Starting Chemo June 2017
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I am so torn on what to do.maybe you ladies can help ..I work as a lunch lady at a high school and am due to start back august 8th..I had such a wonderful time with the ladies I worked with last year that I was really going to try to return because it would give me extra money to spend myself since my husband makes what we need to pay bills and all because of the friendships I made last year cheered me up every day, and it gave me something to do besides sit around all day. Now more then half the women are going to other schools, I will be doing 12 weeks of weekly taxi followed by a mascectomy etc..I don't know if it is even worth going back..my boss will be extra stressed trying to fill all of those jobs of women who are leaving, germs, stress both mentally and physically. .so I don't know..I feel like if I go back it will keep my mind off cancer for at least 4 hours a day but if I stay home I can rest and just be there for my kids when they get home but I would need something to take my mind off things while they are in school...any thoughts?
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Hapb thank you soo very much for your words..my husband supports me either way..maybe I can take that time and spend more time with my mom..I rarely see her and she only lives 15 minutes away.maybe i can work on making healthier from scratch meals, work on my garden and maybe make some herbal products which is something i have been wanting to do...I appreciate you taking the time to
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KimPossible, thank you for your encouragement. I will try to remember this too shall pass; it's temporary but I'll remember August 17th for the rest of my life as it'll be the 4th and hopefully the last of chemo for the rest of my life. DH & I will be flying to Air Force Academy on August 31st to attend Parent Weekend. And if I can walk (even at 1 mile/hr speed), I'm going. My eyebrow are still 99% intact as well as my eye lasses so I hope Taxol will be kind to your too.
Hhuey, weekly Taxol will be taxing for sure; and I think being a lunch lady you'll have to be on your feet the whole time right? You may try just 2 or 3 days a week to see how it goes if your boss allows. Mastectomy will require you not lifting or carrying anything heavier than 1 gallon of milk on the mastectomy side for at least 2-3 weeks, so working in your position would not be possible.
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I got a new job in February. I was so excited to work again after been a Mom all the time. One month after i was diagnosed with this terrible illness. I thought i was gonna quit. But i continue working all the time. I took only 3 days off for my lumpectomy. I haven't told anybody of this. So i am like nothing is happening. That makes me feel normal. Now with the chemos I take 2 days off every 3 weeks and go back to work. I am doing the cold caps so i still have my hair. My experience is that at least working make me forget for some hours the nightmare that is to have BC. Next Wednesday is my third chemo, i hope i can continue working for the last 3 chemos. And then Radiation. I guess each person feels different. Good luck with your decision. !
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hhuey I think uou should stay off. those kids are germy and you don't want to slow down yourtreatments. rest enjoy your family niw
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hhuey, This is a difficult situation for you, but I think as stated by others: 1) Consider your health first and foremost. A school can be full of germs. Kids just don't wash their hands like they should and they pass everything around to each other. You don't want your recovery to be compromised by kids being kids. 2) Do you need the money? I don't take that likely if you need the extra income to pay bills. Can you possibly cut costs elsewhere during this time? 3) Like you say, finding another outlet - spending time with your mother, gardening, cooking healthy meals (what about finding a local support group that you can attend?) are all good things to keep you busy. I agree with Vivian, that works serves purpose (amazing that you are keeping this hidden and forging on! BIG kudos to you!)
Your instincts are probably telling you what you need to do for now. I am sure next school year they will welcome you with open arms to return in full force - healthy and happy to take on those kiddos! All the best in your decision. Remember, this is one season of your otherwise long and healthy life. Take care of you!
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HapB - yes makes driving difficult. And you would know one of my kids sat on my glasses and broke them lol! I don't want to get new ones know that my prescription will most likely change. I feel blind as a bat right now.
Hhuey - I am a school nurse and chose not to work because of those germs. I was dx in the fall also, so cold and flu season. And those sweet fellas come in sick and want hugs and to sit in your lap etc. Just didn't want to risk it. Of course ended up sick from my own kiddos
. I will say I would have been able to work while on Taxol. My blood counts never dropped on it and I felt pretty good. I have a teacher friend and that was the point that she went back to work .... when she started Taxol. I think there is no right or wrong .... only what is best for you. I am looking forward to getting back to work this year though. Steroids definitely impact your blood sugar. Mine was checked weekly along with other labs. For bone pain, I found warm epsom salts baths and heating pads to be really soothing.
Y'all are doing great! Prayers and hugs all around!
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Greetings! I am posting to this forum for the first time. I'm very late to the party, but I have read all your posts and have learned so much from your experiences. Thank you for that!
My last DD AC is scheduled for tomorrow, and I will begin Taxol 2 weeks afterwards. I have experienced most, if not all, side effects you've described. The majority of SEs have been mild with the exception of taste issues. Of all things, TOOTHPASTE is the worst offender. I've tried different brands and flavors, and all are horrific. Gag ... Minty fresh is just not cutting it for me. Does anyone have a toothpaste suggestion? It's to the point that I just dread brushing my teeth.
Have a wonderful Tuesday, dear ladies!
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ML, Thank you for sharing that Taxol is easier. I am keeping my eyes on that "prize" so-to-speak, that it will be a reduction in SEs. We are going to attempt to leave for a little driving vacay 2 days after my first dose of Taxol. Until this morning, I kep thinking we were leaving the day after my birthday (the following week), and my DH said that we are going before. ?? I've been on a different planet...you think? ;0) (I wear contacts most of the time, though I sure have had my glasses on while at home a lot. So, I can imagine if I broke them (and didn't have contacts) how I would not be able to function. Do you have an old pair that helps some at least?)
Interesting point about the steroids and blood glucose. That makes sense why mine was 100 even though I was fasting for my last labs. After the first dose it was 79. I will be curious to see what it is this Thursday.
Hershey, I prefer AquaFresh, but during this ordeal I have used the CVS version of Biotene for dry mouth a good bit. The minty flavor is very mild -- too mild for me, actually. Aren't the taste issues just confounding?! I gave up mint-flavored gums for citrus flavored Orbit and really prefer the citrus. I noticed yesterday my taste issues had calmed way down. They aren't normal, but I could at least tolerate most things just fine. Of course, milk chocolate and Oreos still taste quite good.
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so now another complication blood clot along the picc line!
gotta be on fractionated heparin daily injections for 6 months!
just got over an infection and now this! my oncologist says they are pretty common! I wish they had given me a port!
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For the neck/shoulder tension/headaches I have always found relief from an aromatherapy roll I got at one of those home parties. It goes in the microwave. It's basically a terry cloth roll filled with sand-like grain (some have beans) and it feels great to lay on my shoulders and back of neck. It adds just a little weight so the warmth really feels like it's melting the stress. You can make your own using a tube sock or purchase one. There are plenty of sites if you google. Bed Bath and Beyond sells a variety of sizes. One covers your whole back. Some use fragrance. I have it on as I type.
Huey, I understand wanting to have a distraction. But, if it puts your health at risk, I would avoid the schoolhouse.
Tpralph, sorry to hear about your clot. So many unwanted surprises. Hang in there.
KimPossible, hope you do get to enjoy some time away. I'm hoping to hit the OBX in Aug. Someone told me the Summer can't be all chemo. I agree
Welcome HersheyKiss. I,too, find toothpaste disgusting. All I want is that refreshed "newly brushed" feeling and I can't get it. I use Pro-Namel (sp?) for sensitive teeth. I may start trying another.
Feeling very tired this evening so turning in early. Be well ladies.
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Hap B. Good luck with the radiation. I know nothing about that. I don't like texting either but I know that sometimes we have to ask for help. Text them back and say I could use help with X, Y or Z. One simple request, perhaps shopping for you. Then you will find out what kind of friends they are. People are so busy and they should offer but they don't so make a request and see what happens. Thinking of you nd hoping it goes well today.
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Monday was my first DD Taxol. I was super nervous to start because I had a very difficult time finding information on this site about DD Taxol. It doesn't seem to be that common. It was a very long appointment. I had to get my blood draw at 7 am and then my infusion appointment was at 9, but they called me back at about 8:30. Pre-meds were steriods, Benadryl, zofran and a heartburn med. That took the usual 45 minutes or so then a 30 minute "marinate." The taxol was set to infuse over 3 hours. My MO said that they do a long infusion the first time because of the potential allergy/side effects. They want to see if any crop up. About 1/2 way through my hands and feet were a little sore so they stopped the infusion, gave me more Benadryl and restarted 30 minutes later. They also slowed down the rate. I didn't get out of there until 2:15. 7 1/2 hours! Ugh.
I'm on day 3 now. The nausea is nothing like AC. I haven't had any issues with it at all. There also haven't been any food taste changes so far. My major SEs are fatigue (but not horrible), pain and diarrhea. My MO warned me about the pain. It is odd. It's joint/muscle pain. It moves around, but for now it's settled in my knees and thighs and forearms. The first night my arms were tingly from the elbows down, but that subsided.
Overall this drug is much more tolerable (so far). I was able to get out and walk about a mile yesterday morning. Tylenol mostly takes care of the pain so I can get up and down the stairs in my house. I don't have to take steriods aside from that in the pre-meds. I'm hoping this will allow me to eat more sensibly as opposed to likea 12 year old boy.
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HapB - Best wishes with radiation today. Let us know how it goes. I won't start mine until early October.
I'm so sorry that you are having to face this alone. It is no fun with a partner, but I can't imagine alone. One thing I did find is that my friends didn't know how to offer help. When I was first diagnosed they wanted to come visit, but were scared of what kind of person they'd find. They didn't know if I'd be my old self or an emotional wreck. Many of them just ended up avoiding me. A few would do the same as you and send texts. This is our main form of communication, but most of the texts were, "How are you?" I got so tired of people asking my how I was. I snapped back at my mom once for doing it.
What I found to be helpful was 1) using a website called Lotsa helping hands. I could put in where I needed transportation, meals or general help and people could sign up for what worked with their schedule. And 2) just flat out asking specific people for help. I have 2 good girlfriends who are always willing to drive me to appointments. Today my husband has to work so I called a girlfriend to ask if she'd take me to physical therapy and a MO appointment. She agreed. If I feel up to it sometimes I'll take them out to lunch to say thank you. It's win-win for everyone in my case.
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HapB, Sorry. I agree that texting seems to be the "preferred" form of communication these days. I would much rather chat on the phone. I get checked on daily by certain friends that way. Cancer does have a way of scaring a few people away, but that tells me all I need to know about them. I saw that with first DH and his cancer journey. I agree to ask for what you need. The right person will be so glad to help in this way. Some people just feel helpless, really, and may prefer you tell the exactly what you need.
I hear radiation is not bad. Just use the cream they tell you to use. Let us know how that goes, as that should happen for me after more surgery, so I'm thinking January??!!
MsLin, Soooo thankful Taxol is easier, but whoaaaa on that long first day of it. Wow. I will have to prepare DH for that, as it should happen for me on 8/11. Last AC this Friday. Anxious as can be to get this one behind me. I'm trying not to think so much of Taxol yet, because it gets overwhelming with all that is still out there. I PRAY that the taste issues abate after AC. Thanks for this insight! Look at you go!!
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HapB - Are you having whole breast radiation or localized brachytherapy?
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HapB - I had brachytherapy done 2 weeks after my lumpectomy. They inserted a balloon catheter into the lumpectomy cavity at the time of surgery. A week later they removed the dummy catheter and placed the treatment catheter ( under local anesthesia). Did a CT and took measurements, the following week I had radiation twice daily for 5 days ( total 10 treatments) The radiation is done by putting a radioactive seed through the catheter directly to the lumpectomy cavity. It saves radiating the whole breast and I still get the effects of concentrated radiation but with really no side effects. After the last treatment they slide the catheter out and you are done. Only downside was you couldn't shower with the catheter in place! My RO gave me this option, there were some criteria that had to be met to use it I would totally recommend it to anyone.
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Kim - I'll be thinking about you with your last AC on Friday. Way to go! AC#3 was worse for me than #4. I did get Kytril for the nausea with #4 so I'm sure that made the biggest difference. I'm noticing a little more fatigue with Taxol. The biggest thing is the bone pain right now. I imagine it is what it would feel like if you didn't take the Claritin with the neulasta. I'vehad no bone pain with neulasta at all.
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Hi all,
Reading all your posts - praying for everyone like always. I have just Herceptin tomorrow morning and round 3 of chemo on 8/3. I've had a some tingles in my hands and feet (nothing too bad) but I thought it would be nice to get a foot massage at little Day Spa we have here. Well..the foot massage also includes some shoulder, back, head, neck and hands. First I had to tell them not to touch too far down my neck/shoulders with my port, then I don't feel hugely comfortable on my stomach since my surgery...oh and no head massage because my wig would fall/come off...! But - you can massage my feet and hands...but everything else - don't touch me! Lol...this was a fun thing I used to enjoy and now...not so much. The entire time my mind was spinning about the port, if I would turn over - would she just concentrate on my feet because all else is off limits?
For round 2 I had headaches...round 1 not so much. The only thing different was the Neulasta injection I received. I am pretty sure that is why I had headaches but who knows? No mouth sores with round 2 - but tongue felt 'burned' and roof of my mouth felt a little raw. Still working full-time and I am praying I can continue to do so until the end of chemo. I have a consultation with an acupuncture clinic tomorrow to see if they can help with certain things...anxiety, fatigue and nausea. I had a bit of queasy after round 2 - nothing too serious but would like it to be even less.
Take care of you lovely ladies,
Sue
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Question: Are we allowed to drink wine or alcohol while on chemo? For some reason I vaguely remember my nurse saying not to. But she also said not to drink caffeine but with me working and driving home I'm falling asleep behind the wheel. Therefore i started drinking coffee to keep me awake. The only thing I can think of is she doesn't want me to get dehydrated. Do Any of you drink on occasion? I'm usually not a drinker but at times I enjoy a glass of wine.
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Susie, my oncologist advised against consuming caffeine and/or alcohol ONLY if I experienced diarrhea. I don't drink alcohol, so that is a non-starter for me. On the other hand, I really enjoy my morning cup of coffee. I just make sure to replace any liquid that may have been lost due to the caffeine.
Some chemotherapy drugs are mixed in an alcohol base. Perhaps alcohol use would be restricted under those circumstances. But all oncology practices are different and have different standards. Best to double-check with your doctor/nurse.
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HapB - I hope rads are going ok. Good info on those forums here as well. I have 11 more to go. Honestly, it is going fast for me. I go for my treatment, then have 3 kiddos waiting and ready to be on the go. No rest for a weary mom ha! Summer is winding down and school is abt to start back.
Kim - yay for last AC tomorrow! As far as Taxol - I did have side effects, but no nausea. I had bone pain, but up and moving helped that the most. It was worse when I laid down at night and was still. I did warm epsom salt baths, and heating pads. I did bot need Neulasta during Taxol as my counts did not drop. The first few days I felt wired and lots of energy due to the high doses of steroids, but then that would taper off and I sorta crashed. But not terrible. I slept like a rock during AC, but honestly have not slept well since Taxol. Not sure what is up with that. Even with radiation I am tired, but can't sleep. Definitely will be talking with my dr abt that. I'm thinking menopause symptom maybe. I think you will be fine to go on a trip. But, as we know - we all respond differently.
MsLin - I had DD taxol as well. Agree, hard to find many who did it that way. My MO said she wanted to try it and then if I didn't tolerate it well, we could go to weekly. Thnakfully, I did ok. Had some SE but nothing I couldn't deal with.
Hugs and Prayers all around!
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Saw the MO today after my blood tests. She's allowing me to have my final AC chemo #3 on Saturday. I just squeaked by with 1.4 WBC. She said she likes it to be 1.5 but she figures by Sat it should be up. Fingers crossed.
Been feeling really crappy and nauseous the past two days. Apparently you can over do it on those days when you feel great. I guess I just didn't realize how this chemo can really affect you.
There are days when I asked myself if this is all really happening and that maybe it's just a bad dream. I find lately I have a lot less patience sometimes. The other day I was going through the self check at the grocery store and the guy next to me kept putting his groceries in my bagging area. Of course then my checkout comes up and says remove the last item from the bagging area and scan it. I thought I was going to have to kill him. I finally lost it and told him to quit putting his groceries in my bagging area. So not like me to lose my patience like that.
Lilsuzq: I'm a strong believer in acupuncture for myself. Some people respond well to it, others not. I'm one of those who responds better to acupuncture than physio therapy. Once I'm finished with all this chemo and radiation I'll be going for a few sessions.
Good thoughts Ladies!
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Going for my first of 12 weekly taxol/ herceptin/perjeta treatments tomorrow..got me some Immodium for possible diarrhea. ..pepcid, and smell a level for joint and muscle pain..not sure if Clarita would help in the same way it did when I was doing AC with the nuelasta
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Hhuey: Here's hoping all goes well for you. Wouldn't be without my imodium these days. Works wonders. I've been using Zantac 300 mg. MO said use it every day and not just when I feel heartburn or indigestion.
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Hello Ladies,
Had my 3rd TC round yesterday. I'm coming back today for Neulasta shot and IV fluid infusion. I'm feeling okay now because I'm still high on the steroid, but just want extra IV fluid heading to the weekend to hopefully ward off the BP drop. On my round 2 three weeks ago, my BP dropped to 90/50 on Sunday despite drinking 2 liters/day of water. My MO though that the Taxol killed off more intestine cells that time causing less absorption, go figure! Also, MO said more sinus problem could be caused by nose hairs falling off too, so there're less of them to prevent/trap the grass & weed pollens (that I'm allergic to) to go into the sinus. So, I'm wearing nasal mask in 100 degree heat while going outside.
I saw these quotations in one of the MO's exam room & thinking some of us can relate to them. Enjoy and hope every will have a good weekend! BTW, the quote "Never Give Up" is by "Winston Churchill".
The clip covers the word "to" on the left sign.
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Wendeez414 - May I ask what insurer you have that approved the Dignicap treatment?
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Love those quotes klt, thanks for sharing. Hope everyone has a calm, smooth weekend!
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I thought I'd give you guys an update on my Taxol related bone/joint pain. I saw the MO nurse on Wednesday morning and she said it was normal. However, I don't think my level of severity was quite "normal." Wednesday my knees and ankles were a little sore. It made going up and down the stairs rather difficult. By Wednesday night the pain was much worse and I could not sleep at all. I finally got up and took Vicodin just so I could sleep. In the morning the pain was still there. Tylenol and ibuprofen were not touching this and I was in tears. I tried an epsom salt bath with no relief. My husband finally took matters into his own hands and made a trip to buy a CBD tincture. Fortunately that helped relieve some of the pain. I would much rather use a natural method of pain control like CBD than deal with all of the side effects of Vicodin.
Last night the pain was so bad I had to crawl up the stairs. That warranted the Vicodin. Fortunately I was able to sleep off and on with another does at 2:00 am. This morning I am still sore, but can get around much better. I am hoping that with a little walk later I can work things out. I have a very high pain tolerance, but this is like nothing I've felt before. The closest I can equate it to was when I had swine flu. It feels like someone is stabbing hot pokers into my ankles and thigh bones. I think I prefer the AC nausea to this
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Tara4516,
Of course it's United Healthcare health plan 80840 (I don't know what that mean but it's on the card. My husband is an engineer with BNSF railroad and it's thru his insurance. Hope this helps.
Hugs
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