Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
Comments
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Twohobbies- I have one black toenail that is probably not long for this world. I am icing each time...hopefully there won't be more.
JenSF- I hope you are still feeling good!!!
NC-Yahoooo on not having to see a doctor for a few months. I am sooooo looking forward to that time...which is months from now...and seems like years from now.
Dewey- I shaved my head at a party prechemo, but my stubble that had grown back in really started shedding at day 13. More stubble keeps trying to grow back in and fall out. I use a lint roller on it all the time, nut I still look like a coconut.
Setizand- I hope all goes well tomorrow. Drink lots and lots today and continue to before and after the treatment so your veins will be full and easy to find (and after to flush this stuff out). I do not have a port either.
The second treatment definitely brought much more fatigue, but As of yesterday, I am out of the days 3-8 black hole, so other than the sore throat (which I have just accepted will be with me for the next few months) and food tasting like dirty gym socks, I feel pretty normal. Yesterday I went to my daughters' swim meet in the morning and then did an EMS stand by for work for 8 hours in the evening. It felt soooooooooo good to do normal things for a day and forget for a while that I have cancer! Today is a lazy day of doing laundry, cleaning house, and relaxing. I am looking forward to these next 2 weeks of normalcy before heading back to chemoland.0 -
Setizand, I did my treatments without a port. By the last round, they had a lot of trouble getting the needle in, and 4 months later I still have some soreness in that arm (although I also have chronic pain from computer work so it could be partly due to that). But nothing leaked out and my treatments never had to be delayed or anything like that. I think if I hadn't needed so much bloodwork too my veins would've gotten through the infusions better. I had a 2 rounds of bloodwork between each infusion... I know some people only have 1 blood draw and/or their labs are done on infusion day & the IV can be inserted at the same time. Oh and when I go for follow-up bloodwork now, they are able to get it quickly & easily, so my veins must have recovered quite a bit.
Anyway... you will do fine, and yes, it will go by quicker than you think, and will someday just feel like a bad dream... Good luck tomorrow!!0 -
indenial
Thank you so much for giving me a relief , I can not wait till I pass this bad dream and live my life.wish you the best.
KBeee
This is a very good point "Drinking and Drinkink" Thank you so much for this wonderful tip, that's what i'm already doing,Wish you health and luck.0 -
Kbee-I am happy you are past the "black hole" days and your descriptive post has left me laughing! Especially about the gym sock taste..too true! I drank lots of orange juice just to have seconds of good taste..and no one had to tell me to brush my teeth 4 times. Alas, nothing lasts long. I, also, am longing for "normal". Soon...I start back to work next Sunday. I've worked around 3 weeks since April 16th. I have never been out of work this long since I was 18. Eons ago! lol..I'm 47. I really enjoy my job and can't wait!!
Setizand- I think you are going to do fine. If you went through your surgery and didn't have any issues with IV's etc..then you will probably breeze through that part. Good luck tomorrow! I was real nervous my first time, even though everyone said there was nothing to it. --They were right..it takes awhile..but I just read, watched TV and played on my phone. Most people get to bring someone with them..chemo buddy...but the hospital I was at wouldn't let anyone in the room when the chemo meds were being infused. Overly cautious. You are going to do fine...you are also right..sooner to start sooner to end.
I had a good day today. GOT OUT OF THE HOUSE!...Went to church and my Moms for lunch. Then hub and I did a lot of yardwork..As I have been sick all summer, my flower beds have all these dead weeds in them..trying to get them done and bedded down for winter. I'm still feeling weak but guess that is the red cell count...I've been eating a lot of beans and greens /anything to get iron in. I am soooo sick of being tired and weak..This 4th one packed a wallop!0 -
Hi Ladies,
I am new to this group, had my first round of chemo 11 days ago. It was a rough go, I had opted for no port but they couldn't get a vein and kept infiltrating until I finally said let's just do the port. Got that put in the next day and for some reason the anesthesia didn't work so I was wide awake the whole time. It didn't hurt (they gave me a local) but it was somewhat disconcerting. Then they wheeled me off for my infusion. I was pretty out of it for a few days but feeling much better now. I'm hoping the second one goes easier.
Anyone have advice on wigs vs hats vs scarves? I am hoping to keep working so I have been checking out wigs, but I've heard they can be uncomfortable.0 -
setizand -- wishing you smooth sailing tomorrow. I am going without a port, drank lots of water the 24 hours preceding infusion (and ever since!) and there was no trouble at all with the vein. You will do fine. Wishing no little-to-no SEs and a peaceful restful week....
Ck -- glad you had such a good day! Sounds like you are gradually getting stronger and back into the swing of life. Having a job you love to look forward to is probably a big help as well.
Seattle Twin Mama -- Welcome! You and I are on the same regimen and started the same day. So sorry your first infusion was a two-day ordeal! Let's hope it is smooth sailing from here on out. I haven't lost my hair yet, but (like you) wanted to be ready. I bought some really cute and soft hats from Just in Time Softcovers, and I expect I will wear them a lot. I also got a scarf liner from them, which gives you a little bit of padding under a scarf. You can wear the hats alone or wrap a scarf or ribbon around for variety. I bought a wig from Paula Young, so I have it as an option, and I like it -- but something tells me I will opt for hats and head wraps more often. I have read lots of posts on this subject of hair, and it seems to be a matter of what you are comfortable with. I decided to have an assortment on hand so I can try various things when that time comes -- probably in a week or so. Will your next treatment fall on Halloween like me?0 -
anyone who has a problem accessing veins ..after drinking gallons of water day before, during and 2-3 days after also always ask them to put your forearm in a small bath of hot/warm water - for a few minutes before trying to draw blood - worked a treat for me on the two occasions they had problems.0 -
STM (Seattle Twin Mama): I ordered my wig from Voguewigs.com. What I liked about their site is that not only did they have the standard picture of the wigs on some model, but if you went into the comments people had about the wigs, people had pictures of themselves in it. This could allow me to see what they looked like on a "real" person. They shipped fast too. I also got a bunch of "do rags" (skull caps) which I wear when working out. I got them from bandanaworld.com. I usually got them 2-3 days after ordering and their customer service was second to none... when they were out of some unlined skullcaps I wanted, they contacted me to ask if I wanted to wait an extra 5 days for them to come in, or if I wanted them to substitue lined skullcaps of the same design (usually more expensive) instead. They substitued the more expensive ones at no charge, and when I got the order, they threw in some extra free ones for my trouble! I wear these around the house all the time. My wig is very comfortable. I do wear a wig cap under it though, which helps a lot. There was one day I wore it from 7:30am to 9:00 pm, and it was fine. Another day, I crawled into bed with it still on. I have a had a ton of compliments on it (many from people who had no idea I had cancer and had a wig on), and my hubby told me last night that he has had a lot of people tell him how much they like it! Ultimately, it is what is most comfortable for you...and that is different person to person. My goal was simple...something I could wear to the store that would not scream "cancer patient" when I walked in. Everyone I know knows I have cancer, and I am comfortable talking about it to everyone, but if I want a bottle of milk, I do not want sympathy, stares, or 5 people stopping me to tell me about person X they know who has cancer...I just want to get my bottle of milk and go home.. Good luck in finding things!0 -
Good Morning! Question to anyone through with chemo. Did you get the hot flashes and how long does it take to go away? My gyn put me on low dose anti depressant for them..as I guess I will be getting them with Tamoxifen. And I am not having them in the day anymore (Thank God!)..but this night thing is about to get to me..I am constantly flipping my pillow over for a cool side and is interrupting my sleep!
Seattle Twin-The wig, hat, scarf debate is definitely a personal choice and boils down to what you are comfortable with. I have all of them and at home wear the cotton caps..actually, mostly my sleep caps as they are thinner/cooler. I look hideous in these..lol..so I don't go out without my wig. My wig is not hot at all and I do like it. I don't wear it at home because..well it is somewhat freeing not to have the hair and it is heavier than a cap. Generally speaking..I have found that you get what you pay for with wigs. I had one that was around $50.00 and the hair started coming out in about a month and it was hot. I went and got one that was around 180.00 and its perfect..light weight..all you have to do is shake it for the layers to look great. I stuck really close to my own hair color (its a good idea to purchase it before your hair falls out). It looks great and I have had a lot of compliments on it. My insurance paid half. I hate that your first time was so traumatic! I'm sure the rest will be easier for you!0 -
ckmoss- I've been on Tamox for over a year now. Yes... I do get hot flashes but mine seem the same as I had while having chemo. Fortunately, they are what I call "Not so hot" hot flashes. They seem to be more noticeable at night when I'm trying to sleep. I did buy this cool gel memory foam pillow from Sam's for $30. It has the gel on one side. If you get one, just know that you will need to air out that pillow for at least week or two, so the pillow smell dissipates. There is another pillow you can investigate called a "Chillow". I've been told that those work pretty well.
SeattleTwin- Because of the time of the year that I had chemo, I opted to wear baseball caps, bandanas and Buffs. Buffs are a tube of fabric that has UV protection that you can get at the REI store and other sporting goods stores. Here is a link to their website:http://www.buffusa.com/sports/. The one thing I wore the most was a knitted slouchy hat that I got at the REI store. I shopped at places like Target, Walmart, Marshall's, TJ MAXX, and Ross for hats and scarves since I didn't want to spend much money. As for the wig, I did receive one free from the American Cancer Society through it's Look Good Feel Good program. They have a makeup seminar that you can attend for free, too. Check out your local American Cancer Society to check out for more info by going to the main ACS website. I never wore the wig since it just wasn't me. Wishing you the best......
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Awesome! Thanks for all of the recommendations on head coverings.
Kbeee, I will definitely check out that website. How often do you work out? I was an avid exerciser before this, but have only managed to get back to the gym once since my first treatment.
Melrosemelrose, I am going to that Look Good class tonight, so maybe I will find something there.
TeamKim, since I was supposed to get my first treatment a day earlier than it happened, I am scheduled for my next one the day before Halloween. I feel like I am missing all the holidays this year with the kids
but it's just temporary, right? Yesterday everyone went off to the pumpkin patch without me because I have a cold. Made me a little sad.
Oh well. Just gotta get through it right?0 -
Ckmoss, I got hot flashes during chemo & they've continued ever since. Finished chemo 4.5 months ago & been on Tamoxifen for 3 months. I get them 10-20+ times a day, definitely worse at night. Still in chemopause & I assume they'll continue at least until I get my period back?0 -
Indenial-I would assume so...??..Are you close to peri-menopause? I've been at that stage for the past year or so. Basically, just night and morning flashes for one week before I got my monthly. But having to go on tamoxifen for 5 years..I don't guess I'll ever have it again..which would be GREAT news..except...yep..HOT FLASHES. I'm going to do hysterectomy next year anyway. Might as well since will be in it anyway and am very scared about getting some kind of cancer there. My Onc said that it will take 2-3 weeks for anti depressants to work..I'm giving it till the end of the bottle then I am going to try Estroven. Its suppose to help memory too.
Seattletwin-I know its awful missing the holidays and special days..but you are going to have many of years of them! I had my 1st surgery on my birthday..2nd surgery close to Mothers Day..Port put in on my anniversary ..it does suck..but their is next year!0 -
hello CT ladies
After discovering a mistake in my pathology report, it turned out I had 5 positive nodes instead of one, as I originally was told. As a result, my onc wants to extend my chemo to 6 rounds instead of 4. I already did 3, and that third one was pretty tough.
Are any of you doing 6 rounds, instead of the usual 4?
How hard is it?
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Ckmoss, I'm only 30, so shouldn't be anywhere near perimenopause yet! But who knows. I am already giving up hope of ever having another baby (we had fertility issues even before cancer) so I guess I am sort of hoping my periods don't return.0 -
STM -- missing the holidays with little ones does suck. You are right, though -- just temporary -- and we are going through all this so that we will be here for many holidays to come. Kids can be a great inspiration, motivator and source of strength. On the day of my first chemo, my son sent me a quote which is so true: "When someone loves you deeply it gives you strength; when you love someone deeply it gives you courage."
My DS is a freshman in college clear across the country, so he won't be home until after my 4th chemo treatment. He's my biggest cheerleader, and his belief in my ability to beat this thing has pulled me out of a funk more than once. After my DX in June, though, every doctor or surgeon I talked to heard my urgent plea to be able to go with him to move him in at college. True to their word, I was able to get on the plane August 19.... And the experience was all the sweeter knowing that I had fought hard to be healed enough to go. His sweet GF is a cancer survivor -- she had a tumor on her ovary at age 6 and went through surgery and chemo then. I can't imagine how confusing and difficult chemo would be for a little one -- her survival inspires me too.
So we just do our best.... And keep our eyes on the finish line!0 -
Colette - that's a major disappointment for you after being told only 1 - how did they come to double check ??
I am so sorry.
6 rounds seems prudent in the case - have they mentioned rads ? Usually 3lymph nodes is the max to escape those ??
5 weeks post chemo
I have stubble on my legs and 5mm stubble on my head ) and armpit hair must be coming back cos I reckon I need a deodorant again now.
3 doses of tamoxifen and no S/E what so ever so far). Early days though
KBee and TeamKim keep going ladies ( and everyone else nearing the finish line )
Xx0 -
Seattle- I walk every day. I have only missed 2 since chemo began, and both of those were due to being at work longer than planned. I usually walk 3-5 miles, though sometimes less and sometimes more. After my first round, I ran 3-4 days per week during my second and third week. I started running a mile, walk a mile, repeat. next day, ran 2 miles, walked one, repeat, etc... I ran 5 or 6 by the time this second round started. I ran Sunday (day 10 of chemo cycle) 1.5 miles, walked 1, repeat. Today I hope to run 2 or 3 miles...probably 2. Race for the Cure 5k is Saturday, and I want to run it. I should clarify that "run" means slow jog these days... 10 minute per mile pace ... or thereabouts.
Colette- so sorry you are having to do more rounds. My doc has me on the 6 plan too, so we will trudge through this together. You are. little ahead of me though. My 3rd is November 1st.
NC- Great news on the hair growth scene and also that you have had no side effects from the Tamoxifen so far. Yahoo!!!!!0 -
KBeee & Colette- Hang in there !!! I know the idea of having 6 rounds instead of 4 may seem overwhelming. Just know that you can get through all of the rounds. You may feel more fatigued in the later rounds but at the same time, you will know that you have done whatever you can and done your best. I know you may feel like everyone else is getting 4 and you have to have 6 and don't quite understand why. Just remember each of us are different and the number of rounds is determined by many factors. Ask your onco his/her specific reasons for the number of rounds. Don't worry that you might be left behind here because others will move on after they finish their 4 rounds. As always, we leave no one behind here. If you look at my profile below, you will see that I had 6 rounds and I completed my chemo August 2012 and Herceptin in March 2013. So you see, there will always be someone here whether it's me or another one who has travelled ahead of you that will continue to give you support and help.
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I found my wig is make my head feel too warm, and it keep popping up, I have to keep pull in down.0 -
thank you nocomp, melrosemelrose and kbeee for the encouragement.
I am getting used to the idea of 6 rounds instead of 4. The first two rounds were very easy, but the third took me for a ride, no comparison. The hard part was also psychological, having to accept being a stage 3 after I got used to being a stage 2. But I am over it now. And yes, I will need rads, which I was not supposed to do originally.
Silver lining : my onc prescribed Marinol (chemical marijuana) to handle the next 3 rounds, that should get my moods up0 -
TeamKim, thanks for the stories of your kids! Loved them. You are right, they are a great motivator.
ckmoss, wow, what a way to spend your birthday, and anniversary!
KBeee, that is very encouraging! I think I just have to make myself do it more. I did take an exercise class today, but could only make it through 30 mins. I'd like to get back to riding my bike to work (7 miles each way) but I think I'll have to work up to it. Walking is a good idea. Good luck on Race for the Cure!!
Colette, so sorry to hear you have to do two extra rounds. I will be rooting for you!0 -
Seattle, Walking is almost therapeutic for me; it definitely helps to clear my mind. Running has been harder this round. I can say that for sure! I think I am at the point hen my counts are low though. My legs feel like lead! I ride my bike with my daughter to school each day, so round trip is a little over 2 miles twice per day. I can usually ride 40 miles with no issue, and this week, even 2-4 miles seems more tiring! I think those large leg muscles need more oxygen than is available to them! I have been trying to eat iron-rich foods to keep from getting too anemic because I was anemic going into chemo. Unfortunately, unless you call with a major issue, my MO refuses to do blood draws midway through. That is very frustrating for me. Oh well, I do intend to walk or run (or hit the elliptical if weather is bad) every day, or as many as possible, though I will adjust my intensity as I proceed through the rounds as necessary. I do really think it helps.0 -
Kbee-It seems to me that your oncologist should do blood draws when you request. It is your body and you are just wanting to be informed. I can say that I think we have the same oncologist. Mine has done them 3 days before every chemo and on that..I have been fine. However, I called and asked this past week to redraw as my last came up with low red cell count and it had been a week and still I had really bad muscle weakness. Every day I woke up was the same..no better. A nurse..that is not my normal one..called back..I explained that I would like those drawn again and maybe if that was the case, he could prescribe iron pills, as I needed to get this resolve to start back to work this Sunday. She said he wasn't there but she would have my reg onc RN call with what he said in the morning. I wasn't here when she called, she left message saying "I got message from Heather saying you wanted something for energy..we don't really prescribe anything for that.".............Like I was asking for Red Bull or something! I called back and left another message..saying I thought nurse misunderstood (although I was very clear)..and what I wanted. I've yet to hear from them. I had to call my reg doctor and have her do test for it yesterday...haven't heard..but I actually do feel a bit better today. Every doctor/surgeon I have seen has said that my oncologist is extremely smart, but on two issues I have had..one being back spasms during chemo..the other I got really bad jitters and racing heart 6 days after chemo....he has said that he has never heard of these SE and gave me nothing to fix. I pushed hard for labs on heart issue..which he did..but by the time that happened , it was over with. My infusion nurse said that he should have called me in to check me. Okkkk..this has turned into a vent. I'm sorry. I just agree that if you..the patient...feels better with another lab draw..its your money/insurance and body..you should be able to have that.
Collette-completely sucks that you have to do 6 after expecting 4. I know my main bitch at first was that I kept getting surprises! I still can hear my oncologist recommending lumpectomy and saying "I think a mastectomy and chemo would be overkill! You are going to be just fine!"...mmmhmmm. On a somewhat good note..I didn't do 6, but like you the 3rd one kicked my butt big time..the 4th one was not near as bad..not even close! Between my 3rd and 4th..I only had 2 days that I could actually drive and didn't feel horrible. The 4th (other than lingering weakness) I was over in 5-6 days. I send wishes and prayers that yours go as easy!
My hats off to those who are able to walk/run/exercise! I've heard that it makes your SE less. I, however, was a huge slug, which comes from doing nothing for 3 months through those 4 surgeries..I wish that I had made the effort.
I have an appointment with radiation oncologist tomorrow. I promised my oncologist I would have a "conversation" with her...basically to just get out of his office. So I am spending the day researching this on my computer to make sure that I make the best choice. I have no faith in Spartanburg, SC doctors..as they are behind times. My oncologist is from Sloan Keppling..and obviously been in this town to long..had never heard of icing or cold caps..said that would damage blood vessels. I iced my mouth and never had the first problem with it after I started.0 -
thanks to all those who responded to me earlier. I have so little energy as came Dow with cold yesterday so I've been miserable with that on top of fatigue, etc. due to se's. Lots of hair coming out yesterday so got it chopped off real short but still stylish. What a relief! Where do you recommend getting head coverings? I have wigs but I'm interested in caps with hair, bangs and easy stuff to put under hats or turbans. And where do you recommend for warm caps and turbans? I tried head coverings.net and it did not save my shopping cart! Also, how do I get a better attitude for my "preventative" chemo? To me, it's harder than the BMX and reconstruction!0 -
Jtrosesav -- I got some really cute hats at Just in time -- www.softcovers.com
I am right there with you -- wearing a hat to work for the first time today, since my attempt to blow dry my remaining hair into some semblance of style resulted in the equivalent of a small furry creature in my brush..... Sigh....0 -
thanks, team Kim. We started within a day of each other. How,are you doing?0 -
update, team Kim, just went to that website and it's truck covers!0 -
Jtrosesay-Lol..I clicked on link..it is truck covers. I like TLC...http://www.tlcdirect.org/Cancer-Scarves-and-kerchiefs-for-Women-Cancer-and-Chemo-Patients-American-Cancer-Society-TLC-Direct..
Also, this website..http://www.goodwishesscarves.org/index.html...offers a free scarf. It says that delivery can take 4-6 weeks, however I ..and others I know..received mine in 2 weeks. Its gorgeous and great quality too!
Ref to your attitude towards chemo: Its really hard to keep "your chin up" during it, as it does beat you down with fatigue, etc. I kept telling myself this was a "chemo cleanse" and if there was a cell in my toe..I wanted it gone and this was how I had to do it. I can tell you the 3rd one almost knocked out my positiveness..however..I have heard -and with me it was true-once you get get past the first week after treatment..you tend to forget the actual details of it. I remember thinking through 2-4th one..I can't do this again ..its horrible....however, the minute the side effects left I was gung ho to get to next treatment to finish! I would look back and it would seem like a blur. I would just take it one day at a time. Try not to think of the next and just get through that day. I, also, slept a lot. Ativans are the bomb. lol. I read a lot too..took me to different place. I think it hit me hard as until this diagnosis, I have never been sick except bronchitis and kidney stones..many years ago. I hope it gets better for you!0 -
HI-
I am new, seem to have same size tumor, same er , pr, etc. I had bilat. mastectomy and am 4 weeks post op from that, just saw oncologist in Dallas, but live closer to Flower Mound, wondering who you saw and where you had treatments?
I did NOT like the HUGE infusion room I saw yesterday full of VERY OLD ill people, all in a row not speaking looking sad...it was awful0
