Starting Chemo in November 2017
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Tina....I know that is a side effect of Taxol, and I think Taxotere is a similar drug. I was warned when I started Taxol and was told just to put my feet up.
Hope
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Mom4gma3 - My care team checks for swollen legs/ankles every week. This can be a sign of allergic reaction or other complications. I would call your on call and ask them about it. It may be nothing but it's worth a call
Or listen to nonahope because I can be a bit reactionary when it comes to swelling.
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I did it... omg my head is cold and pasty. Lmao. 0 -
Nonahope oh yes indeeeeeed! goodness. and i used to feel so miserable on days when i can’t taste food. for someone who enjoys her meals anything that makes food taste terrible makes the whole thing more miserable. but once i settled into the weekly taxol routine i just keep going and wait for mondays when my taste buds start to recover. and savor every single bite from monday until thursday!
rljes, same here my brain just refuses to quiet down. it’s hard but there have been days when i think it works hahaha! but i find that i panic/cry more before that app. i learned how to literally breathe until i’m calm. otherwise i end up watching comedy series.
been having difficulty motivating myself to work. i work remotely. but haven’t done so in weeks. and that’s what i’m trying to do the past few days. i wake up and say “okay today i will switch on my work laptop” and then the sun sets and i haven’t. 😂 and then wonder how else to keep my mind busy. *sigh*
mom4gma3, it suits you!!
my eyebrows and eyelashes are hanging on for dear life. some people told me their hair started growing back with better texture after taxol. i am hoping my lashes will grow fuller and longer then (asian frustration for me is always having sparse eyelashes but being lazy about false eyelashes or lash extensions) 😊
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frozentoes,
that’s great advise for all of us and so well said. Thanks!
My first chemo was on 12/5 and my next is 12/27 I am finally feeling
better with less reflux. I would say that constipation, indigestion, reflux and tiredness have been my main side effects. Hopefully my second round of CMF will go as well or better. I’m trying to stay well hydrated which is my challenge but I’m getting better at it. Good luck to all. Kate
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Tina - you did it! You look great as a baldy! If you shaved it off yourself - you did great job.
I’m wondering when the eyelashes and eyebrows go. Does that happen later? Mine don’t seem to be coming out. I’m hoping they will stay in. Especially the lashes, because my lids are too crapey for artificial eyelashes. I don’t care about my brows, but the lashes I hope will stay.
Well, I’m going to get ready for bed and I’ll take those pills. I can’t believe they didn’t let me know I was suppose to take all of them before they work. This pain is getting so old. I don’t think my insurance covers chiropractor services if I make that move. Will have to check my book. I still think the drugs are causing this. I could be wrong
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Meowmmy65 - I knew my hair was about to go when my head hurt A LOT, like a pony tail that was too tight. I wore a cotton cap to sleep at night to minimize the friction against my hair but it only helped so much. The morning I shaved it, I showered and it started to come out in clumps. I cried, asked God for help, put on some Colton Dixon tunes, and grabbed the clippers. After that, I used a foil shaver (like guys use for their faces) and that got it nice and close. I heard using a razor was risky because getting a cut or nick isn't the best when you're in chemo. My head didn't hurt anymore so for that reason alone I wish I had done it sooner but it's all good. Put on some makeup and skinny jeans and tried out my new 'do at the grocery store. All good.
Be brave, ladies! You are beautiful!0 -
Thanks everybody! Tuesday is day 12 for me, and I've learned with this, things can change in an instant. So far, my hair is holding on. Tomorrow, it could be a different story. I have an appointment to get it shaved on the 21st, which is day 14. I can postpone if I still have a lot of hair, but it don't want it falling out all over the place on Christmas. So I have a bit of a dilemma right now. Going to take it one day at a time.
For the record, with all these pictures of bald heads, I see beautiful faces. The absence of hair allows us to see each other with less distraction. Each of you is gorgeous. I really mean that!
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Frozentoes....Yes, indeed! If my onco hadn't warned me about the possibility of swollen legs/ankles/feet, I would be on that phone in a heartbeat.
Mom...You look gorgeous! You young gals can really pull off this naked look!! Oh, to be young again.
mkn...I never lost my eyebrows or lashes with my first bout of breast cancer and, so far, I haven't lost them with this treatment.
Kate...You sound like your coping very well. Staying hydrated is very difficult for me, too. It's truly an effort.
Blair...I would imagine that like any meds, it has to get into the system for a few days before it begins to work. Hang in there!
Wishing all a good day!
Hope
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Tina, I also was told that ankle swelling was a side effect of Taxotere. My nurse practitioner said steroids help control it.
I agree with Meowmmy and nonhope beautiful faces here.
Hope99 I'm sorry you feel sad. After reading through through the advice and comments directed at you, I was struck by how many wise and compassionate women are on this board. I hope their insights helped you. I know they did me. It's a rough road but we'll help each other make it.
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Thank you sisters, you are my real family in my sadness. I saved all replays in my notes to read it again and again . HUG
but I feel bad due to blood in my stool, not too much, but I worry. this is the third day with this issue. actually I used fleet enema, no idea if it's make problem inside that area. did anyone face something like that?
TINA, you are beautiful girl . HUGS
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hope 99. Your platelets drop with chemo meaning you are more likely to bleed and bleed longer. If you had a haemorrhoid there already, pushing a hard bowel motion through ( I think you said 5 days constipation) can make the haemorrhoid bleed. If it is bright red blood and not a lot that's probably what's happened. The anti nausea drugs given through the drip with chemo and by tablet are all constipating. My dr recommended start mesds for constipation the day before chemo and continue a few days as needed. Then stop as the big D can kick in from the chemo itself
Tina ankle retaining fluid is side effect from taxotere and 11 hrs a long time on your feet. If you have a break get them right up, and yes talk to dr. I get candles with week 1 on AC worse on work days.
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Hi, all - Just checking in to say that Round 2 yesterday went fine. My girlfriend was a trooper in helping me cold cap, which also kept us busy and made the time go by quickly. Unfortunately I've still had significant shedding over the past 3-4 days, so if it doesn't let up soon I'm not sure I'm going to have success in holding onto much of my hair. We shall see....
I agree that we have a beautiful group of baldies here and I wish I were brave enough to just own it like Gloria-Jean. But I'm not.
I had my Neulasta shot this morning and am still feeling fairly good today - a mild case of the Big D, but generic Immodium has helped. Went to Target on my way home and picked up their house brand (Up & Up) of Olay Ultimate Moisture body wash, since my skin has become so dry and itchy. Also baking soda toothpaste and more generic Immodium (see above.) Pro tip: They have house brand version of Biotene dry mouth rinse at less than half the price of the band name stuff.
Does anyone else here feel like their chemo is "contaminating" their home? I admit that I'm a bit of a neat/clean freak anyway. But I hate the thought of the nasty chemicals that I'm emitting and feel as if I need to scrub the bathroom and change linens every 3-4 days instead of my usual once a week schedule. I am shutting the lid every time I flush now, which I didn't do previously.
Best to everyone who's also going in this week.
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Hi Everyone! Chemo #2/ Day #1
Chemo was Uneventful. I slept for a couple hours, sat in booth directly in front of the Nurses Station to people watch. The 6 hours went by fast. At one time I got bored, put on my "fighting playlist" and was dancing. Iced my hands and mouth during Texotere like I did last time.
Burrrrrrrr- it was freezing in there!Spoke with the Oncologist Pharmacist (who runs the show) and asked about adding extra Dex (steroids) to 'taper down' and she agreed. That will give me a few more days. Yeah! Although this time around I didn't get the "Steriod High" -yesterday, got me up and out, and when I went to pay my Mom's rent at the facility - lost the envelope with the check in it. I had a panic attack. (Found it) but decided to go home, before something serious happened.Little groggy, heavy footed and lower back hurts now that I'm home. Neulesta Pod is suppose to go off tomorrow evening. Been taking Claritin all month long.
This time I'm being proactive and starting to prevent the BIG C NOW. Taking Senokot/Colace/Fiber Con pills & Fiber Cereal. If nothing works by tomorrow - The Big Maralax - Yuck. It works too good.
How did everybody else's day turn out? I got to see someone ring the bell - it was a festive occasion!
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Just a note tonight before I retire. I had another painful night last night and decided to call some chiropractors today. Out of three I called, got one to squeeze me in tomorrow late afternoon. Everyone was booked for a good week. I cannot sleep on my sides or front without my back crimping or pulling into a sharp pain that makes me grimace as I move. I have to sleep slightly reclined with pillows behind me on my back to sleep. I have never had this kind of pain and I’m so tired of it. It feels almost normal in the mornings, but by afternoon it starts to really annoy me and I can’t bend or stand for long. I’m taking those pills every 8 hrs. but they don’t help with pain at all. I wonder now if I did hurt it falling, but it took 6 days for the pain to show up. It makes no sense to me that I could have hurt it, or that it didn’t bother me for days after my fall.
So tomorrow I get to see my 11th doctor since September for a whole new issue. Extra pain on top of chemo. Ugh! I don’t need this
Margari and Rljes- glad to hear your second round was uneventful - it will be interesting to hear how you all control the digestive tract with big D & C. I know what I’m going to do different, and I won’t be as uncertain about it. It’s a matter of listening to your body when these side effects start happening. Rljes - You look very comfy in your chemo chair! I can tell that it must have been cold.
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Round 2 today, hoping I do as well as the rest have done on their second round. I work tomorrow and Saturday, then off til Tuesday so I am hoping I can keep nasty SE’s at bay during work days.
Shaved my head with a razor yesterday, I just couldn’t stand that Brillo pad feeling under my cap, now it’s smooth as a baby’s butt. Had my mom in the bathroom with me helping me get all the spots I couldn’t see. We were laughing our asses off as she was taking pics and sending them to my little brother in Pittsburgh. He’s bald and 10 years younger than me and has been having a hard time dealing with this since I am the only sibling he has left. We lost our other two brothers in a car accident in 2002. Needless to say, she said we are twins now since are sporting the same hairstyle. My son on the other hand was not happy with the laughter. Thought my mom was rude by doing it. I explained that you just have to find some sort of happiness is this whole thing. I enjoy the funny moments and I do love to laugh!!
Tina
Cancer is probably the unfunniest thing in the world, but I'm a comedian, and even cancer couldn't stop me from seeing the humor in what I went through. — Gilda Radner
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Hope99...I'm in total agreement with Binniebin regarding the bleeding.
Magari...I live alone and I'm not a neat freak. If I know someone might be visiting, I do clean the toilet thoroughly prior to their visit. Meanwhile, I just make sure I flush each and every time and wipe off the toilet seat.
As for the dry, itchy skin...I swear by CeraVe. My grandkids would laugh at my dry legs...it looked like alligator skin. The CeraVe has completely remedied that. I've never used a moisturizer like it...ever!rjles...Glad your chemo was uneventful. Those words are music to our ears! Hope you continue to feel good. My 4th Taxol will be tomorrow and I'm just praying that I will feel good throughout the Christmas weekend of festivities. I've felt great so far, but we never know! Plus, I will find out the results of my ultrasound, since I was too chicken to open the patient portal.
Blair...I agree, your pain has gone on too long. I don't want to scare you, but the back pain I had was excruciating (like yours) before I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. I, too, went through the muscle relaxer/pain medication for several weeks with no relief. Then, a CT-with contrast was finally ordered. That was when I got the correct diagnosis. I would ask your doctor about ordering a CT scan. It can't hurt and most likely will provide some answers...good or bad.
Tina...Hoping for an uneventful chemo day for you! So glad you are keeping a good sense of humor. I do believe laughter is the best medicine.
Off to the grocery in a bit to get food I need to make appetizers for the weekend.
Hugs to all!
Hope
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Nonahope, yeah my eyebrows are still there but just... half growths. Haha! the longer ones have fallen out.
Tina, sounds like a lovely funny memory to have despite the circumstances. i fully agree in laughing whenever we can.
Ladies, having a rough evening. My wbc are too low and doctor has said to repeat blood counts tomorrow. I asked if this means i take a blood test early and trying to get chemo in the afternoon or if it's moved to Friday and i haven't gotten confirmation from my doctor's office. I know it's okay to push back a day or two I would just feel much better if the confirmation came from the medical experts, that's all.
Sounds completely irrational but it's just one of those days where i don't know what to do next and i think it's too late to call or maybe my brothers can call the doctor on my behalf JUST THIS ONCE and figure out what to do next, or just sort out stuff so i know if i should start on pre-chemo meds tonight or not. and with christmas holidays being so close (which means if i need an infusion that day they might admit me instead), ad nauseam. One of those days when i wish i could just truly be a patient and show up at my infusion not think about all these things.
With me trying not to stress out all week and then failing the blood test i sort of wish i let myself be sad at some point this week. It feels like today's a bust, you know?
Anyway, enough moping. Thank you ladies for listening. Tomorrow, the sun rises, i try again. Fingers crossed that dose 7 of 12 happens this week!
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Tina, wishing you well on your second round. I will be following you with my second round on Thursday. I loved the Gilda Radner quote. Laughter makes everything better. May your work days be easy.
mkn I'm sorry about your blood test. I'm sure your providers will have some answers for you. I know it's hard with the holidays so near.
Blair we are all hoping you find relief from your back pain. It sounds very trying. I hope you can find the cause of it.
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Magari Meant to mention I cold capped my first round and am shedding like crazy. I question if I'll end up keeping much of my hair. I wish I could come to better terms with hair loss. It's one of the hardest aspects of treatment for me.
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klvans- it was the hardest part for me too. Here is what I took away from it. I should have cut my hair into a shorter style, I think it would of lasted longer. I had to shave it because it was so long it got into a tangled mess in the shower. So I grabbed the clippers and cut it to the shortest setting with no guard. Yeah that looked horrible because my hair is so thick and dark that what hair I still had connected looked patchy. Next day I grabbed shaving cream and a razor and shaved it. I had someone to help do that, but I think real barbers will do it for you. Be prepared...depending on your level of tan, you scalp is so pale, I have a tan line where my part runs down the middle. So to remedy this, I had on hand, lotion from Avon with a bronzer in it, I put that all over my head to even it out a little. I’m not going to do wigs, just hats and a free head. It feels freaky in the car with the windows down. I don’t need a cap at night I like it cold. I’m pretty happy without it right now, less hassle than it was fighting to keep the hair.
Tina
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Good morning, all. I'm 2 days post Round 2 of TCHP and still feeling pretty well thus far. No bone pain from my Neulasta shot yesterday wither, thank goodness.
Though unlike many here I am all about the meds. My perspective is that if I'm being pumped full of chemicals that can cause side effects I will also take whatever modern medicine has to offer to counteract them. So I take generic Ambien and Prilosec daily, scheduled steroids and Zofran on pre/post chemo days, and additional anti-nausea and pain meds plus anti-diarrheal/stool softeners whenever I feel the need. The PA at my MO's office said that this is the time to accept any help I can get and I am completely on board with that.
Someone recommended a great chemo tracking app that I cannot recall the name of, but it was only available for iPhone. I'm an Android girl, so I am using a journaling app call Journey to keep track of my meds and symptoms. Set up a few tags (meds, symptoms, etc.) and enter them on the calendar as I take something/notice a symptom to create a timeline for each day. I also include my PT sessions and exercise at home. Works well and remembers prior entries so there's no even much typing to do.
Nonahope - Thanks for the CeraVe recommendation. I use their products on my face and love them; excellent quality at a reasonable price and my dermatologist was the one who originally suggested the brand to me. My current routine for body skin includes the moisturizing body wash, followed by baby oil and then Eucerin Intensive Repair, which has an almost greasy consistency but which sinks in fairly quickly and is doing the trick. I also use the latter on my hands and nails/cuticles throughout the day, along with many other hand creams. My hands still look about 10 years older than usual.
Klevans - We're in the same boat re the hair loss. I'm determined to continue with the cold capping to encourage new growth sooner and fight the limited but real possibility of permanent loss from the Taxotere. But at the rate my shedding is going I fear I will not be a true success story with 4 more rounds to go. I went for a wig fitting pre-chemo and will call the shop to order it if I get to that point. As I said, I wish I were braver on this issue but I'm just not.
I've been off work on disability since my surgery in mid-October. My plan had originally been to return to work on at least a part-time basis in January. But the chemo has really set back my surgical recovery and I am still dealing with swelling and bruising that are worse than before my first infusion, plus the chemo side effects. I will be calling my team leader today to let her know that I am not ready. She is a breast cancer survivor herself so I'm sure she'll be supportive, but I am still not looking forward to the call and the paperwork to extend my leave. I remind myself that I have a legitimate medical issue and have never taken leave of any kind (no kids, so no maternity) in the many years that I've worked in the office.
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Hi everyone, Day #2 / Chemo #2
Day 2 is kicking my butt, can't seem to get out of bed. tired, achy, heavy footed. Migraine, So, a day in bed it is. Lower back hurting too and the Pod hasn't went off yet. But one good point - I'm regular -so far!
Margari - I'm like you - I believe in all the medication to prevent SE's. I take comprozine/Ativan every 6-8 hours regardless if I have nausea or not - Claritin, the steroids, what ever they tell me I take. (i had only 2 boughts of nausea last round - and took the Zofran (?) went away. What ever is in my arsenal, I will take. (ambien to sleep, I just added melentonin last night = that was a nice sleep) The Ayr Saline GEL for your nose is very cool and soothing.
I tried the Tracker - Chemo wave i think - I'm much better with a notebook pen and paper.
Mom4-Tina - I don't have a razor - but plan to go to the local Barber Shop that everyone raves about here where I live to have the baby butt shave. Cant Wait! Since this is round #2 - I'll wait another 2 weeks and have it done right before #3. If I can wait that long. this scruffy, bristle close shave is very uncomfortable.
Blair - glad your going to the chiro - my Mom fell (didn't tell anyone) but we could tell her lower back was hurting - they did a CT with contrast and found she broke her L1. Hope you get some relief.
Ha - nanahope - I'm like you - I live alone, I keep things picked up mostly, but seems the only time I really clean is if someone is coming over.
mkn86- sorry your not feeling well, did you have to make a special trip to go get lab work? (I refused to since i get the Neulasta pod shot at home) But I know how nerve wracking it must be if your not feeling well around the holidays - meaning lack of staff, and places closed. Not a good feeling. hope you feel better.
Take care everyone - I keep thinking this is Saturday for some reason. hummmmm.
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Don’t forget I live alone too - I’ve been only “brush thru cleaning” my house. Saturday I scrubbed my bathrooms, it may have aggravated my back. My hair was everywhere - so I had to vacuum, but I skipped a few unused rooms. It is nice not to have to fuss with hair shampooing, blow drying, and setting along with flat ironing everyday. That’s one advantage to hair loss.
Nanohope - Did I understand your breast cancer metastasized to your bones 7 yrs after BC treatment? I hope this isn’t a sign of bone cancer, as mine isn’t metastatic, but who knows what’s going on. A friend of mine said her friend who also went through chemo, had lower back pain too the whole time she was on chemo - just great. Soon I’ll be going to the chiropractor- most interested in what he thinks. I hope I don’t have to lay down on a table - I won’t be able to do it. I’ve never gone to a chiropractor before, so this is very new to me. I’ll report later to follow up
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Blair...Yes...my BC metastasized to my bones...after 7 years. I had ongoing visits with my BS and Onco, but when I had the severe back pain...I knew something was amiss. I didn't even think about metastatic BC. But, that's where I am at this point.,,,thanks to my PCP for ordering the CT scan. I am interested in what your chiropractor has to say...but, I encourage you to seek further imaging. It's not the end of the world, just different treatment to prolong my life.
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Well, I just got back from the chiropractor. He thinks I may have put my back a little out of alignment when I fell. He said symptoms sometimes don’t show up for days. The pain is in my muscles and ligaments. He then did some pounding on the vertebrae, but it didn’t make any difference. We decided since I have so much going on that I needed time for this to heal. I’m to keep taking the pills and report next week for any improvement. The pulling I’m getting are muscle spasms. He wasn’t 100% sure if it’s related to chemo drugs or my fall. I don’t remember how I fell onto my back. I could have twisted myself, or the jolt to my head could have caused the problem. So I’m to give it more time. Not to bend over or lift heavy objects. No X-rays or scan was suggested. I’ll let my oncologist know Friday what he said
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Hi Blair - I used to go to the chiro all the time. Mostly for upper back issues because of my huge boobs (not a problem now!) No I go when my Lower back goes out. Usually have to go about 3-4 times - every other day and improves each time I go. Doesn't happen over night. Give it a few times. and maybe get a CT with Contrast.
My lower back really hurts since Chemo yesterday - its a different type of my usual back pain when I turn the wrong way. Taking the Claritin everyday - not just the 7 days. My Neulasta pod just went off.
Hope you find some relief.I got tired of cleaning up my 'shedding' (just like my Dog Truman) so I had it shaved Saturday and LOVE it. Like you said - no more curling irons, blow drying. Just putting on Vit E and Aquaphor/Eucerin creams a beanie and go. Oh Happy Days!
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Rljes- I wore a chemo hat to the chiropractor - first time I went out like that. I wore my wig yesterday and felt weird, but nobody stared at me that I can tell. It is so strange to be bald! I haven’t put any creams on my head, but it is like sandpaper. I went to bed without my beanie last night, and noticed it would scratch against the pillow, so tonight the beanie gets put on. I don’t mind it this way as it keeps the wig from slipping as much.
I just can’t get over how this pain feels so intense, but only gets really bad at night, I suppose from my daily movements. I like you would get back aches when I sewed, because of my boob weight, and having my neck bent down all day (I would sew for hours at a time). When my daughter was little I used to have her stand on my back to relieve the pain. However, It would be gone next day. This pain is different- just doesn’t improve. I’m to ice it 3 x a day for only 20 minutes. I was doing 30 mins. 4 times a day and sometimes applying heat. The chiropractor said to skip the heat. If I strained or sprained my muscles, it could take several weeks. Ugh- I have to be able to face down by radiation time or I’m doomed. I asked if I should do any kind of exercises, but he said not now. I don’t know what to think, but I’m really frustrated dealing with this. I’m sure everyone is sick of me complaining about it!
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thanks klvans and rljes. i feel much better today. my MO confirmed that they’re moving chemo 1 day later. so... blood test day once more today! bright side is i didn’t take chemo meds today to try and get chemo today.
blair it’s okay to tell us about it especially if it’s something that worries you. i do get lower back pain too but i think it’s because i’ve been sedentary mostly. i try to walk up and down the stairs and around the house/apartment. and do stretches morning and night.i get relief from those but since i spend most of the day sitting or lying down, the lower back pain will come back. But it’s good that things are moving forward to help you figure out how to ease your back p
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Blair...That's encouraging news from your chiropractor. I do hope your pain eases each day. I know what you mean about being able to lie face down...it was impossible for me when I had my bone biopsy. They rolled me over as best they could and propped me with pillows to hug on to...but, I did have an injection of "twilight" sleep which helped. Don't ever feel that we are tired of hearing about your pain...that's what we are here for....support of all kinds.
rljes...I still haven't shaved my head and it's an ugly sight! I will take the scissors and cut the little bit of length left in the back. Glad you are happy with your "new" look! I love my wigs...especially in the winter. It's like wearing a warm hat.
mkn...So glad everything got straightened out about your chemo. Those kind of things really upset me, so I know how you felt.
Taxol #4 for me today. Then home to finish wrapping gifts and getting ready for the weekend of festivities -- hoping I will feel good to be able to enjoy.
Have a great day!!
Hope
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