Starting Chemo in February 2016?
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Frances, I'm a day behind you on #4 TCHP. Are you doing a total of 6? After this week only 2 more to go!
I have to admit I'm pretty nervous this round since the last round ended me up in the hospital. I only got 5 good days this cycle, so I'm feeling a little ripped off.
I noticed a lot of discussion on the January board about watery eyes and vision problems. I can barely open my eyes in the morning from being stuck together and they leak all day. I also noticed the tv is now fuzZy even with my glasses on. Something new each cycle...
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oh Myra I've missed you! My feet! After wearing flip flops are so cut up and my vision is blurry. Especially at night. I had laser eye surgery years ago but this is different kind of blurry.
Thinking of you
P
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HI Fab Febs! I had #4 yesterday. No rest for me. (Rant coming) After 5 hours of Chemo, I had to take my girls to all there sports activites and did not get home until 9pm.My dear sweet husband whom had the day off, decided that the day was about him and did not assist in any way! if you cant tell he is on my SH*T list!!! no dinner served, nothing. Needless to say I was suppose to be out the door this morning for a 7am meeting and there was no way I was going to make that. I am exhausted. Keeping the positive vibes going and really want to keep these symptoms at bay ( no hospitals for me this time around).
wishing you all well~ prayers for you Karen and Catherine and hope we hear from Praline soon,
Frances
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Hang in KarenC, wishing you an easy go with this new treatment.
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Good Morning Ladies! Kids are back in and school and In Laws have returned to Virginia. Got the house all to myself--well Felix the crazy dog is still here. NO seizures that we have witnessed since we upped his meds 2 weeks ago. Crossing fingers. Also limiting his people food since it is sodium laden and can mess with his medicine. Things I didn't expect to learn while I was going thru chemo about Dog Epilepsy.
AC final Chemo #4 and side effects were much better than #3 but then the fatigue hit hard. We took my daughter to dinner for her 8th bday Thursday evening then the kids and In Laws went to the Legoland Discovery Center. I went into Charming Charlies looking for head scarves and earrings. I was so exhausted I was crying by the time my husband arrived after work. Weird to be tired but not sleepy. Had the kids push me around in a rented wheelchair at The Henry Ford museum and Ford Truck factory tour on Friday.
They thought it was fun and argued over whose turn it was!! Feeling much better today but trying to not over do it and pay for it the next few days before Taxol starts. I found the TAXOL thread---and it freaked me out. I thought the AC was supposed to be worse but some of the SE's people are complaining of really freaked me out. I am staying away from that thread!!!! I don't need that stress and worry. Going to start my B6 today and keep taking the claritin (plus my zyrtec) my bad allergies make it hard to know if the runny nose and watery eyes are SE's or normal allergy for me.
I saw my Surgeon yesterday morning. She couldn't see my tumor on the ultrasound. We had no other way to know if the AC chemo had worked. NOT sure how "big" a cancer has to be to show up on US. We discussed my surgery for August and she told me that I can also have a lift/reduction at no extra cost to me since its covered under insurance
SO I left with a list of plastic surgeons to meet with. Not sure if I want to have the additional incisions to heal but I have been complaining about these SAGGING heavy things for 15+ years.I think I saw Praline on the Taxol thread but can't recall how recently she had posted.
Hopefully I can keep up with everyone now that the house is back to normal!!!
HUGS, Shannon
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Thank you all for the good wishes. Woke up at 8 so I got 6 hours in! Didn't fall asleep as early as I thought I would! Frances I would be ranting too! Yesterday was a tough day! I know I would have pulled myself through like you did, because that's what us Moms do but I wouldn't have been happy either! Positive vibes to you!
Piper, the Benedryl was given automatically via iv drip , and the chemo was given much slower to watch for any allergic reactions during the first Taxotere you have. They also had cold wraps for my hands and feet so wear warm socks because they are cold (you may want to be sure they provide them). I also was given new prescriptions for this part. 12 steroid pills to take in total starting the day prior to chemo, X 3 days and an anti nausea I had last time X 2 days. The 24 hour clariton is recommended to take before neulasta shots too help with the bone pain. I would definitely ask about what changes to meds you may have and any advice they may have. I was warned the bone pain may bet worse with Taxotere so am making sure I stay on top of it. Moisturize a lot during this phase as well. Ask for the magic mouth wash if you don't have it as well.
My watery eyes stop when I use the drops for dry eyes. Apparently they run like this when they are dry...never would have guessed that one! They work really well and I use them usually once a day. My vision gets a little off too, does not help with the eyes watering and drops. I've also had laser surgery but am not worried about my eyes at this point. Will wait until it's all over Nd get them checked out.
Time to get ready to go for my neulasta shot. I do notice that my stomach and reflux is acting up this morning. Other than that it was just this pesky iPad that was slow tying all my words...I think this took me a good hour at leAst to type! Lol
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Frances-- THAT is awful! Hubby sleeps outside in the dog house the next few days! Chemo days are my nothing days. I purposely planned my chemo day on a day the kids had no activities but I know that can't always happen of isn't even possible with multiple kids/lots of activities.
Piper- I know that B complex is recommended for Taxol but I can't have the niacin. I already take b12 so off to find B6 by itself today. I know I will get Benadryl with my Taxol infusion on Friday but hadn't seen it recommended additionally. Maybe if you get the itching but then I will be incapacitated. It is my go to drug for sleeping. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Vision problems--I would think its a chemo side effect--when my mom had chemo in the late 80's she woke up one morning with PERFECT vision and thought she had slept in her contacts. Her normal vision was HORRIBLE at a -4!!! It lasted about a day.
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Hello All
HausFrauMi
I had # 3 of 4 dose dense TAXOLS last week. My last taxol is 4/18. I had AC first. Nothing to me compares to AC, though Taxol for me is rough the first few days, it's like I've not had any chemo after day 6 or so. I'm on day 9 and doing everything and can't even remember the discomfort. I keep a detailed journal, so I go back and check. As you know each body is different, just relating my experience.
The taxol thread, I think they have it weekly, and maybe that makes a difference in the side effects? Or they have not had the AC experience. I find a lot also have hormone therapy with the Taxol, and I know from a previous diagnosis that makes a difference too.
I find it doable, and better than I felt on AC, though the bone and muscle aches are no joke day 3-5.
I have a friend on this terrible journey with me Almost exact diagnosis, she is a little behind me. On her 2nd Taxol, and she is working full time. She takes day 2-4 off every two weeks, due to muscle pain and fatigue. Is up and flying the rest of the time.
My Mo told me to take the plain b6 100 mgs, and the claritan and l glutamine powder. It makes the pain bearable. Can't really imagine what it would be like without it. I've only had to take tramadol the first day and only 1 50mg dose.
Hope this helps. The nurses also tell me each time that while on AC we are very conscious of staying ahead of the possible SE's. The big D or C, nausea etc. She says when on Taxol you have to stay on it as well. And Hydrate. I found when I did not hydrate as I had been, I felt worse. OR let the constipation start etc, it took longer to catch it.
I have severe allergies this time of year, so I can't tell if my eyes are bad because of them or chemo. I tend to blame everything on chemo right now.
Just my little 2 cents worth.
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Ok...well.....I think I may be experiencing chemopause. Blanket on.....blanket off...on...off...throughout the night. Even during the day...I get instantly HOT....put the fan on me...within a minute or so....it's done. Sound like hot flashes folks?😒 Great. I also had a sick son over the weekend. A virus of some sort. Threw up all day Saturday. Made him wear a mask. NOW...my daughter is sick with a cold. Really?! Anyone else? I'm sneezing and having a runny nose...why...because I decided to stop taking Benadryl (which is the ONLY medicine that works for my allergies) because I've read that it interferes with Tamoxifen, which is most likely the med ill be taking when my hormone therapy starts after rads. I'm thinking ahead. I am also on Cymbalta which works wonderfully. Again..interferes with Tamoxifen...so I'm going to have to stop that too. So not cool. The 2 meds that REALLY work and I'm going to have to stop.
Well...my last round is on Friday. I do NOT want to end up in the ER again. I am also going to go to my favorite restaurant Thursday and eat fantastic food because I won't be eating much again. Stupid thrush. Hopefully they will give me Diflucan or whatever it's called this time from the get go. I'm just so glad this is my last round!!!!!!
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Hello Suzted7!
On chemo day I make a 20 oz cup of the baking soda and salt mouthwash and I gargle and rinse my mouth with it everytime I go to the bathroom. I was able to ward off thrush on rounds2 and 3. I also used the magic mouthwash but I did not need it so much when I kept my mouth super clean.
Also I am with you on the hot flashes. I turn the fan on and off all night. I can never predict when I will be cold or hot. I had to be careful because I thought I had a fever a few times.
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so sick of feeling sick. discouraged. 4 more months of sick, then surgery, then radiation? then...AI? worth it? i am not feeling it right now.
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Imani- I think I will do that for extra insurance. I already brush with pure baking soda and peroxide so I might as well swish some around too! Lol
These mini hot flashes are no joke. I just want to sleep like at the very least, 6 hours STRAIGHT....although I need 8 to function. I'm so tired of all these SE's!!!!!
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Thank goodness the FEC went smoothly. Day 2 of this new one and my stomach is a mess. Sulphur burps! Hoping my bone pain won't be too bad. Keep telling myself 2 more once I get through this! I was already in menopause for a few years with nothing really too bad, but I hear you on the hot flashes! Taken my last steroids for this round a few hours ago. We will see what Tomorrow brings! Rest well everyone
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good luck Karen, I didn't notice the burps but I do notice that I get more heartburn. Are you taking Claritin? It's supposed to help a lot with the bone pain. I got a fair amount of bone paid my first cycle, but the second cycle was fine. I'm hoping you don't get any at all! If you do, do not be afraid to take painkillers, and ask for prescription ones if they didn't give them to you. Tylenol three really helped me
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reflect i'm sorry you're feeling down, it certainly does get overwhelming to think ahead to everything that's left. It's OK to be down and overwhelmed sometimes, but yes I absolutely believe it is worth it!
I believe I am in chemopause.I don't get my period this month, and yes I also have the hot flashes particularly at night
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Sorry to read that some of you aren't feeling well.
I had my 3rd AC yesterday. With the blood draw, MO appointment, and late start on chemo, I was at the hospital for a full day. Annoyed at the 2 men who were coughing without covering their mouths. We're at a cancer center!
The MO had predicted more fatigue. I've taken 2 days off work for each treatment, but this time I did work half a day today. I haven't been sleeping enough for the past week, so I need to improve my sleep habits. I also need to improve my work habits. I work at home and need to stop working long hours.
Haven't taken any Emend or steroid at home, but I have the Neupogen shots again for 7 days. Except for fatigue, I haven't had any other side effects. I did add pantoprazole, a prescription antacid, for a few days around chemo. My MO suggested it after I told him I had heartburn on the first day of the first treatment. He said heartburn could get worse and didn't want me to develop an ulcer.
The MO said that the Taxol treatments are like "nothing". I hope he's right, but I haven't read that in these threads.
Definitely not in chemopause. My period started last Friday and ended today.
Hope the side effects go away soon for those still suffering.
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I got 3 periods after starting Chemo. Missed the 4th ( which would have been 4 cycles3 months in)
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Forgot to say....I didn't get my period this month.......obviously this may be the start huh? Gee.....I didn't know hot flashes started in the same month you missed?
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istarted getting nightly hot flashes months before my period stopped.
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MO appointment this morning. My esophogus issues are worse. When will this end?
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Reflect, just Breathe my friend as we are all in your pocket in your time of need. Here for you and know how you are feeling. I was there last month.
Chemopause! Amen, this is me and the docs said Yep! How fun, scarf on/off , hot /cold/ moody. As if I need more. Lol
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I feel y'all on the hot flashes thing. I had a hysterectomy in 2008, everything out. Was on HRT till last September at Dx. It wasn't too bad, but now the flashes are increasing. I had gastric bypass Dec. 2014 and lost over 100 lbs. Started getting colder. I've gained some back since chemo started, about 30 lbs. Now I'm cold one second, hot flash the next! LOL, I never know what to expect...
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Hi everyone!
Just wanted to check in after reading all the chemopause notes- LOL
I am feeling it too, even at age 25! I thought I'd have another couple decades before hot flashes- guess not!Although I check in here multiple times a day I hardly ever post. But, I did just finish my last round of AC and I started my first taxol yesterday! In case anyone else is in the same boat, I wanted to chime in that, so far, taxol is like a vacation compared to the AC. First of all the infusion time is much shorter, there are no meds to take during the next couple of days, and I was warned that my worst side effects would be fatigue and muscle pain. So far, I've got neither! So, if AC-T is your route- just keep chugging until you get to the T portion!!
I also wanted to ask if any of your MOs had talked at all about nutrition. Mine kind of brushed me off when I brought up questions about how eating better during this time would be helpful. I've been reading TONS of articles and books on some ways nutrition can boost cancer fighting mechanisms (antiangiogenesis and that type of thing) while also trying to stay away from all the snake oil out there. Has anybody gotten any help or suggestions in that regard?
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the hot flashes are so much fun! NOT. Waiting to have one in public where I need to throw off my head cover!
Surgeons office called today and scheduled my pre op MRI July 17 and surgery for August 3. I meet with the plastic surgeon next week.
Hoping the Taxol is a cake walk compared to the AC. Or at least tolerable
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seejuliago - You're the first I've seen without side effects from Taxol. Thanks for posting! My side effects from AC have been minimal. My MO didn't have anything to add on nutrition. The nutritionist in chemo class said to avoid vitamin supplements because they would make the chemo less effective. She also said to eat plenty of protein.
I've been eating foods that help heal the damage from the chemo like probiotics from kefir and gelatin. Making sure I replenish electrolytes. I've also fasted around chemo treatments to reduce the side effects. I've fasted prior to chemo so it's not new to me.
Other things I've read that help: seaweed, walnuts, cruciferous veggies, can't think of any others at the moment
I will continue fasting after treatments are done to prevent recurrence.
Did you see the article that overnight fasts over 13 hours may reduce risk? There's more than 1 thread about it.
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Day 3, had a not so pleasant night last night but feel better this morning...or afternoon I guess it is!
Had D during the night several times. I think I ate too much fruit on Day 2 probably from all the steroids. Keeping hydrated today and other than tired am taking extra strength Tylenol to ward off any bone pain. I felt some in my jaw and would love to be able to get thru this without having to take any Tyelnol 3.
Those of us in Canada I think have a different regimen as far as the T. Ours is Taxotere and is given every 3 weeks so may cause some confusion with the Taxol takers but am not 100 percent positive. I know I see a lot of Taxol patients get theirs weekly. Likely would see where difference of side effects are.
I am taking my Clariton as well Jilll, so far so good and it helps with all the watery eyes, nose etc too!
Haus, I have pulled off my head covering as soon as I get back to my car or outside. I feel like I am going to be sick sometimes when I get so hot inside a store or building. I usually wear one outside that is warmer and switch it to a lighter one before going in anywhere. At home I can't wear anything on it!
This is definitely a little more challenging than my first 3 rounds of FEC but as Jill has said, it is doable and I am actually very grateful that the first 3 were as easy as they were. Makes having 3 of these more bearable. I hope that everyone can get some easier treatments throughout this journey! We are pushing forward Fab Febs and will endure this together. Love all the words of encouragement as well as personal experiences that certainly help me to prepare for what may come!
Love to you all!
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Piper, the vision thing is definitely weird! TV is still fuzzy with glasses on. I hear it will clear up once chemo is done.
Anybody else getting hyper pigmentation? My arms and top of my head are getting relying blotchy. Lots of brown spots.
I'm all set and starting round #4
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chemo suspended. Gastroscopy next Tuesday. Too much choking, stomach pain and weight loss in a week.
Piper 💪🏻
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Oh no Piper! In your pocket...
Myraknits, I have it on my thighs of all places?
Hope for better days for us all.
reflect: in your pocket as well.
Finally feel back to myself, whatever that is. Will know about my surgery at my next MO appt 4/18 Wonder how long they will let me recover from my last chemo and then what kind of tests the surgeon will order. He likes in office ultasounds, and i had clips put in at biopsy so we will see.
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Myra--both of my armpits!! I thought I was going crazy and that maybe a black shirt had bled from the hot flashes!!
So I'm not crazy. I don't remember that being a SE!
At the moment I have a hot flash and High Blood pressure bc my step mom's Gyn Dr has an opinion on my course of treatment. He feels strongly I should have a BMX bc of my family history not the lump and rads bc he says rads are horrible and the cancer can't come back if I have the BMX. Can I slap him ?!?
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