not thrilled to add a new dr to the lineup but I hope to get this resolved.

     This post is too long, but thank you for listening!

    P

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270

    I just finished my 8th out of 12 taxol/herceptin. Other than the bloating, feeling like a bicycle pumped up legs, weight gain and can't spell for beans, side effects Iam doing OK.  But, last week I found out that I will be doing an additional 12 weeks of Navalbine (if insurance will cover it) so I will be getting 24 weeks of chemo total and not done until the end of april....  disappointed but happy that my MedOnc is going for the cure.  I know I can handle it.... (I know I can handle it....I know I can handle it....I know I can handle it....I know I can handle it....)

    Q 

  • Allagashmaggie
    Allagashmaggie Member Posts: 66

    Good morning one and all,

     Tuesday, the 27th was my 4th chemo treatment.  2 more to go if all goes well.  I try not to get too far ahead of myself in this process but I did ask how soon after my 6th treatment would radiation begin.  She said they would want me to have the 3 weeks to recover just like between chemo treatments.  So that would put me at the end of February.  But....like I say, I try not to get too far out in front.  I am always anxious about the blood work but mine was "excellent" and she said I appear to be handling this well.  I do have 10 lb. weight gain since this began but that is the least of my worries right now.  My 5th treatment will be January 17th.  Amazingly enough, I am also scheduled for my 6 month followup mammogram on the 16th, will meet with my breast surgeon for those results an hour after, then chemo the next day.  I will be very anxious on that day obviously.  Maybe that is a good thing.  When I had my routine annual mammogram last July, I was not nervous at all about it like I usually get before each yearly mammogram.  And they say worrying doesn't help! 

    I did have some nausea in the middle of the night last night so took a pill and that seemed to take care of it, though this morning all I feel like eating is yogurt. 

     Wishing everyone on this board a healthy 2012.  Part of me wants to get rid of 2011, another part is apprehensive about 2012, but I need to get on the "think positive" track again.  Take care all - I think of all of you every day.

    Allagashmaggie

  • Kim137
    Kim137 Member Posts: 105

    Getting ready for my 4th and final AC today! That means I'm halfway thru and on to Taxol with Herceptin. Yay! :) I still don't know if I will need rads so I'm going to ask my MO to go ahead and schedule me with the RO ASAP. I like to know ahead of time what the game plan is! My plastic surgeon finished my TE fills yesterday so that is one less appointment to have to worry about for awhile. I'm so hoping I won't need Rads since it could interfere with the reconstruction I've started. Oh well, one thing at a time....one thing at a time. Hope everyone is feeling good today! Think of you all daily :) xoxoxo

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Kim-congrats on your last AC. I will be starting Taxol on January 10. I had radiation with my first diagnosis. My PS won't do a fill in a week when I have treatment. I will have my next TE fill on January 17. Do the needles hurt you? I think they hurt. He only does 25 cc because I have had radiation to the area 3 years ago. I don't have the Herceptin.

     I have a boil on my leg now. It's a good thing I am already taking the antibiotic for it!

    Take care everyone and hang in there. We have something to look forward to in 2012---the end of treatments!

  • TexasRose2127
    TexasRose2127 Member Posts: 106

    Beth- Congrats on our last AC tx on the 27th-  I had my last AC tx yesterday the 28th. Yeah for being 50% complete!  I am starting 4 tx of  DD Taxol on Jan 11th.  Curious, as to which natural remedies for Taxol SE's wer blessed by your MO.  The only one I knew about had blessed by the MO is L-Glutamine powder.  30 mg, split into two or tree doses per day.

    I too have been trying to find out about SE's of Taxol.  Have not gotten much info. One of the side effects we can get is neuropathy, it seems to be cumulative dose dependent.  Although the total amount of Taxol received is identicle, those of us that receive DD therapy would experience the neuorpathy sooner than those receiving 12 tx.  At least that is my understanding.  It is important to note that not everyone experiences neuropathy.  I know someone personally that had DD taxol & did not experience it.  The most troublesome SE's for her were feeling like she had the flu, body aches etc.

    I will be receiving Neulasta the day after each treatment.  If I opted for the single dose 12 week tx, then I would not receive the Neulasta.

    Ladies, I had my last AC tx yesterday & I had one "ooops".  They had to redo m IV before they infused "The Red Devil" since the Onc Nurse could not get a consistent blood back-flow.  I arrived pre-medicated for pain and anxiety  so it was relatively painless.  This is one of the drawbacks to not having a port.  Since, I am only sceduled for 8 tx in total, I am convinced I can do this without a port.  Only time will tell.

    My son & his family just went back to Texas after a week visit.  It was lot's of fun, since we have a 10 year old granddaughter and 12 year old grandson.  Except for some fatigue, I remained relatively healthy during their visit.  As a bonus they did not even bring the "sniffles" with them, so I didn't have to wear a mask!  I certainly ate too much since my steroid pooch had now transformed into a cookie & fudge pooch!  Had trouble buttoning my jeans this morning.  Back to my bland and calorie restricted diet tomorrow!

    Hoping you all had a memorable Christmas season and are all looking forward to a healthy and happy new year!

    {{{HUGS}}} to all

  • Mimidi
    Mimidi Member Posts: 48

    I just want to pass on encouragement to all of you.  I started ACX4 January of this year.  I then started 12 weeks of taxatere.  I had to stop taxatere because of a bad reaction to the carrier and finish with abraxane.  There were days I didn't get out of bed.  Days I got of of the bed went for the treatments and came home and went back to bed.  I finished June 19 and started radiation on July 6,  30 treatments with 3 boosts.  I made it!!!! 

    With all the feeling rotten, losing my hair, asking God to just let me die.  I MADE IT!!!!  You will to. I have to take femara for the next few years but today I FEEL GOOD.  I also lost nearly 60 pounds.  I was told this was unsual.

  • Mimidi
    Mimidi Member Posts: 48

    Oh, I also had a mastectomy and reconstruction in November, 2011.

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Glad to hear so many of you are dong well and even getting to the end of your treatments.  I can't wait until I am at that point.  This week has been weird since I couldn't have my 3rd treatment and now I have developed spontaneous bruising on my legs (especially the left).  Has anyone else experienced this?  I e-mailed my MO and he has ordered an extra blood test for tomorrow since he said my platelets aren't low enough to cause the bruising.  Naturally, I am anxious about this as I don't want to have any complications and have to postpone treatment.  I slept most of the day which is unusual for me.  So, if any of you have had these issues, please share as I would appreciate your input.  I honestly don't feel "bad" just tired and worried.  Oh, the journey of BC is really crazy sometimes, isn't it?  Well, hope you are all doing well and will check in later.  Thanks, as always, for any info you can share.  Linda

  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 64

    phgraham, yes I did buzz my head - my son did it for me and we laughed through it. I'm fine now that it's done and people tell me I look adorable...haven't been 'adorable' in years! I have 2 wigs and several hats that I really like. I still have stubble but no biggie.

    Had my second AC tx Tuesday and finding things pretty much the same as last time with more fatigue. More diarrhea too, and I have a raging hemorrhoid or 2 also, so, several of you , I feel your pain! I had thrush last week and was told that goes from one end to the other, and it was suggested I use some of my nystatin ointment on that along with hem treatment. We will see if that calms things down. My first night is always rough with the steroids and my blood sugars, the day after is pretty good, and then each day, I am more tired. We will see if the rest of the week proves the same. But, halfway done AC!  YAY!

    I think of you all everyday and wonder what it would be like to chat face to face, wouldn't that be an interesting roomful of women! Be strong everyone. I wish I could address everyone's comments, and I am so grateful for a place where people identify...but I'm beat and going to sleep now! I hope to be on again tomorrow. Blessings!

  • Kim137
    Kim137 Member Posts: 105

    Beth,



    My PS numbs the area before he insert the needles for the fills, but I still fill a sting when the needle goes in. I've noticed it has gotten worse towards the end of the fills since my muscle and skin is so stretched out. Luckily I am done with fills! I'm trying to get accustomed to the final size, I wonder if their too big now. My old breast were a very Droopy D. These are a very perky C. I'm not used to the positioning yet, but I'm sure I'll learn to love my new cleavage once the exchange surgery is Completed ;)

    TexasRose and Beth, we are all right there together on our schedule. I'll start Taxol January12th. Meeting with the RO January 10th to see if radiation is necessary. I think my age alone with 1 micro lymph node may get me radiation....."I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow. " ~ Scarlett O'Hara



    :)

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Just wanted to let you all know that I haven't gotten a specific reason for the bruising on my legs, but am happy that platelet count is normal and my other blood tests are OK for me to have chemo on Monday.  So, I am going to enjoy New Year's Eve and be happy that I can get this chemo going and be at the half-way mark!  Hope you are all enjoying a nice day and feel great.  Take care...Linda

  • el-jaye
    el-jaye Member Posts: 25

    On my way to the Cancer Centre for my last round of Chemo!  Not looking forward to the side effects but so very glad this is my last round.  My oncologist was very positive yesterday about the fact that the cancer is gone.  Now all I have to do is my round of radiation.  That will be sometime in the Feb or Mar. 

    Thank you all for all your support and encouragement.  It has been so helpful to check in here and get ideas on coping and having a place to  talk about what is going on. 

    If I dont get back before the New Year -- HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!

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