Starting chemo August 2014
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kellya: Is it from chemo. Use natural tears with no preservatives. The individiual paks. My next door neighbor eye MD. She said 4 times a day. I use 2. Eyes feel better. I keep the pak for a few application.
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Shirley, I've been feeling a bit of a cold too, but it's minimal.
Eileen, thank you, I will look for natural tears today, assume that is like a brand name?
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Kellya,
My eyes have similar symptoms to yours. I feel like I have allergies. Using moisture eye drops, but they do not help much. Also, I have prescription glasses, but do not wear them constantly. Put them on at a concert this week, and noticed that the far-sighted part of my prescription glasses did not work well. Will ask MO about this at my Monday appt. Seems a logical side effect of chemo, as chemo affects pretty. Uh everything. Wondering if I need to address this with my opthamologist, or just wait until I am done with treatment to see if my eyes return to normal.
Best wishes, JeniE
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I've been suffering with my eyes, especially the days following my latest TX. I got artificial tears and that helps. I also had blurred vision. So I'd be sitting on the couch knitting with glasses on with no problem, but then look up at the TV and WHOA!!! All blurry!!
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CJT511,
Yes! My symptoms exactly...blurry when I look up. Seems my eyes do not adjust as quickly as they did pre-chemo. Will definitely as my MO.
Thanks, JeniE
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Kellya = I asked the pharmacist and she gave me the ones that are natural tears. Can't remember if that is name. They have no preservatives and individually packed. I also made an appointment to have my eyes checked for my yearly check up. On No!! Last time I did a yearly check up they told me I had breast cancer.
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I got the natural tears in individual use packets. Bought the CVS brand which had same stuff in it. I wear contacts so will try it tonight after we get back from dinner. Seems this is pretty common among us. My vision is slightly blurry in my left I now and then, but my main issue is during the night, it is like it is just dried out, ouch. I hope it goes away soon too. I will also ask my MO Monday, will be great to hear everyone's responses!
Went to Costco and restocked food. I have 3 friends bringing meals this week. It is so hard to tell them no because they want to do it, so I've just started saying yes. I must admit it is nice. I have done it on the week of chemo, telling them we are fine the second week. They all want to know if we will need it when I start the Taxol. I'm not sure, I was told I will handle it better than the AC, and really other than being tired I'm not that bad.
Hope you are having a great weekend, man has it gotten cold!
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I'm right there with you all on the eye thing. My vision has definitely changed. My bifocals don't seem to work as well far away and w I take them off it takes awhile to adjust. I also have the teary all the time thing which my MO assures me will be with me through the Taxol as well.
My MO also told me that Taxol is generally easier but the fatigue is worse for most people. These are the times I'm glad I don't work. Hopefully its not as bad as they say. I am doing the dd Taxol every 2 weeks so maybe that makes a difference.
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hi kellya, what are ya eating? I have so much trouble 2 weeks post chemo. Most things repulse me, except of course for cupcakes, cake, and fried chicken. My onco said just go ahead and eat what I want right now but try not to gain any weight. I am overweight now by about 30 pounds. I have to laugh because strong enough posted here about Cap'n Crunch, and that sounded darn good, so I have a box in the pantry ha ha. The only other thing I can eat post chemo is potatoes and I am so tired of them! Mashed, fried, tater tots, baked, boiled, I am beginning to hate them.
I am walking every night and that really feels good. No eye problems for me yet.
Those of us doing rads, I've been reading the boards and it doesn't sound too horrible. It really sounds a lot less horrible than chemo! We can do this.
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- Kellya: Have you had your 4th TX of A/C? My 3rd one was pretty bad so I'm not looking forward to the 4th , which comes on Tuesday. I will discuss then with MO what to expect with going on Taxol for 12 weekly doses. I sure hope the fatigue is not the worst of it!!! I can't stand the SE of fatigue. I haven't had much in the way of stomach issues or mouth sores, still have a minimal appetite but still not up to 100%. Get tired very easily.
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hi! Back from dinner, had a Cesar salad, grilled veggies and a steak! Obviously I am lucky and do not have any issues with food! I am either very lucky or my body is just handling this well.
Bippy, I'm so sorry eating is such an issue still. Do they thy think that will change for you soon? I was told at the beginning just to eat whatever sounded good and to try not to lose weight. LOL, I've gained about 5 lbs! They aren't concerned, but I need to turn that around here. Fantastic job walking! I really, really need to get doing that too. I've really become so lazy, that's where the 5 pounds is coming from. That and too many DQ's. Stopping that too!
CJT, my 4th is Monday. It isn't even the chemo I dread, it's the chewing of the ice! Just hate it!! I hope this one isn't as bad as last time for you, I'm hoping mine goes as well as last time. I met with my rad. Onc. already, said it really isn't bad other than the tiredness will accumulate again. But we will be able to drive to and from ourselves, etc. I am asking what to expect Monday from the Taxol. I guess we take vitamin B6 during it to help with something and we switch from tylenol to Motrin. That's all I was told so far.
Justamy, sorry you are having the eye issues too!
Eileen, the drops are so thick! I put two drops in just now. Felt good. Will do again at bedtime and will keep my eyes closed for 1-2 minutes, just read you should do that, oops.
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hi all, kellya, now I am craving DQ! Funny how it is....I am glad that you are doing good with food though. They basically say that I just have to deal for now.....walking is a struggle at times but i am sure it helps me feel better. I will be so happy to be normal again, and be able to eat salads and healthy fresh foods.
PS, i am on the Fall rads board, and posted a question there. Lots of replies with good info for those are interested....does not freak me out now! Sounds loads better than chemo. Fatigue mostly and dry skin. We just have to get through the rest of the chemo!
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cjt I have the same blurry eyes too from short distance to long distance eyesight. I'm with the glasses for long distance, contacts worsen my watery eyes.
Knock on wood , today is my last zombie day for round 3. Lol.
My taste buds act funny for each round . Bananas & rice crackers haven't failed me yet. Chicken soup has been great till yesterday, I couldn't even stand its smell now. Avocados were good for 1st round. I still crave for DQ chicken strip&berrysmooth on day 7.
Warm water with green tea and lemon in the morning help to clear my cold nose. It's better now. It's getting cold outside early in the morning.
Hope everybody's doing well.
Hugs to you all.
Shirley
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Hi Ladies,
It's been about 2 weeks since I've been on...but I wanted to jump on and read how everyone is doing.
I'm not going to lie...these past two weeks have been emotionally and physically draining for me. I had my third treatment 09/24 and can I just say that treatment literally kicked my ass!!!! I was down for the count for 5 days....something I completely didn't expect. I've not experienced any vomiting issues until this treatment. The day after (Thursday night) I got sick at cheerleading practice (I coach my daughters squad) and it never stopped for 24 hours. I had it down to a science about how many minutes I could expect till I got sick again. I couldn't keep anything down...not even ice chips and can I tell you I completely lost it emotional while getting sick!?!? I was completely hard crying and vomiting at the same time...I had convinced myself I could no longer do this and needed to stop. And to make matters worse it was my husbands birthday and my daughter was so upset that I was sick and couldn't celebrate with cake...my heart broke. That in itself was emotional for me. My only hope is that I caught the stomach bug my husband had two days earlier as I never went to vomit that much again! I called the doctors office the next day and they gave me zofrin. It worked ok...I didn't eat for 3 days and I'm slowly getting back into eating as everything just taste horrible. I finally experienced the metallic taste.
The one good thing out of these two weeks is that my genetics testing came back back Negative!!! That was such a relief for me. I am now going to discuss with my onc when I need to make an appointment with the BS to discuss surgery.
I keep telling myself I'm half way there with chemo..I just hope the last few treatments are manageable. One other thing that has really bothered me...I miss my hair. I guess I'm just really emotionally lately and feel like I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel...it's so frustrating...I hate not being on control! Ok, pity party over....
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the weekend.
Thanks for letting me vent!
Karina
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hello to all! Congrats to so many of you doing so well with so few side effects! I guess I am jealous!! The perjeta I have renamed the purge. Lomotil and a bulking product have helped. Taste buds and mouth were better last time chewing the ice the whole infusion time. Wednesday is my day next week. I did have a great time in Las Vegas with the TaTa Reunion, a group of wonderful ladies met here on a BCO. Had wonderful kisses, hugs and visits with enforced nap times and rests. Hated that I couldn't have much wonderful wine, lol. No spicy or heavily seasoned food tolerated at all.....unfortunate with all of that wonderful food around.
I'm not looking forward to Wednesday, but really dreading the nuelasta, even though I do appreciate what it does for me. Hoping for less fever and bone pain this time. My son and fiancé will be here for last visit before moving to Virginia. With all of my many, many lung mets, I don't know when I will get to see them again. I would like to feel good enough to enjoy the weekend with them, which is when it hits the worst. Taking Clariten....any other tips that gave helped out there? Trying to find a acupuncturist with cancer patient history.
Hope for all to have more strength this week and our chemo to track down and kill out those little shi....!
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Good morning, everyone.
Beatmon, I hope you enjoy your visit with your son and his future wife. The Neulasta hits me hard too, and my dr. gave me an Rx for Norco this time around, to try and take the edge off. Claritin and Tylenol weren't really doing a lot for me. The weekend following my Neulasta shot is the worst time for me, in terms of pain.
Karina, vent away. It sounds like your third round really went horribly. I'll be hoping for you that it really was just the stomach bug that your husband had, like you said. It's possible. Congrats on the negative genetic testing!!! I can echo what you said about missing my long hair and hating this feeling of a very long road ahead. We can do it. I always feel better, emotionally, in the morning.
Bippy, thanks for the tip about checking out the fall rads board. I'll have to take a look.
Shirlie, I hope it was your last zombie day!
My eyes seem to be as drippy as my nose. I'm not complaining, as it sounds easier to manage than dry eyes. My appetite has been pretty good all week, and I even managed to want to eat a salad for lunch yesterday. Fresh greens and even fruit haven't really sounded good. I'm trying to keep my protein up as well as making every calorie count, as my weight was low normal to begin with and I lost some the first round. Can't keep doing that. I have a friend struggling with some anxiety and depression. We got together yesterday - what a pair we make.
Still, it was good for both of us to do something together. I was really mourning the loss of my hair yesterday. I went from a good 18 inches of hair to this. I still have very thin amount, which amazes me. I look in the mirror and I don't recognize the person looking back. I know my family doesn't care and loves me all the same, because that's how I feel about them. So why I can't I feel that way about myself?Has anyone talked about Vitamin D3 at all related to cancer, either with their dr. or among friends? Someone mentioned it to me, very emphatically, and is sure of the link between the two. It's on my list of things to ask the physician's assistant this week.
How often do you all get your blood counts checked? Last cycle I got them checked the day of chemo, the week after and then not again until the day before chemo coming up. It seems like there should be one more check in there, week 2, to see how things are rebounding, or not. Though what we can do about it if numbers are low is what I'm doing anyway, I guess. Avoid sick people and crowds, take a multivitamin with iron, exercise, rest.
I don't know if I mentioned here that we were looking at adopting a rescue dog. Things are in motion. I think it was meant to be; her name is HOPE. She hasn't had an easy life, but she has such a sweetness to her and so much love to give. She just needs a family and we're hoping to be that family for her.
Had a lot to say this morning.
I've been feeling really down and isolated, and the road ahead feels very long. I need to stay more in the present and find ways to bring some more meaning back to my day to day existence.0 -
So CassieCat: Can you expound on the link between BRCA & VitD3? When I told my BS I was taking extra Vit D3 because of osteopenia, she said "good job". So what am I missing?0
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Beatmom= I take a claritin and Aleve starting the day before chemo and then every day for 5 days. I have had minimal bone pain. The bone pain appeared a little bit this week(One evening ). So, I took and claritin in the morning and then at night. Pain subsided. My MO nurse told me with the Aleve make sure it is not masking a fever if I do not feel good. I have had no problems with feeling like a had a fever.
I try to walk which I think helps with the SE. I walk 4 days a week and try to swim when I have the energy. That is about once a week to 2 times a week.
For everyone who can eat. WOW!!!! NOTHING taste GOOD. So,I bascially eat mash potatoes and white fish salad on crackers. Plain bagel some morning. I can't wait to taste food again. That is what I miss.
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CJT, that's just it - I hadn't heard anything before this woman was so insistent yesterday that I have my D3 levels checked, and that I look into it for my daughter too. I've done some looking online but can't seem to find anything nearly so definitive as what this woman was expressing.
Eileen, I feel lucky that so far, I still have some tastes for food. Some days nothing really sounds good, but mostly there are things that still taste good, or at least good enough, once I'm eating. How many more rounds do you have to go? 1 more?
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cassie cat= I have 3 more rounds to go then off to radiation for 6 weeks 5 days a week. The only night food taste ok is the night before chemo. So,three weeks food has no appeal and minimal taste. Food I use to love repulses me. I am trying to eat foods that I WILL NEVER eat again. I want to put this whole experience behind me. Picking out my after cancer trip. Something to look forward too. (That and getting my hair back.)
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Ah, three more. There are definitely things that I don't think I'll ever want to eat or drink again after this whole ordeal. I bought myself a nice new lip balm (simple pleasures!) but after all of this, the smell of coconut lip balm will probably always remind me of chemo!
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I know my MO stressed taking D3 before even starting treatment for my bones. So I take it daily with a probiotic for stomach. Remember hubby asking about other vitamins and MO said no proof that others really help during this time. That's the info I recd, but maybe your MO has a different take on it.
I have always been a healthy eater and exercised regularly at least 4x a week. If it wasn't for my hubby, I wouldn't be eating as well during this time, but he insists, which I am grateful for. I still walk and once a week do some yoga weekends mostly, just can't keep up my exercise schedule. Just don't have the stamina mostly. After work I barely get dinner on table, let alone exercise.
My mouth finally is back to normal and can actually taste food, so really enjoyed my DD decaf cappuccino today. I miss my hair terribly, but know this is temporary, and counting down the days. I have had runny eyes and runny nose for a week straight along with a cough. I really hope I am better before doing next treatment. I know the eyes are a SE of chemo, but believe I also have a cold.
In my personal situation, I feel fortunate that this cancer was found and I am taking action to make it right. I hope to stay positive for the next 3 rounds and move on. I already under went surgery (lumpectomy and lymph node removal) before chemo. I still am looking at radiation and hormone pills.
This is no small thing, but I can do this and will do this. I look at this as a steep hill and taking each step one at a time to get up it. I am almost over the dam hill and kicking cancers butt all the way. I have tremendous support and just feel blessed. Thanks for being here for me during this time. I look forward to reading everyone's experiences good or bad and the info on how to deal. Stay positive!
Cathie
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Thought I would pop in with some quick comments on my experience with radiation for those who will go through that after chemo. I had rads five years ago with my first go-round with BC. I had no issues with my five weeks of radiation, not even fatigue or even much in the way of dry skin. I had a standing 7:30 a.m. appointment. I would arrive at 7:25 and be on my way to work, re-dressed, by 7:45. I cannot have radiation again this second time as I have hit my lifetime max for that breast side, but hope radiation goes well for everyone.
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I never know what will repulse me so end up dragging my aching body to the store every few days, and buying whatever does not make me dry heave at that particular moment. am going to try though to eat more fruit and veg this round. I hate refined carbs and processed food, and have been forced to eat them nearly to exclusion. Four more good days before next chemo, I can eat whatever I want now! Going to enjoy spaghetti with sauce, jalapeno cheese, milk with cereal, pizza, yum!
So I wonder if my hair will grow back after chemo, when I will be on perjeta and herceptin alone for 6 months? I too am starting to miss it. Mourning my breasts too--they are REALLY getting surgically removed and they are trying to kill me. It is going to get very intense real soon and I am not sure I can joke my way through that, like I have been doing so far.
Thank you Purplegirl for the rad info, though sorry you are in this again.
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Bippy, I have been wondering about hair and Herceptin as well. I haven't had anyone mention being on Perjeta as well after these first 6 cocktails. They've said I'll keep going with the Herceptin until I've had it for a year. Hair loss does not seem to be a common side effect for Herceptin, from what I've read, so maybe there's hope? Maybe I'll ask on the triple positive thread and see what those ladies have to say. Enjoy eating some good foods.
Purple, thank you for sharing about your experiences.
Cathie, I found your post encouraging. Thank you for what you said and taking the time to write it our.
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I hope everyone is feeling okay today, I'm trying to muster up some umph to get out and wAlk on this beautiful day makes me sad to waste it
My breast surgeon office just called to set up appointment s with BS and PS to discuss mastectomy/ reconstruction. Still have 1more AC, than 4taxol after I deliver but getting nervous to think it's getting closer. I was at a party yesterday and a friend commented on how big my boobs got with pregnancy.I thought it was very insensitive considering she knows I have to have them removed.I couldn't say anything I just walked away...now surgery is all I can seem to think about.
Other SE I am finding just awful is constipation..pregnancy is not helping that I'm sure its just soo uncomfortable.:/
Xoxo
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good morning ladies! Chewing the ice during the infusion of the taxotere really helped my mouth and eating issues last chemo. I read about it here on one of the boards. I still had to stay away from spicy or heavily seasoned foods, but I swear, the entire two second weeks, I have eaten like a normal person....or even more ....because I feel like any minute it is going to go away. I am going to do it again Wed. And see if it works again. ..........unfortunately I have the big D from the perjeta but handling it.
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bippy and Cassie I saw a woman on her Herceptin rounds only at my cancer center . She grows her hair back, she said it's thinner and finer than they used to be but better than nothing.
Thank you Cassie for the positive spirit.
To be human again ... To be human again.... Nooootttt. The metallic taste is the worst this round. I chewed ice for the whole 4.5 hours infusion , it didn't help at all. Trying to shovel anything down my throat, no matter how it tastes. I need ice cream treat for that. Lol.
Stay strong ladies
Hugs to you all
Shirley
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It seems the fatigue is hanging on longer each round. I'm at day 13 and still not feeling human. Still running a slight temp, and had a tickley chest cough for about a week. MO called to check on me last night & said he's a bit concerned about the temp, but as long as it doesn't go over 101 and the cough doesn't get worse, I can ride it out on the antibiotic I'm already taking. I'm usually feeling better by now, and I feel like I'm getting cheated out of my good week! I did manage to sleep through the night last night for the first time in over a week, so maybe that's a good sign. I think the metallic taste has finally gone away today, as well. Coffee tastes good again (yay!). Will try captain crunch again tomorrow
. And now I want a DQ blizzard & chicken strips (thanks, Shirley )!My 4th and final round of chemo is a week from tomorrow, then I move on to 7 weeks of daily radiation treatments. I had already met with the RO and done the simulation and set up before I started chemo b/c the chemo kinda got sprung on me. I was all set to start radiation in September and not do chemo, but then got the oncotype score back & decided to do chemo too, which had to be done first. So I already have my tattooed dots and have been walked through the procedure and the tech explained very thoroughly how it works and even let me see my scan on the computer. I'm not worried about the radiation part at all, but will be checking out that board, as well. It can't be worse than this!
One other thing I've noticed, my eyelids have been twitchy for about a week. I still have (thinner) brows and short lashes; wondering if this twitching means anything...? Oh, also noticing some discoloration at the base of some of my nails... They haven't been as sensitive this round as the last 2. Hope I don't lose them. I've been icing them in baggies of frozen peas starting w/round 2.
I, too, am really missing my hair, and realizing it will be months and years before it is back to a length I want. I guess I will try to make the best of rocking the short hair for a while, or buy some more wigs. It's just not the same... The one thing I don't miss is those long stray hairs that attach to the back of your shirt and tickle the back of your arm but you can't get ahold of them b/c every time you move your arm to grab at them, they blow away... You know what I mean? Lol. Won't have to deal with that for a while, I guess.
Hope everyone has a good week!
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nurseshark...I would've bopped her on the head. What an idiot. It's good to walk away, since w the pregnancy hormones and chemo and major surgery, you may have just lost it on her! I have had stunning things said to me by a male friend who went through prostate cancer and chemo 20 yrs ago. Not a single " I'm sorry that's awful news", but I should " embrace the process" and " I like science, right?" Mind you this was five days after diagnosis while 13 weeks pregnant. Needless to say, he's been written off totally after knowing him for thirty years. We just don't need or welcome those sentiments now. Cancer is about taking care of yourself and your babies and making choices. Feels kinda good to get rid of dead weight.
TMI section. With my twin preg, the zofran and the iron supplements I was so C over the weekend I didn't think the babies could even move! I used everything over the weekend...senekot, milk of mag, miralax, fleet enema. Well everything worked this morning and I've had the big D now. I'm just so uncomfortable. Also teary and depressed, I just am so huge now, the babies are uncomfortable and it seems like I just have forever to go. I've been Watching "The Pacific" re WWII and I feel like everyone on this board are all war buddies in a way. No one who hasn't been through it can really get it. And we are still in the theater of war. Can't wait to be a vet, even though that has its own challenges.
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