Starting chemo August 2014
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Thanks All. I am sitting in my chair for if al taxol. They decided to treat me. Whoch is good. Mentally I was having a hard time skipping a dose for no real reason. So cheers to everyone finishing up and all of you who aren't far behind and moving on. I don't think I'll be doing rads but I find out for sure Monday.
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very tired today, off to onco soon. Feel great otherwise though. No more chemo! I cannot really believe it.
Gettin together with pals and relaxing over the weekend, assembling the surgery stuff. Anyone watching Disappeared? I always wonder where those missing folks are at. I am hooked on it now......
Gatomal, dont worry about us! You have enough to take care of there and we will be okay. We all worry about your little ones and you. Glad you got some sleep and relief anyway....
Hope all improve with SE and have a good restful evening
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Sitting in the chair getting taxotere for the next to last time. The funny thing is I dreaded it for days but now that it's here, I'm OK. My counts were good today (6000+ wbc) but I gained 10lbs...next week I'll lose 11...lol. They scheduled me for fluids next Friday since I've needed them both times, so that's good. I should feel good till tomorrow night...then the SE's usually come with a vengeance... Esp GI stuff..big D and then nausea on day 6...oh well I'll get through it.
Hugs to all of you wherever you are on your journey.
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Justamy=SE of taxotere is fluid retention. So,gaining weight is easy. It takes 8 weeks for it all to come off.
Gatomal=Take care of yourself.
Kellogg=Yeah for you.!!!! No rads. Lucky.
I'm going to miss everyone. My life line. I feel like this has been forever. Today I made a list of all the restaurants I want to go to when I can taste food again. Should be in about 3 to weeks. FYI= Ensure taste better than Boost. My lunch everyday
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Eileen, please come and visit this thread and tell us how you are doing. YaY! for finishing.
As a group we need to see how we will stay in touch as we move forward and get back to our normal lives. Some groups have kept the same thread, others have moved to FB and some have started a new thread under a topic I believe is something like life after.... The key is I would like to stay in touch as long as possible with those that have walked this life changing journey with me. I know there maybe some that just want to leave it all behind once it is over; however there maybe some that I can stay in touch with for a while as it seems I have formed a friendship with each of you. Let's think how we will continue to stay i touch, have a reunion party, etc.
I will be on this thread for a while through March and after that checking in especially to support those that will be on this journey through their Herceptin treatments.
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I am out of the zombie days for the last time and I can't believe it. Now I just have o deal with the extreme exhaustion. Last night the reality of not doing TAC again hit me and I cried for at least a half hour straight. It felt so good. Like an exhale. Now on to Radiation on the 29th for my sim and official start on the 5th. I am praying for everyone as we come to the end and hope everyone is getting past the SE's and good luck to everyone going into surgery soon
Ana
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ladyb=I am happy to stay connected in any form or fashion. I am looking forward to eveyones anniversary from this DREADED time in our live.I will continue to read and post on calling all TN. I love reading about the women many years after DX.I will also stay here until everyone is gone. I hate change and always am the last to leave a party. My BF tells poeple just throw her out when you want to go to bed.
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Had my mamo/ ultrasound this morning. I was watching the screen as the tech moved around. We were in the same room I had my first biopsy done. I started thinking that all the grey spots may be something. When I was waiting to speak to the radiologist I started thinking the worst of course. What if???? Luckily all good! Wow what a relief.....
I also met for the first time with the RO for radiation treatment. I start Dec 18 and will do 33 in total. Everyone was really very nice there. They showed me the room and machine. I scheduled myself for 7:45 am everyday.
Have been very tired lately, even though it's been 2 weeks since last chemo. Eyes still running and nose bleeding on occasion. Besides some other fun SEs. I know it's going to get better. I almost went for manicure/pedicure today. My DH means well, but told me to wait a little longer. I still think I may go tmrw. He won't even notice. Lol
Hoping to get some Xmas decorations up this wknd. Going to be a minimalist this year. Having some family and friends Xmas eve, but my kids won't be around this holiday. I usually decorate for them. Just don't have the energy anyway. Which is totally not like me. I am non stop usually, but fatigue has hit me. I hope to get out and walk tmrw and try to build my strength up again.
Congrats to those just finishing up with Chemo and those getting real close. I am wishing minimal SEs for those who just had a treatment.
Cathie
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first taxol done. Less anxiety about infusion beforehand this time not being pregnant so that was nice ...was super hard to leave baby for whole day. We live about an hour from where we get treatment (Massachusetts General hospital) but traffic in and out of Boston is awful took 2h each way...so asked for later start time to make drive less stressful. I slept through most of 3h infusion because of benadryl but that's worn off and no wired from 40 mg Decadron iv pre med..sucks because baby actually sleeping well tonight and I'm wide awake....in laws here for one more day so maybe get some naps in afternoon...no other se yet😯
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learned some things at onco. I will be getting herceptin AND perjeta! she says that because I was getting it prior to surgery, I can get it for the full year! She says no SEs. I am thrilled to recieve it too, anything to stop the beasties. Anyone else gettin it too? Also, my tumors cannot be felt still, which is so wonderful. No more breast imaging for me since I'm having them both removed but pathology will tell. I get a MUGA next week to be sure all is well with my heart.
For everyone still undergoing treatment my heart goes out to you. I never had Taxol or the red devil but from what I've read it is really harsh. Be kind to yourselves and know that someday it will be over. My body still demands rest and I listen to it. Still have some aches too BUT it beats active chemo!
Ladyb I will remain here the whole trip and hope most of us will too, and even beyond. I have vested interests in all of you and want to know how you get on. It is part of my healing to reach out and to share the good, bad and etc....no way could I have done chemo without you. I will miss anyone that drops off this board, but also understand that sometimes it's better for a person to do that for their own healing and moving on.
Ha! Speakin of movin on, i talked to old boss yesterday. For all the crappy behaviour at my dx, he really was good to me during the 6 years prior. I am at peace and wish him well. But, how funny it was when I asked him about my replacement and were things going well. He Loves her because she comes in early every day. In other words, the gal works alot for free! she is such a nice person and I really like her, and I hate that she is in a pressure cooker job. He's going to take advantage of the fact that she does this and expect it all the time. Well, it is her choice and I too made that mistake.....it makes it easier for me to tell him I aint returning, since he has found a new, better version
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nurseshark- good to here your first taxol is done. It's hard to leave baby Levi but your still kicking cancers butt! I am being treated at MGH too and was there yesterday too doing my last taxol!
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Kellogg--that's too funny what time ? I started infusion @1030..we've prob seen each other my a/c was always Fridays too !my oncologist is isakoff, breast surgeon is specht plastic surgeon will be colwell.... congrats on finishing taxol..my primary nurse is George ....if you've had him you love him!!! M
Started to get some aches today but Motrin helping.
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I just noticed some mild swelling in my left ankle. That's the first swelling I've had at all. Hoping it doesn't get any worse
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Finished with #6 of #12. Very achy since yesterday evening. Tylenol seems to help but not get rid of it.
Kellogg, Congrats on finishing! Happy Dance for you. Did you get to ring the bell or some end of chemo routine at your center? How was dense dose Taxol? I opted for weekly.
Kellogg and NurseShark, hope the two of you get to meet.
CassieCat, I hope the swelling doesn't get any worse, I am always asked about swelling which my nurse calls edema (sp?).
-angie
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Cassiecat=Swelling is from taxotere. I have blown up from waist down some days. Usually worse 2 1/2 weeks after chemo. I take lasix if too painful. Back of calves and thighs. I was told this would dissappear on own about 8 weeks after chemo. I can only wear flip flops and try and keep my feet up as much as possible. I also watch my salt intact. Google taxotere fluid retention. My left ankle is worse. Most be the lympathtic system in our bodies.
Nursesahrk= The best of luck to you. Hope you are enjoying your baby.
Ladyb=wishing you minimal to zero SE's.
Bippy= I see you on the rad boards. I feel like part of my family is with me when I see your name.
5 days post chemo. Feel ok. I swear it is because I do not have to do this again. Still can't eat much. Back to eggs. My BF says I have gone through 6 dozen eggs in past 2 months. CLUCK CLUCK . Or CLUCK U Cancer.
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I had a feeling it was from the taxotere. Funny how it hasn't happened until now!
Cluck u cancer = funny!!! Thanks for the chuckle.
Kellogg and NurseShark - how fun that you might actually have seen each other and not known it already!
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Eileen: Cluck u cancer....I literally laughed out loud. I always get a chuckle and/or a good laugh from you and Bippy. Love it.
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nurseshark- that's too funny. My infusion was at 11:30 And I was there until around 4:15. My A/C was also Fridays. My nurses were Cathy and Jaime. I don't know George. I also see Isakoff and Specht was my surgeon as well. My plastic surgeon is Liao.
Ladyb- there was no official bell or anything but my 2 nurses sang and danced for me.
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justamy, big D and metallic taste are my worst SE. Big D is finally controlled on this round 6 with Lomotil. Ask your MO to call that in for you. Big D was horrible on round 5, I tried to manage with Immodium only, ended sleeping with attends at nights, had diaper rash.
Bippy I'm so happy you can leave that greedy boss behind in peace. Life is too short to deal with that kind of people. I was a workaholic before dx, had 3 jobs before dx. I still keep my one full time job, have an amazing boss, have many extra hours at home and realized one job is enough. I could spend a lot of time with my kids.
Eileen, restaurant hopping will be my treat after the surgery!!! I and hubby will do GI treat for few weeks and I will have to get to eat healthier and better. Lol.
Ladyb, I will drop by in the forum to check how everybody does.
Gatomal hang in there. All my pregnancies was awful, I couldn't imagine how you manage everything with this chemo treatment..:-(
Stay strong ladies, hugs to you all
Shirley
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To be normal, sort of, is a treasure. New wallyworld near my home, ia small one. A surprisingly good assortment of organic and fresh foods....for the first time since August 7 I was able to complete a grocery trip without gagging. Making fresh homemade meals all week!!!! No more processed crap. My DH will be in heaven. I make a soup that is actually a Thai chicken creamy coconut soup. I have to tell my husband it's called Chinese chicken soup because he does not do thai food and would not eat it if called a thai name. He is hilarious! If he only knew that he does like it......he scarfs it right up
I love to cook and I am just in heaven to because I feel good.
Shirley, Eileen, cassie, caty, angie, Amy and everyone else still doing chemo I'm thinking of you and remembering how you got me through it. I can't wait till you guys are done and can also feel good! Almost there.. CLUCK CANCER!
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Good morning, everyone.
Aside from the swelling that seems a tiny bit better this morning, and non-stop drippy eyes (both from the Taxotere, I think!), and some insomnia again, I'm feeling pretty good today. I got to watch all of the rehearsals yesterday for Nutcracker, and tomorrow we move into the theater. Performances begin Friday! I'm so excited.
I've got a few errands to run today, and some plans for the upcoming week as well. It should be a good week. I meet again with my surgeon on Tuesday, so hopefully I can get some more of my questions answered. He's very good about that, and very encouraging too.I snapped this picture yesterday - my daughter sewing a new pointe shoe while waiting to rehearse.
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cassiecat - so excited for your daughter in the Nutcracker. Enjoy! Yes the Taxotere makes eyes run. Mine are still running. Can't wait for SEs start subsiding, think I have a few weeks to go.
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Cassiecat= Your daughter is beautiful. Love the costume.
Taxotere+ The gift that keeps on giving. The SE's keep coming. I did 6 rounds of it and I feel I am now an expert. Tearing eyes(taxotear) Edema, metal taste in mouth, and generally feeling crummy.
Chemo= Another opportunity to excel in life.!!!!!!!
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Taxotere definitely stinks! On day 3 after my 3rd infusion and here come the SE's. I can't believe this kicks my butt so much more than AC did. This was supposed to be the easier of the two. Well just one more treatment. I can make it. Love to all of you. Congrats to those who are finished and praying for those of you still going through it. It will be over soon!
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day 2 after taxol.. I have to say I felt better after AC ...at least with that I was just tired. Taxol I've had body aches since yesterday and awful headaches.I think the Decadron I had pre infusion is finally wearing off but last2 nights I've had bad sleep. Hand numbness is worse today but feet are a little better.... hmm thank god only 3 more doses let's get this shit over with 😤
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Nurseshark, that is exactly how I feel/felt. AC made me feel like I was hit by a bus, but could recover after a few days of SEs and they were manageable and there was a remedy somewhere. With Taxol, the aches/pains, tingling and GI tract issues for me are constant. I can take something for the GI tract issues but the other SEs I just have to push there them. The pain meds only mask the pain for me. In summary, little relief from the SEs associated with Taxo especailly after the steriods wear off. And the fatigue OMG! I am now part time due to each of these. There is no "UP TIME" with Taxol -- at least for me. I am with you at least we are almost done. I am half way through #6 of #12. Are you getting dense dose? or Weekly?
Kellogg and Nurseshark, I really hope the two of you are able to meet. I am on another thread were a few of the posters lived close enough that they met each other and still met up with each other.
Cassiecat, Your daughter is beautiful. The picture is a keepsake. We are all waiting to see pictures from the performance and read your blog written from a proud Moms point of view on how awesome the performance was.0 -
Lady, though I started after you it seems we will finish about the same time. I do taxol #6 of 12 on Tuesday. What is helping me,with the Se's is the thought that if it is kicking my butt it must really be reaking havoc with the cancer cells! Love, Jean
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Jean, I like that saying. I agree if it is kicking my butt it is definitely reaking havoc with the cancer cells. The enemy (chemo) of my enemy (cancer) is my friend. I reset my sails (thoughts) yesterday as I was in so much pain I just wanted to say no more; but I know it was only a thought and I will continue to push to the end.
Outside of the SEs had an awesome day. My son (who is a chef) and his friends came and cooked dinner last night and we had game night -- which I sat and watched most of the time. But it was awesome to have my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews and friends over. They spoiled me rotten and it was an unexpected evening. They not only cooked dinner, but took care of me most of the day and started putting up the Christmas decorations up. I have to say my youngest daughter is her mother's daughter.
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ladyb... I am getting dose dense taxol so only 3 more thank god I don't know if I could handle 12 weeks in a row ....
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today Bippy made a dutch apple pie, thai soup, cream spinach, and a baked sketti casserole. No mo sickness!
I did however dream last night that I was having surgery in a mall kiosk. Yes in a mall kiosk like where they pierce ears. WTF? The whole feeling of the dream was bored annoyance on my part not fear or pain. My PS was bein an ass, ignoring me and letting my boobs deflate on the table. Ok so maybe I am a tad nervous. Whatevah. It just cannot be worse than chemo, physically. I am seein though it is gonna be very, very hard to take, having scars for awhile where my lovely breasts used to be. I anticipate many tears. I already miss them, deadly as they may be
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