Starting Chemo in July 2017
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JenRuns: You too? I was going in for an expansion this morning, and my PS looks at my foob and says, "oh dear, that doesn't look good. We're not doing any expanding today." In the last week or so I was experiencing dryness on the skin on the bottom half, and it's been pink in the area for months now but my PS wasn't worried at the time. Now that it has changed to a different color and felt tender under the skin, she is now convinced there is an infection. She gave cephalexin/Kerflex as an antibiotic, plus a topical ointment to kill the infection. But she is so anti-infection that she is thinking of removing the expander altogether. And since you can't do chemo while you are recovering from surgery, I will have to wait at least 4 weeks to resume chemo. I haven't talked to my MO to see what he has to say, but I'm supposed to have my 3rd cycle next week. So I hope this clears up so I can finish my treatment.
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Good morning ladies,
How's everyone doing? Some of us are getting to the end of AC soon, are we getting ready for the next phase?
I'm on my day 5 of #3 infusion same SE so it isn't bad at all just a little tired. Hope everyone are doing well
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Jen and sunny - oh no, so sorry for these new developemnts. Between the worry of an infection and the frustration of putting chemo back, I feel for you both. Since I started this, my driving goal has been to get through all treatments on time at full strength, as I'm sure you feel the same. Well second goal is to come through healthy and I guess that's will mean delays at times. Prayers and hugs.
AC #4 yesterday, and I feel really wrong today, it's taking a lot of effort to type this out as the typos are unbelievable. I real like my head weighs a ton and so drowsy. No change in any meds I'm taking or Pre meds. If this is chemo brain then I'm going to have a fit, I feel like a dullard.
Plus I knocked my neulasta half off last night so I get to enjoy the 4 hour round trip for that. I could just kick myself over that fiasco. Ugh!
On the bright side AC is done and MO feels Taxol is easier for most, but some have debilitating pain. So an either or thing with one being the pits.
Last gripe, ( I know, yet another) lymphedema has set into my right arm. Oh joy! Hope to get in for an evaluation this week.
Wishing everyone a good day, SE free or manageable. Healing for all us us dealing with those issues, keep posting good or bad. If you post a SE that's not really heard off that often, then it helps the next one of us who may have it pop up to not get too excited over it.
Hugs, theresa
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Tess - congrats on the last AC !!! Hang in there you will be fine in few days.
Sunny and Jen - hope you two don't have any infection things will move along as planned.
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Theresa,
I knocked off my neulasta pod two weeks ago. I was so mad at myself. I just have to make it til 7:00 tonight without my daughter or my dog knocking it off my arm and then this is my last neulasta. My onc doesn't think I need one for Taxol. I don't know if that's everyone's experience or not.
Good luck to everyone with their rounds this week!
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purple- MO says I will continue with Neulesta because of the DD schedule. Only a problem when I knock it off. ;-)
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purplestargazer- I did not have Neulasta with Taxol. In fact, by the later doses of Taxol my WBC increased from week to week. (I did not have DD, I had standard 12 weeks of Taxol
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Teese--purple- with the neulasta I would ask to put on your belly! All the way down, Towards the side willbe by your underwear. It did not cause problems there for me. It stays more protected.
This is supposed to be a good week for me since next week is my next infusion! But I developed an allergic reaction, hives swollen lip. MO sent me to my primary, said it is not chemo related, it started day 13! And now I have horrible heartburn, I am thinking it could stress from the hives. Not sure what to do. Been on Benadryl since Sunday, getting more areas of bumps on arms and legs. All itchy My lip went down, thanks God!
Anyone with crazy allergic reaction so far out?
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Mari - so sorry that you have allergy problem during your good week hope the Benadryl will Clear up your skin. Did you ever have this kind of problem before?
Hugs .... hope you feel better soon
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no,never. That's why it's so odd! Day 13! I thought allergies were a few days later. O confused!
My heartburn is also awful!
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Sounds like everyone has it a little rough right now-hope we all get better. I don't know how much to expect things to get better with subsequent rounds-I thought maybe your body gets used to it/you learn how to manage side effects better, but that bumps up against cumulative effects making it harder.
Better this time: no acne, nausea controlled, no mouth sores, can taste better
Worse: stomach cramping, extreme weakness, signs of neuropathy, sore throat
Ugh. Take care, everyone!
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sunny, so sorry to hear that!!!! My PS still did the expansion, so I hope it's because he's not concerned that the expander itself is infected. MO said the antibiotic is strong enough that it *should* knock out whatever this is. Fever's gone... just waiting for redness to go away too.
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Mari - LoJo had to deal with hives you may want to read through her recent posts.
Jen glad you got the expansion. Will you get your infusion tomorrow.
Ended up getting some fluids to combat all the SE today plus the neulasta shot since the pod fell off.
Two hour ride home and then I want to go to bed
Theresa
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Mari - I had major hives after infusion #2 of TC. It started on day 10 or 11 (I can't remember off hand right now). It was ABSOLUTELY the Taxotere. My MO put me on a small pack of prednisone when Benadryl didn't stop them. Thought we'd gotten it handled, and then, bam, they came backe and I had major swelling in both arms and my ankles. She gave me another pack of prednisone and lengthened the taper time. Now I'm doing much much much better.
Also, I take a daily Zyrtec, which is amazing. I can tell when I miss it, because I'll get a little flare up right around hour 24.
Because of my reaction, we had to stop chemo for a week, and switch the drugs (I'm now on Abraxane, weekly and Carboplatin every 3 weeks). I just did the first round of this new set-up last Thursday (got both Abraxane and Carboplatin) and so far, so good. I saw my MO today, and we are all happy with my progress. The truth is, I'll have hive type reactions for at least 2-3 months, because my body is extra sensitive now. Stress and nerves definitely trigger it the most. But so do my hot flashes!
Today I had my Port surgery, and when I woke up this morning (before the procedure), hives were in a few places, worse than they've been in awhile (still not as bad as they were at the worst of it). Once I got through the surgery, they were pretty much gone (a few stuck around). I was very nervous, more than I was for my double mastectomy(!!), so it makes sense that I got some hives.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I can empathize. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I used ice compresses when the itching got really bad. I also used Benadryl anti-itch cream. The prednisone (as much as I didn't want to take it) was the thing, combined with Zyrtec and nightly Benadryl, that really helped kick it. Especially the bad swelling.
I hope your hives are on their way out. I don't know why some MO's refuse to believe it is an allergic reaction to the chemo drugs. But your not the first person I've heard say this on these boards.
Sending good thoughts your way!!
All - got the port placed today. It went well, once they gave me something for my nerves! I was alert, though drugged, the entire time, and remember everything. It wasn't so bad. The numbing agents are wearing off, and I'm on Tylenol every 6 hours. It helps, but boy, the pain is definitely more than I anticipated. But everyone says it goes away after a few days, so that's good! They used the clear plastic bandage, so I can at least shower in a 1-2 days. Yay! I will have my chemo on Thursday and am happy to have the port after major issues finding workable veins. I know my oncology nurse will be very happy!
Sorry to hear that many of you are experiencing annoying SE's. Sending good thoughts to everyone and hope that SE's begin to get better.
Congrats, Teese on getting through round #4 of AC. I hope the weekly Taxol is easier!
Off to bed, hoping I can sleep for a bit!
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teese.... no, infusion 4 is now delayed. Hoping for Friday, if the redness is gone.
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JenRuns - I know the frustration of delay and hope that Friday is a GO! Will send good thoughts your way for this!
I was able to sleep last night with some Tylenol and my heart pillows (thought I was done with those after I could sleep on my side after the mastectomy!). The port seems to be healing well. A lot less pain today, but still tender. I'm working from home tomorrow because it didn't feel right to drive or move a lot. I'm so happy to have a port. Just looking at my left arm and all the bruises from trying to find a vein last week makes me happy to have gotten it!
Tomorrow is the first infusion with the port! It's just Abraxane tomorrow, so a shorter infusion. Side effects from the infusion last week have been do-able so far. A little more nausea, but my Dr. is upping those meds for the rest of the infusions, so I'm hopeful that will get zapped.
Also, this morning is the first morning I've gotten up with almost no hives starting back at me. My skin is still sensitive, and will be, but wow! Think I was a tad bit stressed about finding veins and the port surgery!?
I hope all of you are recovering and that your SE's are getting better by the minute!
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LoJo100- good luck to your tomorrow infusion hope there will be a smooth ride.
Today has been a bad day so I won't say much. Hope tomorrow is a better day.
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Lojo, glad you got your port and it's healing well. I am very glad I have one, however, after losing weight, it protrudes more and you can see the little triangle outline. Looks more alien, but saves me pain
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Random question: Has anyone experienced hair *growth* during your chemo???
I buzzed my hair short just after my first A/C treatment. Starting losing it within 15-16 days of that first treatment, and I'd say it's 95% gone now. What's left is sort of peach fuzz-ish, and if I tug on it, it'll come out. But it's sparse and short, so I don't really tug. Much.
Lately though, I've noticed some spots seem to be longer than what they were when I buzzed them. My husband said the same thing a few days ago and I was like, no way ... hair doesn't GROW when you're in chemo. But now I look, and I think it is?? Not new growth, but the hair that's remained is growing?
Anyone else?
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JenRuns- no such luck still shredding daily.
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Jen: I have had some hair growth of my hair that has not shed. I thought it was strange too. I didn't shave or buzz my head but I had a very short bob. I have about 10% of my hair and the hair that's left has gotten longer. I noticed this week that it was harder to put my hair in the wig cap and keep it all in... I have been using Nioxin shampoo & conditioner, hoping to minimize the hair loss. So I was thinking that Nioxin was helping it grow.
I think I read in other threads that it does start to grow a bit for those on AC, but then hair loss starts again during Taxol.
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My shaved part of my head is growing. I would have gone to a quarter inch instead of shaving if I knew it would still grow. It's like the rough side of velcro when I try to put my wig cap on. Once I get the thing on, it's fine, though. I also can't tell if I'm still shedding with it shaved. Hair still needed to go, though. Armpit hair not growing, shaved legs today for probably the last time in a while...eyebrow and arm hairs coming out if I pull gently. Eyelashes hanging tough, even though I have to wipe my watery eyes all the time.As for nether regions-creepy to look so 'young' there. IMO, Just saying.
Went to a friend 's for dinner last night. Did not eat much, was in the bathroom for a while, but okay otherwise. It was so nice to do something normal! I didn't even care that the wine was flowing for everyone but me-I was present and upright with lovely people. Taking my daughter back to school shopping today. She's been getting anxious about it, and today is the first day I feel capable this round.
Hope everyone is having a good/tolerable day.
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I thought the hairs I had left were growing, and it was causing everything to look a little scraggly, so my daughter buzzed my head again to clean it up.
I've actually read some women begin to see white fuzz start with taxol. So I'm hopeful.
Today is day 4 and usually the first of two bad days with day 5 being the worst. I asked my MO to taper my steroid so I wouldn't have the crash. So far it's a good day, a little less energy, but my appetite is still good, no nausea. Like they say you figure everything out by the last infusion;-)
Daughter leaves for college tomorrow, so happy to see her back to her routine, but I'm going to miss her something fierce.
My son moved out to his first place just after her return from school. So we will be officially empty nesters after she leaves tomorrow. Boo hoo!! I think I'm going to be struggling some.
LoJo - the port is a good thing, so glad you have one. Praying for a smooth infusion day, let us know.
Paulette- are you feeling any better today? I feel for you and understand your not wanting to post much. #3 just kicked my butt and I just laid low until I felt human again. It was so hard dragging myself in for #4 and anticipating another week of hell, but here it is and totally different then #3.
Jen - still on target for Friday infusion?
Leatherette- how about you, feeling any better?
These rounds are accumulating, I'm more short of breath, MO said to expect it to worsen before it's all done. Sigh! Well we'll get this all behind us. I keep reading all the galsfrom May and April all finishing up and it gets me all hopeful! Yay!
Hope tomorrow is a better day for SE for us all.
Prayers and hugs to all!
Theresa.
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phew, glad I'm not going too mental. Leatherette, your description of the hair was right on for me... haven't shaved pits or legs in a while, and the nether region kinda freaks me out.
Still on target for my last A/C tomorrow. Fever is gone and redness has gone down a ton. Can't believe I'm looking forward to getting this ...but it's more that I want it to be done
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sisters, it could be in my head but chk your vitamin B levels to prevent or minimize neuropathy. Here is why.
DD Taxol gave me mild to moderate neuropathy which started after chemo was done. And it got worse after rads started. I was mad as hell about the flare up. I looked up internet and found Vitamin B could be a remedy. I took one yesterday and one today and I feel really good today. The only other diff is one less hr of sleep today (negative) four errands I did vs two yesterday (again does not explain the positive change) Now even though vitamin B is essential for nerve functions and more, too much Vitamin B is toxic. So have your Vitamin B level checked. I got scripts from my family doc for Vitamin D and B6 today.
Mimi
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My DH asked me last night when do I expect to get my hair back. Maybe six months after last chemo which would be sometime in March if I'm lucky. I do have that peach fuzz left which never fell out. And yes, it is growing. Kind of a problem. I thought about cutting but now that I've started on Docetaxel I expect the rest will fall out anyway.
I'm finally getting use to the bald look.
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rebamacfan- my naturopath said the same about vitamin b ... he has me on b12 and complex b vitamin supplements for Taxol... he also gave me L-glutamine powder to mix three times a day...
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ty jenruns, I am going to get a new bottle of B vitamins very soon..
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I asked my doc today about taxol he suggested vitamins b6 and b12.
Teese - finally I feel better on day 7. I really feel bad that my hubby has to see how low I hit yesterday. I was so tired and low I didn't have any energy at all. I have one more AC to go and I hope it will not be as bad next round.
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Hi All:
Infusion today went well. I can't tell you how happy I am to have the port. Today, instead of spending 30 minutes trying to get a vein to work, it was 5 minutes and the oncology nurse was drawing blood and getting my chemo ready! If you are on the fence about getting a port, I can definitely say I'm happy I got one, and I was nervous about it! Any questions... happy to answer them.
I was also happy to see that my oncologist re-did my pre-meds to include a little more steroid (6mg instead of 4mg) and she ordered the nausea drug that I had been on before that really helped a lot. I can tell I'll have a few GI issues, but I don't have the same 'edge of nausea' feeling I had last week after my infusion. So, I'm hopeful.
I took a walk when I got home (a little under a mile) and then I kind of laid around and drifted in and out of twilight, never fully napped. I think I'll sleep well tonight, had to be up pretty early for my infusion today, so I think that has me more tired than anything. I ate lunch and a turkey burger dinner (I'm craving protein, I think it's because my port surgery is healing).
Hopeful that the SE's this week will be less given it's just the one drug this time and the pre-meds were better!
Teese - Sending good thoughts your way as you become empty nesters. It sounds like you're doing well, even though the SE's and accumulating. I hope they even out a little for you.
JenRuns - Happy to hear your infusion is on schedule. I totally understand being happy it is happening. When I found out I could start-up again, I was really happy, which seemed strange, but, like you, I was happy because it meant I could continue getting closer to being done!
Paulette - Glad you're feeling better on day 7. I hope round #4 is easier on you.
All, I hope everyone is doing well and SE's are minimal!
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