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Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

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Comments

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited April 2013

    Congrats to Melody for finishing her chemo!!!  So happy for you !!

    For those finished with their chemo or about to finish- Doing the happy dance for all of you!!!  Try to be patient with yourselves as you start to truly recover from the chemo.  You won't necessarily feel better immediately but with time, you will feel good again.

    For those not quite finished-Hang in there!!!!  I know it's hard and the tears flow so easily.  Sometimes you feel like a million years old because you don't move around so easily; joints hurt and your breathing is sometimes short.  You will be finished before you know it.  It is one day at a time; one step at a time.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited April 2013

    Runnermom-  Here is how I usually felt after chemo.  I would get my chemo on Tuesdays.  I would feel fine Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday would be the day I would start to feel a little crummy.  Saturday and Sunday were recovery days for me.  I would take it easy and rest.  By Monday, I was feeling better.  The sore throat may be a side effect of the chemo.  If you have mouth sores, try rinsing your mouth several times a day with this following mixture:  1/4 teaspoon salt + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1 cup warm water.  You need to make a fresh batch of this mixture everytime you rinse.  You may also want to use a calendar to write down your side effects that you experience every day.  It helps so you can have an idea how you feel after each round and so you can let your onco know about your side effects.  Wishing you the best!!!!

  • btdemo
    btdemo Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2013

    Congrats to all of you who are DONE with chemo!  I have 3rd infusion Fri 5/3.  Hoping for the best.  I do have a question I haven't seen on here.  What type of deordorant do you use.  I was very hesitant to use any after lumpectomy and lymph node removal.  Then I used "Toms", organic.   What can you suggest?  Thanks.

    Also, is there a thread for Rads?  I'm used to the folks on this thread but am wondering if it will go dormant once everyone's chemo is done.  Your thoughts?

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited April 2013

    btdemo- We will keep this thread on as long as you want to keep it going!!!  No one has to go anywhere because some are moving on to rads.  since you are heading into rads, you may want to check out the Miaderm radiation cream and aquafor.  I've been told my gal pals, that the Miaderm is great for rads.  Here is a link to the Miaderm radiation cream website:   http://miaderm.com/ .  You can order it on the internet  http://www.amazon.com/Miaderm-Cancer-Radiation-Treatment-Protects/dp/B004TB9SFE .  Make sure you check with your RO about what he/she prefers you to use.  Some radiology centers give the Miaderm to their patients to use.   As for the deodorant... I've read that others use Tom's.

    Ladies:  As I have said, we keep this thread open and place for all of you to continue to meet/chat as long as you want.  We don't have to leave here especially if you are comfortable with each other.  Hope all are doing well and wish for minimal side effects!  HUGS!!!!

  • runnermom1956
    runnermom1956 Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2013

    Patti...had you been ok up to the 10th day or in and out or great til then? I don't know my WBC yet since 1st round. I get stuck Wednesday to see..but right now..I mean it's unbelievable how good I feel..I had 2-3 days of CRAP and now turned the corner..will I bottom out again? I value everyone's advice..absolutely!

    I will ask again when I see MO Wednesday(day 7)

    thanks so much for your response

    runnermom1956

  • btdemo
    btdemo Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2013

    Thank you melrose!!  I'm very comfortable here and have gotten very useful info and support.  My RO prefers aquafor, but when I get to that point (June maybe) I'll ask him about miaderm.  I have saved your links to my favorites.  Thanks again.  Hugs

  • AnnieLane
    AnnieLane Member Posts: 757
    edited April 2013

    I'm so happy for those of you who are nearing or have crossed the chemo finish line! Smile

    And so sorry for those of you who are having an especially tough time with SE's. Frown

    I'm ten days out from my third of six treatments and not feeling too bad, except that my heart hurts when I think about my sweet 16 year old granddaughter. Cry

    She  had her second lumpectomy today to hopefully remove all traces of her nasty phyllodes tumor. This time they had to cut all the way down to the chest muscle and she's home, but in so much pain, worse than the surgeon led them to expect. I'll be so glad when this is behind her. But of course she's going to have to be followed very, very closely for the rest of her life, especially over the next two years.

  • runnermom1956
    runnermom1956 Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2013

    Annie OMG

    So sorry about your Grand Daughter. Please know I send soft and gentle hugs and healing thoughts her way.

    I am happy for you to be doing fairly well with your treatments.

    Please keep us posted and LMK if there's anything I can do for you!

    runnermom1956

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited April 2013

    AnnieLane- I had a lumpectomy before I had my UMX.  It was suggested to me to use some ice on the lumpectomy area to help numb the area and keep the pain down.  I used the fleece pillow case from a travel neck pillow I had and put in an zip loc (double bagged) filled with ice.  I was able to put this next to my skin without feeling like it was too cold. You may suggest that ice bag and also make sure that she takes her pain meds on schedule.  It is really important to do that so she can stay ahead of the pain.  Hope she feel better very very soon.  She will get through all of this... she has a very strong family to support her (that means you and her mom and everyone else in your family)!!! 

  • cmbernardi
    cmbernardi Member Posts: 853
    edited April 2013

    AnnieLane - continued prayers for your granddaughter, you and her family.  WHY is she in so much pain?  Surely with all of the pain meds out there that can be alleviated quickly.  I use Dilauded - VERY SPARINGLY - but it works better than anything.  My Sis is a med-surgery nurse and suggested it to my MO and he happily agreed.  Perhaps a suggestion to her parents?

    Stay stong Sister Warrior in your own battle and take those SE free days as a great gift.  You've not long to go now.  I go for my LAST T/C infusion tomorrow and the last Nuelasta shot from HELL on Thursday.  So excited!  Get mapped for rads in a couple of weeks and start that regimen on June 3.  

    Hugs to all and continued thanks for all the support you all bring and give to each other!

  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 472
    edited April 2013

    I use Alba Botanica clear enzyme deodorant in unscented aloe. I found it at Whole Foods. It doesn't work as well as strong anti perspirant, but frankly those freak me out now. But it does work surprisingly well and doesn't bother my sensitive nose.

  • melody46
    melody46 Member Posts: 77
    edited April 2013

    cmbernardi Congrats on the last treatment!

  • misshopeful
    misshopeful Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2013

    Just wanna say keep fighting sisters.... God bless us all 🎀😊

  • btdemo
    btdemo Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2013

    Thanks cider8, will chek out Whole Foods

  • cmbernardi
    cmbernardi Member Posts: 853
    edited May 2013

    Sister Warriors - tomorrow marks the 52nd. anniversary of my BIRTHDAY MONTH!  I was born on the 31st. and generally celebrate ALL MONTH and I highly recommend it.  Coincidentally, tomorrow is also the day of my LAST CHEMO treatment and Thursday the LAST Neulasta shot.  These first 2 days of my BIRTHDAY MONTH are truly a gift!

    Peace, love and blessings with minimal SEs to ALL.  I WILL keep in touch while trotting on over to the Radiation pages.  You are all THE BEST!

  • runnermom1956
    runnermom1956 Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2013

    6 days post first infusion...So I ended up at the MO's office today with 101.7 and severe loweer back pain. They ran a CBC and discover I have a kidney infection! Wow! No wonder I have been so ill. I am on Levequin now..6 more days of it.. I hope this clears this problem up. I felt like I was gonna die..I mean shivering, whimpering, fatigued, fever..no appetite. My nexr chemo is May 15th. I hope not to have a repeat of this :(

    runnermom1956

  • indenial
    indenial Member Posts: 125
    edited May 2013

    Wow runnermom, no wonder you were so miserable! Hopefully no kidney infection next time means the next round will be much easier. Do you think all the pain you were attributing to Neulasta was actually the infection? Feel better!! HUGS!

  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 472
    edited May 2013

    Oh, runnermom, so sorry! I can almost feel the misery! I had just a low grade fever on day 7 I think and I felt so horrible. Hopefully you are on the upswing. Well, I did not feel the upswing until day 9. So hang in there.



    Going through chemo a second time still pisses me off. I told my MO I'd rather do the every 2 weeks so I could get it over with faster! Couldn't do that again, of course. Tomorrow is 2 weeks and I'm 'pleased' to have another good week before next infusion.



    I'm afraid to wash my hair for fear of the fallout! It's still short, maybe 4 inches. I wore a pixie cut for about 6 months after my hair grew back and just a few months ago I started to let it grow longer. I do not feel like shaving it off before the fallout, which I did last time. I warned my daughters my hair will fall out any day now and they were so sweet. They comforted me! They talked about last time and how I might not wear a scarf at home but I will when out in public.



    I am dreading the bald again. Trying not to obsess, but I did this already! Last time we had just redone our master bathroom. We did not have a new mirror yet and I decided I didn't want one while I was going through chemo. I think I didn't get a mirror until 2 or three months PFC. Now, I have that big bathroom mirror, and I'm not sure how I'll feel about it.

  • cmbernardi
    cmbernardi Member Posts: 853
    edited May 2013

    I'm Off to See the Wizard!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited May 2013

    cmbernardi- Thinking of you and doing the happy dance for you!!!  So happy that this is the last round of chemo for you!!!!  Ring that bell after you are done so the entire world can hear it!!!!! 

  • cmbernardi
    cmbernardi Member Posts: 853
    edited May 2013

    Thanks Melrose and all my fellow Warriors for the good wishes.  The bell will be rung loud and clear!

  • melody46
    melody46 Member Posts: 77
    edited May 2013

    runnermom19 I had awful lower back and some hip pain last night. It was hard to breathe it just kept spasming with every heartbeat but its gone today.  I had this with treatment two also.  The antibiotic your taking is very powerful I hope you feel well soon.

    Cider8 I'm so sorry you have to experience the hair stuff again, I'd be pissed too

  • pattithenurse
    pattithenurse Member Posts: 57
    edited May 2013

    Nice to read all your posts.........I'm having my last round tomorrow. Golly,better remember to take that silly steroid! I'll have a simulation for radiation on May 21 and now I'm dreading that! I'm having a hard time feeling emotional relief. Starting an antidepressant this pm,in hopes that I'll handle the radiation. btdemo-I posted in Spring Radiation Room.....Maybe I'll see you there and here.......take care warriors!

  • Starynights
    Starynights Member Posts: 64
    edited May 2013

    BTDemo...

    I have two oncologists one for chemo and one for rads. I asked my chemo oncologist about deodordant...he looked at me like I had a third eye. Said the only thing you need to worry about with deodordant is when you start your rads. Sooooo....do I worry or not?

  • Starynights
    Starynights Member Posts: 64
    edited May 2013

    Pattithenurese

    Dont worry to much about the simulation. I already had one before I found out I needed chemo and there was really nothing to it other than laying with my breast exposed for 30 mins !  I have to have another one as there was some blood (?) that showed in the first one that has probably disipated at this point.

    Have my last chemo on May 10, doing the happy dance. As far as emotional relief...I think its the nature of the beast. I have been on antidepressants for years and dont see that they have helped much with the tears. Let'em flow is my plan of action.

    Angie

  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 37
    edited May 2013

    Cider8: I want you to know that I can completely understand that your pissed off. I can only imagine what you must be going through. I just had my 4th of 6 treatments and I think we all look to the end as the magnificent finish line. To then have to do it all over again takes a lot of patience and courage. I admire you for that.

  • melody46
    melody46 Member Posts: 77
    edited May 2013

    I agree with you Angie a good cry does wonders.  I started paxil at the beginning of chemo because I was emotionally overwhelmed and I do feel they are helping me keep somewhat even keel. Now I'm reading paxil is a strong inhibitor of tamoxifen so what the hell was my MO thinking?  I think I start it in 3 weeks. I read Celexa and Lexapro were OK.  I have my simulation on the 9th so probably start rads around the 20th

  • AnnieLane
    AnnieLane Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2013

    Hi Everyone. Cider8, no one in the world could blame you for feeling like you do. What a bitter disapointment it must be to have to go through this again. I think you are brave for just getting out of bed in the morning and putting one foot in front of the other. I've only had 3 treatments and I'm alreay sick of seeing my bald head in the mirror. It sounds like you have very sweet daughters, though.

    CMBernardi, so happy for you and hope you have minimal SE's from this last infusion so you can enjoy your birthmonth & birthday! I will have my 6th treatment shortly before my 58th birthday. I like the idea of celebrating the month, because I sure don't expect to feel good on my actual birthday.

    Runnermom, I sure hope the meds wipe out that awful kidney infection quickly!

    My poor sweet granddaughter has been through such a tough time. She was in so much more pain after this second surgery and had a terrible reaction to the pain med: awful migraines and vomiting, so she's getting by with ibuprofen now. At least the pain from surgery is easing up some. Still waiting for the pathology report. I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my 16 year old granddaughter has had two lumpectomies within two weeks. Hoping and praying for better days ahead for her and soon.

  • pattithenurse
    pattithenurse Member Posts: 57
    edited May 2013

    Naturopath recommended 20mg of Melatonin,and now I hear that shouldn't be taken during rads?! Can anything be done with this awful neuropathy? GRRR.....I'm sooo done! I'm afraid this is my new normal,and I'm not doing sooo good with this new me?!! GRRR....

  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 472
    edited May 2013

    Patti, it's way to soon to think of this as the new normal. You are still in temporary mode!



    AnnieLane, your granddaughter has been in my prayers.



    I had my 40th bday in the middle of chemo, right after my 4th AC infusion, on one of the worst dog days. My girls were at my mom's for the dog days, hubs was home, quiet and brought me food and water. I was so wiped out I couldn't read or watch TV, I just laid there, sometimes with quiet music. Thank God it passed. I hear TC isn't as bad as AC. So far, it's true. I'm not so sure during the dog days, though!



    The hair fallout has started. Now I'm not touching it to keep it longer!?

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