Weekly Taxol group
Comments
-
notdefined, my temple area is coming in darker. The top of my head is still so patchy. There's a lot of shiny area up top I hope starts growing. I've become obsessed with my hair or lack of😭
I had some very dark days when I was on AC and Taxol but never thought they were SE. I just chaulk it up to cancer and it's crappy effect on my mental health. Maybe it was SE. I guess I never thought of it before. I had my husband change the combination on his gun safe. Seems so extreme now when I think of it but looking in the mirror I still don't see myself looking back. I can't wait till that day comes and I'm starting to believe it will. My surgery is in 12 days and I'm honestly looking forward to it. The sooner I get done with all this the better. I'll be on either H&P or Kadcyla till May2020, but I think the worse of chemo is over and I'm so grateful for that.
0 -
dawn- wishing successful surgery and pathology report all clean. Did you gather some tips how to do the recovery period easier? I have been to buy sport bra and blouses that have bottoms top to bottom. I guess our hand movements will be limited for some times but I do not know how long.
If I understand we'll some surgery must me done in both breasts like it will be in my case to make the both breasts same.
0 -
Margun, my Oncology nurse told me the hospital would give me a special bra and that I should ask for an extra. PS said drains would be removed in 1 week or 2 at the maximum. He said I will be able to shower with them, which I'm thrilled to learn.
I hope your surgery goes well also. The support on these boards has been incredible. Someone had mentioned they were waiting on an August surgery board. I guess we'll be posting there eventually. As soon as I'm able I'll post after surgery to let you know how it went.
🤗🤗🤗
Dawn
0 -
Hi Dawn-After I mentioned waiting for an August Surgery Board, I saw one had already been created (see below). I know exactly what you mean about feeling like yourself again. In the mornings when I wake up, I don't recognize myself either. I feel like my eyelashes and eyebrows are a big part of that. My hair is too, of course, but I was prepared for losing my hair. Nice that you are getting some color on the sides! You have a lot more hair than I do. I considered going wig-less once I had a base coat, but if it is all white, I'm not sure I will. I am also interested if I end up with chemo curl. My hair has always been very straight. Just another transition needing to pass before I can look like myself again.
It is over a 100 degrees here in Sacramento, and let me tell you wearing a wig in this heat is not fun! Also, mixing in a hot flash here and there really makes things interesting.
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics...
0 -
Fawn- I saw the August surgery thread as well
0 -
notdefined, I think the wig has to add 10 degrees easily.
I'm really curious as to the texture and color my hair grows out. My eyebrows are coming in blonde. I have no idea what my natural color would be at this point. I started getting grey hairs in my early 20's and highlighted my hair. By my mid 30's I used permanent all over color. Always a dark blonde. Now I may be salt and pepper or white which I'm not looking forward to and will color as soon as allowed. DH has been white since his early 30's and as much as I love him I have no desire to be his twin😜
My hair has always been thick and wavy, so I kept layered. Not sure how I would handle chemo curl.
0 -
Hey everyone! Just checking-in. I’m 4 down, 8 to go! Already 1/3 done...I can’t believe it 🙃 I am still having vaginal bleeding and am now anemic. Doc prescribed some iron and vitamin C. If I have to bleed my way through this I am just not going to be happy. But in the end, I am viewing chemo as a positive (for me). It is saving my life. But ugh, maxi pads every day for a month! 🤪
Dawn, your insurance should pay for two mastectomy bras, if you’re going that route. I waited until my drains were out and went to a boutique that specializes in mastectomy bras and wigs. After I get my exchange surgery and reconstruction they will pay for two more “normal bras.” Ask your breast surgeon about it.
Have a great weekend survivor sisters (and brothers)
0 -
wheatscapes-you are closer and closer to finish line . It will go fast believe me. I finished already taxol and I am waiting for surgery. I would like to know how much the drains bother to do simple day to day things, heat up a meal , hold a spoon properly to eat. Have a shower , go up and down the stairs, etc. How long you had sores requiring to take Tylenol? After how many days they took out the drains?How long it took until you could drive?
As it comes to bras I bought sport bras from soft material some getting zipped at front and some pull over
0 -
Wheatscapes, thank you for the info on the bras. I will talk to my BS about them.
3 weeks post Taxol and feeling better every day. Intestinal distress is pretty much gone. My eyebrows are growing back. They're coming in faster on the right than the left. Lashes are coming in also but slowly. Hair is still filling in though top still patchy. I have more energy. Still not like pre chemo but so much more than I've had since March. My runny nose has almost disappeared.
To all still on Taxol, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I wish you all the best.
Have a great weekend!
🤗🤗🤗
Dawn
0 -
Wheatscapes, I'm sorry you're still bleeding. Hopefully the iron and vitamin c will help soon.
Hi Margun!
DawnS1962, sounds like you're on the mend! Thanks for cheering us on.
I had my 6th Taxol and 3rd Carbo today. So far, so good. My WBC is within the normal range, but slowly dropping. I received Neulasta today. No chemo next week (yay), just labs and a visit with my MO.
I hope you all have a great day.
0 -
Thanks for the update Dawn. I had my last Taxol yesterday! Can't wait to start feeling normal and being able to taste food and do more activities. I have radiation next but that is not supposed to be too bad.
Debbie
0 -
sparklegirl2018. Congrats on finishing Taxol!!! You hopefully will be filling as well as Dawn!! Dawn Glad all is going well for you. Hopefully 100% soon!! I have heard radiation is not too difficult and it takes longer to get undressed and dressed as it does for the radiation!!
Happyanyway glad to hear about WBC’s!! And now a 2 week “break” to rejuvenate. Good luck with school starting!!
Wheatscapes we are not too far behind you. #3 on Monday. Keep up the good work.
Praying for everyone here!
0 -
Hi to all! Typing on my phone and it’s hard to read everyone’s posts.
I’m glad those who are finished are getting closer to feeling normal. Those of us still getting taxol - I hope the SE are minimal.
My WBC went from 900 to 8200 after 5 neupogen shots. Only 3-4 more taxol for me, depending on snow day. Still have a little hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.
0 -
Congrats Sparklegirl!
Great to hear from you Dawn! So glad your eyebrows are coming in!
I am 3 weeks PFC as well. I feel better each day too! The hair is slow going for me though. I have a new eyelash that popped up on both sides, and I think a hair or two in my brows. Sadly nothing substantial. The hair on my head that survived chemo is growing longer, but I really want it to fill in! When I feel my head, it feels like hair is starting, but that could be mistaken for a dry scalp? I'm not quite sure!
Neuropathy still there, but has remained the same intensity as the last day of chemo. Only I can't tell if the pain in my fingertips is due to the black in my fingertips growing to the top of my nail bed. So far it doesn't look like I am losing any nails. Those are my biggest complaints.
Hang on there ladies! You can do this! Hope you are doing okay with SE's.
0 -
So nice to hear that some of you have finished Taxol and are still here reporting in. Please keep updating us with your situations. It helps me think about the future.
I had #7 today; only 5 more. Steroids kept me up last night so the Benadryl hit me hard today. I got home at 1 pm, and was sound asleep by 1:02. I thnk I could have slept through the night if DS hadn't woken me up to see how I was feeling! Otherwise, though, no complaints as big as those with AC. I have some constipation, and a bad taste.
notdefined, I'm icing my fingers and toes, but the tips of my nails are starting to feel bruised, too. They're not discolored, but pushing on them or filing them is uncomfortable. Did you ice during Taxol?
0 -
I am 4 weeks out today. My energy is soooo much better! And the sore muscles I was having are subsiding, as is the runny nose, almost back to normal. I think I may lose my big toenails. Both are loose. I have polish on them so hard to tell the color. My hair is slowly filling in but is very white still. I think it will be at least another month before I try going uncovered, but we'll see. I have tiny baby eyelashes and I can feel a couple eyebrows but can't really see them yet. I get my port out next Thursday!! Can't wait. I meet with RO Monday so hopefully will have that schedule more set after that. SparkleGirl--I just noticed that we were diagnosed almost the same time and have similar details. I had 2 lumpectomies though rather than mastectomy. Maybe will see you on the Radiation board. Keep marching through everyone, you will make it!!
0 -
BAMR-yes I did ice. I should clarify that it's not really painful, just sensitive. My finger nail tops feel bruised. The very edge of my fingertips feel numb, but almost similar to when I iced them. Ironic? I still can type with no issues, and can do buttons etc. My feet are fine too. No problems with balance or walking. I think it would be a lot worse if I didn't ice.
DogMomRunner-Yay for your counts going up! You are almost there!
loiswb-congrats on getting your port out next week! I am getting mine out during my surgery, and am so looking forward to it!
0 -
loiswb - I will be on the rads board. I have been reading there to see about side affects and what people are experiencing. It will be a couple of weeks before I start.
I iced during taxol and only had mild numbness in my fingertips. None in my feet. But my nails on 4 of my fingers look terrible. They are coming up from the skin at the top of my nails. It really helped to keep them cut very short as they were very sensitive. Now that I am done I think they will grow out and not fall off.
Bamr you are more than halfway done! It seems like 12 weeks is sooo long but for some reason when I hit #12 it seemed like it went by so fast thankfully!
I haven’t lost all my eyebrows or eyelashes but they thinned significantly. Hopefully they will hang in there! Hair started growing during taxol but not much. Mine is white and fuzzy 😊 I wear a wig everyday to work and headscarves on the weekend.
Hope everyone has a good restful weekend!
0 -
BAMR
I would hold ice packs and put my feet on ice packs during taxol infusions. I’m 2 weeks out and I did not loose my nails but the tops of my nails feel kind of bruised (and look bruised). Three of my nails started to separate from the top of the nail but are holding on at the nail bed. I put polish on them because I don’t like the way they look, but my hands work fine. My toe nails are fine.
I have noticed that my appetite is back, not that I want to gain weight, but it is nice to want to eat again.
I don’t see any progress with eye brows or eye lashes yet. White duck feather hair, which is patchy on top (like a chia pet). Surgery this week....getting nervous.
Hope everyone is doing okay with SEs this weekend
0 -
I'm so jealous of all of you getting your ports out soon (well and growing hair). I'll have mine until this time next year.
Good luck on your surgery notdefined!
Hang in there BAMR! You are one Taxol behind me.
SparkleGirl and loiswb - good luck with radiation! I'm not too far behind you on that.
Good to see all of you here still doing well
0 -
Sparklegirl - rads are not so bad. I just finished 33 rounds. I did have to take a break due to some small blisters - not a lot of pain, just itchy. Don't scare yourself with those pics of burnt boobs. Some posted pics on the rads board and I happened on them. I almost canceled my treatments. I talked with the rad techs and was assured I would never look that way. The fatigue is real but manageable. My RO had me use Aquafore several times a day. I think it really helped. I am still using it - I started during taxol when I got skin toxicity and had to use it all over. My skin is so soft!!
0 -
I just had to say that I am so appreciative for these boards. This weekend was a doozy for me in terms of the doom and gloom feeling! I realized I had the same feeling last weekend as well... so it seems to be a pattern after getting Taxol on Thursdays. But I remembered reading this thread and hearing the experiences of others that it was a possible SE. So I let myself wallow for a bit (it feels good after having to stay strong all the time), but then picked myself up and did what I needed to do.
I am grateful to all you warriors who openly share your experiences and help make things "normal" for the rest of us. Just wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you.0 -
Hi, all. I started Neoadjuvant Chemo on 7/31/19 with weekly Taxol. 2/12 Taxol treatments done. I do dose dense AC after this. Can’t find a lot when searching the forums on others who have or are doing Taxol before AC. Curious what others have experienced with regard to side effects when doing Taxol first, particularly with hair loss. I realize everyone is different but I’ve heard a wide range of things from online searches and a few personal anecdotes on this. From little to no hair loss for all of Taxol to ladies on weekly Taxol shaving their heads by week 2-3 due to hair loss accelerating. If anyone is out there with weekly Taxol before AC stories both regarding hair loss and other issues , please share! TIA!
0 -
Thank you DogMomRunner! I am curious why your port won't be out for another year? That seems like a long time.
palmetto-glad you were able to accept the feeling, and move on. I had my infusions on Thursdays, and would get that feeling on Sat and/or Sun. I found the more busy I made myself the less it would get me.
Adrie76-I did AC first. My hair came out in clumps by the 3rd week after my 1st AC. I ended up shaving it off, because I didn't want it clogging the drains when I showered. During Taxol, I started to get fuzzy hair growing back. AC was a blur to me. I made sure to eat ice chips during infusion, and I was fortunate enough not to get the metallic taste in my mouth. I never got the mouth sores either, and I thought for sure I would end up with them. I stayed on top of my anti-nausea meds, and pretty much slept for the first 3 days. After that, I was back to normal. I did not get nauseous at all. Hope you do well, and wish you the best. To get more experiences, I recommend reading the monthly chemo boards. There are usually a couple of people in each one who end up on AC.
0 -
notdefined - my HER-2 positive status locks me into the Herceptin for a full year. Some days I'm angry/sadabout the HER-2 but then I am glad there is a targeted therapy out there.
0 -
It stinks that our choices are the lesser of two evils. I have a love/hate relationship with my port. Sending hugs.
0 -
Hi Adrie76. I'm doing weekly taxol before AC.I've done 3/12 so far. SEs aren't too bad for me. I'm doing cold capping so no hair loss yet.
0 -
Thanks for the reply, Divergent. We are both very close on our chemo timelines. I have 3rd Taxol this week. I am very cold intolerant and decided against cold capping. Plus, it sounded expensive and a hassle (for me anyway) so I’m just letting the Taxol do what it will with regard to my hair. I know it’ll be gone with AC, but that’s down the line a little bit so we’ll see how long Taxol lets me hang on to my hair.
0 -
Divergent and Adrie76, I am right in there with you. This Thursday I will have my 3rd of 12 weekly Taxol (and Herceptin) . I am also trying cold capping. My infusion center does not have the cold capping system in place so I am doing in the manual way (renting the caps, buying the dry ice, etc). Fingers crossed this week goes as well as last week. Hoping the same for you, both.
0 -
notdefined - me too. I’d rather have it then have an iv done every week but every bra strap rubs on it. I think I’ll be scared to get rid of it though. What if I need it again.
hugs to you too0
