Chemo starting October 2017
Comments
-
100 days to go for me, till the end of chemo! March 20th if I stay on schedule. Since I am on the 6 taxol every 3 weeks, I am a bit longer than the rest of you. 1 Taxol done, 5 to go. My next one is the day after Christmas.
Lisa when I met with my BS about 10 days ago. She did schedule a MRI for early March and then another office appt with her for a week later. Then she said surgery will be about 4 weeks from last chemo, so I am guessing mid April. All I can wrap my head around now is getting through chemo and the surgery. Reconstruction or going flat, possible radiation...all that is too much to think about (or make a decision on) for me right now.
Taking it easy this weekend. It's cold/snowy/icey...not normal for this part of the country. And my kid is sick with a cold again.
My nails hurt like I smashed them in a door. I couldn't even peel an orange this morning! But overall fine, as long as I nap and don't push myslef.
0 -
My lower back has been aching badly since Friday, and I was trying to figure out how I could have pulled it out of whack, but now after reading others comments, feeling like maybe this is a SE of Taxol?? I have bad aching in my knees too, but only notice that when I am trying to go to sleep at night... So far my fingertips are mildly tender, but not any more so than my last AC treatment...toes the same. Hope it stays that way. I am considering icing them for my next Taxol, do not want to take any chances. Still have Low-Energy today.. hope it picks up soon. I think I will go into work some tomorrow, to try and take my mind off of things...maybe that will help.
0 -
Well, I slept about 3 hours this afternoon again. I'm so weak and frail. I've been trying to eating well, but I just can't keep my eyes open for long. I guess I'll send an email to my MO tomorrow to see if he wants me to do anything other than rest. This is for the birds.
Oh, and it seems that my entire family (who doesn't live with me) is sick right now. Crossing my fingers that I haven't picked up a virus from anyone.
0 -
Checking in to see how everyone is doing. Seems like a lot of us Taxol girls are having similar finger tip issues. My MO said to contact them if it got bad, as in I can't button buttons. Does not being able to push a pill through a blister pack or peel the seal off a new bottle of dishwashing liquid without hurting count. I don't want to be the patient who cries wolf over every little SE. It's hard for me to balance.
One other thing is that I have a couple of large patches of dry skin on my neck and thigh. Does anyone else have anything like that? They told me that a rash could be a sign that I'm sensitive/allergic to an additive that's added to the Taxol to stabilize it. They can get the taxol infusion mixed without that additive but it's more expensive and insurance can deny it. Nothing is easy with this stuff, huh?
I just found out a young girl I know, my friend's stepdaughter, recently tested positive for a BRCA mutation. I don't know if it's 1 or 2. She's only 26. Luckily the lump they were investigating was B9. She's in the middle of planning her wedding that's in mid-February. Her immediate reaction was to have a BMX/reconstruction before her wedding. I don't know if she'll stick to that plan or not. She's scheduled to start meeting with a team at Fox Chase in Philly so I'm sure she'll get good advice there. Please keep her in your thoughts; the poor thing is scared.
I'm so far behind commenting on everyone's posts but I want to say that I love seeing the photos! Sara - you and your mom are gorgeous! HikerVA - the wig looks great on you.
0 -
Agatha, I would definitely mention it to your MO. I do feel that not being able to pop a pill, or take the plastic off of a bottle warrants you mentioning it.
Wow, I just noticed the dry skin. It is on my thighs. I never ever had this issue, so it must be the Taxol.
0 -
Hi ladies! Haven't checked in for a while and it's so good to see many people ending AC or other chemo and moving on to the next thing. Jennifer and Hiker, your wigs look great! And Agatha, so glad to read your news about your LX - that must be a huge relief. I had my last chemo just a week ago and would love to say the week was uneventful but that's not my style apparently. Gotta have drama somewhere. So... I have been taking epsom salt baths to help with the muscle and bone pain from neulasta. Whoever recommended that was a lifesaver btw. I think I've had at least two a week for the last month and a half. Unfortunately, this last one I got a bit overheated, felt dizzy when I got out so sat on the floor, and next thing I know woke up to a huge wham of me decorating my bathroom tile with blood from my face. 6 hours in the ER and 3 stitches later, my nose won't look quite the same again. I think my modeling future is severely hampered now
. The only saving grace is that I had the foresight to sit down before I passed out. I hate to think how bad it would have been if I was standing. On the plus side, I had my RO consult today, will have a CT simulation on Thursday and hopefully start rads the first week of January. So ladies, learn for me - don't overheat yourself and sit/lay down immediately if you feel dizzy. Oh and then weird story... my sister came over the other day and told me this exact same thing happened to her friend about a week ago just after her 1st chemo treatment. Did anyone else pass out last week? Maybe there was some psychic connection going on in the world that we are just finding about now. Anyway, hope you are all having a good week. Hang in there girls!!
0 -
Sorry about your nose scaligirl. No passing out for me this week, but I did bathe in our jetted tub a few days ago and it was heavenly. It's the only time I've been warm all week. It's the only time in my life where I've really wanted a hot tub to crawl into.
Doing a tad better today, maybe 40% on the energy level. Hoping that my RBC will rebound in the next day so that I don't miss my next round of chemo. I have 10 treatments left and really want to get this thing over with! I know y'all understand!
0 -
Just checking in. Coming out the other side of FEC #3. The first day without steroids really sucks. It’s like I lose my hope and I’m in a pit.
On the positive very minimal Neulasta SE. stuck with the Claritin. Had it on Friday. No meds today so maybe I’ll make out ok on that end. Do the SE from Neulasta ted to get better or worse as you go?
Worried about next drug. I hate unknown. I’ve heard it’s less severe but know “we are all different.”
For those with teens, how are they coping with your diagnosis? Things have slowed down enough with me that now I’m very worried about my kids.
Cut our tree yesterday. A lovely blue spruce on the back of our property. Kids just put on the favorites and my crocheted bells and snowflakes. I love it. Going to maybe wrap a few gifts today. Tomorrow is back to sunshine and walks.
0 -
scaligirl- I wasn't even going to mention this until I read your story. I had my first Taxol one week ago Monday. I live alone and have a very demanding job which I'm working full time and I work from home.
So, two days after infusion I had an "episode". I was working at my computer, suddenly became extremely overheated, profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea, retching, stomach cramps - I shouted aloud (to no one) "WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE". I thought I was dying and needed to get to a fan. (I still don't know why I didn't call 911. But thought a fan would save me). I laid down on my office floor and the episode lasted about ten minutes, but I didn't start feeling normal for about 40 minutes. Shortly thereafter, my Chemo nurse called just to follow up on how I was handling the first Taxol. She said it sounds like this was a reaction to a steroid crash as this was just about the time the steroids would have waned after infusion. The NP wasn't concerned, I had no further episodes, and decided to stop being a weenie. Your story validates the fear I felt. I'm so sorry about your nose - that sucks. Hope you're not having any pain and thank you for sharing your story.0 -
Hi all
Joyseeker - lovely tree, it brings cheers just by looking at it.
My hospital brought in Paxman cold cap system this mth. Tried it yesterday (usd30/session) though I'm nearly bald. I still have 15wks chemo to fulfil so i hope this could jumpstart my hair regrow sooner. It was very cold the 1st 15min since no hair to act as insulator, thereafter ok.
Did #10/12 taxol yesterday. My oncologist review is every 3wks. 1st review, after #3, my oncologist physically measured tumor 1.8 x 1cm (original 3.6 x 2.1cm). Happy!
2nd review, oncologist can't find tumor so sent for clip insertion. The doc needed ultrasound to perform clip insertion. Doc said tumor 2.5-3cm, not well-defined. Disappointed!
3rd review, I ask oncologist why ultrasound n physical examination differ. She said that it could be the dead cells and only certain at surgery.
I'm scheduled for 4DD AC every 3 wks after 12wks Taxol. From this thread, I realised most of u are doing 2wks interval. So I asked my oncologist. She said it may be too tough for my weary body (after taxol). I can still try n switch to 3wks if unbearable. She added that 2wks interval AC is 2% more effective vs 3wks.
0 -
Hi Ladies,thanks for everything, it’s so helpful to see how we’re all carrying on, I feel sadness for those suffering and joy for those having good days. Had my first Taxol today and it was nurses and the oncolgist saying how much easier this Taxol usually is for us. I feel like they didn’t really talk a lot about SEs when I was on the AC and concluded that it could just be so different for each of us they didn’t want to say. They did not hold back on the Taxol which is interesting because of course it will be different for each of us. I think now that they’re trying to keep me positive, having to go every week is going to grind on for sure. I do hope those of you that are suffering find relief soon.
Today I was slightly anemic so it’s funny the oyster recipe was mentioned, my husband loves them, me not so much, but he brought them up because of the Iron and the recipe does sound really good, lately anything but the food I usually eat sounds pretty good. I guess I’ll try some oysters!
Have a great week!0 -
After another fatigue-laced day, woke up at 7am feeling okay. I'm hoping that all my good eating has been helping my body recover. I've been cancelling all my lunch and dinner offers from friends and co-workers because of my fatigue and I'm beginning to feel very isolated and depressed. Hope I can reverse that soon. Tomorrow is infusion day so if I can get a walk in today, that'll be two good days out of the 7 in this cycle.
Peoy, sending good wishes that your tumor is shrinking, shrinking. I'm jealous that your MO actually measures it. I only get a palpitation and best guess.
0 -
Scaligirl, so sorry about your nose/crash to the floor, I know that must have been super scary!! and Simbobby, same for you, hope the reactions do not happen again!!!
LisaRX, I hope your infusion goes well tomorrow. I just realized you are on weekly Taxol, they have me on Taxol DD every two weeks, but the SE seem to be very similar. Like Trees100, the doctors are saying Taxol is easier, but to date, it does not seem to be that way. I am wondering if the low-energy is due more to the anemia than the Taxol, but hard to say. Today is a week since my Taxol #1 and I do feel more like myself today, energy level is up. Prior to today, I have hardly felt like walking upstairs without having to rest. I have been trying to increase my iron level in my food, but feel like maybe the listlessness was more from Taxol than anemia. Today is also the first day that I have not had that underlying sense of nausea, not enough to take meds, but just there all day. They wanted me to come into work, but may wait a day and enjoy having my energy back and getting some things done, which would include a walk, If I go into work, they will suck all my energy!!!! lol
Hope everyone does well today and sees improvement!!!!
0 -
Hiker, the reason I'm blaming anemia is that my test results indicated that I was already low on hemoglobin, RBC and hematocrit going into last week's infusion. My WBC is fine. And my symptoms all line up with anemia, including the rapid heart rate and fatigue.
https://www.verywell.com/chemotherapy-induced-anem...
During my lowest days, I'd be panting with effort just crossing the room, and I was taking 3 hour naps! I'm hoping my MO will allow me to take an iron supplement or something, although I won't refuse an infusion, if offered.
P.S. Anemia also explains why some people are getting light headed when they get up too quickly.
FYI, you might try sniffing peppermint oil to see if that helps with the nausea. That's what they're recommending to my aunt who is quite nauseated following major surgery. She said it works great!
64 days left of chemo!
0 -
Anyone else have weird food cravings?? All I want are pickles (sour/salty ones) and cheeses. Weird. Lol!
0 -
LisaRx: Thank you for your message, then maybe my SE's are more from anemia than from the Taxol, The OC told me I had mild anemia prior to my first Taxol, so maybe that has worsened and that is where my SE's are coming from. I did not know about the palpitations being a SE of anemia, thank you for that information too. I have had palpitations on and off since I was 15 yrs old, not heart related. But I have been having several episodes a day since Taxol, and was not sure what was causing that. Plus the barely being able to walk across the room without getting out of breath.... ME exactly for about 5 days, ever since the Steroids wore off....
JoySeeker: Yes, I had those same cravings in the beginning of my A/C treatments... could not get enough cheese and yes loved to pair the dill pickles with it... but those cravings lasted about 10 days and then I was sick of cheese, only able to look at it again now, but do not crave it at ALL.... I have had other food cravings during chemo, sometimes so badly that I wanted to get dressed at night after already in my PJ's and go to the store...
I just sent with it...and enjoyed the cravings!!! This too will pass I am sure...0 -
A few hours ago, I was craving a good sharp cheese I ran to the store to grab some. Cut off a few slices and my husband grabs one and makes a face about how sharp it was. I could barely taste it. I have noticed a few times I could barely taste certain foods that should be strong.
Blood work done today since they like to check 1 week post new drug. And yep low rbc and hematocrit again. They just keep ticking down. My heart has been beating faster than normal (85-105) most of the time which fitbit calls my fat burning zone. So my body is burning more calories and I am starving all the time. I do have some fatigue, get out of breathe easy but the lightheadedness hasn't been too bad lately. I have a cold too. I feel like an old lady! But better days ahead, right?
0 -
Has anyone had their regular 6 month teeth cleaning, while on chemo? I have mine coming up after the new year and I asked the NP about it. She said schedule right before chemo when your blood counts are the highest and as long as it's not a deep cleaning.
I had a ton of dental work in the year before BC. But now, since it was recommended to switch from my electric tooth brush to a soft manual. And Biotene instead of Listerine. My gums do bleed now and my teeth are more sensitive. I debate if I should get them cleaned or not. I know I need it but worry about infection.
0 -
Mustered up some energy for a 100 year old family recipie. Jam made from Oakanogan Peaches and Chokecherries from my backyard bush. Joy here. I wish I was sharing a tea and thimble cookie with each of you
0 -
Wow Sara those cookies look beautiful! I was was having a down day and though maybe a chocolate chip cookie would perk me up especially since I haven't been having sweets.... so I decided to whip up a batch of GF cookies for myself-- Yikes!! The reality of chemo brain! Went out to get the mail and ended up lollygagging in the flower bed picking weeds, and when I walked back into the house, timer was going of and smoke was everywhere! Burned the Second batch on the right too because of a phone call distracting me. It's as if I totally forgot I was baking and that the cookies even existed! Chemo Brain!!!! Third batch I stood in front of the oven until they were done! 😜
Had only planned to eat one cookie,but ate 4 after all that..... and they were delicious! 🍪
0 -
Hey girls - So much going on with you all. I haven't checked in in a few days. Nose crashing, sensitive nails, fatigue, anemia. So many unpleasant things! But, also trees, cookies, nice wigs, and Christmas preparations. Good things too. We have to find the good right?
Had my last AC on Monday. So far, it wasn't as bad as I feared it would be. That's not to say there haven't been bouts of nausea and eyes watering and dry skin, and taste changes starting, but I thought it would be worse this time around and so far it's been about the same as last time.
Two days after Christmas I start my 12 weeks of Taxol. I keep forgetting to ask why they choose 12 weeks instead of the DD Taxol some of you do. I know the Nurse Navigator said that they used to do every three weeks of AC until they found out that every two was better. But she didn't mention Taxol for that.
We did talk about taxol SEs quite a bit, but no one mentioned fingers and toes actually being super sensitive, so it's good to have that heads up from you guys. So...I'm expecting sensitive fingers and toes, back hurting, dry skin, fatigue, and to be a fire-breathing dragon since I already take so many heartburn medications I fear I'm in big trouble in that dept. Good to know!!
I hope to hold out some hope for my eyebrows. I haven't lost them yet. I know it still can happen, but maybe I'll get lucky???
I'm going to try to be more productive today than yesterday. Every time I wasn't watching tv and distracting myself, my nausea was really apparent. So I just stuffed Christmas cards and binge-watched Friends all day long. Today, I'm going to try to fold some clothes and clean out the jewelry box and shoes! I am supposed to go get a pedicure with a friend later today, but she cancels a lot, so we'll see. It will be nice to have my feet all scrubbed, the dry skin on them is horrible!
Good luck with SEs today everyone! No face plants please!!!
0 -
Mama. You get the win for the burning. What a shock that must have been for you to come into your kitchen full of smoke!! I’m glad you got a few bites! Would love to see some photos of everyone’s Christmas joys. It’s day seven today for me. So hopefully things are turning a corner 😘
Love to you all,
Sara
0 -
Boy does this board move fast! I'm glad to keep up with how everyone is doing.
It's funny that so many of us have cheese cravings. I was a vegan before treatment but starting craving cheese like crazy so went with it. Guess I'm just a vegetarian again :-) The foods that taste best to me are tangy, sharp, salty, sour, etc. My tastebuds are so off that I need extra vinegar, salt, lemon, etc. for anything to actually TASTE like anything. I've been addicted to provolone subs with salt & vinegar potato chips - NEVER would have eaten that before!
I love to see both sets of cookies! Chemo brain is soooo real. I'm going to attempt to do some baking this weekend. I'll post some pics, too.
This second week after my DD Taxol is SOOOOO much better than the first. I even went into the office yesterday and am going out to dinner tonight. That's a 180 from last week. Besides the numb/tender fingertips the only side effect to report is that wandering rash. Last night in the middle of the night I woke up with intense burning on the inside of my upper arms. It was weird - only lasted about half hour and was bright red, but today it is fine and is just some flaky skin. MO office asked to see photos of the rash and they'll call me back. I really hope it's nothing that will interfere with keeping my chemo on track.
I'm also starting to read up on brachytherapy radiation. Have any of you discussed that with your oncology teams? I don't even know if I'm a candidate for it or not, just find the appeal of a much shorter, more localized radiation regimen appealing. I haven't met with a RO yet. I have to be more proactive with what's coming up after chemo. I've been so focused on my chemo treatments and getting through them that I've dropped the ball a bit on next steps.
Some good news is that I made a last minute decision to go to Southern California to visit friends for the week between Christmas and New Years. It's going to be a nice change - been spending far too much time in my apartment over the last couple of months.
Off to do some housework - with lot's of breaks to catch my breath. Everyone take care of their noses, their cookies, their horses and everything in between!
0 -
Just got a my chart message that I am scheduled for a nuclear medicine injection in April. I had to google and I guess that is way to look at lymph nodes/masses prior to surgery?
Need to understand more but that means my surgery would have to be near that date! Ekkk!
Still feeling like a winded old lady today. A cold on top of anemia and nadir period. I am not overly fatigued (sleepy)but definitely not keeping up on housework these days. I told my husband I wanted a roomba. 😆 I am OCD about keeping a clean home and it just ain't happening now. Oh well bigger fish to fry
0 -
Okay, the cookies are hysterical. Sara's were as perfect as I'd expect them to be from her. And MamaFelice's were a hoot. I've burned so many things in my lifetime that I cannot blame the chemo.
Today I got Taxol #3 under my belt. I'm officially 25% done with the final round of chemo and only 63 days left! I was expecting to get rejected because I had such a bad week, but my numbers were almost identical to last week. While the chart indicates that my RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are still off the charts low, the nurse and NP both said that my numbers were "great!" Well, okay then.
When I told the nurse that I'd had a low grade (100.2 or below) fever and chills for several days last week, she was very concerned. She had me meet with my NP and they quizzed about a lot of things, trying to rule out an infection, then ultimately concluded that it wasn't related to Taxol at all. They are thinking I had a virus. I'm a tad skeptical, but went ahead and got the infusion. We shall see. The bad news is that all those delays set me back 3 hours, so I didn't get out of there til after 1pm, or 4.5 hours later for a 1 hour infusion. Geesh. I was starting to get the shakes from lack of food. Pretzels and water only go so far.
FYI, on week #1 of Taxol, they gave me 3 decadron (steroid) pills. Week #2, they cut it back to 2. Today I only got 1. I think I'll do better with just 1 even if I have to take an anti-nausea pill tomorrow because I'm hoping to get sleep tonight. And maybe I won't suffer from steroid step down tomorrow.
I also inquired as to when I'd be meeting with my surgeon. They said that I wouldn't meet with her again until 2 weeks prior to the end of my chemo. That seems really late to me, but I guess that's the protocol they have. I also asked for a plastic surgeon referral so maybe I can meet earlier with him/her to discuss my options.
0 -
I love the burnt cookies 🍪. Totally cracked me up. Needed that laugh...
0 -
I love you all. What a joyful, real supportive group 💜
PS. Today is one of those days I am terrified. I hope tomorrow is better.
0 -
Joyseeker, I hate those days. Had two early this week. I can totally relate. Sending a hug for a better day tomorrow. xoxo
0 -
All done chemo woo but had a rough time wiith this last treatment hard time getting a vein... Then they got one but during the benadryl push the vein was growing red... And sore. Then i passed out. They dont know if the vein caused it or panic attack. Lol. Ugh. Then my MO Gave me the choice to not do the last chemo and move onto Herceptin n tomoxifin. That choice made it soooo rough how does one make that choice omg... Anyway that word regret helped me choose. They got a difderent vein to work and had really long day getting the treatment. Want home till after 630... Left house 7am lol
Best wishs to everyone still getting chemo my thoughts are with you
0 -
Oh no Mama sorry that your cookies burnt! Petey- glad your last AC was uneventful. Right after my last AC last week I had the worst case of constipation. I was doing good up to that point with that too. Now whenever I go it burns (sorry if TMI). Ladies on Taxol has constipation been an issue?
0
