Starting Chemo June 2014
Comments
-
eloqui, i know what you mean, - and i am sure that most of us are feeling that frustration, too.
for me this saga also began in early march, and i, too, feel like it has been SO long since i have felt like myself.
we have to hang in there and get through it, - we will feel better once chemo and follow up procedures are done!
0 -
oh boy I betcha girls...it seems like after 6 months of torture you should be done....not half way!
Good news...My white counts are up to 10.9. I got all excited and asked how soon I could leave. They won't let me out of here until the infectious disease doc sees me and tries to determine why I had a fever in the first place! So frustrating!!!!
0 -
Radical- Great news re your numbers!! I hope they send you home soon!
I had infection a week after bmx, went back to hosp for several days and had surgery to drain a hematoma above the tissue expander. The infectious disease dr ran all sorts of tests and cultures, and never found what caused the infection. I had IV in hosp with antibiotics (vanco something) and then was sent home with strong, expensive antibiotic prescription. (zyvox i think) Maybe you will get that, too? As long as you feel better you get to go home!!
I am just back from 2nd taxol, - very sleepy , - must be the benedryl.
This board has been pretty quiet, - I hope it's because people are out enjoying summer!!
0 -
Yay Radical, hope you get sprung soon. I have last Taxol tomorrow and feel rather lethargic considering it's been two weeks since my last one - little worried about my counts but I also remember feeling this way before my last AC. Plus, my acupuncturist focused on my "infection fighting areas" today whatever that means!
AnotherNY, yes it is quiet - as for me I am busy getting crap done on my good weeks so sometimes I disappear...overall this is a pretty quiet bunch.
0 -
hey ladies, I've never posted here before, so first, if I may, introduce myself. I was dx w stage IIIA BC in April after what was supposed to be a routine lumpectomy. I had 7/14 nodes involved. I've since had right mastectomy and have started reconstruction. I have an expander in until I'm done w chemo, and before radiation. I started chemo in June and completed my 4th round of AC two weeks ago. Which had been the hardest so far and brings me to this board. I am now anemic, showed changed in my hearts ejection fraction and now have had a fever wo any apparent cause for 9 days!! I am doing IV antibiotics at the clinic. They are getting better (fevers reaching 100.8 instead of 102). I came looking for answers, suggestions, help and I see I am Not alone! Does anyone have any insight?? Thank you :-)
0 -
hi Karol
Sorry to head about all the troubles you are having. I know that AC is tough on the heart, now that AC is over I hope that it is expected to improve. Sorry about your fevers too
it looks like a few have had unexplained fevers too.I finished AC #4 on Friday. So far today, everything hurts: my face, scalp, shoulders, neck and ribs! I thought I was having a jammer on Saturday but it is relieved with massage and my whole friggin body hurts! I'm so tired too. I think I am starting to bounce back a bit today but still wiped out.
Hope everyone else is doing ok!
0 -
NYCgirl, I got 4 days of vanco (even the nurses just called it that) along with another antibiotic infused twice a day. The Band I was almost as tough on my veins as the AC was! I went through three different IV' s in 4 days! They also have my pills for low potassium and unguided me with magnesium. They sprung me last night and I'm home! Except...They still don't know why I had a fever. Lol
Karolv, I'm sorry you got chanced to the boards with troubles but at the same time, I'm happy you joined us! Now that you are done with AC, things should get better! Most people prefer the second half of chemo way more (I haven't been so lucky, so don't read my posts lol). Taxol is not hard on you veins or your heart so that issue should resolve. As far as the fever goes, I just had my own brush with "fever of unknown origin" and my oncologist tells me it's not rare that the cause can't be found. All the tests and cultures came up negative so they just filled me with antibiotics until the fever was gone and my white counts were up so I could fight my own invisible infections if they occur again. It sucks....but it's not the end of the world as long as you let the doctors keep the infection in check. I'm sure you will be just fine in the end. It's getting there that is so tough!
0 -
Last chemo! Yay!
0 -
WELCOME HOME, RADICAL!! Yay!!
Yes, that vanco was hard on my veins, too.
I am sure you are feeling MUCH better at home and not hooked up to anything!! I see that you are a math teacher, - are you planning to go back this semester??? I am a retired pre-school teacher. There is no way I could work while under this treatment and having reconstruction done. I hope that you are able to take time off!Karol, nice to meet you, and hope your fever continues to drop! I was also concerned about the adriamyacin because i have a heart condition, but I had it anyway. The cardiologist seems to believe that when treatments are complete, my heart should be ok. When I was running the fever, they did check for endocarditis, at my request, because my aunt had that many years ago. It was a heart infection. So, the infectious disease dr ran a 'sediment test' on my blood, and showed that was not the case for me. My fever was down after weeks of antibiotics, also with no answer as to why I had them.
CONGRATS on being finished Bow!! Great day!!!
0 -
congrats Bow!
NYCGirl,
I left school at the end of March to have my surgery. At the time I had 211 sick days. School started for the teachers yesterday. I was not there. I told my principal my tentative plans were for the end of October or beginning of November to go back, but that will depend on when my doc's want to schedule reconstruction. I don't want to be there for a few weeks, then be on leave again for surgery. The poor kids would get so confused!
I teach middle school. There is no way I could do it with this chemo regimen. Even on my good days I take a nap each day. I don't think they'd let me do that at school. I remember being so tired at the end of the day before I was diagnosed, I can only imagine how I would feel now! Plus, I don't think they'd take to kindly to me missing 4 days EVERY other week for chemo and side effects!
0 -
Radical, - Great that you saved up so many days! Take your time going back! In addition to being exhausted, - you surely don't need to be exposed to all of those sneezy kids!
Take it easy, relax, and recoup!
0 -
Oh, Radical I am glad you are home. I agree with NYCGirl, I would not go to work where I might be exposed to germs - I have worked throughout but I have my own office and work with a bunch of introverts who do not socialize, so I am in a safe zone!! They have been extra great to me and I am very lucky to have such an understanding workplace - sounds like you do too.
KarolV I hope things are picking up for you! Let us know how you are doing!
Hope everyone is doing well - it's awfully quiet around here! I am sticking with you guys & on the June board to keep up with what's next - I will be doing fall radiation and have added my name to that ever-growing list. Anyone here doing rads?
0 -
hi bow
I'm doing rads but that will be in December
0 -
has anyone lost their appetite?
When I take steroids post chemo I could eat everything but about a week after chemo I don't have much appetite.
Also, water tastes gross
0 -
I agree, - food isn't as appealing, and even water tastes different. (I seem to prefer cold poland spring water over my usual pitcher of filtered water.)
Anyone having nosebleeds after taxol?
I had second taxol last monday, yesterday had slight nose bleed, continuing on and off today. Nothing unstoppable, but not the norm. I would call my dr, but I have to go to a wedding tonight (of all times!). I figure I will call tomorrow if still happening. ugh. Feeling tired and achy, but even dr said 'GO' when i mentioned the wedding to her on Monday. I'd love to stay home, but husband and wedding hosts are expecting me to go, and all say I will be glad that I did. (time will tell!)
WIshing everyone a GOOD Labor Day weekend!
0 -
NYCGirl, try Ocean drops/spray for your nose, or Ayr nose gel. My daughter used to get frequent nose bleeds when she was little and these products worked. I bought Ocean just in case but haven't needed it. Taxol is so drying, I think my lips are going to fall off.
0 -
NYCGirl, I spoke to my MO's PA yesterday regarding the nose bleeds, I am waking up with dried blood in my sinuses every morning. She suggested Ayr Nasal Gel, used it last night and woke up without the bloody nose this morning. She said its a common side effect.
I have to say, Taxol is much kinder to me than AC was. I still have a gross feeling in my mouth and water tastes slimy, but its usually just one day a week now instead of the constant it was on AC. Actually finding I have a lot more energy on this and my hair seems to be growing back, or will it all fall out tomorrow? lol. I did have to shave my legs last week which was very surprising. But my eyebrows and eyelashes are falling out now, they are normally very thin and now they look even worse…oh well.
Hope everyone is feeling well.
0 -
Thank you for your responses, Bow and Basia.
My onc's nurse called yesterday and seems they want me to go for an abdominal sonogram because my liver #s weren't right this week.
I am trying not to worry too much thinking what they might find.While she was on the phone, I mentioned the nose bleeds, and she suggested that I go in to lab today for CBC and see what's up.
phooey, I was hoping for a quiet week until the next treatment. now nervous again
Hoping all of you are feeling well and have a good weekend.
ps I went to that wedding last night, - glad I was there with family and friends, but would have been better if my taste buds and energy level were ok!
0 -
hope everyone is ok and has been able to enjoy the long weekend!
0 -
Just checking in on everyone. I'm 6 days out for my second infusion of DD taxol and still having bone pain. Neuropathy has moved into my feet and hands. Did your MO recommend anything to help with the neuropathy? Hope everyone is enjoying Labor Day off.
0 -
hi Dixie
I start weeks taxol on the 11.
After my 4th AC I got the worst back/rib pain. It came on suddenly at night. I thought I threw a clot or something. But, I waited it out and it seemed to settle. Now, I have back muscle pain and just overall hurt. My back, ribs, everything. It is weird because I didn't really have much pain with the other rounds but now I do. Even my hand hurts and a couple fingers.
0 -
Dixie and Island - I hope you are feeling better!!
I am relying on tylenol, but onc prescribed hydrocodone to have on hand if need be.
As for neuropathy, I was told foods with magnesium, such as nuts and mango would help.
Hugs to all and wishes for no more SE!
0 -
Islandmama, I have also had a sore arm/wrist for a few days, sore back, etc....felling gradually better each day and now getting nervous about SE's for Taxol. Oh, my skin peels off easily...have some open sores on hands and feet from regular chores. Also, pee burns...full of chemicals I guess.
0 -
CanuckMom, I know I have complained about the burning pee problem here before and it has been a constant problem since I started chemo, with the last few days of each cycle being tolerable before the next infusion makes it worse again. I'm still rinsing after every time with a squeeze bottle of cool water and now, at the suggestion of my onc, I'm using coconut oil liberally all around "down there" after I shower every day. Not sure it is any better than zinc or petroleum jelly, but it is easy to apply and soothing.
AnotherNYCG.....thanks for the tips about nuts, etc for neuropathy..I had the 5th of 6 chemo treatments last Thursday and the neuropathy in my fingers seems a bit more this time...numb fingertips. Crossing my fingers that they will 'wake up' again soon. After chemo #6 I'll be scheduled for surgery in Oct, followed by 6-7 weeks of rads.....and Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks until next June.
0 -
Good to see everyone - sounds like a rough weekend for some of us...me too with an added emotional meltdown! Ah well, I sort of expected that I guess as I've completely had it with my weak body, every other week in pain for almost 3 months and the relief of being done with this part. Reflecting back I would say the last AC was the hardest, and Taxol minus the bone pain was pretty okay.
Dixie, I did not get neuropathy except for my tongue and side of my face. It was weird more than anything and definitely had an effect on my eating as the tip of my tongue hurt between numbness.
CanuckMom, my feet peeled the worst after my last AC, sheets of skin. I bought a new sandstone for my heels.and soaked my feet every night, rubbing coconut oil, bag balm and put socks on. It really worked. I have weird little cuts on my fingers with Taxol, like tiny paper cuts, but bag balm is clearing that up.
Hope everyone picks up soon! This morning my daughter was singing some song that includes the line "this too shall pass" - yes, yes it will.
0 -
Fiona & Bow, thanks for the tips! And I'm not sure if I said it yet Bow, congrats on finishing chemo! Sometimes I wish I had DD so I'd be done too....I'm not sure when my rads will be, December or January. Hope everyone still posts here once in a while, even post chemo!!!
0 -
Going for Taxol number two today. I'm a nervous wreck. Number one did not go well at all. I was in so much pain (fingers, toes and body) for a week, then I felt good for a day or two and by the end of the week....body pain and fever.
Spent 4 days in the hospital with fever and low white count. I told my oncologist I was taking a week off. I am now 3 weeks out from my last treatment and DREADING going back.I was told I will need to start getting Neulasta shots again due to my low white count last time. I am not looking forward to Neulasta pain on top of Taxol pain!
0 -
good luck Radical...ugh, the anticipation after knowing what you are in for...
They put me on Dexamethasone for my last two rounds of Taxol and it helped with the pain, I would say cut it in half. I had chemo Tuesday, Neulasta Wednesday and took the dex Thursday and Friday. Just a thought.
0 -
Hi Ladies, hope everyone had a lovely labor day weekend! Sorry I've been MIA but with the kids and the end of summer I have been kind of busy. Had my nieces wedding this weekend. I was so worried about going because the big D keeps coming. Just when I think I am better and can leave the house, wham! it comes back the next day. But I am glad I went, took ammonium just in case in the afternoon. Felt so uncomfortable with the wig, dress and heals, haven't worn heals in forever! I felt so huge! I hate all this weight I've been gaining and the fact that I haven't been able to make it to the gym since all of this started. The few times I did go, I felt like I was going to pass out from the heat. Between the hot flashes and the weather, I was overheating very easily.
Taxol #4 tomorrow, I also get herceptin and perjeta as well.
0 -
Hi Everyone!
Radical, - good luck today with the taxol. Some people have written that the first is the hardest, - so you may find today's much better! Do you take Claritin with the neulasta? Seems to help a lot. Let us know how you are doing!
Bow, - I didnt realize that the dexamethosone was for pain too! I thought for nausea! Good to know!
Basia, - I had some similar feelings about a wedding this week. I wore flats though, which helped. I just couldnt think of panty hose and heels! But when I hugged the bride's father, my wig slipped, - almost completely off!
Somehow i grabbed it before it fell off my head! YIKES!! Wishing all a good week and easy treatments!!
0
