Starting Chemo in July 2017
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Paulette, good about the massage. I understand about not tolerating the wrap. We don't need one more thing to make us crazy. We have so much we are processing right now. I think with the AC I was just surviving. Now with the taxol I'm doing alot more thinking, and it's not always good. I wish I could give you a hug all the way down in California
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Most recently my nose starts a little bit of nose bleeding I remember someone talked about this few weeks ago. I know it is due to dryness inside my nose what should I use to help? Does anyone know?
Crossed post on weekly taxol!
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paulettek- Taxol is very drying. I am almost 6 weeks after last Taxol and nose is still dry. Not as dry as during Taxol though so that SE is lessening!!
I posted on the Taxol thread but will post here, too. I used Ocean saline spray often and Ayr Gel applied with a qtip a few times a day especially when first waking and when going to bed
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thanks DodgersGirl- I am going to target today so I will get some Ayr Gel, I have some saline spray
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Dodgersgirl- you are breezing through this, way to go, getting the drain out is such a relief. Will you go onto rads now?
Travel, yes it's the gentle massage that whisks the lymph away. The taught me but I went online and found videos too. Wishing uneventful infusion today, 25% done now, woot!
Day 4 post DD Taxol #2 going well, pain at this point much less than last time, no pain meds needed yet. Just came from acupuncture and feel it may be helping, plus she tweaked things for my liver enzymes. So far whatever she's done has had results, I've been amazed, I went into with an open mind and remain that way. Until Taxol is done I'm going to continue weekly sessions, and even beyond if I have any neuropathy at all.
Have a good day ladies, hugs and prayers,
Theresa
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Teese- waiting for appointments for occupational therapy, getting lymphodema sleeve, RO, and start of rads as next step(s) on this LONG journey.
Waiting for results of last blood work to see if numbers are climbing upward like I hope (RBC, WBC, platelets, etc)
6 weeks beyond the end of chemo. Most SE are in the rear view mirror! Still dry nose, no eyebrows or eyelashes, finger tip numbness, and pain in nail from Taxol. No longer get winded just from walking upstairs so assuming red blood count is getting better. Hair is starting to grow back!! Started like white peach fuzz but is now dark brown. You can see it from several feet away ( probably between 1/4 and 1/2 on inch long). Taste buds are returning. Last week a Hershey's Kiss just tasted salty but this week, I tasted chocolate. Energy is getting better each day, too.
Hang in there, you are so close to being done with chemo and that is a huge accomplishment!
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Dodgersgirl- you are a beacon of hope for me as I look down this long road, it's a blessing to see a light shining ahead to a finish line that's getting closer and closer
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Hi all,
Between a small amount of SEs, death of MIL, and working, I'm not posting as much as usual, but had to post when I saw everyone's good news. We are cruising. I have my 4th of 6 TCH infusions tomorrow, and my sister is flying in tonight to be there with me. She came to be with me for my MX, but has not seen me in person since I started chemo. I have to say, even though I feel relatively good, I really look like a ''chemo patient' today. Pale skin, dark circles under eyes, and, of course, headscarf. If I put a lot of makeup on to mask it, I look like an old clown, so this is just how I am going to look for a while!
Hang tough,
Leatherette
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DodgersGirl - you gave me hopes to be a normal person again, by next year I will be at your shoes, if things are going as planned I should be done with taxol by December.
Leatherette - I will see one of my girlfriend this Saturday and I haven't seen her since I started chemo also. I know what you meant. When you feel up to it, come and visit us. I know sometime the website can get you down with all the bad news.
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paulettek- look at how far you have already come on this journey. One day at a time. You can do it.
My surgery was a few weeks ago. I still can't wear a real bra or use a prosthesis. I thought it would be like losing my hair and making me want to hide. Instead, I feel empowered to be "me" and go out among people with one side flat. I have reached the point that this is who I am and I am fighting to live so if someone else is uncomfortable seeing one larger breast bouncing under my shirt while the other side is flat, it's their problem. This is just the step I am on in my journey. One day at a time
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DodgersGirl- how old are you to talk likes this? 😂😂😂😂 let the old birds like me to talk like that.
Yes I remember you had your surgery, your June group gave me so my tips and information so I can prepare myself. Yes I'm half way done with my chemo, tomorrow is my #3 taxol 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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paulettek-- best of luck with Taxol 3 tomorrow.
Did you get results of US yet? Praying all is well.
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DodgersGirl- I will see my MO next Thursday to find out. Thank you for the caring and prayers
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dmjmom - Congrats on last chemo! Hopefully, at this time next week I will be done also.
dodgersgirl - I was in your shoes back in May/June. I got my drain out a week after my surgery and the wounds healed well. One of my best friends got married in June, so I had to find a dress that would mask my uneven breasts. I was also starting to get the tissue expander filled, so I had one perky and one saggy breast. DH and I would get a laugh whenever I tried on an outfit and they looked so lopsided! LOL
Paulettek - Regarding the LE, just do what makes you feel comfortable if that means ripping off the bandage. We can only handle so much physically and emotionally, so if it means focusing on just chemo for now, then do that.
I ended up getting a compression sleeve since I started this Livestrong program. I was told that it would help prevent LE for those that are at risk. Well, when I got fitted the guy taking my measurements noticed that my left hand (surgery side) was a little swollen compared to my right hand. I was so devastated! I only wore the sleeve when I work out because it's the kind that includes the gauntlet (for the hand) so it's hard to do anything with it on. Now I want to see my PT to make sure this doesn't progress further. I just wonder if I started getting to the gym to soon. I realize I didn't get clearance from my MO to start this workout program, and now that I'm starting to get lymphedema and the hives I'm wondering if I did too much too soon. Oh, and I also have this cough, sometimes dry and sometimes phleghm-y, that I think is due to allergies. It comes and goes during the day. So i usually just take a Ricola lozenge and that helps. Since the hydroxyzine is an antihistimine, it has helped with the cough too...
I see my MO tomorrow to assess the hives situation. It was spreading to different parts of my body the last few days, but as of right now, most of the rash is gone. But every once in a while, I get a really itchy spot and just want to keep scratching. I've been eating as minimum as I can handle and trying to eat clean with no chocolate, no seafood, no nuts until the hives get cleared. I do not need another setback before my final chemo session next week.
My feet tend to be swollen when I get home from work. I'm sitting at a desk all day and try to put my feet up throughout the days I still have some minor swelling and my toes ache. I've been icing them when I get home and that seems to help but still have the neuropathy feeling. I will try the epsom salt. I think I have a foot bath in the garage somewhere that I should start using.
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Sunnyjay - I did took off all the wrapping, it wrapped all the way to my fingers and it was so hot in Easy Bay yesterday. I had a stressful week, I just couldn't handle it so I unwrapped myself. I think I still have post surgery swelling now, I remembered my MO told me it takes time. Took almost two months for my breast drained all the fluids, now I learned how to manually drain the underarm fluids and I will keep doing it daily. Congrats your last infusion is coming up, finally you see the end of the rainbow. So happy for you? 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Have you try epsom salt soak your feet? Could give it a try,
I was thinking bynext year most of us are done with chemo, and beginning to have our hair back, I wonder can we check in here once in awhile to show off our hair? We went through such a bad time together we should share our good moments even we have an easy life. What do you think?
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I think that’s a fabulous idea, Paulette
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Thanks to all for the congratulations! I'm very pleased to have finished the chemo stage of my treatment. I'm am looking forward to getting started on the next stage (rads). I'll have 33 treatments, starting October 11th. I was surprised to be told that my appointment for the simulation CT would probably be cancelled because it had been made in error. The RO doesn't schedule the simulation CT until 3 weeks after the final chemo, then the rads starts a week after that, so four weeks after chemo ends. I had asked my MO, and she had said she was fine starting it two weeks after my last chemo, as my lab work is all good. I told the RO what the MO had said and he checked my labs and spoke to my MO and said we could go ahead with it. Such great news! I feel so fortunate to have access to such amazing technology to lessen my chances of a recurrence.
I was hoping it would be ok to keep posting here, forever actually. I care about you all and want to keep up with you!
Debby
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Oh my, now I'm teary eyed. I would love nothing better than to pop in here and get updates on everyone's lives as we move forward. I see that some old threads have lasted years and I thought how wonderful to have that connection last.
Leatherette wishing you a uneventful 4th infusion today, woot, only 2 more.
Paulette, how is your arm today? I think when you get a sleeve you'll be much happier, they're not bulky like those dressings I've seen, I can't blame you for removing it.
Sunnyjay, I don't think you did anything to cause the swelling, I think for the most part there's no rhyme or reason. From what I've read exercise isn't supposed to cause it, they seem to know little about why or how it starts for most of us. Some people do overdue or traumatize the arm, but mostly my PT says it just happens. The important thing is to not let it go and get it treated so it doesn't progress beyond stage 1.
Praying for a resolution to your hives, now that we're near the end no one wants anything to hold us up from completing all the doses. I'm trying to eat cleanly to lower my liver enzymes. It's always something.
LoJo, you seem to be moving at light speed now, good grief it seemed like yesterday you were the one stalled and now here you are getting your tats! I'm jealous 😂.
Had to get up at 0 dark 30 for an early echocardiogram, now I'm whipped. I have to go pack up a care package for my daughter, she had the flu this week at school so she needs some cheering up. Thankfully the Dr there gave her Tamiflu and she's almost over it.
Have a great day ladies,
Theresa
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Taxol #3 yesterday was without event, and there was no increase in SE so far. No increase in toe numbness. I saw my MO afterwards. I am triple neg and I've been reading some scary stuff on the boards, it has had me pretty down. She was reassuring, which is helpful. She recommended I start the glutamine that so many others are taking. She also told me to stop reading the triple negative web sites.
I'm post menopausal and have issues with vaginal dryness, so much so that if it is untreated it makes vag exams excruciating. MO told me to stop my premarin cream long ago and the problem is getting worse. I figured once I start hormone blockade after chemo that it will become impossible. Yesterday she prescribed a hormonal ring that is inserted in the vagina that is compatible with the hormonal blockade. She recommended I do that soon.
Got my genetic testing started yesterday.
I'll cross post this to weekly taxol thread.
Like Paulette & Debby & Jen I am hoping this thread will continue long after we are all done.
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Sitting here getting my infusion, nothing bad, just have enough stuff in me to feel a little weird. It still seems to take forever! I started at 7:20, now at twelvish I still have 1.5 hours till I'm out of here. Others are coming and going, and here I sit. Glad to have my sister to talk to, getting all the dirt from back home!
I have to get an echocardiogram soon, too. Hopefully I don't have to go to Tacoma to get it in a timely manner!
I plan to continue posting, especially pix when I have more hair...and definitely want to hear what everyone's up to for a while to come.
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Would love to continue posting here well after we are all PFC. I feel like we've gone through so much together. I really love the encouragement from this group, esp with our own Mother Hen keeping track of everyone! ☺ I was hoping for the same in our May surgery group but only a few still posting there.
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I am happy everyone have the same feelings about sharing, I love to share our good times as well as thour bad times. I have seen some old threads they posted how life put back bits and pcs and that will happen to us. I know my life will change because I know God gave me the second in life. I will try to help other and be devote my time to God.
My uneventful #3 taxol infusion, the lady next to me rang the bell, she said she has chemo over a year!! It was a happy moment in the infusion room.
Sunnyjay- hope your hives will be under control soon!
Dmjmom - life move on for you, radiation will be much easier journey I heard.
Leatherette - you should be done soon, isn't it
Good news, my thyroid report came back and I'm fine, I will be on monitor in a year to check on couple nodules. Thanks God and thank you for all the prayers! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Good news Paulette. Such a relief knowing you're going to be okay!
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if you are doing taxol here is link I found to tell us what to eat.
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Morning, it's a gorgeous morning in the 60's clear and breezy. Heading out for a walk soon. I hope it stays this way for weeks and weeks
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Paulette-my last infusion is scheduled for Nov. 7.
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Leatherette- I'm so happy for you 🙌🙌🙌🙌 my last one will be on first week of December.
Teese - the sun is out in here as soon as I finished my breakfast I'm going for a walk with my dog also.
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Hello everyone! I'm definitely on board for continuing to share as we leave chemo behind us! This group is amazing, and it will be nice to stay in touch through this board.
PauletteK - So glad to hear the report back is positive!
Teese - I've been saying the same thing about how quickly things seem to be moving now. It felt so slow, and then, all of the sudden I found myself getting tattoos and scheduling radiation (first one is on Monday!).
sunnyjay - I hope the hives are getting better for you. Also, on the swelling issue... I hope this helps... I had MAJOR swelling during my big hives breakout (it is what caused my MO to put me on a second round of prednisone!). My left arm (non BC arm) was swollen to the elbow, the right arm (my BC arm) was swollen all the way to the shoulder and into the torso. I was SURE the hives had triggered lymphedema. But... the prednisone brought the swelling down, and stopped the hives from being so severe. I still take Zyrtec every day (which is amazing), and will be lessening my dose as I get towards the end of radiation. No swelling since then, thank goodness. So, I'm hope for you, that the swelling will go away as the hives get less severe, as well!
Today I met a friend and did a five mile walk/hike on a local trail. No major elevation gain, but it was so amazing to be out there and feeling so good! I've been walking every day, but haven't done something this long in almost three months. I did a big hike after my first infusion and before my second, but once the allergic reaction occurred, I couldn't do big hikes because the heat and effort triggered the hives. No trigger today, and it was lovely!
I tell you this so you know, there truly is a light at the end of this chemo tunnel. I'm only one week PFC, which was a weekly chemo regimen, so on Thursday, when I normally would be in the chair, I was at work and feeling pretty good. Today I'm feeing the best I've felt in a couple months. Last night, I went out for dinner with my husband and even had a beer! My oh my, did that taste good (and it felt good to be doing something so normal!).
I hope all of you are doing well, and your SE's are minimal. Will still be around, and will report hair and SE changes as I get further from PFC. I do have little eyebrows coming in, which is exciting!
Have a good weekend!
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LoJo - what is PFC? Is this part of chemo? I thought you finished all your chemo now, are you?
Even I'm on taxol I still feel better, I went out with friend today for lunch, I haven't been out with friend since chemo. This made me feel like a normal person again, I realized I was depressed for months. BC really changed my life and my happiness and I can't let this direct my life. Will try my best to re-direct my life back to normal little by little.
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PauletteK - PFC = Post Final Chemo
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