Starting chemo August 2014
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Today is day 3 after my taxatore tx. So far the physical SE's are so much easier than AC. I'm basically tired and weak with leaky eyes but none of the chemobrain and severe headaches that the AC gave me. Mentally I'm not doing so good. I feel OK a lot of the time physically but I can't make myself get out of the house unless its for an appointment. I take anti depressants, anxiety meds and a few more. I think I'm just tired of all of it. I hate being a baby but this is so long and drawn out that it just wears on me...3 more treatments then surgery...I can do this....
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Hope50, woo hoo for final tx! My 4th/final round has been pretty miserable so far also... Gastric SE are back with a vengeance, bloating, heartburn, gas, indigestion, big C, you name it. And so tired... Just a little metallic taste this time, thank goodness! But I don't even want to eat anyway, for fear of feeling crappy after. I got the red face thing last time. It is very strange how the SE vary from tx to tx, even for the same person!
JustAmy, so glad you did well with the taxotere! I've been on that with cytoxan the whole time, so not sure which poison causes which SE, but hope they are manageable for you. Edit- just saw your last post- Yes, you can do it! I totally get it, I've been increasingly cranky every time. It does wear on you, and it's awful. My husband says he wouldn't wish this on his ex-wife! Lol.
CassieCat, I ordered It's Not About the Hair from Amazon and it should arrive today. I read the entire sample on line, and loved it, so ordered the paperback instead of kindle version so I can pass it along to a friend of a friend who is just starting this journey when I'm done with it. If she gives it back, I will give it to the bookshelf at the clinic.
I'm day 8 PFC, and as I said, pretty miserable so far. Had a pretty high fever Monday, so took Tylenol & took the day off to lay in bed until it was time for the RO appt. It ended up that they have to redo the simulation b/c I have gained 5 lbs and the beam was too close to my lung, but I should still be good to start on Monday. Really looking forward to that, feels like I'm finally moving on! Also had follow up w/ MO yesterday & he said I did great, so another follow up in 2 weeks, and he will check bloodwork once in a while during radiation, then we will talk about tamoxifen when that's done.
Funny story, my husband and I actually met my MO a few months before my Dx at our favorite restaurant. We like to sit at the bar and eat, as my husband is one of those people who will strike up a conversation with anyone. That night there was a man and his teenaged son next to us in bycling gear, so naturally, he started talking to them. The son was visiting and they had been mountain biking in the canyon. We had never seen them there before, so my husband asked what the man does here in town (there is a lot of military here - Ft. Huachuca) and he said he was a local oncologist. I filed that away, as I had found the lump, but not seen a doctor or anything yet... Sure enough, fast forward several months, same guy is my MO. Small town, small world. Anyway, we are planning a celebratory dinner w/ several friends when my tastebuds come back in a few weeks at the same restaurant, so we invited the doc yesterday.
Not sure if he will actually show up, but we will see. It would be fun to buy him a drink, at least!Hope everyone is doing well today. One day at a time, we will get there.
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SueB, I second what others have said about sticking to a few threads that relate directly to what I'm currently going through. I've considered joining in person support groups but am concerned about being with people who are in very different situations than mine. Here I can limit topics and for now that is what I need to do. (In the beginning I did poke around too much on other discussion threads and scared myself!) As far as lifestyle changes go I know I have to be more consistent with exercise and find better ways to handle stress. I already eat a pretty healthy diet but will continue to try to improve there too.
Gatomal, thinking of you and the babies. 25.5 weeks carrying twins has got to be tiring without going through chemo! Hope you are getting lots of help and lots of rest. So many of us are praying for the babies' good health! We're in love with them already.
I agree with Cassie, your house is going to be SO much fun!hugs,
Sandy
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Suebe= This is the only board I go to. I Googled triple negative cancer in the beginning and got freaked out. I trust my MO and will follow his advise. Also, being a Hospice RN this is nothing to what I see at work. Best advise,eat healthy,exercise,don't smoke,laugh as much as you can,and ENJOY LIFE!!
There are no guarantees on anything.
Gotomal= Way to go. Two sets. WOW WEE
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Thanks you guys. This discussion board has been so positive from the start of the journey to the finish (next Friday). I hope you all do well, eat right and exercise, but most of all enjoy life as it is.
Cheers!
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Eileen, your advice is just what my onc says. I asked if I should give up coffe, wine, sugar, whatever - she doesn't beleive there is sufficient evidence to warrant a very restrictive lifestyle. She reminded me that some people do everything "right" and get cancer anyway - and then blame themselves on top of everything else. Just live as healthy a life as you can. And sometimes crap still happens. We just don't have full control over cancer.
PS: I should stress that my onc was specifically addressing my type of cancer when talking about diet. Don't know what she would say in other situations.
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Hey my friends, so sorry I've been gone and haven't stayed in touch. Life has been hectic, and I've been struggling to keep it all together through this whole ordeal. But please know that I pray for each and every one of you, as well as for our "babies" who are going through this treatment with their expectant mommies!
My last treatment is tomrrow. Yay!!!! Overall, I've continued to do well in the whole scheme of things. As in the past, my taste buds are just starting to get better now that it's time for my next treatment. :- /. But I noticed this past Saturday that I had sore or tender areas in my mouth when I would eat or drink something - especially on the roof of my mouth and several areas of my gums. Plus a little cold sensitivity when drinking something cold or eating ice cream.
I'm not looking forward to the adjuvant therapy, which is the next step for me. Those drugs can be brutal, and I'm older now than when I was first diagnosed, so I'm kinda scared of the SEs. But I'm more afraid of the cancer recurring, so I will do what I have to do! I've got alot of living to do!!!
I've got pages and pages to catch up on here, and hope to do that this weekend. I'm actually participating in the Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday morning in New Orleans. Some of my firends started a team for me, and we've raised over $1,000! We have team shirts and alot of us have tutus! It should be fun!
Stay encouraged and I hope the SEs are minimal or at least controlled. Hugs to all!
One love,
tp4ever
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SueBe, I agree with the others. This is a tough one and after a while I had to discipline myself to not traverse to many of the threads here as I got depressed when I originally joined with that said, I know each person on bc.org is supportive and wants to encourage and share their story but at times it was very overwhelming for me and I chose a few favorites.
I am and will continue to educate myself regarding what course of action is best to fight against a recurrence. I love my MO and her candide but supportive approach. She has told me several times, that we (meaning my medical team) need to do all we can to remove the possibilities that a recurrence will occur, with this said I can't 100% garantee that it won't recur but I can guarantee that we meet as a board on each case weekly to and are doing all in our power and putting all our knowledge and efforts on your case to reduce the chance and other patients. She indicates it is very hard to determine what will and won't apply to my situation. Like Tabbie I trust my MO and doing my best to stick to what she is telling me which is exercise, diet and reduce my level of stress. I have cut out processed food, soy, reduced refined sugar and carbs, increased protein, etc. And will fold in a few supplements as she approves them.
When I first joined BC.org I was all over the broads but soon backed off and settled on 4 threads this one, the July thread, A Christian Women's Thread and a prayer thread. I actually had a long talk with my husband and my MO about this. My MO's input a few months ago was similar to Tabbies and I have kept that close to my heart. That the post don't reflect an accurate sampling, choose which one speaks to you personally and is best in support, encouragement and wealth of information. She has also said that women with success stories don't often post to these groups which is sad and I wish we could see more as many women are out there who don't have recurrences. I love when I do run across those that do post it is just awesome.
I also truly trust my onc and have a great relationship with her, she can in many instances tell when I have read something versus experienced something. She even answers most of my questions before I can even ask, yet she is a great listener. She has also indicated that I can have my coffee and wine, but I have chosen not to during my chemo. But she insistent on living a healthy live style and excerising but not a restrictive lifesytle. If that makes sense.
Hope this helps and glad we have a great group here.
-Angie
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cassiecat... I was discussing the Perjeta with my MO on my last appointment. I had bad big D, he was worried for adding Perjeta. I didn't tell that I had a big urge and ate the spicy Indian food. I had Perjeta in my round4, 1 hour infusion for the first dose and I had to stay for 30 minutes after infusion. It will be 5 hours for the next round. Perjeta will be infused over 30 minutes only. How's your SE with GI tract? More big D and nausea? We have the same cocktail now.
Ladyb I usually feel good on chemo day and one day after. The worst day will be day 2-5 post chemo. I've been eating as healthy and as many as I could today before my taste buds act funny. Hoping for better SE. I will be off from work for 8 days this time so I will have more rest.
Bippy thai food!! Nom nom. Love their tom yum soup and bubba drink.I even learn how to make the soup. Lol.Can't deal with coconut milk for now, I will have big D.
Gatomal and nurseshark closer to the last chemo. You are a trooper!!! Going through these chemo when you are pregnant. Thinking and praying for you and your babies .
I'm very happy to see some are going to finish their chemos.
Suebe and Eileen, I go to other forums with the same diagnosis. I found many great survivors with good advices and wonderful positive attitude. I tried to look into the same stage forum, there are few with 'giving up' attitude so I stop reading that forum .
Tabby and Eileen, I stopped using deodorant when I was diagnosed. I found it's shilly and reuse deodorant. I'm more careful now with the skin products I use. No paraben etc. I'm more careful with the food I eat. However on my worse days, I will just try to eat anything. Lol.
Thinkpink so happy for you. A survivor told me once you made it through chemo, you could do anything. You could claim yourself as a strongest girl ever. Stay strong, you will be fine....:-)
Hope everybody will be with minimal SE.
Stay strong ladies...
Hugs to you all
Shirley.
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SueB, yes I too ony have a few favorites and avoid the other boards. I have looked at the same ones as you, but gave it up. No control over any of it really, all we can do is try. I will be changing the whole lifestyle....from sedentary, stressed, eating garbage and overweight to a pretty healthy cancer patient! Already have cut booze out and exercise every damn day. Love feeling my legs and butt shrink! Workin on food, but have to get past chemo...
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Shirley, without jinxing myself
I have to say that I have had minimal side effects where my GI tract is concerned. I had C and D the first round but I've managed the C ever since through hydration and Colace a few nights in a row right after chemo. No D since that first round. My only real complaint is persistent heartburn, but now I take Prilosec every morning and even that isn't an issue any more. So I might not be your best comparison, ha ha. What do they give you in your IV premeds? I get Aloxi (anti-emetic) and that has really helped control the nausea. I do get queasy but Zofran always takes care of it. I don't know if that helps or not! But that's my story.
About living a healthy lifestyle - there are two other things I wanted to share. Back in January I started having a green smoothie just about every day. I really think that helped me get into a healthier state overall - I could see the difference in my toe nails, for example. I'd start the day with a smoothie and gave myself a really good dose of nutrition that way. There is a site called Simple Green Smoothies that has good recipes. The other thing that I am now watching is refined sugar. My daughter is too, but we both really love to bake, so this is a hard one for us! But as soon as I realized that they use radiated glucose in the PET scan because the cancer cells will soak it right up, it made me pause and think.
About which threads I read - I love this one, and all of you.
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Gatamol, I have twin girls also. They just turned 29. They both got engaged this year and in the midst of planning weddings, I got hit with cancer. The first wedding was the week before I started chemo and the next wedding is Nov 1. I just finished my last chemo and will begin radiation week after wedding.
Twins are fun. I cannot imagine going through chemo etc. with little ones or pregnant. You go girl!!! Sending mighty strong thoughts to all of you.
4th round knocked me off my feet. They believe I have a stomach ulcer now and will be doing further testing. Had some things show up on CT scan of abdomen and chest. Now follow through.
Each day is a little better. Having very very sharp stomach pains. This has by far been the worst round.
Ready to feel much better to be able to enjoy the wedding and give my daughter away!
Blessings fellow warriors!!
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Tp4ever -- I am there with you. I have my last treatment tomorrow also. YAY!!!! But, I have another surgery scheduled to make me completely flat and then possible radiation and then adjuvant therapy. It won't be long now!!!! I have had a different SE effect each treatment, so I can't wait to see what happens on this one.
SueBe -- I agree with all the others. You can fall to the "dark side" if you let yourself read to many boards. I have found that staying positive has helped me get through this. I have found some great boards and great ladies and I try to follow them month to month.
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Justamy, you are not being a baby. Please don't be hard on yourself. Cancer is a b*****. It is hard to get through this chemo crap. I so look forward to that third week when the real me comes back out and gets in the car. You have had a rough ride, but at least those are under your belt already. That is what I keep telling myself.
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Strongenough, I'm gonna be following you. We can do this!! Ready for the next step.
cassiecat, I'm going to read that book also. Thanks for sharing.
You guys are all so awesome. We are all so blessed to have somewhere to come to where others understand. It's so true what so many said about sticking to the threads that help you.
Live every moment.
Laugh every day.
Love beyond words.
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Thanks again everyone for your input. I am also finding that meditation helps put my mind on positive things like my breath, my heart beat and my aliveness.
I am praying for you all to get through your treatments with strength and comfort.
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Shirley, Perjeta is our friend, and cutting edge meds. I admit to having Big D, awful at times BUT it was mainly what I was puttin in my talk hole! It can be controlled with diet and meds, and I decided, better to have some D than cancer! Now, the first 3x, I also suffered crippling nausea, which sucked like nothing else...BUT. I still would keep Perjeta, as it can also me managed. Full disclosure, not sure my issues were all due to Perjeta, could be any of the other three.
If you can do some research on Perjeta, I would say decide after that. My own research shows it is unprecedented, except for Herceptin, at shrinkin that chit! Also, it got unheard of quick FDA approval for early stage BC just about a year ago.....we could not even get it before then, only Stage 4 ladies. Yes, it benefits the drug co., but the main thing is it actually works. My onco says it works like magic, and so far she is right. It is a big gun and big guns make noise, so you may be loudly flatulent
Cassiecat, I am going to do the juicing for sure after chemo. Anyone ever see the movie, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead? The power of food-to heal or destroy, it is real. It is unexpectedly touching and awe inspiring. You wont believe the ending! i had always heard that cancer loves refined sugar, so I say, starve it! Jeez why dont they tell us not to eat it, the scan thing blew me away too.
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Justamy, it gets better, hang in there! I was exactly the same until tx 4, and now am turning the corner and actually feel more like myself..... Normal for the first time since this began. You have been through alot recently, scary medical stuff, horror of SE, and your little heart and soul are just tired now. You will do better on Taxotere, give it a few more days. I know how it is, I am fighting anxiety and depression too and feel alot that my meds are not working, but that is just the nature of the beast. Do not ever give up, we need you as we all go further down this road.0
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thank you so much for the Perjeta input Cassiecat and bippy. I get 3 premeds Emed, Zofran, Decadron. Mo told me they should be good for 24 hours. My worst SE is big D for 5-7 days post chemo. I eat bland diet, rice, banana. Not really bad big D. Maximum 3 times a day. Nausea was bad on round 3. I took Zofran at day time and Phenergan at nite and they help. Round 4 last Tuesday, hoping the Perjeta won't make my SE worse. Oh man, I will do anything to kill this chit. Even with the worst SE days I have to be strong, whatever it takes to kill this chit. Lol. We could do it. her2+ group in the Facebook told me about the movie based on the true story of the doctor who invented the Herceptin 'Living Proof'. I will watch it after my zombie days over.
I will into the green smoothies book Cassiecat. We still have some kale and turnip green in the garden, they usually grow good during this cold weather. I just force myself to eat those green, I know they are good for me at this time.
Stay strong ladies...
Hugs to you all
Shirley
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Just a few pics of my "No Mo Chemo" celebration!!! My nurse even carried the theme through by writing it on my chemo bags! Gotta love it - some humor in the midst of turmoil...
One love,
tp4ever
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Love those pictures, ThinkPink!! Huge congrats on making it through!!!
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Thanks Tabby - it's a good feeling! I've been praying for all of us to make it through. Now on to Arimidex for five years, starting next month, and then more breast surgery next year to shape the girls and possibly get nipples - still deciding.
One love,
tp4ever
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way to go TPforever! How do you feel today? Tired from chemo or like a weight has been lifted?
I had my last A/C chemo yesterday, and feel like a truck hit me. I had so much acid reflux when I got back at 10pm (after 4.5 hrs cold capping) that I had to sit up in bed for four hours. I kept falling asleep, then would vomit into my mouth a bit, then cough uncontrollably, then start the process over. Rough night. Put on five pounds of water from the infusions and steroids, been peeing like an old man with prostrate troubles. I usually feel better than this these two days after.
My MO gave me the choice yesterday of weekly taxol, taxol every two weeks, or taxol every three weeks. He said three weeks might have less efficacy that two weeks or weekly. Uh, I though we settled this two months ago? I choose to go with weekly for the dosage is lower every week, the SEs may be less, and I want to give the babies the least amount of chemo as possible. I may only have five or six Taxols before delivery, and we would take a bit of a break to heal, as I am expecting a c-section, hopefully planned, but possible emergency like my last one. I'm just feeling down today, even though a big hard part is behind me, now I'm waiting to start the next big section of this treatment. Looks like surgery is in late Feb (lump) and I can't wait to get some imaging to see if there is any other cancer anywhere else or in my other breast. Probably cannot get an MRI since I had a spinal fusion for scoliosis 30 years ago, and still have a surgical implant. Still so many unknowns. Really craving more answers and a schedule. Worried about the babies too. I've been praying a lot. And praying for you all too, going through this. Hugs.
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tp4ever I am following you with my last next Friday. I too had a lumpectomy some years ago and now working on shaping my new boobs.
You are inspirational, strong and beautiful. I wish you all the best for the next stages of this fight. God bless you.
--Suebe
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Shirley, you're welcome. The combo of Perjeta and Herceptin, plus the carboplatin and taxotere, has completely knocked out my tumors. Wish I didn't have to do it three more times...
tp4ever, WOO HOO!!! Love your photos, and big congrats to you!!!
Gatomal, hang in there. I can't imagine going through all of this while pregnant. You must be one extra tough cookie! I'm keeping you in my thoughts and hope you're feeling better as the day goes on.
SueBe, I agree that meditation is a great tool. Yoga, too.
Hope50, I'm sorry to hear about your stomach. I hope it's something easy to resolve an that you're feeling great for the next wedding. Two weddings this fall - what a lucky mama you are.
justamy, keep on keepin' on. You can do this! We all can.
StrongEnough, hope the SEs are subsiding and you're starting to feel better.
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Gatomal, I hope you start feeling better very soon as the AC finishes its job and leaves you! What a long and complicated journey for you. I hope you tolerate the Taxol well so you can catch a break and await your babies in a bit more comfort. Sending good wishes to you, and all who are facing tough challenges on this journey.
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thinkpink congrats!!!!! Must be an awesome feeling.
Gatmol. Thinking about you and the babies. You are one special cookie! I just started every two week taxol. Had my first one Friday.
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congrats thinkpink4ever!!! I saw somebody rang the bell and all the nurses stood at her chair and sang for her last chemo. It was on my first chemo. I'm so happy for you.
Gatomal thinking of you and your babies.
Stay strong ladies. Hugs to you all,
Shirley
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Gatomal, I actually feel pretty good today, and yes, definitely like a weight has been lifted! Sorry you've had it so rough since that last treatment. I'm worried about you and the babies, and praying for all of you, my friend!
SueBe, I can tell you that next Friday will be a wonderful day for you! I am just as excited for you as I was for myself today. And shaping the new boobs is pretty doggone exciting too...
Thanks, CassieCat, Kellog, and pangtidor! Yes, it IS an awesome feeling! And they didn't have a bell, but I had my own mini party, and in my mind, there were bells ringing! Bells of joy!!!
One love,
tp4ever
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had a bad day yesterday. Well, good and bad. The chemo is kickin ass. Onco cannot locate any of my lumps, good! But I made my surgical appt. with PS in early November. A wave of freakout descended upon me. Sad, rage, loss, fear. Onco says if I want a lumpectomy, I could. But.....with all my issues, she still recommends, and I feel in my gut I want the BMX. Onco says it may be a 2 year period of surgeries, depending. Two years!
So, analytical about it this morning. It will suck, but give me peace of mind. Aren't I lucky it is treatable at all. To me, BMX equals best chance of survival and less worry. I have tons of love and support. I can get recon and look quasi normal in clothes.....And on and on.
I guess soon I will be more on the surgery board than here. I decided to not think about it till after PS consult, it is too overwhelming and need to finish chemo first.
so Gatomal and babies, be well and hope you get thru the tx better. thinkpink, woohoo!
Everyone else have a great SE free Friday! Our weather is heaven today so I am off yard salein' in the sunshine.
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