Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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Linda, it's so good to hear from you. When is your last chemo? I'm so glad you're almost done. You were so right in the advice you gave me on the Tinnitus. I am getting used to it. It still gets loud when I'm stressed or tired, but I'm am learning to cope with it. The anti-depressant my Onc. got me on is helping with the emotional stuff. Thank you for all your help. I'm still getting herceptin on a weekly basis and have two more weekly tx and then will receive it every 3 weeks until November. As I mentioned earlier I've started rads, and my RO said he didn't think my tx's would make the tinnitus worse, and so far he's right. But he's keeping a close eye on it. After rads is aromatase inhibitor for 5 years.
Beth, You're so close to being done with chemo. It's been a tough road for you, but you've hung in there and are about to make it. That is so great.
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GrandmaV- so good to hear you are doing well..hooray..thanks for the update on the rads..I meet with the RO on Wed to map out a plan..then I am taking a little vacation before surgery and rads.
Beth- I am so sorry you are still struggling..it is close to the end now..please hang on! We are all praying for you
Andi- I posted on the taxol thread..but I had the same kind of pain in my legs from the taxol..its tolerable for me and only lasted a day or 2.
Hugs to you all
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hi ladies, I started chemo on Dec 22 2011, started with dose dense AC (every two weeks for eight weeks), had my first taxol and herceptin on thursday (getting taxol every week for 12 weeks, and herceptin every 3 weeks for twelve months). I feel really tired and depressed today, I don't know why, I thought I'd feel great after finishing AC. how long does it take for AC to get out of your system?
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Hi Marina
I'm on my third taxol, we have a separate taxol thread named
Taxol chemotherapy,
a few of us have had more emotional symptoms than AC, and bone joint pain. Check out the other thread for more info
Cindy0 -
Marina-..we all swear the emotional aspect is from the taxol..it has happened to so many of us. As Cindy said, check out the Taxol chemotherapy thread. Kelley
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Grandma V ~ Sorry you are still dealing with the tinitus, but am glad you are coping better. I know it is a real pain, but somehow like the rest of what we are going through, we find out we are stronger than we ever thought. I am so glad it doesn't get any worse during radiation since that is my next hurdle. Thanks for letting me know I helped you a bit with your tinitus issue. You made me feel useful at a time when we all seem to kind of go into our own little world. I am just sorry you are dealing with it, but it sounds like it is a bit more bearable I, too, will have Herceptin through November, but we haven't discussed the treatment after that yet. I guess my Onc is taking it one step at a time. My last actual TCH is scheduled for March 9th. I am so hoping I won't have any delay on that one. I was supposed to be finished on February 28, but with platelet counts low for a few days in 2 cycles, I am a bit behind. I can hardly wait for the TCH to be finished, so that MAYBE the metallic taste will go away (along with some of the gastro issues). As I said, I have worked a few days each cycle and that has helped me emotionally to feel connected with my more normal life. Of course, getting out and shopping a bit has helped me with that, too...ha! ha!
Hoping all of you wonderful women on this board are having a nice weekend. It is very sunny in San Diego this weekend, so even though I am going through the rougher days after my treatment yesterday, it makes me feel better to see such a beautiful day and think of all you beautiful women making the best of your day as well. Take care and hope you all find something to smile about. Hugs, Linda
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I'm not liking FAC and neupogen right now. Oh wait...I'm just supposed to endure it,right? Ugh
Phyllis0 -
Thanks for all of the kind words while I'm waiting for the results of my biopsy. All of the support really helps make a difference during the difficult times.
linnyhopp,
I think my last "Bad Dude" (TCH) will be scheduled on March 8 if everything continues on plan. I will also end my Herceptin in November (hopefully). We've traveled almost the same road throughout this experience. My two biggest challenges continue to be the anemia and diarrhea, but my oncologist and I both plan to keep me on schedule for the last treatment on that date. I know I will be celebrating that milestone in this very challenging time in my life, and I'm sure you will be too. I hope you have a good week with minimal SEs.
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It's been a few days since I checked in on this thread, but man can I relate to so much of this! First let me say to all those with nail problems ~ you might want to get "Juice Plus." This is a supplement that I began taking a few months before I was diagnosed. I immediately noticed a tremendous difference in how strong and healthy my nails were. I have continued to take it (with my Onc blessing) and I am the only one I know who has not had ANY significant nail issues. Message me if you want any additional info!
In terms of the Taxol side effects...I have had both the crazy emotional swings, leg pain, and weight gain (12 lbs so far), although I attribute the weight gain to steroids. I hate it with a passion. I have my last infusion (Taxol, & A/C) on Tuesday. I'm dreading it so much I could cry just thinking about it. I'm glad it's my last one, but I cannot muster any joy whatsoever. I can't believe I have to descend into the chemo coma, yet again. Gah.
I just want to get through this last round of chemo and never look back. I can't believe I still have to find the strength to endure radiation AND a tram flap reconstruction. I'm so tired...I just want to quit.
SAN
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I had my best day in months today. I suffered a lot with A/C with very low whit blood counts. Before my first taxol treatment two weeks ago, my onc noted that I was anemic and offered me a blood transfusion. I had the transfusion on Thursday and I feel like a new person. Headaches gone, fatigue gone. I made my family dinner tonight for the first time in months. I can't believe how good I feel. I had forgotten what good felt like!
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Racerdeb ~ As of right now we are scheduled a day apart for our final TCH. Mine is on for March 9th and I am hoping and praying it stays right on schedule. As it happens, we are both having the same issues as well. Let's hope we can keep the problems under control and get this over with. I have forgotten, do you have to do radiation? I will, and was told I will get my referral to MO at my next Onc appt. Of course there will be the herceptin through November and then who knows what else. Haven't discussed that fully yet. But, whatever it is, I will face it then. Don't know about you, but so far this 5th treatment seems to be pretty fatiguing. My DH has been great so I am not going to worry unless I have to. What good does it do anyway. Hope you are doing well.
I also hope all the rest of you wonderful buddies here are feeling well. Take care and rest easy...we are stronger than we think we are!
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Bayareamom..hooray for you..so glad you are feeling well. It definitely helps restore some faith when we experience a good day now and then.
SAN- I so hear you..after having the radiation bomb dropped on me last week..after I was told I wouldnt need it..I am feeling quite overwhelmed. Surgery and 6 weeks of radiation seems like so much more to endure after having the crap kicked outta of me for 4 months with chemo. But..we are strong..way stronger than we even believe and we will get there..go you!
Linnyhop- be gentle with yourself and roll with the fatigue..it sucks for sure. It is so hard to explain chemo fatigue to someone who is not experiencing it, and I totally understand worrying about the fact that its seems all I do is lay around..it is what it is though..one day at a time.
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Kelley-Amen on trying to explain the chemo fatigue to a person who has not had chemo. One of the things that is very annoying about my husband is his insistence that I get my "exercise". He thinks that my medical oncologist told me (in front of him) when I first started seeing her that I will need to get plenty of exercise every day, even when I don't feel like it. I can not seem to convince him that she didn't mean the days I couldn't get off the couch. During the first week after each of my treatments, I literally dropped to the floor several times after just walking across a room to go to the bathroom or to get back in bed. The passing out turned out to be caused mostly by my blood pressure dropping, but still, I think we can tell that if we can't walk across a room inside our homes, we can't walk a couple of miles outside. He has been very good to me all through this journey, but the fatigue is definitely not something he understands.
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bahamamom3- I cant tell you how many times my BF said"get up, you'll feel better"..I hope your "passing out" issue has resolved..it's interesting because now that you mention it, I remember feeling lightheaded several times after standing up...another side effect perhaps.
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Kelley & Bahamamom ~ I had to laugh reading your posts because I have gone through the same thing with my DH and my parents. It is nearly impossible to adequately convey severe fatigue to those who think it is similar to "just feeling tired." I, too, stuggle with a sudden drop of my blood pressure (probably goes hand in hand with my anemia). I find that when I take my shower (days 3-5), I always have a few instances where I almost pass out and barely make it back to my room while seeing stars. I do force myself out on the treadmill on those days when I can, but I have found out what my limits are...the hard way.
Kelley ~ Thanks for the kind words above. I was having a moment. I find the week leading up to infusion is often difficult for me. It is hard to remember that I'm not going to have "Tuesday's grace" on Saturday. This whole process has really drilled home the need to live in the present. Visualizing a future that I don't have any control over is not helpful. I'm trying to take each day as it comes. My last infusion is tomorrow, so I followed my typical pre-chemo routine which includes, washing sheets, getting all the laundry caught up, dusting and disinfecting bedrooms and bathrooms, while my DH thoroughly vacuums. I always feel better, more peaceful, and as ready as I can be for what I know is coming, once I complete my routine. Tonight I'll pack my chemo bag and we'll go do this one last time. I'm so sorry you got dragged into the rads with us
Don't they know how much we COUNT ON the stuff they tell us early on?? My doctors told me right up front that I'd probably need everything. It was overwhelming, but in retrospect, I didn't get blindsided by anything. Thank God we have each other to get through this journey. I'm not the emotional wreck I was last week, so I'm here for you if you need me!! =D SAN
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SAN-hooray for you finishing up. It is hard to take each day as it comes, isn't it. It is so hard not worrying that this little headache I have today is some sort of brain tumor. I hear as time goes on we will worry less and less, but that day seems so far away. I'm ready to tackle rads, but I couldnt help feeling like I was worse off than they originally told me by the change of plan. I know they are just taking every precaustion with us and I welcome any and all treatment that keeps us all safe and sound..best of luck tomorrow..rest easy over the next few days..it is almost over!
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I am just not able to keep upwith all the posts, seemsso much going on for all of us. I had my MX on Thursday and homeon Friday. Today is the first day I felt semi human. I had nauseua with the percoct soamnow just using tylenol. I will tolerate a bit of discomfort to not be nauseauous. I have a month untilI begin chemo again. 4X AC. and then radiation.
Best to all and a SE free week.
Nel
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Sandy, Congratulations on your last chemo tomorrow!
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SAN--We finish on the same day. YAY!!!
I had radiation with the first diagnosis and when I read your posts, I can remember the feelings. I didn't have chemo the first time so I cannot imagine all you are going through--surgery, reconstruction, radiation and everything associated with BC. My heart goes out to each of you.
I am so glad we found each other here on this board. I have been with most of you since before my first treatment and now that I am reaching the end, I feel sad. I will be checking this board every couple of days.
Be blessed my friends!
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Beth - Congratulations! Last Chemo tomorrow!
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Beth ~ I'll be thinking about you tomorrow
I go in at 11:30 Pacific Time. I hope it goes smoothly for you and your side effects are unusually minimal. I hope that for both of us.GrandmaV & Kelley ~ Thanks so much for the cheers and support. As usual, I feel more and more peaceful and prepared as the day approaches...one day at a time.
Nel ~ I wish you a gentle healing. I had difficulty and extreme nausea with the Percocet as well. I did finally find a nice balance where I took just 1 every 6 hours. It did not cause me nausea and I supplemented with Tylenol. I've heard this from other women as well, so if you are in serious pain, you might try that reginmen. My advice to you is to be kind to yourself. I got it in my head that I should be "mostly recovered" 10 days to 2 weeks after my MX. Nobody told me this, I just arbitrarily picked that time frame. It was a good 3 1/2 to 4 weeks before I felt like I turned a corner. Everyone is different, but listen to your body and don't put unreasonable expectations on yourself. I'll pray for you to recover quickly
SAN
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Just wondering if anyone else has had an extra tough time with your 5th (in my case TCH) treatment. I had my treatment on Friday and wow, Sunday, Monday and part of Tuesday were pretty rough. Lots of leg pain and just have felt totally out of if. My DH says I probably haven't hydrated as much as usual, but I have done the best I could. Just wondering if the last of these treatments are just bound to kick me in the butt harder? I don't want to complain, but guess I am...ha! ha! Would love to hear how anyone at the same point or further is doing. Thanks and mild SE's to you all!
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Linda, You might try the TCH thread. A lot of those ladies have been through it, and as you know are very knowledgeable.
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I saw my oncologist a couple of days ago, and she is starting me on Arimidex. I have to have a bone density study first to make sure there is no big risk of osteroporosis, but more than likely I will start the pills after that test on Friday. I have seen lots of posts referring to Tamoxifen but none on this drug. I looked at the medical sights like mayo clinic, but with the chemo I found my best information came from the ladies who are actually experiencing the treatments, so I thought I would ask if anyone is taking Arimidex. It is for post-menopausel women.
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bahamamom, you might try this thread:
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/755969?page=121#post_2732525
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Beth and SAN- HOORAY! You made it! Fingers crossed for minimal side effects..no more after this!
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I had a new nurse for my last treatment. I had to give her the lowdown on how to treat me! It went okay. I am dreading the joint pain which has gotten progressively worse with each treatment. I feel lost. It has been so intense for me since finding out I needed chemo. I cannot believe it is my last treatment. I remember when we all began this journey together and discussed our fears. Now it is over. Well, chemo is TEs NOT. I get my port removed in 3 weeks and I still don't know when my TE exchange will happen.
I will be seeing my onoc every 3 months for 2 years and I think every year after that. I will also be taking Tamoxifen for 5 years. I opted to NOT take this after the first diagnosis so now I guess I will be visiting the Tamoxifen boards to see how they are dealing with it. The Tamoxifen didn't help my cousin. She took it and had a recurrence 8 years laters. Three of us had bilateral MXs within 6 weeks of each other last year.
Thanks my friends for standing with me during this time in my life. I hope to meet you in person some time!
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Beth ~ We are truly on a parallel course. I finished my last chemo and cannot believe it is actually over. I feel myself descending into the "chemo fog" already, but knowing it will be my last time brings some relief. I think I will be keeping my port through my 6 weeks of radiation, just in case I need hydration or blood draws. My veins are so lame. I guess I'll see you over on the Tamoxifen boards as I will be starting that right after rads. I am dreading that drug as I am already predisposed to some of the SE's like ovarian cysts and the secondary cancers. I had a cervical cancer scare (removed no further treatment needed) back in 1992 when my daughter was born. My own hormones have always wreaked havoc in my body. I'm not so sure Tamoxifen is gong to be my friend.
Well, YAAAAAYYYY for us anyway since we got through chemo!! I'm all about celebrating the little successes along the way these days =D I hope you have gentle SE's and a super quick recovery this round.
SAN
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Beth and Sandyland,
Congrats on being done! It has been a long road.
My hair is begining to come back, a month out from my last taxol/herceptin. I was excited and then I realized I begin chemo again in a month and what comes back will fall out a second time. I will enjoy it while I have it. It will grow back a second time. I am a week out from my MX today and going to have my drains removed, so excited. Then about 3 weeks with no intervention WAHOO. If allcontinues to go well I will be going to Las Vegas for a work conference just before I start my next round of chemo. I am so looking forward to that.
A SE free day to all
Be well
Nel
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GrandmaV-Thank you for the link. That was very helpful.
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