Weekly Taxol group
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Made it through #10 yesterday, felt pretty decent when I woke up this morning. I did have quite a red face from the steroids, but it didn’t last but a couple hours. My nose isn’t even bleeding! Will I ever be glad when I can eat food & have it taste like it should. The saltiness is killing my Drumstix ice cream, tastes awful!
My bloodwork has been going down, but not enough to stop the Taxol. The numbness in the fingers has lessened quite a bit today. It’s still there, but not as bad as last week. I wasn’t quite so tired today either.
The weather warmed up here which was a mood lifter in itself.
It is so good to have a place to vent with other women that have the same problems. I’ve had several friends that had cancer, but really had no idea what was involved with the treatments & side effects. I think about them now as none of them had good outcomes. I don’t dwell on it, but I can’t help thinking about it.
Everyone keep the faith & the good fight ongoing.
Lov
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Pommom - I hear you about thinking about others. It's a sobering reminder of how big a fight we are in.
I had to take a break this week due to low blood counts. I'm taking carboplatin along with Taxol, so there's an extra factor. Anyway, I made it to the half way mark without taking a break. My oncologist originally recommended a 2 week on, one off schedule. I wanted to try to push through because if I can, I can make it to my son's college graduation in May. Missing one, or even two, weeks won't interfere, but once I miss the third one, I'll be really pushing it - flying cross country must when I'm most vulnerable.
That said, I really did need the rest. Normally I'd be doing chemo tomorrow and frankly, I'm not ready. I have bone and muscle aches still, and a sore throat, (which I think is from post nasal drip) and am just generally run down.
I'm trying to get lots of protein to support my blood production, and plenty of fluids and rest as well. I worked from home for a couple of days and wore my fuzzy slippers. Hopefully between plenty of mint tea and chicken soup, and a week off, I'll bounce back and be able to finish off the second half of this marathon!
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kber, I may have to take a break next week or at least cut back on the dosage of Taxol. Last night & early this morning I was having problems with my fingers. They were really painful especially on the pads, I couldn’t use the remote for the TV. The last step was a similar pain shooting through my big toe! At least that was once & quick. I certainly don’t need any of this stuff with my lifestyle.
I really wanted to plow all the way to the end with no stopping. Maybe I’m worrying about nothing, although nurse did mention Tuesday I may want to cut back if fingers are giving me trouble.
Husband surprised me with a beautiful arrangement of various colors of roses. Totally wasn’t expecting that, had to try very hard not to burst out sobbing. Just when we least expect it life can show that it’s still worthwhile to plow on through.
Dori
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Monday I have my last Taxol. I think onco was disappointed that I am putting it off until Monday, but I needed a break. I can't cry (unless it is something heartbreaking like the sudden death of a sibling). I had a diagnosis of dry eyes 30 years ago, and it was just re-diagnosed today. So I guess I am not a cold hard machine, I cry but without tears. All the tears from the Taxol were disturbing, because there was no emotion. Now I can get back with it.
I have had some recovery from the neurological stuff, with just 10 days' break.
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White blood cells are low again, so frustrating. I would hate to take a break like some of you, I want it over and done with. So it doesnt affect my new job, the nurses are trying to make a way for me to adminster the 3 shots for WBCs at home. That will work out better than taking a break. In my past life studying vet tech I use to give dogs vaccines so I should be able to poke myself. Will see how it goes.
MCBaker - congrats on getting to your last chemo.
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I just wanted to say hello as I have been lurking for a while. I just finished my last AC 10 days ago and will start Taxol this wednesday. It's weekly. I had a fair amount of nausea with the AC and now I hate all smells, but other than that I guess I made it through. It's taken a long time to bounce back from the last one, 10 days and this is the first day I felt ok all day. I guess "bounce" isn't really the word. This has all been fairly miserable but I have a lot to be grateful for really. It could have been a lot worse. Anyway, hello!
Erin
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Hello Erin.... nice to come out of closet isnt it lol. Nice to meet you. Some who have beenon AC say taxol is worse some say easier. Since you've already had a rough road I'm hoping for you it will be easier. Just listen to your body 8)
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Erin I think *in general* Taxol is a gentler drug than what you’ve already had. In fact, many women start growing hair back while on Taxol. You will probably tolerate it better. Fingers crossed for you!!
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Good morning ladies. I have a question for those who are done with chemo. I finished December 20 with chemo. I am in the middle of my 30 rads. Last few weeks my hands at night when I am sleeping are painful and numb. Can neuropathy show up after chemo?
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Welcome Erin. Yes AC is rough but you got through it. Hopefully Taxol is much easier for you. The AC by far was the worst experience I ever had.
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HopeBry, I believe you will be able to give yourself the injection without any hesitation. It's ready-to-use, you just remove a cap and poke yourself. 2 seconds and it's done. For me, these injections were almost worse that AC, I had terrible flu symptoms. I wanted to take them at home, because I could give them to myself in the evening and go to bed right away.
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Volleyball, I'm having the same problem. I finished chemo on 1/31 and the hand pain and numbness started about a week ago, right around when I started radiation. At first I thought it was due to the odd position for rads, but since it's still happening, I'm wondering the same thing about neuropathy. Has anyone else experienced this?It's
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I have taxol #11 on Wednesday. The fatigue has really gotten to me. The past several weeks, I've been able to go on a daily walk during my lunch break AND go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week. I haven't done either in over a week....I'm just exhausted. I never thought I could be this tired...and I have 3 BOYS! Between the fatigue and the severe cognitive decline, I feel like a bump on a log. Can't remember anything, lose my train of thought, can't stay focused, etc.
For those of you who have finished chemo, how long did the fatigue/forgetfulness last? Were you able to bounce back pretty quick or did it take awhile? I'm just ready to be 100% again! (or at least as close to 100% as possible)
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Each_day--we're so focused on that last chemo date we forget that you still have to recover. For me I went through the typical post-tx cycle of a few good days, a droopy day or two, and then starting to come back, and I really think it went pretty quickly after that, even starting the triple dose of Herceptin a week later and rads the week after that. I'd recommend you rest as long as you feel fatigued but get back to your walking/gym as soon as you feel ready (*not* before!). The exercise will help but I believe your body has to be ready for it--pushing it will not help.
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hi all I've not done rads but did complete taxol and moved on to Herceptin. I thought my neuropathy would get better after..it has some but now I'm finding that it's becoming more apparent. I noticed it at week 8 missed week 10 because of it. What I notice now 6 weeks out is now that my head it TOTALLY clear I can see my neuropathy clearly and I don't like it at all. I still can't pick up sewing needles like I used to or hand quilt neatly. I have noticed my hands are more sensitive now to things that didn't bother me before. Like hand washing dishes in hot now I have to use warm water. I can't close ziploc baggies because I can't feel the zipper close..the ones without the zipper thing.
My feet don't like certain shoes and go into revolt and cause pain.my feet never liked to feel cold but now I also have to wear socks to bed at night. However it has mostly cleared in my mouth and lips... 90% I still have some numbness in my lips at the corners...I get shooting pains that run up my legs from my feet if I'm on my feet too long or walking. On grocery days with DH on Fridays makes me want to cur off my legs from the hips down as he has a 4 wheel pickup truck which means climbing up to get on and a controlled slide out.
I'm sure it'll get better...I've read it can take up to 5 years post chemo and that bums me out.
I hope each of you has good neuro days but keep the faith it will get better...some day
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Hello, everybody, I face my #11 Taxol tomorrow. My fingers have been numb & painful all this past week. Feet are starting to get numb & the bottoms feel like I’m walking on marbles. Nothing I eat has a good flavor, I’m down 12 lbs at this point. Yesterday I started to drink a chocolate shake, it tasted so bad that it made me sick. I couldn’t believe how fast I got sick!. Everything went south, thought I was going to heave everywhere. I took one of my anti nausea pills, stuff works like a charm. I got over it almost as fast as I got sick.
Something weird is always happening to this poor body. My best friend made a peach pie today & brought half of it for my husband & me. It was the worst tasting peach pie I’ve ever eaten! My husband thought it was great. Her cooking is a lot like mine & it’s very good, but my mouth is so screwed up that nothing tastes good. I can’t wait until my taste buds get well & I can enjoy my food again!
Dori
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After a week and a half vacation, I had my last Taxol. It was welcome at that point, because I was having a flare of arthritis in my right thumb. My vacation proved to me that there is recovery from some of the SE of Taxol. Still problems finding words, but circumlocutions, like "the vegetable used for making guacamole" work fine. I should be making fine progress at the gym, and my scooter is coming out of winter storage. There may be some icy lumps at intersections, but I can navigate that.
I may even ride my scooter to Herceptin infusions in town. The marbles in my feet are much better. I hope to soon be able to walk to the gym, if it is too much, I can rode taxi back.
My weight has remained stable at 190-192, even though it tried to lose a bit. I think my ginger overload on my smoothies helped. Love the stuff. Last time I bought two roots.
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Congrats MCBaker on finishing and Pommom on only having one left!! It's an amazing, emotional time. Best wishes to you both for that stuff clearing your system quickly and life getting a little more back to normal.
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Mary so glad you're done!! Congrats!!
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I had #11 today, the dose was cut back 10% because of the neuropathy, especially in my feet. I started walking on marbles the past couple days. Oncologist stated that it takes longer for the feet to recover after chemo ends. I, also have to take some potassium pills this week as I now have low potassium. At least the foods that have potassium I eat on a regular basis. I dropped another pound, I’m down to 126, was 139 when I started. I’ll probably pack on the pounds when this is over, I’ll binge eat all the good stuff that now tastes bad. Friend brought me a homage peach pie yesterday. It was the worst ever, the crust was totally inedible. Not her cooking, it’s my chemo mouth, husband got to eat the whole thing!
MCbaker glad to hear that you are getting along well since your last Taxol. To get my exercise I need to get back to walking the driveway, but it has been to cold & wet to much driveway walking. Down to my mailbox & back up to my house is about a 1/4 mile, makes for a good walk as it’s uphill on the way back.
Next week issue #12 & the tests & doctor appointments begin. Hope we can find the time to get away from here for a few days! When I finish I will ring a bell that I bring from home! MCBaker I thought that was a cool idea that you related in your post. I will use my special Ohio Bicentennial bell to ring!
Doris
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Hi Ladies!
I just had my first Taxol last week after finishing DD AC. The AC was hard and I was hoping I would do better on Taxol but I have developed some pretty intense stomach pains that have started to worry me. My onc had told me that GI issues usually settle down on Taxol but I was curious to know if anyone had experienced stomach pains and acid reflux while on Taxol? My stomach was so painful and bloated today I couldn’t put my own socks on my feet
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Nanomom--I really did not but I know a lot of women have bad reflux/heartburn issues. You are getting Pepcid as one of your pre-meds, right? All I can suggest is continuing it on your own for a few days after treatment.
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Hi girls, I've only posted here once or twice. But I eagerly devour the thread. I'm so happy that today is my #5 which is the halfway point for me. (MBC) I'm 3 on -1 off for three months. Anti-hormals did not work for me and my tumor came out of my breast so I now have skin mets. Chemo was really the only option to avoid it ulcerating. It was a hugh move for me. I'll scan in about three more weeks but, physical exams are encouraging. No more back pain from mets (indicating cancer cells are dying) Plus there are two tumors in my breast and the original one is noticeably smaller!!!!!!!! Praise God. The second tumor which is not a hard tumor, I believe they call it cribform is harder to tell by physical exam. But skin mets do not look to be shrinking. YET. I think and pray for all you ladies.
Does anyone know if the toxal treatments for early stage are stronger than the ones that I am receiving as a MCB patient? I had expected horrific side effects and so far not too many . Hair thinning. ha Who am I kidding it's falling out. And some days the fatigue is bad. I am blessed to be able to tolerate this as I"m not a spring chicken.
Just wanted to share my happy news with those who understand. Have a great Day
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I had the worst chemo mouth on mybAC and was unable to eat for 5 days. A friend recommended these miracle berry tablets. They didn’t cure it all, and I’ve had to use a few in Taxol as well, but it at least made it so I could eat something that didn’t taste like chemo. Amazon carries a few brands.
Miraculous Miracle Fruit Tablets, Non-GMO and Farm Grown in USA, Natural Flavor Enhancer, 12 Dissolvable Miracle Berry Tablets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WPRCCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BrLKCbYSTEMYH
Headed in tomorrow for #9. I have been cold caping. Hair sheds, but still getting by, hiding my bald spots. I’m incredibly anxious and scared that these last 4 treatments are going to do me in. Can any of you beauties who have completed Taxol tell me how their side effects progressed
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Hi again everyone,
Just finished #1. I feel nothing. I guess that's good. No, what I feel is anger. My whole day was taken up by this, it takes me 2 hours to get there and 2 hours to get home plus I had to just sit in the waiting room and wait for 90 goddamn minutes to see the doctor for 10 seconds basically, and now they're forcing me into menopause and I'm cold all the time and i can't sleep AT ALL. And i am so mad abt all of this and i feel guilty because i should just be grateful I'm not gonna die and i am but more I'm effing furious that I have to deal with this. I want my hair back. I want MY HAIR back, not some weird post-chemo version. I don't want to deal with this BS anymore. I should act happy and positive and grateful but today i am just not feeling it. Damn it all to hell.
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I am so sorry Erin. I think that you are going through the stages of grief for your old life. Yes, you've lost something that you can never get back. I understand. The unfairness of all of it. IMHO you should go with these feelings and let them out. Now don't take it out on your loved ones but shout, kick throw things etc. until you break down into a bundle of tears and raw emotion. That will bring you relief and acceptance. You see we humans have a hugh capacity for handling changes like this. Our will to live and to fight for it is enormous. I'm no doctor, just an elderly lady who has gone through many things that I thought at the time were unjust. BUT I made it through to the other side and so will you. You find your purpose an will to live, and then nothing will stop you from going forward. I wish you all the best Erin, and you are in my prayers. A great big HUG for you.
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snooky1954 beey nicely said... Erin I agree get it out... dump here we all understand your anger and Frustrations
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erin--take a few deep breaths, although I love your honesty. FWIW, the SEs from the pre-meds (particularly the steroid, which I'm sure is contributing to your sleeplessness) lessened for me over time. I think my body got used to them. Your two-hour commute SUCKS. I really can't imagine adding that to what you're already going through. I think if I had to wait more than about 20 minutes in the waiting room I'd gently remind them that I'm there. (Or was something weird going on? Have you ever had to wait that long before?) Re: hair, I keep telling myself that my old hair will return. I know that's not always the case but I can't even begin to wrap my head around the possibility that my normal hair won't come back so I don't let myself think about it.
Gentle hugs your way. I hope you have a few reasons to smile today.
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Thanks ladies, especially snooky. It's true I do miss my old life. I haven't said anything much about myself really but i did also separate from my husband of 20 years, a few months before my dx, and I guess it was mutual but it was not really what I wanted, I wanted to go to marriage counseling but he wouldn't. That was april 2018, I moved out in August, and in October just as i felt things were getting settled, got the dx. So it's been a lot. Plus I'm only 43. I'm used to the commute to some degree because i work in the city and that's more or less my daily commute, but I never get any control over the appointment times so i often have to take a train that makes me wait a lot longer. I don't usually have to wait that long to see the doctor and i did ask nicely what the problem was, but they were just running late.
I feel better this morning having taken two Ativan as the doctor recommended rather than the usual one, and no other side effects so far. But thanks for putting up with my rant.
Erin
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Breakup of marriage then DX is an awful lot to deal with, just a few months from each other. What is his reaction? Any compassion?
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