Starting chemo August 2014
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only one more taxol left!!! Last chemo 1/16 fingers crossed my wbc count was low (3.5) absolute neutrophils 1.5 this is lowest they've been throughout anything. Never had nuelasta shots doc says if too low before next,treatment we may delay a week. I really wanna get this over with. Concentrating on staying healthy hubby went to store and stocked up on favorite beverages and meal supplements drinks. Lots of lean proteins and fruits and veggies. He is sleeping with baby in other room next few days so I can sleep uninterrupted. Plan is to sleep eat well, stay active (keep walking and yoga regimen up).asked about other supplements(vitamins/herbs)to take but didn't really get any concrete recommendations.
Anybody take anything other than nuelasta for wbc that I can run by oncologist ?
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Hi All, I went MIA for a few days but will go back and catch-up on post tonight.
Finished #10 of 12 on Tuesday, woot, woot! Last chemo on 1/14. Still amp'd on steroids and got a lot of house work done today. Two more to go and I have to say I am still waiting for chemo to be over, but there is still that side of me that is taking a deep sigh that it is almost over. I am in an emotionally better place now than I was a few weeks ago when I first "talked" about my anxiety of chemo ending. I don't have to be talked off the ledge but just have get ready to step into the next phase of this journey.
I was able to get into the Ophthamologist immediately on Tuesday based on my symptoms. The Opthamologist was glad I called and didn't wait. I have a detached Posterior vitreous also commonly known as a PVD. Thanks Windgirl and SandyLovesLucy you were spot on! He was so wonderful and eccentric. I loved his analogies and explaining to me why the PVD Is neither cancer nor chemo related -- he was a jewel. He also took the time to explain to me that this is common in people that are nearsighted and commonly occurs with age. He was surprised that I have not seen floaters (as he saw plenty of them..lol..but said they were tiny). Also explained that if I see a change in the light's flashing (as with time they should go away as my brain will adjust), or a lot of new floaters or what looks like lighting storm or a swarm of floaters, that is more of a medical emergency -- which leans to more o a detached retina. Glad it is not that at this time -- have enough to deal with at the moment. I have to say I was very impressed that he had read up on my medical history in terms of chemo treatments, migraines, drugs, etc. He was prepared, very communicative and just overall concerned and supportive.
Again, thanks all for your quick response to my question, support and asking about follow-up.
Hugs to my peeps!
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Sorry to report I'm only good for 3-4 hours a day in Vegas compared to the usual 12! Now, I know this sounds silly, but it does make me sad. We always have so much fun when we are here. Got out of bed and watched the big fireworks display from our window. Not quite the same as being outside on the strip. We did have a wonderful meal on NYE at Delmonicos. They were forecasting snow here, but there were only a few flurries.
I sent the rest of our group out tonight without me for our last night here, I've been in my pjs since 330 this afternoon. But, at least I got to come...hope not for the last time.
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Beatmon, I was thinking about you earlier this week. I am so glad you were able to go to Las Vegas but sorry you were not able to get out as much as you had hoped. With that said, I am so glad you were able to spend the 3 to 4 hours a day with your group and enjoy and not overdue it. Rest up and just think how you will enjoy your next trip.
Safe Travels home and wishing you a Happy New Year!
-Angie
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Nurse Shark= If they give you the shot Neulasta remember to take Claritin the day of the shot and for 5 days total. I took with an Aleve once a day. The first time I had the shot I did not know to take. The bone pain was unbelieveable. After that I never had bone pain. As for low WBC's. When I was to start chemo my WBC's were 2.9. I was told I had leukemia and breast cancer.(I was FREAKED) The day of my bone marrow biopsy my WBC's jumped to 5.5. My friend told me my Mom who lives in heaven was hard at work getting my counts up. I will ask her to do the same for you. She was a tough chick on earth and I quess a tough chick on the other side. I do not know of anything to increase WBC's. I would have tried. Neither of the MO's I was seeing one in Fl and one in Baltimore did not have any suggestion on high to increase your WBC without medication. Good luck!!!Beatmom= Glad you were able to go away. I know in time all of our energy levels will be back to normal. We have to give time,time.
Bippy= I can't wait to paint my nails. Oh how I miss that part of my life. My feet are too swollen and I am afreaid to do anything to them. My nails still ach at times.
LadyB=glad you found the root of your eye problem. Glad it was not serious.
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Ladyb, whew, I'm so glad to hear it wasn't a detached retina! Sounds like you found a great doc. I went to a new ophthalmologist for my recent visit and she was terrific, too. Turns out her husband had cancer and she was very understanding of how difficult treatment can be.
Beatmon, it's nice to hear that you were able to make the trip. Here's hoping that we will all get our energy back soon. I make plans to get things accomplished and at the end of the day there isn't must checked off the list! I'm hoping that when I finish rads the tiredness will go away. I hope to be able to work and travel full-time again by February but right now I can't imagine having the stamina for that yet.
Nurseshark, so glad that you've only got one more to go! Also glad to hear that you are taking good care of yourself and getting as much rest as you can. Although you must want to look at Levi's cute little face all day.
(the shirt is hilarious!)Bippy, I'm looking forward to that book! Gotta keep laughing through all of this or else we would go crazy! I wore a blinking Rudolph nose to radiation a couple of days before Christmas. I told the doc he was giving me such a high dose that I had developed this weird system.
first time I've seen him go speechless. Wishing everyone a nice weekend,
Hugs, Sandy
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NurseShark, only one taxol to go. Yippee! I asked about eating or supplements to improve blood counts but was told there wasn't really anything to be done that you're not already doing.
Bippy, thanks for the reassurance about fibroids. I never knew I had them until I was pregnant, and then I grew one alongside DD. She was 3.5 pounds (premie) and the fibroid was 5 pounds! Size of a volleyball and they had to remove it via a big ol' vertical abdominal incision. Same way they had to deliver DD. I'm leery of any more ab surgeries, so hopefully what you say will be true for me too. Oh, and I'll buy your book when you publish it!
Justamy, I hope you're continuing to feel better. That was great to read.
Jeni E, I like the quote you shared.
Angie, you're almost done! Yay! I'm so glad your eye isn't more serious and that you have a good doctor to see about it.
Beatmon, I hope you're enjoying the trip, even if it isn't the full 12 hour days for you. The next trip will be better!!!
We're having a quiet day here today, but January weekends will soon be busy, as DD is auditioning this year to go away for a summer ballet intensive. She has 11 auditions planned over the next two months! It's an exciting time, and it's nice to have something to think about besides cancer and surgery. Her first one is tomorrow - wish her luck!
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ladyB...so glad to hear about your eye. Can you believe that our chemo support group raised the alarm and I would like to think, helped you make that appt sooner rather than later? And they were spot on? Wow. We are awesome. Good job all.
Beatmon. It's better to be there than not go at all. I feel sad and guilty for not spending as much time as I would normally with my girls, but I know it is temporary, and any time is better than no time, so be gentle with yourself, and put the disappointment in perspective. I would have loved to go to dinner NYE! And fireworks, and flurries in Vegas! That's one for the record books. I was in bed by 8:30. Looking forward to a more memorable NYE next year.
Nurseshark. How is your baby doing? I have two more nights to go, with my section Monday. Feeling a bit nervous. Got even more help for the household for the month of January. Perhaps a bit of overkill and expensive, but so worried about the possibility of two surgeries in eight days. It is so hard not knowing. I'd like to get back on that chemo train again too, I have two months left to go with weekly taxol. No experience with boosting blood counts except extra time. A week can really make a difference, even though you just want to power through. Good luck!
Hugs to Bippy and her mojo. Justamy and Cassie (I think it's cassiecat) nice to see you in the Jan surg board too! So funny how we all bop around and come back to the core chemo group. Stay warm and enjoy the weekend all, prayers for healthy chemo babies, and I'll post a pic soon!
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beatmon- I agree. Awesome that you got to go to Vegas and enjoy some of the trip even if you didn't get out as much as you wanted. Next year for sure!
Ladyb- glad you got to the dr about yor eyes. Awesome that our group helped out. You ladies are truly amazing!
Nurseshark- yay for one more taxol. My WBC's were low for my third one and he postponed it. Good luck in two weeks. I know the nurses will love baby Levi!
Gatmol- been thinking of you and hope you enjoy the lat few days before the babies show up. We will be thinking of you Monday.
We had a busy morning, went to Boston and walked around. It was cold but fun. Home now and I hear my two year old jumping up and down in his crib instead of napping, damn that "Five Monkey's Jumping on the Bed Book"
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Also got this onsie
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NurseShark, I love it!
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I LOVE IT NURSE SHARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is so cute too.
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Love the Onsie, NurseShark! Levi is so adorable!
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nurseshark, that is AWESOME! Love it! Levi is the cutest
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Love the onsie! He is SO cute!!!!!
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Minor swelling is back in my left ankle. I'm 19 days PFC and thought I was past this, but I guess not. My fingernails hurt a lot less, so at least there's that improvement. And I definitely have new hair coming in!
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hi baby Levi! Little chub monster! Chemo makes you strong
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baby Levi, and his facial expressions, LMAO. He is owning the shirt!
Cassie, WTH with the swelling?!
My hair is really comin in fast now that the poisons are gone. Healing a tiny bit more each day, slept on my left side awhile for first time. Made some chili yesterday, doing ebay today, taking it slow. One thing I have learned is overdoing it sets back recovery. Really be careful after surgery and go easy.
Eileen, hope your swelling is down today.
Everyone have a good Sunday
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Cassiecat= Swelling/I have perfected living with that. It takes time but,it will go away. My MO assured me. I weigh myself about 50 times a time.
My arm is a little less swollen today. I go tomorrow to RO to see if I can start radiation again. I just want to get this over with.I am now 5 to 6 pounds down. All fluid. I probably have another 8 to 10 pounds to go. I can really feel it when I walk. Cannot stand for long. Only makes it worse.
Bippy=glad you are doing better. Speedy recovery.
Gatomal=good luck on the 9th.I think that is your date.
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I got two new books today: Anticancer: A New Way of Life, by David Servan-Schrieber, and One Bite at a Time (cookbook) by Rebecca Katz. I'll let you all know what I think about them once I've had a chance to go through them. A friend lent me a different cookbook by Rebecca Katz (The Cancer Fighting Kitchen) and we enjoyed some of those recipes, so I'm thinking this one will be good too. I'm trying to get some things together that help keep me inspired to make the healthy changes I want to make.
In non-cancer news DD had fun at her audition today. She is hoping to go away for ballet training this summer and has auditions planned for 11 different programs. Today was her first-ever audition, and she had a good time once her nerves settled.
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Hi everyone,
I haven't written anything in a while, and just been catching up on posts. Going back and forth from winter rads group. Have done 10 of 33 rad treatments so far. No problems with skin. Still having some SEs from chemo though. WBC continues to be low. Two of my nails on right hand are coming away from nail bed. others just messed up looking, so keep polished. My hair is coming in, but all uneven. I have a couple of bald spots. Anyone else having problem with hair growing in? The good news is I have more energy and have been exercising a little more. I will start hormone inhibitor after finished with rads.
Glad to hear chemo is coming close to end for most. You all are always in my thoughts.
Cathie
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gatomal, I think today is the day to welcome your babies? If so, good luck!
Catie57, it's good to hear from you.
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had my rads prep appt today. Dr. is very gentle and kind, love him! Also, he told me that having NED is the very best result to hope for after chemo, and that it does not eliminate my dying of breast cancer, it dramatically reduces that chance. so, got my tats and begin tx on Monday, since still sore from surgery.
Gettin cooler here today, nice for a change
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Glad to hear your RO appt. went well, bippy.
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Went back to radiation today. Met with RO. He agrees with me that my arm swelling is from the fluid leaking from the taxotere. However,he wants me to wrap my arm and wear compression clothes on bottom half of body. I have now lost 6 lb and the pain is gone when I walk. I told him no where did I research does compression helps. he said " a person who treats himself as a doctor has a fool as a patient". I told him "I use to like you." He started to laugh and thinks I am funny. I think we have bonded. He told me I am dehydrated even though I am so filled with fluid. Also ,need to eat protein. He then asked if I eat eggs. I said BUCK<BUCK<BUCK<BUCK<CLUCK I have only eaten eggs for last 4 months of my life.So, I started radiation again. Yeah!!! Finally,back on the track to be done with this stuff!!!
My hair is just coming in. Have a light haze on my head. I swear the top does not have any hair . Oh well,comb over for life.
Glad you got started Bibby
Cathie57=love no problems with skin.
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Hair! How could I have forgotten to post about my hair? As my mom puts it, my scalp has a 5 o'clock shadow. Yahoo! There is hope for me to have hair once again. Losing it was one of the hardest side effects for me to deal with, which seems so silly. I still see plenty of scalp, but my little follicles are trying!
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eileen, love it. Glad you are shrinkin! I got my tats today and start rads Monday. Cluck cluck!
Cassie, haha, me too with the hairs. It is really growin now.
362,935.00 so far my insurance has PAID for my tx. We only are out of pocket 2k, and my insurance in my opinion kicks ass.And it aint Ovah! Is that amount not astonishing?!!! Oh, my surgery is not in this figure....who knew, I am worth something after all. Perjeta stock, anyone? Christ on a cracker. This blows my mind. Million dollah Bippy.
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Here is my hair - the long stuff is what never fell out after I buzzed it in September (though I'm still losing a few here and there). I still have most of my eyelashes on top, and about half my eyebrows. I'm happy to see the start of a hairline again! My eyelashes clump together because my eyes are still so drippy from the Taxotere (especially in the morning). I'm taking a picture of my head every Monday and sharing it on my blog.
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Bippy- holy cow girl, that's a lot of $$. I haven't actually checked what my insurance has paid out.
Cassie- my hair has been one of the hardest things to deal with too. It's starting to come back. My friends sister said she had her first haircut 3 months after finishing chemo. Today marks a month of me.
Gatmol- hope all is going well today. You and the babies are in my thoughts!
I returned to work today after being out for just about six months. It was hard, I feel so lost and am exhausted. I'm doing three days a week for awhile so there's that.
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Kellogg, I can only hope to have enough to trim at three months! Good luck as you re-enter work. I'm antsy to get back but also nervous about it. I need to get through surgery first, so I don't imagine I'll be back much before the first week of February, and then I have to figure out how to ease back into it. I teach three math classes but am also a program admin (like being an assistant principal) and the college counselor for our very small high school. Several people have told me how much my presence has been missed, how they didn't realize just how much I did, blah blah. Yeah, no kidding! I think all the stress gave me breast cancer!
OK, not funny, but I can't go back to how it was, either.0
