Starting chemo August 2014
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taxol #2, is done,2 more to go, half way there. WBC was back up and liver looking ok. But I do have an appointment with liver specialist in Dec just to be cautious.
I'm a little behind on posts
Bippy, justamy, Kellya and very one I missed who isn't feeling good- I hope you're doing better!
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I haven't gained...yet. Hope that's not coming too.
Watching my girl rehearse right now. These are the good moments.
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Taxol #2 is done. I am doing pretty good 2 days post tx. I have to say that Taxol is easier than AC -- so far and hope it stays that way. With that said, I do have SEs with Taxol; however they are much different in terms of severity than those I had with AC. For me the SEs that I had to endure during AC were harder on the body and mind but there was a remedy for them i.e. mouth sores, nausea, headaches, fatigue, etc. The SEs with Taxol are not as 'hard" on the body yet they are not as easy to manage and I just have to "take" it. With AC I knew I would have my up days. With Taxol it is just "continuous" and glad they are not as sever. Examples
- nails are turning purple and I just have to put tea tree oil, nail strengthener, dark polish and hope that they don't get any worse,
- body aches and joint aches or Flu like feeling -- take pain meds,
- fatigue is different on Taxol than AC -- on Taxol I just have to sleep and sleep I do,
- eye twitching -- just comes and goes but nothing can be done about it, and
- dark spots all over skin, feet, tongue and there is no fix. I am told they will disappear sometime after stopping Taxol.
The above list are the "big' ones, there are some other annoying ones but ever so minor. I don't have any signs of neuropathy as of yet and hope it stays that way. The only constant is no taste buds, no appetite and acid re flux is a bear. When I told my MO that after starting Taxol I just forget to eat she indicated that it is called -- Chemo Anorexia. If it keeps up they will give me a appetite stimulate. I may need this as I lost 3 pounds between my weekly treatments. One day I just remembered around 5:00pm that I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. I am considering setting alarms to remind myself to eat as I did it again today. Anyone else have this issue -- it is different than the SE of no taste or bad taste. I just don't remember to eat. My DSIL suggest I try cannibase (sp?) oil to deal with the aches and pains and appetite (big smile).
The sliver lining(s) 1) I am growing hair -- it is peach fuzz but it is hair and 2) I still have eyelashes and eyebrows as of today and hope it stays that way. LoL.
Well the Taxol sleep is calling. I have to say I do get in bed by 9:00/9:30pm every night unless I come home and take a nap then I sleep until 9:00/9:30. Around 11:00pm I hit the sack for the night. With the exception of the day of and after chemo I had insomnia due to the steriods.
Hugs to all and have a great weekend!
-angie
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LadyB - Glad to hear from you and how your doing. Your SIL is right. Definitely helps with nausea, appetite and aches. Easier on stomach compared to all the meds taken for SEs.
I am having insomnia tonight. Couldn't go to bed early enough all week, now this.
Wishing everyone minimal SEs.....
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ladyb, yes, cannibas does work for that. Hysterically, my onco told me that the pill was useless, but recommended the "real thing", while miming smoking a doobie! She says it works best of all! And it does. So, Yes, I use it. No, I do not care for being high but it is not awful. It is the only thing that removes the most nausea and anxiety and it does not take much. Is it legal where you live? It makes SE bearable and also is relaxing. Ironic too...I used to be the pot smoking fool, but quit over 25 years ago along with the ciggies.
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Catie and Kellya, will get the boost for the next round. I didn't think on the 'junk' anymore in the McD and sonic smoothies and milkshake, they tasted good. Lol.
Kellya hope your counts are better, hope you don't have to spend weekend in the hospital.
Eileen we will be on the chair on Monday!! There are some qshows I like on Sunday night on the same time: walking dead, downton abbey, homeland. Hubby will save them and I will watch them on my zombie lazy days. House of cards in netflix, we usually turn the netflix back on when orange is the new black new season is on and will watch many episodes of their episodes. I usually play farmville or voice chat with my families abroad on the Facebook messenger on my chemo days. It will be a long day.... I have to do echo too.
Kellya no more dead plants on farmville2. Lol.
Cassie, I didn't know you have 3 days apart of TC and HP. The center is 2 hours away from home, one long day is better for me. My skin gets so sensitive with the soap now, I have to rinse more while washing hands and taking showers. The ladies in TCH group are wonderful, I visit there often too.
I like the happy ending stories only..:-) I don't read 'the inspirational stories' of breast cancer on the Facebook anymore. The last story was horrible just made me down so no more. Lol.
I'm happy to know you feel good today Amy.
I found something interesting. Exercise till you sweat makes you feel better. I tried it on my 'good days' from the advice of another warrior.
Bippy I hope the grumpy days are under control now...:) DH has a great joke for me : the bitchy days are the sign when my zombie days over. Lol.
I haven't got the swollen legs yet but I will have my hommer Simpson belly on my acid gassy tummy and big D days. Whewwww, have to be though...
Pretend to be though is a big help too !!!
I have to open the forum more often, many posts and I'm afraid I miss somebody.
Have great weekend ladies. Stay strong and hugs to you all.
Shirley
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Shirley, normally I don't have them split up, but my onc wanted to do the echo before giving more HP, and he decided that at the last minute. Literally - I was on my way there. The echo and ecg were fine, so I think rounds 5 and 6 will be back to normal with TCHP all on the same day. That is my preference, anyway. Just get it all done and over with.
Catie57, I toss and turn a lot and see to be waking up around 4 a.m. these days. 1 mg of Ativan at bedtime used to help me sleep but it hasn't lately, so I've stopped using it. Maybe it will help again once I give myself a week or two off of it.
Angie, it's good to hear your update. I hope the SEs from Taxol don't get any worse for you. It might be good to set yourself some alarms to remind yourself to eat. When I lost weight the first round they asked me to try and eat every 1-2 hours. Eating a little more often helped me. Very excited to read about your hair.
Kellogg, nice to hear from you. You're getting close to the end!
Bippy, the low point for WBC, if I understand correctly, can be 7-14 days. On Wednesday (6 days post chemo for me) my WBC was at 3.1 (a little low). Since they didn't know if I was still on my way down, or about to come back up, they checked again on Friday. On Friday it was up to 12.8 (a tiny bit above normal). Neulasta works for up to two weeks, I think. I think low hemoglobin can lead to low energy, since your body isn't able to circulate as much oxygen.
I'm feeling better today compared to yesterday, and yesterday was WAY better than Thursday, so I think I've turned the corner for this round. Taste buds are off, I don't sleep very well and I miss my long hair every day, but not much to complain about this morning, thankfully. 12 days until round #5, and then one more after that!
I hope everyone has a lovely Saturday with minimal SEs.
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A question for he ladies on taxol. Did anyone get a flushed/red itchy face the next day? I had taxol #2 yesterday and today my face is flushed and itchy. I took a benedryl and seems better.
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- Feeling pretty good after first Taxol/Herceptin/Perjeta except for some fatigue and D. Monday I am getting a port and the second Taxol only. H/C will only be every 3rd week. Wishing everyone a restful weekend. Love, Jean
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Jean, so glad you are feeling good after 1st Taxol!
Kellya, not for me; however I did bring out in itchy spots on my arms after my 1st and 2nd Taxol treatment which I use hydrocortosone for on the recommendation from the Onc Nurses.
Cassie, so glad you are feeling better today. I would love to see a picture of your daughter rehearsing. I know you are one proud Mama. We plan on going to see a performance of the Nutcracer this year. There are several in the area.
Pangtidor, I will try to step up my exercise and sweat a little more. Especially if it makes me feel better. I do believe and see that just exercising makes me feel tons better even on my bad days.
Caite and Bippy, DH and I are going to cannibase shop as the Onc clinic also recommended it the oil and other goodies they may have to help me through Taxol. It is legal in this area. I want to move towards getting away from so many prescription meds and don't want to add another one to the the mix. So to help with my appetite and aches my DH has agreed to "explore"
as he wants to ensure I feel good and do whats best for me. He also sees the impact of the aches and not eating has on meHave a great weekend all with minimal SEs are manageing those that you do have. Those that are on the upswing enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Those that are preparing for surgery get as much info as you can to choose the best options for you. Those in rads -- good luck!
-Hugs Always across the miles,
-Angie
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thanks for the support everyone. Went for a nice bike ride today, weather is glorious. Listened to what my body wanted, so I didn't do much today but managed to clean, dust, and mop the kitchen floor.
Last night DH went to this tiny little taco place and brought back just plain chicken tacos. Authentic too so had no cheese or any toppings. I'm going to give him the news in a few minutes but that is what I want for dinner again tonight! I tolerated it so well it was very tasty. Also I don't feel like dealing with any type of food right now other than to eat it. Weird, preparing it, no matter what it is makes me feel nauseated, but I can handle frozen dinners and toaster strudels! And some taco takeout and yogurt. Tomato sauce is exquisite tasting!
Anyhoo, go gals that are trying canabis for relief. Better than addictive pills that are so harmful! We must educate and advocate for our own comfort and health. i am all for non narcotic relief for physical and mental pains.
Anyone have plans for tomorrow? Hard to make I know, but I sure hope to get that darn tree!
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Cassie , my echo will be on Monday right before 5th chemo. We will have to leave the house at 0545, get the blood withdrawn for labs, get echo done, see the oncologist and review my lab and 6 hours infusion TCHP . Perjeta will be 30 minutes this time. It will be a looooooooong day. Lol . Just like you said get it all done and over with.
Kellogg, hope the itches are managed well with Benadryl for now.
Jean hope minimal SE with taxol.
Well ladyb let us know how the canabies work on you....:-)
Bippy nice to know you are doing better! It's 50s-60s here on days in Missouri and I already with my insulated jacket. Lol. Next week will be on 30s, I hope I were in Florida by then. Lol. Go get the darn tree....:-)
Stay strong ladies... Hugs to you all
Shirley
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Tonight my BF(boyfriend) I am old don't know all the initials for stuff secretly freaked out. I heard him tell someone I had the feet of Fred Flintstone. He is VERY against me going to round 6. He wants the next round to be my last. I will talk to my MO on Monday. I am now short of breath and it is sometimes hard to walk due to all the fluid I am holding in my legs. I am not the girl I once was. I want to make the Right decision. I NEVER want this stuff to come back, if I need to do 6 rounds then I will.
This is so tough. The end is near. However,if this fluid retention gets worse I feel I am in big trouble. I have googled and gone to all the boards about fluid retention. It is common. It is just super uncomfortable. I wore my gardening shoes to work today.
Sorry to be such a downer. Hope everyone is having fun.
Get the tree Bippy. Christmas is any day you want it to be!!!
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Bippy my daughter wants to put our tree up also. I think it will make her happy and a distraction from my cancer etc. it will be a nice change. Not sure we're gonna do it yet, but it's a thought.
My kids are planning thanksgiving and going to do all the cooking since I will be in the middle of rads they don't want me to have to do much of anything. I'm gonna sit back and let them. That will be hard for me to do, but gonna do my best.
I've had fluid retention also. My legs are still feeling very heavy. I've been walking as much as I can. Did not sleep worth beans last night. Took a pain pill and then ended up just itching all over and then felt sick at my stomach. Tonight has to be a better night. I sure still struggle with sleeping.
Happy thoughts for everyone here!! Hang in there eileenpg.
It's suppose to get really really cold here this week. My little bald head is gonna get a big shock. Brrrrr
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Hi ladies,
I hope you don't mind me jumping in...I started chemo back on 8/7 but just found these boards. I have completed 5 of 6 treatments, last one is scheduled for 11/20.
I am so looking forward to being done and getting my port out. My 2 year old seems to head butt me right in it at least once a week.
Lately I have been really on edge and short tempered. My poor husband feels beat up. Anyone else find the fatigue makes you cranky?
Thank you and looking forward to connecting with you!
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Colorado - Welcome to the board and sorry at same time that you have to be here. This is a great group of knowledgeable and supportive women.
Hope - That is so wonderful that your children want to prepare Thanksgiving for you. Both my children have really stepped up during this time. I try never to impose on them, but can see they really want to help.
Pangtidor - Will be thinking of you on Monday. Good luck on #5.
Bipsy - Chicken tacos sound good, enjoy! Today 2 different neighbors randomly stopped by with prepared meals for us. That was so incredibly nice. I did that for another neighbor last wk who had heart issues. I have some great neighbors and friends.
My energy level was up today. Tonight my body is just tired. Going to rest now.
Wishing everyone minimal SEs.
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eileen, what does doc say about that breath? Not to nag ya but I would call them...if you have not, cuz one of my gals in Hermet club had that and it was pneumonia. Just what ya need, right? Sorry for the swelling too, my belly looks better but I also do not want round six. I'm going to have to force myself to do it.
Hope, lets do the trees! Do you know what the kids have planned for Thanksgiving menu? Put those feet up and enjoy!
Colorado, welcome to our club. I also am getting my port out soon, during my bmx. I am grateful for it but hate it. Cranky? Oh yeah. I vacillate between anger, zen, and apathy and it cycles every 10 minutes! I Will be getting my last infusion while you're getting your fifth.
Pangtidor, be well, best luck tomorrow.
Cassie, Catie and everyone, have a good Sunday and we should all be on an upswing soon!
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hi sisters one more thing. My friend KNM just started a December 2014 surgery sisters board. See you there soon! I should have a date soon will post it there too.
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Jean, it sounds like things went pretty well. Keep on keepin' on! Good luck with the port. What made you decide to go that route at this point?
Angie, a friend of mine has also suggested I consider cannabis for my worst days. Let us know how things work out for you. I am in CA also.
Bippy, glad you enjoyed the tacos! I don't think my surgery will be until mid-January, but I'l be popping in on the December surgery board.
Shirley, that will be a lonnnggg day! I feel for you. I think we have my infusions down to about 4 hours total, but it still takes more like 5-5.5 to do it all when you count starting the IV, giving the prep meds, etc. Still, it's shorter than a work day.
Eileen, I really feel badly for you. It seems like there just ought to be something they can do to help you., They try to hard to help us with every other SE. Please be careful. I am thinking about you.
Hope50, that is so nice of your kids! I bet they will feel really good doing it, too. Enjoy.
I hope you slept better.ColoradoCancerMom, welcome to the group that no one wants to have to join! I can't imagine going through all of this without the support and information (and humor!) of these lovely ladies. I go for #5 of 6 infusions on the 20th.
Catie, great to hear your energy is up. Isn't it nice to start feeling a more normal level of tiredness and not extreme fatigue!
Hope and Bippy, we are due for 80 degree weather again here soon in So Cal. Your Christmas tree ideas are cracking me up! But go for it.
I slept until 6am today! Woo hoo! I can't remember the last time I did that. I was shocked when I saw what time it was. That alone should help my energy today.
No big plans for today. I think I'll just let the day unfold and see what gets done. I do have to get some letters of rec finished, though! My students are waiting for those, so I need to finish them up. I posted this on the TCH board too, but does anyone have an irritated vein? I've got one and last night it was itchy. I don't see any streaks or signs of infection, so I'm hoping it's a sign of healing (sometimes things get itchy as they heal, right?). Taste buds are still weird and I switched from some mild D to now some C - wonderful. But I had a decent appetite yesterday and slept more, so life is pretty good today. Does anyone check out their head already for signs of new growth? I still haven't lost all of my hair (it is extremely thin, however, and mostly gone). What I have has grown a bit since I buzzed it all to half an inch or so whenever that was. And I have four or so that have grown like mad! They are fighters! So it sort of gives me a weird hope that my hair is going to start coming back before chemo is over. I think it's a false hope, but I can't totally shake it.Have a beautiful Sunday, everyone. I hope we all manage our SEs and enjoy our days.
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Welcome Colorado. Sometimes I am so fatigued, it's all I can do to spit a sentence out, and when someone doesn't hear me, and I need to repeat it, I get very cranky. I used to be able to handle lots of stress and multitasking, but I just feel like a soft little princess now that really can't handle anything new, big and stressful. I know it will pass, just feeling week and sick makes it hard to take on other things. Oh, and I am 28 weeks pregnant w twins too, so whatever hormones are left don't help either.
Tonight my husband went out with a friend of a friend who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer three years ago, and had chemo, surgery, and medieval radiation treatments x 35. During his radiation, a survivor passed along a bracket that had been worn by three others going through active treatment, and he wore it through finishing and until now when he got his two-year NED check-up. Last night at dinner, he passed it along to my husband to give to me. It is so touching and hopeful...this chain shared through suffering and survival. It just has been making me cry. I hope to pass it on to someone who needs it in the future myself.
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Kellogg & eileenpg ... I was on taxol for 11 months ... I always had a red face the day following infusion, due to the steroid, decadron, however, it was not itchy. The itchiness could indicate an allergic reaction, so be sure & report this.
In regards to being short of breath and swelling ... any shortness of breath should be reported immediately; I also had a lot of swelling. There are times the shortness of breath and swelling can be related, but this needs to be assessed by M.D. Pls do discuss with your Onc regarding round 6. I say this not to upset you but to make you aware in case you are not aware ... my understanding is grade 3 is a more aggressive tumor, as is the triple negative diagnosis. So I would say it's very important to discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.
Best of luck.
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Thanks for everyones reponse. I went to my RO on Tuesday. He checked my lungs and I do not have pneumonia. Also,no symptoms of pneumonia. I go to my MO tomorrow for ROUND #5. I am going to talk to him about my SE. I was told by both MO's I went to to have between 4 to 6 rounds. So, I will see what he says. I am going to go for #6 if he feels I am in a ok range. My SE may seem worse to me as I am NUT about my weight and have exercised for over 35 years 5 days a week. Literally,before I was dx I probably weighed myself 5 times a day. Scale addiction. When I moved to Fl I did not buy a scale to break the habit. My weight has been the same for over 20 years.
Welcome Colorado= Sorry you have to be with us but,this is a great group and welcome.
Pantidor= I with you tomorrow. However, my drive is about 30 minutes to MD office. Sorry,you have such a long day. Good luck.
Hope and Bippy. Go get the tree and decorate it super great. Again,christmas is any day you want it to be. That is the same with any holiday. It can be any day you choose. Actually, we should make everyday a holiday that we feel good.
Again,thank you for caring about me. I did not want to join this club but,here I am. As Groucho Marx said "I never want to join a club that would have me as a member." This club anyone and anybody can quickly become a member. One in 8 women.
Best to all,
eileen
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I am so happy!! I slept so very good last night. Better than I have in months. So, I'm expecting an awesome day!! Not gonna overdo, but enjoy with more energy. I am just so thrilled to have finally slept.
Hope everyone has a day!
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hi all, Bippy made Day Before Payday Fried Rice! It is real easy, delish and healthy and will not hurt me. So proud....that is the full extent of my activities today. Nauseated alot but able to eat.
My hairs are growin back too, weird lookin. My nails are growing like crazy. Polished them nice, they feel strong. Very fatigued all day, had to lay in recliner alot. I slept nice last night too! How nice that is. Goin down soon tonight too, not fighting it.. I guess I am and old fart, cuz I confess to loving old radio mystery noir type audiobooks! Each night I listen....you really get swept away easily and it stops my monkey brains from thinking on my situation....got some Poirot goin now...sometimes I dream I am in the story, what fun. Plus they are all old from the golden radio age, so the language is lyrical and quaint. Lots of steamppunky london and old school america....The fellas are dreamboats and all the dames have great pins! I am such a dork.......
Well, I am thinking of you all wishing NO more freakin SE! It is getting ridiculous.
Bippy does not like Mondays...
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ColoradoMom, the fatigue definitely makes me cranky. I was terrible earlier this week! I think we can all relate to that SE!!!
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Hi all. Getting my port tomorroe. Decided to protect my veins since I have 23 more infusions to go and may need lymph nodes,removed after taxol. Love, Jean
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welcom Colorado!
Bippy, glad you were able to make the rice and enjoy it! Good luck tomorow!
Jean good luck with getting the port tomorrow, I'm sure it will go well! It is so nice using it for blood work and chemo. Get some EMLA cream. Glob it on top of the port an hour before it needs to be accessed. I cover mine with Saran wrap, going to buy press n seal.
Cassiecat, hope you are gaining energy.
Hope, so glad you are on an up day!!
Eileen, I'm worried about your swelling and breathing. Press for answers tomorrow. Hugs to you.
Syrmon, Kellogg, Eileen, I get a rosy glow, had it with AC too. Mine is due to the steroid de adorn, but no itch. I agree, probably allergic reaction so tell them.
Had another neupogen shot today, hopefully blood work is good tomorrow and I can have chemo. Fingers crossed
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Kelia, I am supposed to pick up a scrip for EMLA when I get the chemo. I won't need it for this chemo since they will leave the port accessed from the OR. Thanks for the advice. Love, Jean
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damn iPad froze on me- they only cold thing in the bed. Anyway, im gonna ask my doc if I can use any of these products friends have sent me and I will letcha know what she says. See, the thing is we are gonna get out there hiking again, it's just gonna take some time. Did you read "wild" by Cheryl Strayed? Thinking of all of you- brave, badass women!!
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