Chemo starting October 2017
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Happy Saturday Everyone! Thank you for the kind words of support Brandy 2, LisaRX and Agatha! Agatha, so sorry about the bad experience at work from two different people, it is strange that it is coming from women with breast cancer in family, but we never know where someone's anger is coming from do we? My co-worker is nice one day and not the next, but she is going thru lots of health problems with her husband. Joyseeker, I need to check with my insurance carrier and see if there are any types of therapy covered, probably NOT, but it is nice to hear about all the wonderful treatments that you are able to have. I have signed up for the Look Good Feel Better class, it is Monday evening, really looking forward to that, as a Perk-Me-UP!!!
My nails have survived well, but sure feel for those that are losing them! As to "hair" Kimcee, I finished Taxol 1/16 and have seen NO hair regrowth. I think it may take a bit longer from what I have read from others on this site... but it would be nice to see something...I am still seeing daily loss of lashes and brows, so it will probably get worse before it gets better... Patience is SO hard, especially with the hair. I will not be on Herceptin so no advice there.
I am happy for the post from 70Charger, and knowing it is a long process, with things getting better over time including my energy level. Thanks too for the headsup about the Chemo flashback!!! I will keep on top of that, and my day was always Tuesday for Chemo, so it will help if something happens on a Tuesday.
Everyone have a good weekend, we will survive this!!!
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Another reason for feeling yucky is dehydration after pfc. Drink drink drink & rest. it helps immensely now even 4 yrs out.
Thank you ladies. take care
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Agatha, I'm so sorry that you were dumped on by your coworkers! I wish some people could understand the stress we've all been under and just give us a break already.
2brandy, I'm so jealous that you're a month past chemo! And you've already had your surgery. My friend who battled BC said that losing her eyebrows and eyelashes made her bawl like a baby, even though she hadn't cried much after her DX. Something about the eyelashes/brows that make us look and feel like cancer patients. All I can say is that Wunderbrow is a wonderful thing. (Note: it's an eyebrow filler that is a stain rather than a pencil. It lasts a day or so, even after a shower, which gives me time to fill the eyebrow back in before I completely lose the outline/shape of the brow. Most people don't even realize that my eyebrows are half gone. Loss of eyelashes is harder to disguise, but I just line my eyelids with brown pencil. ) I hope that your hair returns quickly.
KimCee, My NP ASSURED me that my hair would not grow back until I was completely done with Taxol, but she was wrong. In my opinion, it's because of the dosing. They are still basing how much to give us based on our weight and height. It's a flawed method. Everybody metabolizes these drugs differently and your hair is responding to the toxicity level in your body. For instance, your toxicity level might spike higher, then drop off suddenly, while mine might level off and take days to metabolize completely. I've heard that it takes about 6 weeks for hair to start growing after chemo. So I'd try to be patient until then.
As for me, I'm feeling pretty good these days. I took an hour nap yesterday cause I needed it, but have been getting out and about pretty regularly. My mood has improved since I have a game plan in place. My major complaints continue to be my dry sinuses and hands/feet. I've been snorting saline spray like a junkie and putting in Artificial Tears a few times a day as needed. My feet are pretty much numb constantly now and my fingernails are a complete mess. Three of them are majorly damaged and I fear I'll lose the nail altogether, or worse, it'll crack halfway down. I might have to check out accupuncture to see if it helps with the neuropathy.
All in all, I'm looking forward to us all saying bye bye to these tumors for good!
2 more Taxols for me! 11 days!
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70charger, thanks for stopping by and offering up your perspective and advice. I really appreciate it.
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My last chemo 12feb. My BS appt 6feb. I'm leaning towards right mastectomy without reconstruction. My objective is best treatment with min downtime. With this, i may skip radiation. I can still feel a small lump in breast so I'm nervous of the pathology report after surgery.
I would appreciate advice from those who have been thru this surgery. E.g. recovery time, going flat
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Hi ladies!
HikerVA - I am so glad that thread was helpful to you. I hope it is helpful to my sister-in-law.
I read all the threads, but my brain isn't processing very well today. I want to come back and respond more when I can.
I will be honest with you. I don't think Taxol is easier. If anything, it seems harder to me because I don't get a rebound week like I did with AC. I am so tired. My taste is so off. I alternate between constipation and diarrhea - in the same day. I am uncomfortable. I get those achey/stabby pains. My right foot is starting to prickle. ***wwwwwaaaaaaahhhhhhhh*** I feel on the edge of a break down. I think I need to go float like Sara did. My friend was asking to go, so maybe I should.
Here's a new one I'm curious if anyone else has had. I don't totally know how to describe it. My skin feels weird. Like it's a little bit numb or something. You know how where you've had surgery, it's kind of numb, but you can notice really sensitive feelings at the same time??? I noticed it really on the the sides of my legs/thighs last week. Then my arms. Yesterday and today, I feel it sort of everywhere. It makes my clothes feels weird lying on my body. It's really weird to describe and I'm just wondering if it's related to neuropathy. Sometimes, my MO makes me feel a little silly describing things to her - she thought my first round of diarrhea was a stomach bug. But my Nurse Navigator is so good, I don't mind explaining it to her.
I went to the grocery store today because - for once - I wanted to browse. Find things that taste good, pick out my own darn bananas.... It's been a hard weekend, so I knew it would take it out of me. It did. I'm pooped. It doesn't help that it's -13 out. brrrrr!! I'm going to go doze I think and pray that I make it until my next dose of ibuprofen. If I had the energy, I would sit in the shower, but I don't think I have the energy to stand.
Hope to check in later!
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Peter Sara. I’m not on Taxol but Doxetaxel. I am DEFINATELY more worn out and tired on this drug. Napping daily. Lacking motivation. One more treatment. I’ll be really glad to be done this one. 4 more days until LAST chemo.
Could your odd skin sensation be from being totally hairless? My face feels funny against my pillow due to NO facial hair. Kind of feels numb like you describe.
Related. I started monat two weeks ago. I have new hair sprouting. Thrilled.
I had some odd numbness of my lips and nose last treatment. MO says it’s an odd SE but does happen. So maybe you are having some odd numbness.
Be gentle with yourself friend. You are almost there.
Joy seeker Sara
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Petey, I know exactly what you mean about your skin feeling weird. I feel it especially on my back. Maybe it is from being hairless. I never thought of that before.
Neuropathy in my feet is getting worse. Boo.
Tomorrow I will be in single digits! 9 days of chemo/2 more treatments!
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Pre chemo blood work and met with MO today. Medical Assistant had me put a gown on but MO didn't even feel around. I know feeling doesn't tell as much as imaging/biopsies. But it feel like a let down when you want reassurance.
He is a very positive about my prognosis based on the tumor shrinkage seen on the US after AC. Doesn't think I need rads but will run by RO. Scares me not to do rads considering it's all I have left after chemo and surgery.
Tomorrow is taxol #4 and first time I will have to go to chemo by myself. Husband was dx with upper respiratory infection today. They ran a flu test (because of me in the home) and it came back negative. I didn't think he had the flu but glad they ran the test.
6 more weeks of chemo and 9 weeks till BMX. My mom will come for several weeks for the BMX, to help me with my daughter.
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Well, I've had a change of heart re my surgery. After talking to a friend of a friend, who is a BC survivor and doctor, I'm going to have a BMX with immediate implants. I'm just waiting to hear my options for a new surgery date.
It made absolute logical sense for me to choose lumpectomy with radiation over BMX. However, the emotional part of my brain wouldn't shut up. Bottom line is that I don't want to have to worry about getting a local recurrence, esp since TN tumors are so aggressive.
The BS reiterated what I'd read, that there is virtually no difference in survival rates between mastectomy and lumpectomy w/ radiation. So that makes me feel reassured that I can't really go wrong. But while I truly hope that my cancer is gone thanks to these powerful chemo drugs, I cannot control what that the cancer cells did while I was unaware of the tumor, no can I control if the tumor responded completely. I CAN, however, lower the risk of a local recurrence by getting rid of my breasts. 7-10% (odds of recurrence with lumpectomy + radiation) is low, but 3-5% (mastectomy) is even lower. If I took the easier path now, and then in a year, or 10 years, got another BC, and worse, it was TN again, would I kick myself? I know that I would.
Anyway, I feel badly about changing my mind. And I hate that the BS must think that I'm a total flake. I also hate that I'm delaying surgery for a week or so because I am so looking forward to getting past this BC treatment. But after talking to the doc this weekend, one thing resonated with me. She said that it was REALLY nice not having to do mammograms every 6 months and agonizing over the results. I can relate. And, I also liked the idea of being able to go braless.
So, there you have it! My decision, part 2.
2 more chemo treatments/9 more days! <--woo hoo for single digits!
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Hi ladies,
I'm feeling better today. Which is good because I was a bit of a mess yesterday.
I never thought about the weird skin feeling might be from being hairless. That could certainly be it. But Lisa, I'm glad that you know what I'm talking about! I felt like a weirdo! LOL
Lisa - Peace of mind is worth a lot. And you have to listen to you and what's right for you. I hope you can get things rescheduled quickly!
I went and sat with my SIL today. She had her CT Scan, MRI, and bone scan. Her husband had to take the kids to their homeschooling coop school (and has to stay with them). Her mom has to have surgery on her leg on Wed, so she couldn't go. I know my SIL would have been fine by herself, but that's an awfully long day to sit there being alone and thinking over everything! She did still get about an hour of peace without me after the tests were over. :-) The "1-2" of snow we got today made a mess of the streets and it took me forever to get home, her husband forever to pick her up, and them forever to get home after that. She meets with the oncologist tomorrow to go over options and hopefully results from today. Genetic testing on Wednesday and hopefully an appointment soon with the PS. One more day of waiting to make sure it hasn't spread.....My MIL called me freaking out because my SIL told her they took an extra scan of her ribs. She says her rib has been hurting her for about a month. Now.....#1 - My SIL said that she thought it was bruised. #2 - That's the side my SIL carries her 16-month-old on constantly...while she does everything else around the house. #3 - The person performing the scan told my SIL they think it looks like an injury. #4 - My SIL sometimes doesn't put a lot of stock in injuries...my niece had a separate shoulder for while once before she took her in, soooooo...... I was like....let's not panic!!! Take a breath and wait one more day to know what's going on for sure! I think we are going to give my mother-in-law a heart attack.
I'll let you guys know more tomorrow!
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hi ladies popping in to say omg lol i thought I lucked out with keeping my eyebrows n eyelashs... 7 weeks almost 8 weeks done chemo and my eyebrows almost gone and my eyelashs... Poop. Hair coming in every where but loosing there lol. Sharing so your not shocked weeks after bahhh hum bug lol.
Sara doxtaxel sucked... But last one was easier... Then then the first. Hugs. Grats on being done. Hubby shutting lights off around me lol hugs.
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Starting my 75-Hour-Countdown until they take that last chemo IV out of my arm!!!
I can't believe I'm down to just one more. The side-effects (super crazy emotional & diarrhea) of the last dose were awful this past weekend, but I just kept thinking: one more, just one more, one more.... HI, Peoy. How did your BS appointment go today? I'm sorry I don't have any advice to give you. I still haven't had my surgery yet. I'm also nervous about any cancer left in my breast after chemo. Please let us know how it is going.
Joyseeker Sara - Congrats on your 4 day count down! And also the new hair growth! I haven't heard about Monat but I'll look it up. So far I've been doing a week of Rogaine with no new growth. I was warned to be patient and that the stubble I did have may fall out first.
Jennifer - I feel your disappointment that you didn't get a physical exam by your MO at your last appointment. I'm sure it would have made you feel better. Good luck doing the taxol solo. I just did my last two without one of my usual "helpers". I'm sorry, but I can't remember if you are weekly Taxol or the longer infusions? If it's the weekly it really does go by quickly compared to other infusions I've had so it wasn't so bad being alone.
LisaRx - I think it's smart you are taking the time to really make the right decision for you. Only we know what is going to work for us - I don't mean the medically necessary decisions - I mean what will give us the greatest peace of mind after treatment. Please don't feel bad for the surgeon; I am sure you aren't the first person to change her mind. I know my anxiety level went so far down once i made my decision of what I want. I hope all of us end up with surgeries that fit our psyches. We've been through too much already for a regret like that to weigh on our minds months and years out. In the meantime good luck with the neuropathy.
Petey - your SIL is so fortunate to have you. I hope the news is good and that there is not spreading anywhere. Please take care of yourself, too, though. The side effects after Friday's infusion had me feeling like you described. But I don't think I was on the edge of a breakdown - pretty sure I had one full on on Sunday. We're almost through this - just hang in there!
MrsWinnie - thanks for the warning. I'm hanging on to a few lashes and a few eyebrow hairs. It's good to know that they keep falling out even that far out after your last chemo. Good times!!
Have a good week, everyone.
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Hi Agatha - we, the October gals, are near the end of our chemo. For those, neoadjuvant, we have a big decision to make, the type of surgery.
Saw BS today. Sofar all tests shown no lymph nodes affected. He gave 3 options:
1) Masectomy w/o recon - 2hr surgery. 1 day hospital stay. 1 drain near breast for about 2wks
2) Lumpectomy - need radiation. 5x a week over 5-6 weeks. 9min/session
3) Masectomy with immediate recon - 4-5hr surgery. 4-5 days hospital stay. Tram flap. Tummy tuck. 1 drain near breast. 2 drains near tummy for 2 wks.
He examined n can't find lump. Told him my nipple still inverted n I can feel a small lump. He said maybe scarring/dead cells.
When I saw him in Sep 17, he told me nipple has to go (tumor near nipple). But today, he said that since I responded well to Chemo, there's 80% chance of retaining nipple. Part of my decision to go (1) is due to nipple. Now I may reconsider n go with (3). I'm meeting PS 19/2.
BS also said that need 3-4 weeks gap between last chemo n surgery. Another issue he caution which I feel worth giving some thoughts to it: if u are considering recon, u must do it at the same time as Masectomy or not at all (skin issue).
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Hi Lisa, it just dawn on me that my BS did not incl implants as an option. I'll check with PS on 19feb.
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Thank goodness!!!!!
My SIL's cancer has not spread beyond breast. They do suspect some "activity" in her left breast too though. As of right now, she is Stage II, like me. Especially because of her age (34), they are going to do a double mastectomy and it will be followed up with the same chemo many of us are going through - 8 weeks of AC and 12 of Taxol. She might not have to have radiation, but she will also be on Tamoxifen. It's so bizarre how we ended up so similar.
I am really dragging today. I had an appointment with my primary about my blood pressure - which now seems to have leveled off a bit - and my temp was 99.7, so I hope I'm not fighting an infection. I guess we'll see what my labs are tomorrow at treatment.
I feel bad for you gals that still have a big decision to make. I didn't really have much of a decision to make and I am grateful for that. Stay strong and know that you need to make the best decision for you!
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Great news Sara. I had labs today and dropped a bunch of unused chemo items off at my cancer centre. I was talking with my nurse navigator about my fatigue this round and she said “that’s because it’s round five.” I guess the idea of cumulative fatigue is real, just not something I’ve imagined.
I went off Clonazepam that I was taking for anxiety. Low grade headache and fuzzy head all week. Hope it clears soon. Just want to have my normal feeling head back.
MO tomorrow. LAST chemo Thursday
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There is so much information happening on this site, it is very informative. LisaRX: So glad you have come to a decision, it is tough sometimes to make these huge life-changing decisions, but we had NO choice when we got cancer, it is nice to know we DO have a choice about the reconstruction and we can do what will make us happy in the long-run. I do agree with you on the decision to have the "double", it is a choice I will not regret, but know the BS will try and talk me out of it saying the chances of having cancer there are slim, but IT will make me feel better so I will fight for that choice. Agatha, happy to know you are nearing the END and will be ringing that bell soon. Mrs. Winnie, I am sorry to hear that the lash & brow loss continue, but mine is happening now...still clinging to a few lashes! Peoy thank you for sharing your information. Sounds like your BS gave you some good information and glad he offered options. Mine, has only mentioned the one ( single mastectomy) but thank goodness for this sight. Hearing about other options gives me information to take back to my BS. I am still wondering why my PS said they could not do immediate recon when do mastectomy (his reason was they have to wait for pathology reports but if that was so, then why is it being offered to all these people on this site... I meet with BS on Thursday, I have MANY questions this time. Petey111: So VERY happy to hear your SIL's cancer has not spread, we will keep prayers coming for both of you!
I attended my Look Good Feel Better class last night. It was hard to go over the mountain after working all day, but it was something I knew I could do ONE night... it lasted from 6-8 pm. I know that every location does it different, but I remember reading on the website that you could not bring a friend etc that it was kept private for the women for hair-loss issues etc. Well, there were three American Cancer Society helpers, and one was a MAN!!! Weird, I mean he was nice and stuff, and he was a cancer survivor but it was not what I expected. Then the table was set up in the waiting room of the oncology dept. and people were coming through the doors and entering the hospital, not many, but a couple. Did not bother me, I just whipped off the wig. There were 6 women, 3 had hair loss and 3 did not. The 3 women with hair had not started their chemo. I met one other woman there, 41 that was also Triple Neg. so that was nice to talk to her. She finished her chemo in November, and only had about 1/4 in of hair.... which was disheartening for me, because I am of course hoping for quick re-growth of hair... The huge bag of make-up was nice, a great brow pencil included...so well worth the trip and it was great to socialize with other women in person going through this.
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Hi HikerVA - I'm glad you find the info useful. I'm always hesitant in posting. If not for Agatha asking, I might not post BS appt. Maybe it's my culture or my character, I'm not good at empathy/encouragement in words. I just dish out stuff that I hope is useful to some.
My husband accompanied me for my 1st BS n MO appts. Subsequent doc appts n all chemo, I went alone. I actually prefer this manner. I enjoy my own company n not worry that my chaperone may be bored.
I still have 50% eyebrow n lashes. My hair has grown. I started cold caps in the midst of chemo (dec) so I guess it helps.
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HikerVA - I'm so glad the class was worth it!!
Off to Taxol #6...In a few days I can say that I'm halfway through. YAY! (Although there are days when I feel like...I'm only halfway through...wahhhhh. I have just as far to go as I have already come.) Today though, I'm feeling optimistic.
Hopefully, everyone is having an ok day!
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Humankind is pretty awesome. Less than 25hrs till last infusion....
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Peoy, Yes your post helped a lot. I am happy you have the Cold Cap available, no facilities have them in my area. You have a lot of hair growth. It is as much as the girl I met the other night that was 2-3 months since finishing chemo!
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Treatment went fine today. They didn't have much to say about my stabby pains or my tingly feet. Just watch it. I'm getting kind of anemic. (Explains some things for sure!) I don't know that I can bring myself to do the oysters, so I'm going to get some fortified breakfast cereal, white beans, red meat...
I saw someone at the center today with a cold cap....It is the first time I've seen that. I was surprised because one of the nurses made it sound like they don't really do it there.
It was someone's last treatment today. One of her friends sent a big box of decorated cookies and some of the cookies looked like boobs, so that was kind of funny. At the end, all the nurse's gathered around her and sang her a little song..."Happy last day of chemo from all of us to you....etc." And everyone cheered for her. It was awesome and made me tear up. I was happy for her. I saw her a few weeks ago and she was struggling a lot, but she was so happy today. Gave me a little burst of hope. :-)
I'll take any iron ideas out there you ladies have!! I might be able to do oysters, but I know I can't do liver....blech!
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Had my 2nd to last Taxol infusion today. I'm down to one more treatment/7 days. Funny story: Last night, I worked on my eyebrows because the Wunderbrow was starting to fade. I didn't like the result, so I ended up taking it all off with the greasy Wunder-remover (very depressing!), and then washed my face and reapplied. They looked pretty good (you honestly cannot tell that I don't have most of my eyebrows), and it usually lasts a good 2 days, so I didn't think about them anymore.
This morning, I had to leave by 7:45am (snow last night), so I just changed my clothes and brushed my teeth without ever looking in the mirror. Well, halfway through my infusion, I used the restroom and looked at my face for the first time. Ack! My eyebrows were a complete mess, as most of the Wunderbrow stain had come off. My left eyebrow was okay because it still has about 50% of hairs, but the right has maybe 25% left, and a huge gap in the middle. I was mortified! I laughingly yelled at my nurse for not saying " Hey, Lisa, half your eyebrows are gone...Was that the look you were going for?" She laughed and said that when you work in oncology, you don't EVER make remarks about eyebrows...or lack of eyebrows.
Lesson learned: Always keep an eyebrow pencil on me!
Lesson 2 learned: Use alcohol wipes after using the remover to completely clean my skin of the grease.
Today, I felt great going into treatment, but both my WBC and RBCs are in the 3's. I've been eating tons of fruits and veggies, chicken and fish, but I guess that's not helping my body recover sufficiently. So back to steak and cheeseburgers for me!
Sara, that note was just lovely. Thanks for sharing. I got a card yesterday from a friend of mine who battled and kicked BC's butt. It congratulated me on the end of chemo and said that she knows that I have a long and happy life ahead of me. I tell you, most people ARE lovely, aren't they?
Petey, I'm getting numbness and pain in my feet regularly at night. I'm taking Aleve most nights. Hoping that it'll go away after my last infusion.
For iron, dried raisins and apricots are high in iron, too, so I buy Raisin Bran for my fortified cereal. Check labels cause some things have iron that you wouldn't expect, such as greek yogurt.
Good luck to everyone in their final weeks of chemo.
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Can’t sleep. Steroids. Researching Zometa. Anyone know if this is standard post chemo treatment yet? I want it. Canadian gals? Anyone?
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Good morning ladies!
Go Sara Go!! Cross that finish line today and Ring that Bell!! Saying prayers for every last drop to get any last cell today! Wooo Hoooo!!
And Hip Hip Hooray for those of you coming right down the final stretch too--Peoy & Lisa can just taste the chemo victory dance!! 🙌🏼💪🏼😃🙏🏻☀️
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Whew! Had to get those cheers off my chest!!
And thank you all for your cheers, as I am 1 week and 2 days PFC today!! Boy did it feel great to finish my 6th and final infusion of TC! My family and friends rallied around me with so much encouragement and love-- it was truly overwhelming!! This treatment hit my the hardest just due to simple cumulative toxicity, but with grace and rest I am starting to feel better each day! Looking forward to getting through these next couple of weeks with my counts plummeting and rebounding, and finding a renewed strength come month's end! Can you tell how happy I am chemo is done! Yay!!
And of course I love reading how you all have supported one another this past week! A lot of post chemo surgeries coming up and big decisions being made. All so personal. I had mine before chemo-- BMX without reconstruction. I chose BMX to avoid rads (recall my BC was caused by rads I had 25 years ago to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma), and no recon because radiated skin would not hold implants well and I wasn't a candidate for flap (though many donors lined up!). BS left skin in case I choose a flap procedure in the future. Recovery from surgery not bad....hardest part was the ALND, so if that is not needed, recovery should be some simple rest and healing. And Jennifer--it is important to eat healthy with your upcoming UMX. So important for all of us as we leave our treatments behind us and rebuild our health!
Agatha-- be sure to find a healthy balance in getting back to work and taking care of yourself I hated to read about how some of your colleagues were treating you! Chemo brain is Real and you have to give yourself grace. Be open in communicating to those around you about how you are feeling and what your current strengths are and what still challenges you. It is only temporary, and they should all understand that. Before you know it, you will be running circles around all of them! Grace!
Ms Winnie, 2brandy & KimCee-- It is so amazing that there is a target drug that you know is affecting your cells so immensely! Keep remembering how powerful Herceptin is for you!! One of the ladies I have befriended during this journey is currently on her 5th Herceptin infusion, and now her docs have mentioned also adding Perjeta to her monthly cocktail. Do any of you take Perjeta too? I would love to share your feedback with her.
Ive had a ton going on in my week already with questioning the next steps in my treatment plan....and I totally want to share and get your thoughts, but I feel sleepy eyes coming on and may sneak another hour rest in. I'll be back later... until then.... Sayonara Cancer!
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I had post-steroid insomnia last night, too, Sara. Was up from 12:12am to 4:30 or so. I finally resorted to reading and that helped me fall back asleep because my eyes were so tired. I think I slept 5 hours total, so just enough to function on.
Good luck today on your last infusion. I'm so happy for you!
Thanks for the cheers, MamaFelice. That poster was really sweet. Even your dog was cheering you on! I am soo looking forward to the last Taxol infusion and pray that it will be the last chemo I'll ever have to take. I keep chanting the words "PCR, PCR" in my head!
Today I meet with the BS to talk about my new course of action (DMX). I'm still really surprised that they expect us to make a surgical decision before we get the biopsy results back. I know it's to save money, but what other major life decision do you have to decide before you get the data? I hope I didn't lose too much time changing courses because I'm very anxious to know the biopsy results.
I'm making my husband stay home (or rather work) this time. He's trying to be so supportive by accompanying me on all my visits, but honestly he just adds more confusion because it's another voice in an already crowded dialogue.
Happy Thursday ladies! Make your SEs be minimal.
1 more treatment/6 more days!!!
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Feeling the cumulative effects of DD Taxol #4. So tired since chemo on Tuesday. I fell asleep at 6pm on Tuesday and been tired everyday. Napping when I can, going to bed early. Usually my down days are Friday-Sunday but not this round. And my bloodwork was almost perfect on pre-chemo Monday. Only lymphocytes low. Best numbers I have had in all of chemo.
Agatha- I am on the every 3 weeks Taxol. So the Taxol itself takes a little over 3 hours to run. With pre-meds and waiting for the Taxol to come up from the pharmacy. I am at the cancer clinic for 4 1/2 hours. I do fall into a Benadryl nap for a little over an hour of it.
Petey- I really struggled with anemia there for a while. I was one bloodwork away from a transfusion, before my numbers increased. What worked for me was fortified cereal, premier protein shakes, and red meat. I remember one day I was feeling so shaky and dizzy. I ate a Culvers single butterburger and felt instantly better. Not the healthiest but it worked. I am still drinking the premier protein shakes around chemo when I feel so dehydrated no matter how much water and crystal light I drink.
Love seeing the happy pictures and so many finishing chemo up!
Leaving to go pick up online grocery order and then back home for a nap before school pick up. Gotta sneak those ZZZ's in when I can!
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Lisa - too funny about the eyebrows. I think losing the eyebrows was worse (in the immediate moment at least) for me than the hair. I don't mind hats. And lots of people wear them. But eyebrows....not having those REALLY makes you look like a cancer patient! I don't mind raisins...didn't know that they have high iron. Raisin Brain didn't have more iron than the Specail K I bought though when I read the label, so I'm fine on that for now. I can't stand yogurt. I certainly wish I did since it is so good for you!!!
Sara - I hate the post steroid, up all night, night. I did better yesterday than ever before though, probably because the anemia is bringing me down. I was only up until maybe 1:30 or 2. But I was wide awake by 5 a.m. At least I got some sleep. I have never heard of the drug you mentioned.
Mama - I hope you got some rest!! The emotional aspect of all this takes it out of you as much as the treatment sometimes too!! Too many decisions to be made.
Jennifer - Look at the cartoon I "adjusted" below. LOL It's how I feel about the cumulative effects of Taxol!! I never thought about a protein shake. We have some that I will have to check out the nutrition facts for. And a good butter burger is always an option! LOL
Here's my funny cartoon. It was set up for the days of the week, but I changed it to match our treatment. It totally reflects how I felt the last week or two.
I thought it was funny. We need our laughs where we can get them right? When I blogged yesterday, I included that and a few references to Auntie Anne's pretzels. Soft pretzels have been a comfort food to me right now. They are bland and not acidic, but they fill my tummy ok and if I want to dip them in mustard or something flavorful, I can. I have just been using the Super Pretzels frozen ones you can get at the store, but an Auntie Anne's would be yummy. I am a bit worried that I'm going to end up inundated with pretzels now though after posting that for my family and friends. LOL
I'm off to eat my bowl of fortified cereal with 25% of my daily iron! After I get groceries, I can look forward to 45% in one bowl!! Here's to a good day and nice naps for all!
Sara
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