Weekly Taxol group
Comments
-
I didn’t get any side effects from the Taxol until after #9 treatment. Neuropathy was slow to start then went crazy, I’m having a tough time walking. My hair is some peach fuzz not much on the top, plus getting the chin hairs. Of course those would come back, still no eyebrows or lashes. Lost those to the Taxol & still they haven’t grown back. I, too am pale & pasty looking after the chemo was finished.
Still no progress in eating anything made of dough. All of it tastes bad, may never eat donuts, etc. again!
At least the cancer is gone.
Love to all.
Dori
0 -
Erin I wish I had the magic words to help you feel better. For me the tiredness and fatigue were the absolute worst part of taxol. To wake up feeling tired was the pits! Please give some thought to talking with your MO or your primary about your depression... there are meds to help. Also when mine got really bad my therapist made me promise to sit in sunshine for 10 minutes every day. Even if it was coming in the window! Sending you warm hugs of understanding (((hugs)))
0 -
Thanks Nanette for your kind words. I am on meds, they just haven't fully kicked in yet.
0 -
Everyone is different. Erin, you are dealing with the mental part of it being hard, so glad the physical part is not as bad for you. What a difference a day makes. I was down yesterday, dark/negative thoughts and not feeling the best. I caught a cold on top of everything else so that definitely did not help. My youngest daughter is out of town so I think I had too much time to think! Woke up today feeling so much better. Cold is improving, better mood. I have taken a walk outdoors both yesterday and today which definitely helped. So far my worst day keeps moving---T#1 (Thursdays are treatments) it was Sunday, T#2 was Monday and T# 3 was Saturday. Makes it a little difficult to anticipate but oh well. Good luck to everyone with this week's infusions.
0 -
My dark days have been Sundays. I have been working from home, and I think that has contributed to my gloom. I appreciate the ability to do it, but not having interaction with others at work is depressing. I decided this week I am going to make myself go into the office at least 4 days a week. Hopefully the fatigue doesn't overwhelm me.
Is anyone else having trouble sleeping? This was my first treatment without the steroids, and I thought that I would have a better time sleeping through the night. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped. I have so many hot flashes throughout and it really sucks. I was always one who could get good sleep.
0 -
Notdefined~The poor sleep has been an ongoing issue since starting the Taxol. I contributed to the steroids though I'm not sure if they are the culprit. On the nights of treatment I would maybe get 4.5-5 he's of sleep and the rest was tossing and turning wth my mind doing it's own thing. The hot flashes didn't help either!!
Erin~ I hope your meds start helping you more soon, your body is dealing with so much that it needs your mind to be good, which is difficult for anyone in this situation. Sadly not all antidepressants work for everyone and if it's been more them 5-6 weeks and your not feeling a good difference please talk with your doctor about it!!
Thoughts and hugs to everyone!!
~Katie
0 -
I sleep poorly the first night. I get steroids IV just prior to the Taxol each time, but no oral. Usually that night I am dead tired and go to bed early, sleep about 3-4 hours and then wake and can't sleep rest of night. Depending on what else is going on, usually I sleep decently the nights after that, though I do wake with the hot flashes once or twice a night or so. notdefined, can you go in to work for just part of the day/s?
0 -
But the truth is, this too, will pass. I wouldn't have believed it either at your stage in the process. But it does pass and things do get better. Hair comes back, fatigue becomes less, life begins to return to normal. It will happen. You just have to stay strong at this point. Hang in there and yuou will see.
0 -
Loiswb-because I didn't know what to expect for the first 3, I had been taking Thursday (infusion day) and Friday off. In essence, my boss is willing to support what I need, and I think she will be okay with me working 6 hour days, and maybe taking Thursday off which would be the same amount of hours. I just feel so out of touch with the office. I am a manager, and it is difficult to do from home. I know that taxol will get heavier as each week passes by, so my hope is to be able to have flexibility as it gets harder.
3-4 hours of sleep is about what I am getting too, and it doesn't really feel like enough.
I don't remember which board it was brought up in, but someone mentioned their breasts where the cancer was hurting. I am having that sensation all of a sudden. Is anyone else experiencing that?
Also, I am struggling with what to eat. I don't have any taste issues, but feel like nothing is healthy. What are you guys eating during this time?
0 -
notdefined and others still getting treatment, I've posted often on several threads about how much protein I ate during Taxol. I had red meat 5-6 times a week, plus an egg every day, plus a protein shake every day. My blood levels stayed really good throughout--my MO said I was the only patient she'd seen who was actually making blood on chemo. My SEs were not bad--mostly feeling super draggy days 3-4. In fact, I had several Herceptin only treatments that left me feeling pretty lousy and I got it in my head I wasn't getting enough protein (I'd cut way back since Taxol). The last 4-5 I've made a point to have red meat for two nights before tx and have felt *much* better.
0 -
Ingerp-Thank you for sharing! I am not eating a lot of protein, but will try to change that. I think I am overthinking my diet.
0 -
Gussy -- thank you for saying that so succinctly. I copied it my list of things to read when I'm feeling extra depressed.
Notdefined -- I have no appetite and so I'm eating basically the same things every day. Protein shake, cheerios, croissant if we still have any, Greek yogurt, toast, spinach ravioli that my parents buy in huge bags from Costco, orange juice. Maybe a bland omelet with spinach and cheese if my mother offers to make one. Basically one of each of those things per day.
0 -
Thank you for sharing Erin-t. How are you feeling?
0 -
I would highly suggest getting something to help you sleep on the day of chemo. I was up for 36 hours the first treatment and was miserable. They prescribed temazepam 15 mg and I try to only take it the first night, which happens to be Monday for me. It is very mild and I don't have any grogginess in the morning after taking it. I try to take melatonin the rest of the week if I have trouble.
I also ice my hands and feet and am doing the paxman cool cap. I bought some gloves and socks on Amazon that have ice packets that fit inside of them. I switch out during my taxol treatment and so far have been fine.
I just finished round 3 today. 9 more to go.
XOXO
0 -
I had enough energy to give my daughter a bath and put her to bed, which altogether took 2 hours, so I'm grateful for that, though it was sad too because it's not every night. I do seem to have more energy at night, which is useless. I also haven't needed to take as much Clonazepam, none yesterday and just one today. So that's a good sign for anti depressant meds working.
The thing is i don't know how much i can really hope for there, like what can the meds really do for me in the end. I was hoping to be converted into some blase cheerful person, chemo or no chemo. At least, into someone who can see the positives about this situation. Right now, I could list off the positives for you but I don't really feel positive about them.
0 -
Nice that you were able to take care of your daughter.
I can relate to not feeling positive. I am normally a very positive person, but I can't say that's been the case in the last few weeks. My mind keeps drifting to dark places, and I haven't been able to snap myself out of it. I spend way too much time on this site waiting for something that will help me out of this funk, but I haven't found what I am looking for. Nothing feels enjoyable anymore. I just want you to know that you are not alone. I hope the next 2 months goes quickly. I think being at work has helped me pass the time, but it is exhausting.
0 -
For what it's worth (and with the caveat that everyone is different) my last chemo session was 10 days ago and I am noticing a positive difference. For starters, the 6 / 7 days after my last session were actually kinda awful. As chemo progressed, each week got a bit tougher with shallower rebounds and increased side effects (fatigue, nausea and, towards the very end, tingling fingers and toes). I guess it's normal / predictable that the week following my last chemo would actually be the worst.
However, I did have a mental boost. Each time I experienced a SE, rather than say "And it's only going to get worse!" I could say "this is the worst, and it will get better".
I finally noticed a difference yesterday (9 days post chemo) which was the first time I've made it to the office rather than work from home on Monday in 2 months. Today I actually made it in before 9:00 am. And my bedtime has crept up from 8:00 to 9:30. As the fatigue has started to recede, I'm mentally sharper and more engaged.
I still have chemo tongue. Others have said that they noticed a positive change about 3 weeks post chemo for their taste to start to return to normal. Really looking forward to saying goodbye to that one, as it interferes with my appetite.
My nails are an ugly mess, but they are pink at the bottom and the ugly parts are growing out. I think I have 2 months before they look normal. Keeping them super short for now.
I have peach fuzz. Snow white (I'm 47) and thin. I'm hopeful that it will start to grow faster now that I'm not poisoning myself on a regular basis anymore. My friend finished Taxol after A/C 3 months ago and she stopped wearing her hats about 2 weeks ago. She's sporting an adorable pixie look and is cute as anything!
Yesterday I noticed some teeny tiny baby eyelashes. Thin and short, but definitely there. No eyebrows yet.
I only got tingling in my toes after Taxol #11 and it has definitely faded. My hands started tingling after Taxol #8. I notice it mostly at night, but it's not painful and doesn't interfere with function or sleep. My fingertips on my right hand are almost back to normal. My left hand developed neuropathy earlier and it is more pronounced. However, I can now type without pain, which is an improvement.
So I guess I'm saying you can look forward to it getting better soon, even if it doesn't feel "soon" yet. Chemo has been a minute by minute struggle and the improvements are slow, but they are noticeable. Hang in there and stay focused. You are fighting a monster and it's not easy, but you can do this!
Peace.
On edit - can't believe I forgot the most exciting (for me) part! Instead of ping ponging between constipation and diarrhea, I'm pretty much "normal". This is a major quality of life improvement!
0 -
Notdefined- I feeling like you. 9 days pfc, I think is a SE of Taxol. De depression is brutal. When I haven't a medical appointment or something I just wanna be in bed all day long, I don't enjoy reading, tv or music anymore. Spend a lot of time in this site, listening radio cancer 24/7. But I think it will be pass, just have to be patient (ironic, isn't it?)
0 -
Ynordian - yes it is ironic! And I'm so hyper tuned into my body after all the treatment that each ache and pain seems amplified. I'm just starting to have moments where I realize it's been minutes or even a few hours where I have been thinking about something else. But not many yet.
0 -
kber, our post have been crossed because of my defficient english. I was comented that notdefined said. But you are my heroe, kisses
0 -
I think it not your English so much as my slow typing! We are all (s)heroes here!
0 -
Kber-thank you for the inspiring words. When did you get chemo tongue? My taste buds have been okay so far, but was curious if that happens later. My nail beds turned blackish during AC, and are just continuing through taxol.
I am going to a work conference this month, and taking the family with some days to the beach which would normally make me happy to have something to look forward to. However going to the beach with a wig or scarf doesn't sound fun at all. I bought a couple of sun hats, but I've never been one to wear hats. Who knows how much energy I will have, but I'm going to try to keep living.
I tried to get my surgery on the calendar so that I can look forward to that as well.
Yndorian-I especially love music, but have not been inspired to listen to it either. I feel like anything I listen to is tainted by my SE of chemo, and I don't want to ruin my love for music with it. It's kind of silly when I write it out, but it is how I feel. I hope that the cloud lifts soon for you. I am taking it day by day.
I got no sleep last night due to body/bone aches. They were heavy. Today it feels like that part is done, so hopefully I will get some sleep tonight.
0 -
Notdefined - I got chemo tongue during A/C and it has not gone away. I tried an anti-fungal and it didn't help a bit. I'm giving it another week before I start pushing my MO for more active intervention. He's convinced it's not thrush and it will go away on its own. It's really one of my biggest complaints! If you haven't developed it yet, you may not. Fingers crossed!
When you go to the beach, wear sunscreen on your head even under a hat. Many sunhats are designed to be light weight and let some sun through. Our poor scalps are not used to direct rays and will be extra sensitive.
Personally I can't imagine traveling while I was in chemo. I had so little energy I don't think I would have managed. You rock! (But take it easy, rest and hydrate, especially at the beach.)
0 -
I am starting the 1st taxol this Fryday. Ac was awful so I am praying that taxol is easier on my body. I hear icing helps to minimize neuropathy. How to do it? To put my ties and fingers on a ice pack? Thank
0 -
Hi Margun. I think you may find Taxol easier, especially in the beginning. As it goes on without a rest, it can become quite tiring.
I bought special ice socks on Amazon and just used regular sports icepacks for my fingers. I also took a Vitamin B complex. I did develop slight tingling in my toes at the very end and in my fingertips in the last quarter of treatments. However, a week and a half after my last treatment it is fading. Also, I took carboplatin along with Taxol, which also can cause neuropathy and the double whammy added to the problem.
My oncologist was very supportive of icing. Although the studies are small, they all point to a positive impact.
0 -
Hi everyone! My taste sort of does a back and forth thing. It is quite bad 2-3 days after treatment, but then comes back a bit (so far) before the next treatment. Appreciate the protein diet tips, I will try to pay more attention to that. I have been sort of eating whatever sounds good/I can handle. My cold seems to be subsiding so am hoping I can do treatment as scheduled Thursday, this will be #4 T, so I am looking at it as my halfway point (did 4 AC first), so it will be downhill to the finish after that! I am a little nervous about my blood work this week since I had to have the neupogen shot last week. Luckily I am generally too busy to let those dark negative thoughts creep in for too long. Another thing that contributed to my funk on the weekend is I finally wrote thank-you's for all the food and gifts I received at the start, which made me emotional, and also brought to the forefront that for the most part the cards and such have stopped. I am planning a weekend out of town over Memorial Day. I already have a little tingling in my thumbs, toes are fine. and it seems to be the worst a couple days after the Taxol and then slightly better. Generally the rest of my fingers are largely OK. This week has been about the same as last, so not much worse. A nurse at my center recommended icing for a few days after infusion also, so I have been trying to do 15 min twice a day for the first 3 days after. Just thought I would mention it. Hugs to all. We can do this!
0 -
I finished my chemo last week and the last 2 Taxol treatments had to be cut in half due to neuropathy pain in feet. Sadly icing extremities was never mentioned to me and I came across this site on a fluke a couple weeks ago so I had no clue about it. I wish my site had mentioned it!! 6 days out from last treatment and tingling and funky feeling still there with little change....sigh. And taste buds with no change either.
0 -
Margun-the facility offered me ice packs that I placed around my feet and hands. I think it depends on the facility.
0 -
I have #8/12 tomorrow. I am so, so sick of it all. 29 days but it's not that I'm going to feel better in 29 days, it'll be, what, a couple weeks after that? Right now, the night before treatment, is as good as I'm ever going to feel and it is not good. I'm so tired. I'm going to go re-read my post about wanting to quit.
0 -
Erin try not to worry about how long it will take to feel better. Try instead to concentrate on I have 4 more.... 3 more...ugh finally the last 1 I'M FINALLY DONE!! Take it one day at a time and expect this last little bit to BE TIRING we've all experienced it and will be right there with you understanding and cheering you on. You can do this you're so close to the END!! (( hugs))
0
