Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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I am on TCH but there have been a few weeks where inexplicably I have found myself crying nonstop and not really because of the stress just the hormones and the chemicals. It usually goes on for a week and then out of the blue stops.
I finish Chemo at the end of the month but then I go right into surgery ( hysterectomy) so I hope to continue posting here for quite awhile.
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exercise guru, that's what I have to do also. Last chemo Nov 16 then hysterectomy 3 weeks later. Then radiation. It sucks.
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There will be many of us here for quite a while. My last chemo is 12/28, appt with BS is mid January, followed by surgery and rads. I'm guessing late March is the best case for all that to be done. Then I still have herceptin for the rest of the year and anti hormone drugs for who knows how long.
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yep, crying, sobbing etc. at random times. Thankfully my dogs don't mind me soaking their fur with tears. Gotta keep that stiff upper lip for the hubby and kids though.
Now, I have to face the fact that my oldest son is in trouble and it's well past time that we get him the help he needs for his addiction. I don't get a pass on being the "fixer" in the family. They all still look to me for that. If its any consolation, we both have a major battle ahead of us and we will have to do this together. First step taken...contacted rehab center to get this boy help.
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So if I'm getting my notes right, generally, the first week is the worst. Then days 7-10 is the nadir where you want to not be around folks with the infection risk and all. Correct?
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Artista..safe bet is to count on the first week being your "bad" week and the second week will be recovery or "good" week. With a few exceptions on the second week after round #4, it's been that way for me.
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I was never told to limit being around people.
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Artista - My worst SE days after A/C have been Days 2 - 4 (with Day 3 being the worst for exhaustion). This is what my MO predicted. I gradually recover after that. I've experienced variable SEs and variable length of time for recovery, but this general timing has been consistent.
I was told to be careful about exposure to others, but no particular time frame was ever attached.
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I was told if you're going to catch a sickness the most vulnerable time is day 6 through 14.
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twiggy you and I are on about the same timeline. My last chemo will be 12/26 ( should be 12/23 but I'm putting it off for our holiday party and Christmas). Then surgery in late Jan/Feb then rads then reconstruction and herceptin for the rest of the year. I'm thinking I'll do recon in the summer.
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Lindy C- I admire you because you are being the parent that your son needs. I see so many parents who just ignore the elephant in the room until it is too late. Hang in there and always tell your son that he is loved. Southern Charm - I can't even imagine what you have been through. Hang in there and get some rest.
I totally broke down before AC #2. I was sure I could not do another AC. I freaked out as they walked towards my chair with the three big syringes full of the red devil. I met with my MO and after crying through my blood check and told him I wasn't sure I could make it through. The dehydration from the big D and the never ending nausea and vomiting have broken me down. I know I am not safe driving or working because I am just too weak. I got through the second AC but was in severe danger today. I got an extra infusion with Aloxi today at the hospital and may need another infusion by the end of the week. But it is what I need to do to stay in the game with AC. As long as my kidneys don't give me any issues, I will try to hang in there. Food and water are just not going to come easily. Unfortunately I am so anxious about chemo, I am going to have get used to this life. And unfortunately, my hair is starting to give up.
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Good to see you back Southern Charm! And thanks again everyone for sharing your experiences of starting chemo. You all are in enough to see the finish line and I'm still at the starting line. Wishing all of you a better than last week, week! I'll let you know how it goes on Tues. I'm scared but seeing most of you once you got started felt better about the process at least does help! much love. xo
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SouthernCharm - You are an inspiration to me. Round 3 was by far my worst, so you're not alone. We are with you.
Grey - I was thrilled to read about your Round 2. This stinks on every conceivable level. But you're tougher than chemo. You can make it. You will do this.
Artista - You and I are SISTERS this coming Tuesday. I am terrified of Round 4 after a rough Round 3. We're going to make it and will see the flower bloom next spring.
STAY STRONG, every blessed one of you xoxo
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Lisa- So Tues for you too. Well then I'll be thinking of you on Tues! Hope round 4 goes better and we will both be posting we survived the day! xo
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Grey, glad to see you back. It is hard, but you can do this. I am glad you let your MO know how you are feeling about it. They need to hear from us.
Artista and Lisa, will be thinking of you Tuesday.
Today was not a good day here: spent a lot of time lying down with my back really hurting. Not sure what I did to it, although heating pad and Aleve is helping a bit. Every now and then the spasms get really bad..
Hugs to all;
Octogirl
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Octo, I've heard magnesium helps with muscle spasms. Maybe get supps of it. I got a bottle ready to roll as someone on the boards swears it was a life saver for them.
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Best wishes to all of you who are facing round 4 of AC. I can't say for sure that my #4 was worse than #3 but it sure wasn't great. My worst days were 4 through 6. But tomorrow marks 3 weeks since my #4, and 1 week from dose #1 of Taxol. Tomorrow will be dose #2 (of 12 or maybe less if I start to develop neuropathy). Right now I'm scheduled until 12/28 but might have to do a couple more after the first of the year. So I'll be around with those of you on similar schedules!
I've been tired all week but a bit less today. I think much of it has been left over from the AC. The good news is that my taste buds seem OK, water tastes like it should again, I have had no nausea, no mouth sores, no heartburn, and although tired, not absolutely wiped out like I was from the AC. Once again, I have no idea whether the Taxol will be cumulative like the AC, so just speculating for now. I'm trying to be optimistic and hoping the really nasty part is over.
Southern, I feel so bad for the extra heartache you've gone through. This damn disease is tough enough without added tragedy. I do hope you can get some rest.
Grey, so glad you're still trying to get through this! We'll be supporting you all the way!
Here's to a restful night for all of you!
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Lindy C- Being a mom is one tough job. We keep our chin up and put a brave face on for the world but in our hearts our babies are still babies and it hurts to see them hurting. You can do this!!!
Southern Charm - Guess what I ordered the primer!!! I am super excited to get it! I feel for you so much.
For those of you just starting or with a long road ahead. I am cheering for you. I know it feels overwhelming. I was told over and over again that things would feel better once I had gotten into a "routine" with treatments. I am not sure it is entirely true but certainly the unknown and just trying to get through to where it feels more sold.
I pray and send energy with each of you. I think about what you are facing and it somehow comforts me to know I am not in this storm alone. Though I would not wish this on anyone I try to will this path for each you to a brighter tomorrow.
BTW if any you are cat people you have to check out the cat thread. It is the best.
This is what my friend wrote on the wall at the Cancer center. I believe she is in my heart and willing me to be brave. I am freaking out a little questioning my treatments and whether or not this is even working and praying with all my heart that it is. Everyone have sweet dreams. Tomorrow is another day to get up and face the fight!
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Arista and Minnesota Lisa, I'll be right there with you on Tuesday, getting round 4 of AC.
I've been grumpy and weepy. Hemorrhoids, constipation, runny eyes, and I lost a clump of eyelashes. Aside from that, I felt fine. Two Halloween parties, 1500 trick it treaters (a neighbor had a clicker and counted), and I got to spend a few minutes in a pile of 10 St Bernard puppies.
Extra hugs to those who are having major issues outside of cancer.
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Adding you Scotland to my "chair" of thoughts on Tues... xo
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anyone who is reading, asking for prayers, I am scheduled for chemo today, but I feel warm and I have a scratchy throat, please pray I don't miss my chemo!
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I just have to rave about this soap brand, Goat Milk Stuff. Dry itchy skin is here and this is the most softening and moisturizing brand ever! And it's family owned and operated, which always is a plus in my book. I use the organic castile and charcoal bar (for skin issue and to purge impurities) and the unscented liquid with it's dispenser for hands. Highly recommend if you are on a hunt for the most natural wholesomeness!
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Day 5 after my final round. Oh boy, nausea is really bad. I feel like I'm trying to stop a geyser from spilling out. Been taking Zofran and Ativan. No sleep because of it plus hot flashes. Hoping for a better day!
H
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Prayers and healing thoughts for you HazelFrances! Please let us know how it goes today.
Octogirl
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Hazel_Nut, sorry about the nausea but YAY for being done with final round!!! Hope today is better too and please keep us posted!!
Octogirl
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Hang in there ladies! It's day 5 of round 4... I'm actually handling it better than Round 3. Maybe it's the psychological effect of being "done" with AC. Maybe it's the lack of bladder infection and flu shot. I cut the steroids in half (made Sunday my fatigue day instead of Today). I've been snacking a bit to avoid having to take the zofran - which is helping my fissure heal (Along with the prune juice, oatmeal, Miralax, etc). The prilosec doesn't seem to be holding back the heartburn as well as it was - supplementing with tums. I walked a mile or two at the mall yesterday, so I feel like these Side Effects will pass just as quickly as they did in round 1 & 2. No sign of another UTI either. Do not fear round 4. Pre-hydrate (Adriamycin quit coloring my urine same day). I'm getting hot and cold flashes occasionally. Mouth feels gross per usual - keep forgetting to do the rinse.
Eye on the prize: In 8 days I will be 34. I WILL be having a Margarita!
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aww southern I just wanna send hugs to make you feel better
Hazel hang in there & feel better
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Southern Charm - I think we are sisters from another mother. My Afro is trying to fall out and yours is trying to grow in. God blests you that you were able to make it through your mom-in-laws "coming home" celebration. It is amazing - but so are you! That you could get through such a stressful time and keep your composure. As for nausea, I am right there with you. Even though I got an extra shot of Aloxi and fluids yesterday, the nausea is a constant problem. I am not sure what to do about it. I have tried compazine and reglan was added to the dance. But it is also an issue of not wanting to get sick at work-and not having anything on my stomach.
DLcygnet- I look forward to being able to eat and have some idea of what things taste like so I can blow my budget on some fajitas and a virgin margarita in your honor!
Hazel Francis- Major hugs coming your way.
I wish your dogs could talk to my dog about being nicer to his mommy when she feels bad. He keeps knocking me down when I feel dizzy and pulling me down on rocks.
To everyone having chemo this week- I salute you and pray for no- to minimal SEs this week!
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Hi Ladies!
I hope everyone is feeling better and better as the week progresses. I can't believe how quickly these AC treatments have gone by, seems just yesterday I was signing up for the September group. Tomorrow I will have my 4th and final AC treatment. Then I will start weekly Taxol for 12 cycles, 2 weeks later. Anyone else continuing with Taxol? My ONC says Taxol on the weekly regimen seems to be easier to tolerate than AC. Any thoughts?
Cheers!
here2win
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here2win - Scotland, Artista and I are all scheduled for chemo tomorrow - welcome to the club (I guess?).
Like you, I am scheduled for my 4th and final AC tomorrow, followed by 12 weeks of Taxol. (Not sure exactly when I start, but two weeks is a good guess.) I have also heard the hopeful rumor that Taxol (while not SE-free) is much less difficult than AC.
eyes on the finish line, ladies!
PS FYI, I am in the Brainerd Lakes area
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