Who is starting chemo in September 2016?
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It also takes me a while to get ready in the mornings....I use to go in at 8:30...but since I've been on chemo.. I go in at 9 instead...now I am having urinary issues...I told my family that I am sick of doing chemo...it is making my body all out of whack!!..their response is..no you gotta do it..
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I have the same thing where my mouth is so dry and I only get relief when water is in my mouth and the minute I swallow, it's back to dry. Probably because of all the Benadryl I'm on. I've gone back to using my biotene rinse and putting XyliMelts in my mouth at night. They help so much as the dryness can make me wake up choking at night.
My neuropathy has been bad too especially in my feet. I already had some neuropathy before cancer. My neurologist told me B vitamins help the nerves but too much can cause nerve damage. I never know how much to take as a year ago my B6 and B12 blood tests came back high and my neurologist wouldn't believe me when I said I wasn't taking any vitamins or supplements. Argh! One thing that has helped is I noticed my neuropathy pain got much better when I removed my socks even though I wear extra large ones to bed. But my feet are always cold so I couldn't go without socks so I bought on Amazon diabetes socks and they help a lot. OMG, I just read the sheet that KDTheatre posted on B6, I'm going to stop the B6, I wonder if that's what has been causing my shortness of breath. Thanks for posting that.
Thanks everyone for all the great advice
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Good Evening. Reading all of the posts and cannot believe some of us are actually done with chemo! That is amazing...how far we have come
I'm getting myself mentally and emotionally prepared for round 4 of TCHP. My SE's were drawn out this time,lasting longer than previously, as well as having new and more annoying ones. Hard to psyche myself up to keep going. I know chemo is a necessary evil...but dang On the other hand, my chin hairs are now growing back so does that mean that all my hair will now be growing back?!?!!! Wouldn't mind it. Going around as Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear is old hat now. As Bagsharon, my hat is constantly on, off, on, off due to my hot head flashes. My son once rubbed my head during one of these shortly after I had had chemo, and I told him to wash his hands ASAP. Hard to not feel like we are toxic those few days after a round of chemo. Will not be enjoying Thanksgiving this year as I have round 4 on Tuesday and getting both my Neulast and Lupron shots Wednesday afternoon. Even if I won't feel like eating on Thanksgiving I'm going to make our favorite sides this weekend and just freeze them. We are invited to a friend/neighbor's house for the holiday which I am grateful for. Sorry if this is a downer here. It just hits once in awhile, and I find myself crying at the drop of a hat to whomever may be around. Hate being a sadsack,but i know it's temporary. Knowing I'll have to continue with HP part of my treatment through 9/17 and having radiation in 2/17 , just strings all of this out. I've had a hard time with my body rejecting sutures and now it feels like it may be rejecting one of my expanders so I need to call my plastic surgeon and see what is going on. It is heartening to hear your stories of the progress everyone is making in their treatments. Keep the faith everyone!!! Trying to remain positive!Peace!
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Oh, Makeiki3 I know just how you feel. I'm going in for TCHP # 5 of 6 the day after Thanksgiving so we're pretty much on the same schedule. I'm undergoing neo-adjuvant therapy so I wont't have my double mastectomy until after I'm done with my 6 TCHP treatments. This has me feeling like I'm being tortured by prolonging my ordeal. I think it would have been easier to have my surgery right after my initial diagnosis while I was still numb from the news of my cancer. The thought of surgery terrifies me. I'm also continuing with a year of Herceptin after the TCHP and mastectomy. What I'm trying to say is it's ok to let go and cry, even if it seem it's at the drop of a hat because I'm right there with you! Most of the Trolls movie soundtrack makes me burst into tears! This is why I'm so grateful for this community and for all of you sharing your experiences with chemo - I can't imagine going through this without knowing that I'm not alone. This is what I'm thankful for ! God bless you all!!
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I've worked full time during chemo. Ive been getting infusions on Thursdays so I would take Thursday and Friday off and have weekend to recoup but they've changed my chemo schedule. I go today and then on a Monday and then on a Tuesday and then......DONE!!!!!! Count down is ON!
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Docmama...I am in the same boat as you. I have my 4th round on Tuesday before Thanksgiving and then 2 more to go. My surgery has been scheduled for Feb. 2nd and I am scared! My husband and I are trying to get a quick trip to Miami before the surgery b/c I told him I needed sun and warmth (Massachusetts does not have much of that in February). I am a beach person....so I need that peace before my surgery...I am hoping everything goes well b/c otherwise the only beach I will be on will be one here in the northeast. I laughed when you mentioned the Troll soundtrack because I am taking my girls to see it sometime soon (I will make sure I bring tissues!)....
Ware.....Best of luck to you! You must feel awesome that Tuesday will be your last!!! Congrats to you!
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dennyj, at which hospital will you have your surgery? Mine was at Brigham.
Docmama, I understand your anxiety about surgery following chemo. My UMX was before chemo, and frankly, I was so anxious to get the cancer out, the surgery couldn't come soon enough. Chemo wasn't a 100% possibility at the time, oncotype dx kind of moved it in that direction. But I am concerned about recovery after exchange surgery. Chemo is doing such a number on our bodies... However, if I were to rate what's worse, MX or chemo, the latter would be the winner, hands down. The bone and joint pain, the weird feeling of not being in control of your body, Neulasta shots--- these outweigh MX in my opinion. So, if you can handle chemo, surgery should be a breez
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Angela - what was the reason you went to the ER? What were you super sick with? I had Herceptin/Perjeta and Taxol and on Day 6 - got super sick/weird and went in as well (see above).
Thought all was fine with my Taxol #1, Herceptin and Perjeta (other than the little instance of Rigers)...as I felt great/fine afterwards for several days (other than diareah instances off and on). However, on Day 6...I wound up in the ER just not feeling right - after having tingle arms/face, chest tightness, and odd/sudden throwing up (along with severe diareah). "Now what?" I thought while in the ER, as I have had to deal with hyponatremia visits after each AC...but this was different. Turns out the first ER doc asked if I had/ever had a heart attack as my Troponin levels were elevated. They then did further blood testing and found my 'clotting' levels were very high - so off I went through a ton of tests. After a chest xray, chest/abdominal MRI with contrast, and a stress test...my heart seemed fine. They still didn't know why my Troponin level was elevated a bit and worry if it was trending upward I would have a heart attack. Oiy. I got out of hospital the next day (Wednesday of this week)...planning to still do my Taxol#2 on Thursday (yesterday). However, my NP wanted me to come in and repeat blood work and get tested for Cdiff (which I have had 2 other times in my life) instead - so they pushed chemo to today (Friday). However, I started feeling crappy again last night...and once we got new blood labs in this morning - my Troponin level went up a bit, and my Lactate Dehydrogenase is very high. NP didn't know what was going on basically...or what it could mean. Still waiting on Cdiff results - which I am now beginning to wonder if it could be. Hoping skipping this week of Taxol doesn't screw up things too much, as I am pretty sure it is the Herceptin that is affecting my heart. I meet with my cardio doc on tuesday. sigh.
I have stopped my 200 mg of Taxol a day too...which I started a week before I started Taxol, based on what my chemo nurse said to do. However, after reading further on the side effects - I see it could also have some cardio issues. My NP said to stop and just start up on it IF I get neuropathy issues.
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Smilethrupa.....I am having surgery at MGH. I have been very happy with the care from MGH.
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It so mice to see that those of you on/around the same schedule ( Docmama, DennyJ, makeiki3and Misslil, I believe) as me are getting surgery dates and planning ahead! As of now I have been told that I get to go back and see the surgeon after TCHP #5 (Next Wed). They changed my dates as they wanted Friday off. Hoping the Labs come out well enough.
DennyJ - If you don't mind my asking, what type of surgery have you decided on? I originally thought it was a BMX all the way, and now I have been rethinking. I have so many questions for the surgeon and hope to be able to see a plastic surgeon before I make my decision too. I'm a beach girl too and think the beach vacation for peace of mind may be the perfect solution before your surgery.
Smilethruthepain - I was thinking the same as far as recovery after surgery after going through chemo. I feel like I was so much stronger before I started chemo and would have had a much easier recovery.
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Smilethrupain Thank you for the words of encouragement. I can only hope I will breeze through it; it's just knowing that I will really be out of commission and won't be able to work for I don't know how long. At least I'm able to continue at my job during chemo. Double mastectomy plus tissue expanders - I guess it does pale in comparison to pouring all this poison into my system!
Dennyj I'm in Fort Lauderdale, but my treatments are being done in Miami Beach. I must say the view is beautiful from my window during chemo - it looks out to Biscayne Bay, the cruise ships docked and the palm trees swaying. Our "winter" is lovely here, so try to come down to warm up before your surgery, that sounds like a wonderful idea!
So what side dishes is everyone cooking for Thanksgiving? I'm sure most of you are in the same boat as I am - I traditionally host the feast at my house, but this year I'm not allowed to do anything but bring a side to my sister's house. Making stuffing and a corn casserole.
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BeachBabyK.....So I did not have any say on my left breast.... That was definitely a mastectomy but I decided to also have the right breast removed because I have had biopsies a couple of times on the right side and I wanted a peace of mind. So it will be a BMX on Feb. 2nd. It's interesting to me...I consulted with Rhode Island doctors because I live close to the border of RI and they do reconstruction after radiation. The Boston doctors (where I am going) will do immediate reconstruction following the mastectomy then radiation. The beach will definitely bring me the calm that I need. I am usually a huge fan of Newport, RI or Falmouth, MA....but it will be way to cold for me!!!!
Docmama....It must be a beautiful view! I usually get the view of the tree's outside of RI Hospital (that is where I am doing chemo), so ...Yes, warm weather and a nice view is what I need. The northeast is projected to have a rough winter so I will need that warm weather to keep me motivated!!!
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Unfortunately, I'm hosting Thanksgiving for my family, my parents, my siblings and their families and even my brother-in-law and his family. Others have offered but my husband keeps saying that I've got this. Everybody says I've got this. The one word I hear the most is that I'm "tough". I don't feel so tough, though. Too late to back out now.
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I am feeling absolutely blessed. I had my 3rd TCHP on Thurs of last week and met with my surgeon this week. The ultrasound showed that my tumor is completely gone. I can't believe it. I knew I couldn't feel it at all but thought it was wishful thinking on my part. we discussed further chemo and I am still on track for all 6 treatments due to all of the studies that have been on herceptin. so I am going with it. I am still scheduled for a lumpectomy beginning of Feb. I am hoping the best for all of you ladies as well. This treatment is pretty amazing and to think that Herceptin from what I have been told was almost Not accepted as a clinical trial. it has helped so many people!!!
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Congratulations to everyone who has finished or almost finished chemo. Just in time for the holidays!
I had Taxol #3 today. Not done till Jan 20. Such a long time but at least the number of treatments left is in the single digits now. Have had no side effects at all except for being tired on Mondays. Probably because of the steroids that make me feel like super woman all weekend and then I end up overdoing it and crash on Monday. Anything is better than AC though.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am thankful that I have been able to be a part of this wonderful community and for all of the caring, support and advice I have received from all of you and I'm thankful (thrilled) that I will likely have the whole WEEK off work next week!!!!! A nice little unexpected surprise on a Friday!!
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makeiki3 - I've always hated chin hairs, but maybe if it is a sign that my hair is growing back, I might be more welcoming.
My doctor said next up for me is 12 weeks of Taxol, on a 3 weeks in a row, then 1 week off schedule. That will take me into March, then there will be radiation, which, if I'm figuring it out right, will be May. Blech. Little depressed from that news, I might say.
I have Thanksgiving week off, with Taxol to start the Monday after Thanksgiving. I had been doing Thursday chemo, so I hope I won't have to take days off for the Taxol. I might try to get it back to Thursdays during an "off" week.
I'm cooking for Thanksgiving, too. About all the regular stuff, with the expectation that all my kids will be pitching in. I bought 2 turkey breasts rather than a full turkey to make it easier to pick. I plan on playing the "Big C" card, though, and getting someone else to do the picking. I hate that job, and if I get enough sympathy, someone else should be stepping in.
Congrats to all those finishing chemo! I had surgery first, and even though it wasn't fun, the waiting was definitely the hardest part about it.
Have a good weekend!
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No taxol today. Platelets too low. Will try again next week. Putting me closer to Christmas when I finish. It will be my gift to myself.
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Hi! I am sitting in the hospital due to a severe infection (bladder) and super low blood counts. I got two units of blood today. They say I should hopefully be home by Thanksgiving but I hope that was a joke. I do not want to be here that long. The food is terrible and I am over an hour away from home. My local hospital doesn't have an Oncologist per se even though that is where I go to see my MO. Makes no sense but here I am.
I have typically been getting sick with vomiting and the big D on day 5 and I tend to let it go too long and end up in the ER not being able to keep anything down and in need of fluids. I have not had that problem this time so I am hopeful that I will have the same luck with the new meds for my last two treatments.
I am watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and trying to do a bit of work, but not getting much done lol
I work from home as a travel agent specializing in Disney travel but also do Sandals/Beaches and will be adding some more cruise lines and destinations when I finish the training for those. It is nice to have a distraction but honestly, I always have a client or new lead when I am at my worst. lol I have even been on the phone booking Walt Disney World while getting chemo.
Oh and I am on this nutraphenic (not sure of spelling) and that means cold, yucky food that is supposed to be hot lol
We have pretty much cancelled any plans for Thanksgiving. We will probably just make dinner for our family + our daughter's boyfriend. I am going to try a new fresh recipe for cranberries. Maybe some orange zest. Otherwise, pretty much the basics. I love to cook but not sprouting out into new territory this year. Extra big celebration next year.
xoxo thinking of you all and especially the tropical view that I do not have nor will I in what will shortly be cold, snowy Michigan.
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AngelaKS sorry about your side effects. Do you not get Neulasta shot? I may have asked this already, sorry, can't remember.
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So, technically I'm done but the SEs from the last round are tougher. More nausea and fatigue. Ended up going back to the clinic to get fluids infusion. Plus, I got low grade fever and low blood pressure again (the very thing that the fluids were supposed to prevent) . So, this is my caution to others who are doing taxotere and cytoxane, on day 4 I get 80/40 BP and 100.4-100.6F fever. So, my doc wants me to cal her and go to ER once fever gets to 100.5, I realized that the fever and critical situation was short lived, I just kept checking the temperature until it went down to 98.9F (all between 6pm and 9pm)... I felt horrible, weak and cold. I'm still weak, a walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water makes me lightheaded and tired and I come back and lie down. I hadacupuncture this am for neuropathy.
Anyway, hoping to get better this weekend...happy thanksgiving everyone
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Hello! I am sorry you are feeling rough Smile. I get the Neulasta pod every treatment.
I have been feeling the same way. I put in a load of laundry the other day and I swear I needed a nap after but it was time to pick up the kids from school. I hope you are feeling better soon! Last night my fever was around 100.2 and then it went to 100.6 so I called. By the time the on call doc called me back it was 101.6 and by the time (I lollygagged for a bit) I got to the ER it was 102.6 Today has been pretty good. It was 99.8 the last time they took it, but I think that is pretty much the highest since it broke. I guess with blood transfusions, you can still get an infection so they were in here every 15 minutes for I think the first hour, then it goes to 30 minutes, etc.
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Sorry to see the negative SEs some of you are experiencing....I hope they are short lived for you.
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AngelaKS- I sure hope that you will be home and before Thanksgiving and all is well. You get Harry Potter all weekend if that helps to pass the time! My kids grew up with the books& movies and I can't help but watch when they are on as they bring back good memories. I usually try to make at least one new recipe every year, just to keep things fresh. This year I am getting the kids in on the fun. It will be an adventure fr everyone as they are not used to doing much around the kitchen! By the looks of the football games today, you are enjoying a snowy day.
Dennyj- I have also had a number of false alarms and such, which is one of the reasons I was so adamant in the beginning. I think I am just getting worn down by everything and wanting the process to be over at this point. I was advised that if I had a mastectomy, that I could most likely forego radiation altogether, which is another item in the "pro" column for me. I think I may just take a drive down to the beach one day here and think on it. I think that may be just what I need.
Bagsharon- I'm sure you've "got this" too...BUT I totally understand how you feel. It's ok if others help share the load. Have everyone bring their favorite thing... Tell them you don't have room in the oven for everything (which in my house is always true).
LynnC1968 - Glad to hear about your tumor. The great thing about this treatment is many of us have noticeable shrinkage in the tumors early on, but yes,there is no reduced treatment though. I figure just be happy it's so effective and keep on plugging. I'd rather get through all 6 now, if I can and up my odds to never have to go through this again.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here's to lots of help with your meals and clean up!
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LynnC1968....That is some great news! I love hearing good news, so I am very happy for you!
BeachBabyK...Yes, I am very tired of the scares so I think that was the overall reason. I also feel like I want to be somewhat even and this would be an opportunity to do so. I plan on getting a 3d nipple tattoo so I said no to the nipple sparing surgery. So many decisions to make! Unfortunately, I still need radiation but that will be 6-8 weeks after surgery. So funny, I always said I would never have implants or a tattoo....now I am going to have both...never say never!!!! Yes, a trip to the beach to clear your mind is a wonderful thing. I love collecting sea glass...since my diagnosis my sea glass jar has increased like you would not believe!
smilethrupa....wow, I am so sorry that you are having a rough go. Hang in there....you will be better soon. I am sure the misery of it is awful, I will be thinking of you.
Ware...Sorry that you have to wait but you have a great attitude about it. You are right, it will be the perfect gift for you. Hang in there.
AngelaKS....Sorry about the bladder infection and low counts. Tough week.... but you got this so keep plugging through this misery!
This week has been a good week for me but I know what is lingering over my head and I am fearful. Tomorrow, we are celebrating my 4 year old's birthday so I am going to enjoy it 100% and think about next week on Monday morning. Back to the steroids (which turns me into a raging b*tch and chemo on Tuesday. I try to think of this as one step closer to being better.
Hang in there ladies! Cheers to a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Dennyj, I have a 4yr old too. Hard to do this with kids.... from time to time she says she loved my bold head
Enjoy the birthday. I hope to have hair by my kids' bdays in spring 0 -
Thanks ladies! I am feeling somewhat better but just want to get out of this place. lol
Have a great weekend ladies.
xoxo
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Smilethrupa....Yes, having kids and going through this makes it kind of hard. I am trying to still discipline them but at the same time trying to make memories...I am sure you can imagine my biggest fear but I try to keep those thoughts out of my head. I can only stay positive. Tomorrow will be great, she is so excited for her party!!!!
AngelaKS....Get better soon! I hope you have a good weekend (you deserve it)!
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Thank you Dennyj!
I apologize for not responding to each of you. I get all jumbled and cannot remember who posted what. Please know that I am thinking of each of you and praying for all. I do not mean to lump y'all together.
Having kids is hard and I am grateful that mine are not younger. I know your worst fear and am there with you. I too, try to stay away from that. My youngest is only 9 and I feel terrible for him, but then my daughter is 15 and I think it is equally hard for her in a bit of a different way.
Hope you are all resting well and feeling good to enjoy your Sunday.
xo
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Hi everyone,
Wow so many having a rough road right now, hope it turns around quickly. I'm thinking about all of you. I know it's a busy time but try to keep us updated. Maybe once Thanksgiving is over you can get some rest and relaxation. I hope all of you delegate and don't take on too much for Thanksgiving.
My Gyn Onc looked at my pet scan, which the only finding was some vague thing about my ovaries. She looked at it and said I need to get my ovaries out ASAP. The way she said it, I half thought she was going to throw me on a guerney and wheel me over to surgery right then. Kinda scary as I am BRCA2 positive. So now I'm getting my ovary/hysterectomy first (on December 8th) and will get my other mastectomy (prophylactic) and bi-reconstruction some time around February. The surgeon is hoping she can do the hysterectomy/ovary surgery laparoscopically but won't know until she opens me up if that is an option since I've had four abdominal surgeries already. So I won't know if it's going to be 3-4 weeks recovery or 6-8 weeks recovery until I wake up from surgery. Trying to keep positive but it gets hard sometimes.
Yikes, I just realized that means I have less than three weeks to host a very small Thanksgiving, have my son's birthday party, and get 100% ready for Christmas. And I really wanted to switch the kids rooms paint them before Christmas-- I'm not completely insane, there is a good reason, my son is getting a desk and new bed and my daughter a makeup table and new bed for Christmas and it will only work once we switch their rooms. I have the energy of a sloth, less actually, so don't know how it will all get done
Would love advice about hysterectomies, and any advice you've been given on recovering after chemo, or tips about hair growth...
Happy almost turkey day!
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Hi Everyone....
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving. This is by far one of my favorite holiday's...so enjoy! Fortunately, I hosted last year so it is my sister's turn this year!!! I have my 4th round of chemo tomorrow so I am not sure how much I am going to be eating but I will try!
LisbethS - I read your message and said wow. Best of luck to you with your surgeries & painting!!!! I wish I could give you advice but I have none to give!
I found this on another page:
http://www.thewebelongproject.com/blog/open-letter...
I thought it was very nice -
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