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Chemo starting December 2017

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Comments

  • kayakmom
    kayakmom Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2018

    I was at Ski Patrol school today. Came in for lunch absolutely exhausted after a morning of working on skiing and sled skills.

    Took off my helmet, parka and mittens. I got in line for the ladies bathroom wearing my black nylon skullcap and purple shirt with flowers on the sleeves.

    The woman in line in front of me kept staring at me. She was actually one of the trainers and I thought maybe she recognized me from when I was in her group a couple years ago.

    But no. She spoke to me in a very concerned voice ( like I was a small child) and said, " Don't you belong in the men's room".

    I lost it. I ripped off my skullcap and said, " I'm sorry if I offend you. I'm bald. I have cancer. But I am female. I still have my boobs - for which I feel very thankful. But since I am clearly offensive I will go on down to the basement bathroom"

    Breast cancer or not - who in today's culture would even question what bathroom someone uses.

    Apparently she did feel fairly mortified by what she said ( another woman told me) but I still feel really uncomfortable - partly because I stooped to rudeness also. ...and I have decide whether to avoid her tomorrow at day 2 of the clinic or apologize for my rudeness too...

    Who knew. Second time it has happened. Had a police officer call me sir the other day too....guess I have to get over being sensitive.


    Sheila



  • mjb1018
    mjb1018 Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2018

    Oh Sheila! What in the absolute EXPLETIVE?!?! I am so sorry those things have happened to you. She’s an idiot.You owe her nothing but to just bless and release. After a big ol’ GRRRRRRR!

  • Daniz1983
    Daniz1983 Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2018

    Kayakmom, wow how ridiculous is she??!!! And you’re right who questions that now days. Just rude!!! How rude! You definitely don’t owe her an apology she should apologize to you. I’m sorry for her that’s just ridiculous.

    I do have a question. What is everyone using for mouth sores? I have a sore or something on the inside of my cheek area it’s small I just don’t want it to get worse but want to see what others are using thank!

  • Hariry
    Hariry Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2018

    Thanks Sheila kayakmom, the planned regime might be different for each of us but I'm sure they will help us kick the c butt! And you deserved an apology. Hmmm, if I were her I'd feel extremely bad and sorry and ashamed.

    Mjb, are you feeling better today? I too hate the thick white coating on my tongue. I don't think they are thrush. Probably the dead tissue after massacre by chemo.

    Laura you look amazing! I'm enjoying tying up scarfs in different styles too. I think I must stop shopping for hats and beanie and scarfs I'm over supplied by now.

    My#3 will be in next few days. I hope my counts would be good and no surprises for this round. Otherwise I'm pretty sure I can get through it. Bless me.

    Daniz, I tried thymol gargle. Not bad. Then baking soda like everyone recommended. It really helps


  • sswp
    sswp Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2018

    Laura644: You look good in your scarf.

    Kayakmom: You do not owe that woman an apology. She was insensitive and being a busy body and you're spot on when you said who in this day would say something like that. She definitely owes you an apology and hopefully she'll think twice next time she is tempted to stick her nose where it doesn't belong.

  • sswp
    sswp Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2018

    Daniz1983: First round the chemo nurse gave me ice chips to suck on during the infusion and suggested I use club soda as a mouth rinse. I followed her advice and didn't have a problem with mouth sores. Second round I sucked on Popsicles and ice chips during the infusion. I haven't used the club soda this round. I'm only on day 8 so don't know yet if I'll have a problem with mouth sores this round. The mo also gave me a script for a mouthwash that the pharmacy needs 24 hour advance notice to make. I haven't filled it though, and the rinse is only good for 14 days before it expires.

  • Dark13
    Dark13 Member Posts: 50
    edited January 2018

    Hi ladies popping in for a quick chat before round #4 the final in the AC rounds and yes I am dreading it because this chemo is no fun but you know what ladies I treat each treatment as the 1st one since the SE seems to differ slightly every time for me the only thing common for me is the metal/cardboard taste...shucks I know I have never eaten cardboardSmilebut everthing just taste so dry and bland reminds me of cardboard I guess. lol!!!

    For my friends whose wigs are tight get them adjusted and wear a stocking cap b4 placing your wig on your head. I usually give my head a little massage with some shea oil first. Hope this helps.

    @Daniz-I too sometimes get feelings of negativity but I tell myself it can be so much worse then I imagine an infant having to go thru this process and suddenly I feel like a whimp for whining. Then I say a prayer to my God and ask him to hold my hand because I can't do this without him and I feel so much better. I want you to try it the next time you feel negative. You are beautiful and wonderfully made my dear.

    My mouth did get white too but it was not thrush what I did was brush with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda that helped a lot. Yep water was horrible in round#2 I drank gatorade or lipton tea with milk, vanilla ice cream and also had pureed vegetable soup on the bad days. When I could I tried some smoothies beet root, or pumkin and carrot were my favorites, had lots of watermelon. Also had a lot of mint/giner/cherry fIavored candy around. I figured out that eveytime I felt nauseous to pop something in my mouth surprisingly I haven't gained any weight. Must be the Caribbean heat....i'm not giving that CHEMO GETS NO CREDIT for my svelte figure...(lol)

    @Diveslikeagirl-To my friend who loves to snorkel (mind you I can't swim a stroke and live on an island surrounded by water my house is literally minutes away from the beach..lol) you must check out our sister island Tobago and tell me what you think. I'm from Trinidad and Tobago..

    I know the journey isn't finish I still have Taxol and Radiation to go. But every hurdle we overcome is reason enough to take a bow, a high five, a hug, a thumbs up.

    Pretty soon all of us gonna get shirts that says KICKED KHEMO TO THE KURB....so I am looking forward to when we all can look back on this time and know that we have been made stronger each one propping up the other.

    A few months ago I was a wreck scared out of wits but every advice, every SE explained, every emotion, every list from you ladies have help me immensely. Help to keep me sane, slowed my frantic panics, made me realize that I am not alone others b4 me have done this or is doing this!!, is beating this!! and is a living testimony. I want to be that too.

    So lets go ladies slow and steady, stay the course... 1 CYCLE AT A TIME.... LET US CLOSE THE DOOR ON CHEMO...KICK KHEMO OUT..💪

    Can't leave without giving my warm Caribbean hugs.

    Dark13

  • LAMinders
    LAMinders Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2018

    Well I had an "exciting" day. I emailed my MO because I thought I was starting a cold (chills, slight fever, stuffed nose, and sore throat) and wanted to know what I can take. After approving OTCs, he said to let him know if I had a cough with sputum, shortness of breath, or a fever at or over 100.4. I responded that I am easily out of breath after walking a short distance (i.e. car to front door), have had a flutter in my chest (active and at rest) for a week or so, low grade fever but below 100, and ongoing nose bleeds. He emailed me back and then called me right away, sending me to the ER because my symptoms made him think I may have had a blood clot (pulmonary embolism, I later learned). All kinds of tests were run and thankfully they all came back normal. They gave me a half of a bag of IV fluid and sent me out the door.

    I have been feeling pretty good, despite the symptoms, and have been trying to lead a (new) normal life. I do tire very easily, but I've been trying to push myself. Unfortunately, I may have pushed myself too far. I am totally and completely exhausted.

    With my other (before cancer) diagnosis, I have a lot of crazy feelings in my body- some painful and some just annoying. They are my normal even though I know what I go through is unique to me and someone with similar diagnosis. I have learned what is normal and what is not. I know when I need medicine and when I can push through without. Chemo has sent everything I knew about my body into the garbage. I was advised not to overdo internet searches and I've tried to follow that, but I don't know what's normal and what's not.

    I am one that doesn't like to complain and I know battling cancer gives us some free passes in this department, but I still don't know when to tell someone vs. when to just shut up and bear it. I had kept the heart flutters to myself, and now my family is upset at me for not telling them and clearly my MO was concerned about this as well. So here's my question. With all of these new feelings and SEs, how do you know when a side effect is something we just have to deal with vs. something that requires a call to the doctor?

  • Hariry
    Hariry Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2018

    Came back from hospital yesterday for my#3AC. Very bad giddy and nauseous. Puked twice. While I was twisting and turning on my bed couldn't figure a position to make myself better.... I thought of you gals. I know I am not the only one suffering from this. I know I might not be the worst. We're all fighting together, even though we do not know each other well, might not even meet for lifetime. But it still comfort me.

    Dark13, your posts with lots of positivity is always a strong boost to me. And I think it's mostly because you have God with you. We can't do without him eh? He's in our boat so no matter how terrible is the storm he'll keep us safe.

    LAminder, I called (text, actually) my MO when I feel not right. If I'm pretty sure I m going through the common SE then I won't. Again I think it's all your call. The threshold for us, ca pts undergoing chemo, to call for help is of course lower. I'd rather vent and share in this platform where everyone knows better about all this. Telling friends and family normally is not that fruitful. Their reply mostly are- eat well, rest well, don't worry too much etc. Hehe, no one knows better what we're going through, than my fellow sisters here.

    Hugs to everyone

  • Laura644
    Laura644 Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2018

    Hi Ladies,

    I had #3 AC today. I am sort of okay. I feel heavy and lethargic. I started to cry silently while tears streamed down my face during the Adriamycin. I had to keep sucking on the ice and I felt the urge to throw up a few times -my body was preemptively protesting. Tears just streamed down my face. I couldn't even talk. The nurse gave me a shot of ativan and it helped a lot. But Now I am feeling anxious about the side effects and the endless hours. Sorry to be doom and gloom:( I am trying to think positive thoughts. The social worker came today to help me get all of my grant applications finished. I am hoping to get a few thousand $ to help with utilities and mortgage. A lot of my students have cancelled lessons because of illness and they don't want me to get sick. I picked up some masks on the way out - the receptionist had a pile.

    LAMinders - what is Tajin? Where do you get it? What do you put it on?

    Anyone feel sick when they flush your port with saline? It makes me gag so much! I have to suck on a mint and I spray a tissue and hold it in front of my nose and that helps. But just the thought of that smell (kind of like rubbing alcohol) makes my stomach spin and nausea wells up under my throat. My MO told me she has patients that drive by her office years after their treatment and just driving by makes them feel sick.

    Laura

  • Dark13
    Dark13 Member Posts: 50
    edited January 2018

    @Hariry-I know the feeling had it myself for AC#3 girl I was groaning and moaning for an hour couldn't find a comfortable position. What did help was I placed a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on my stomach and curled into the fetal position. It only happened the one day. The next day I felt so exhausted I couldnt go to work. I hope you are feeling better today. Warm hug for you.

    Tomorrow is the start of AC#4 and because I know that the taste buds are going into hiding I over did it today ate too much junk. Now i'm laying in bad feeling guilty and over stuffed.

    Is there anybody who have had a mastectomy and not done reconstruction??? I want to know how is your scar healing. I am stll tight /stiff in the chest wall area dafter 4mths and I do exercise my arm. I do not have any lymphodema, don't feel any cording but I do feel some tingling in my upper arm area. Not sure if my bra is too tight. Not sure if I should massage the area....any thoughts on this will be appreciated.

    @Laminder-I too am not to sure when to the call the Onc but I make sure and tell my hubby my SE so if anythi g happens at least he can explain if i'm out of it. So if the bad feeling persist call don't hesitate after all its new to us and pls tell someone how you feel as a back up.

    @sswp, Daniz, Kayakmom, Laura how you doing? In my Wendy William voice 😊

    Dark13 Warm hugs.

  • Daniz1983
    Daniz1983 Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2018

    Hey ladies!!!

    I’m so sorry to hear y’all are having a hard time with #3 my #3 is this Friday and I’m reallllllly not looking forward to it. Honestlymits makig me sick to my stomach thinking about it because I know the side effects hit me so so hard. I hate it. Why can’t it just be last one I’m so freaking annoyed.

    I actually am having a great week it’s been so good and so so much energy I have felt great and then Friday is right around the corner :( vicious cycle.

    Laura, I get the exact same thing when port is flushed. I gagg soooo much it’s so disgusting. Lemon drops are the only thing that help.

    Ooh my port Monday wasn’t working it wouldn’t draw blood back. Don’t know why. They still have me the iron but it definitely didn’t draw blood back.

    Dark13 woooohoooo #4 how amazing Congrats!!! I CANT WAIT TO BE DONE WITH AC. Lol I’m trying CBD oil this round I don’t care I can’t handle it.

    Hariry, sorry you’re having a hard time I totally understand how you feel it’s not fun. I’m usually alternating and taking anti nausea meds every two hours. Hang in there I also get the family friends replies hahah they mean well :)))

    Hang in there girls!!! Sending you all hugs.

  • sswp
    sswp Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2018

    Dark13: I have had no reconstruction, scar is healing ok but I do have cording and warning signs of lymphedema. I've been seen by a pt at the cancer center and she recommended self massage, exercise and a sleeve if I wanted to be proactive. She also commented on the coobie bra I was wearing and said that it was a good bra for my circumstance. I wear style 9042 and 9012 and find them both fairly comfortable. I also went to a specialty lingerie store and had them fit me with an amoena mastectomy bra which I find uncomfortable if I wear it for any length of time.

    Daniz1983 and LaMinders: Glad to hear you're into your good days between cycles. I try to do as much as possible during these days.

    Laura644 and Hairiry and everyone else who is feeling the se's: Hope you are feeling better soon.

  • mjb1018
    mjb1018 Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2018

    Hi everyone! I’ve been a little MIA as , frankly, I’ve felt like poop since AC #3. Makes me worry as #4 is tomorrow. This week has been better than last, but so very fatigued. I’m now sitting waiting to do labs and to see my MO to be ready for tomorrow. Hopefully this last nasty round is more like #2 and I breeze through!

    My surgery is scheduled for 2/7. Lumpectomy, port repair and SNB. I thought I’d be back to work in a few days, but will have to be out until I have my first post op on the 13th. So, this will be the biggest chunk of time I’ve missed since starting treatment. Can’t complain!

    Hugs to all

  • Swewing
    Swewing Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2018

    Hello ladies,

    I've just been catching up on everyone's posts. Thank you for hanging in there and sharing your stories. I was so dreading my AC #4 yesterday, but thenmy oncologist told me that since I'd done so well, I get to do just 4 dose dense taxol. I'm half way through! That lifted my spirits.

    I get so cold when I'm getting chemo that I bought a super soft electric blanket. It keeps me toasty. I also hate the taste when they rinse out my port so yesterday I ate lifesavers and plugged my nose. That worked for me.

    I'm still getting my period too, it's coming tomorrow. I was really looking forward to not having a period, but no such luck yet

  • Hariry
    Hariry Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2018

    Mjb, I too thought I could go back to work soon after lumpectomy and SNB I was wrong. It wasn't that easy. It took me more than a week. If you can take a longer leave please do. The warning that you need to recovery soon is another stress.

  • mjb1018
    mjb1018 Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2018

    Thank you Hariry! When I asked about recovery, I was surprised, but not stressed! I'll take all the time I need. I have a project that absolutely needs to be done on the 15th. By then, if I feel like just going in for a few hours to get it done, that's what I'll do. The other option is that I submit it early, which means more work for someone else. I'll play it by ear. Were you in a lot of pain right after?

    Round #4 AC is DONE! So thankful! Now, I wait...I know I should feel fine through tomorrow or Sunday. That's been the norm. We shall see. I'm going to be good and preemptively rinse my mouth frequently to avoid sores. Last round was the worst, and I also realized I didn't eat any ice last time. Fingers crossed I can keep nasty mouth out of the picture this time.

    Hope everyone is doing well. TGIF!

  • diveslikeagirl
    diveslikeagirl Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2018

    Good evening, ladies.  I've been lurking but haven't posted much because I've been grateful to get back to "normal" on day 5/6 after Cycle #2(of 6) and I've been able to go to work for a solid 2 weeks or more. Today was a Herceptin only infusion which seems to be the best tolerated of all my drugs.  Next week, I'm dreading Cycle #3 because I'm starting to see accumulation of SE.  This week I reached my limit for neuropathy and talked it through with the PA.  She's going to throttle back by 10% my taxotere to see if that helps the neuropathy.  I thought 10% sounded kind of random and she explained that the dosage calculation is based on (among other things like age, weight) the highest dosage that an AVERAGE person can take without debilitating SE.  Neuropathy is a big deal for them because if not treated, it could become permanent after chemo ends.  So she was glad I mentioned it early.  I was surprised that she accurately described the burning/sensitivity you can also feel in your lips, which I hadn't associated with neuropathy. 

    So, lesson is: don't suffer in silence. (I'M LOOKING AT YOU LAMINDERS)

    She also recommended I start these supplements:  alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine which support the rebuilding of the nerves that are damaged by the taxotere.  She warned me it would take at least 30 days before the supplements would be fully effective, but fortunately my next cycle will have reduced taxotere.  

    My energy (and WBC) have been high enough that I've been able to keep exercising.   Tomorrow I'm going to join my old Masters swimming group for one of their workouts.  I'm sure I won't be able to keep up with them, but it'll be good to get in the water again.  For me, it's both physical and mental therapy.

    Daniz, my port today wouldn't give blood back either.  It seems that some of us develop a protein "flap" between the port and the vein, according to my onc nurse.  She had no trouble getting the Herceptin in, but the flap would be pulled closed when she tried to pull blood.  She used an injection of a drug whose name I don't remember, but she called it "Draino" and after a few minutes, the blood came back.  I'm glad I didn't have to make an extra visit for a draw before my next cycle; they need to know the WBC before they can start.  Fortunately, my body must be fighting back in general, because my WBC has been at the top of the charts every week.  I'm going to credit exercise and TONS of water.  I'm soooo paranoid about leaving ANY of those toxins in my body longer than they have to be.  Drink up, everyone!

    Kayakmom, what an incredible story of insensitivity from that woman.  With all this time to think about it, I have now prepared my response should I ever find myself in a similar situation.  It would start with something like: " I'm going to speak quietly because you're going to be so embarrassed and ashamed when I tell you that I'm a cancer patient and you've jumped to a very rude and wrong conclusion..."  At least I hope I'd have the presence of mind to pull that off.

    To leave you with a powerful thought, I'm going to repeat a wonderful "mantra" I copied from GenevaC (where have you been, girl?) on this thread a few pages back.  I'm thinking of making a little poster of it for over my desk.  

    ************

    This is winter. My body is passing through the cold, dormant season of winter. I am letting the old leaves fall and keeping the vital sap deep in my roots. My core is strong and will regrow new foliage in the spring. My heart, my brain, my soul are deep in my core and well nourished. I am safe. My body is passing through a season of winter.

    *****************

    Have a good weekend, everyone.

    Mindy

  • LAMinders
    LAMinders Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2018

    I can't tell you how much you all mean to me. Thanks for the advice and shout out regarding side effects. I hear you loud and clear (Mindy! Happy) . I started making a list of SEs, even if they seem trivial. I have been totally and completely exhausted and have tried to push through it. I finally listened to my body and left work early on Thursday and took Friday off. I can hardly believe it, but I slept for nearly 11 hours both of those nights without waking up once. I haven't done that since I was in my 20s after a night out on the town. Clearly my body needed that rest as I am starting to feel better. Needed to get out for a bit and I had to pick up some things at Target, but by the time I was done, I nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Ok, lesson learned.

    Kayak- I am still angry at that woman who was so ignorant. I loved your blatant and honest response. I agree you do not owe her an apology. If anything you taught her a very basic but really important lesson, one I used to teach my students with special needs, "Stop and think before you speak."

    Laura- Tajin it is a spice that I found in my local market (Ralphs) but I see it sold on Amazon too. I see it in the spice aisle and sometimes next to the fruit. It is a combo of chili spice, salt, and citrus flavoring. It is nothing I would normally use, and will probably never be able to look at it after treatments are done, but it is incredible for now.

    image

    Swewing- My period has been all over the place. I stopped taking the pill shortly after my diagnosis (hormone positive). Got it the day after my lumpectomy, the day of my first treatment (during the infusion, thank you very much) and once a week for 3 weeks. All super heavy. Now, I haven't had it in 2 weeks. I have no idea when to expect it anymore.

    MJB- my surgeon said I would be able to go back to work in a few days, but the nurses said to anticipate taking a week off. I wound up having the surgery the week of Thanksgiving, so I had that week off of work anyway. I was grateful for that because I used every minute I could to recover. I was still not myself the following Monday (exactly a week post op) that my work sent me home early. I like to think of myself as superwoman, but my friends and family like to put me in my place and remind me that I am only human. Damn them!

    Sending healing wishes to everyone.

  • GenevaC
    GenevaC Member Posts: 38
    edited January 2018

    hello - nice to read all of your posts and catch up a bit. I’ve been struggling with feeling very depressed and discouraged, and having difficulty accepting that I have to go back again and again and again. Sorry to add such negativity to this thread. I appreciate all the positivity in your notes but I’m struggling. I usually work full time (“real” job) and then part time on my PhD thesis, but the dose dense AC and small kids have me completely exhausted. I am not used having so little impetus and feel embarrassed to do so little, but I am !!amazed!! by those of you still working. Go girls!!!

    I’m done my 4x of AC. Last one was crushing. I start 12x weekly taxol+herceptin Tuesday - has anyone done this yet?

    Also, I need help getting in the door of the hospital. I’ve never had phobia before, but now I get nauseous/panicked at the thought of walking in that door, of ham (because I ate a ham sandwich during my infusion 2 rounds ago), of the bag I carry with my chemo stufff, etc. Even writing this list is freaking me out. It is why I haven’t been on this forum - just reading the posts made me nauseous and scared.

    I’m so scared to go again (tears on the keyboard here). What strategies do you use to prepare yourself?

    GenevaC

    Ps - thanks Mindy for reminding me of my round 2 mantra

  • GenevaC
    GenevaC Member Posts: 38
    edited January 2018

    sswp - be proactive about lymphedema! Local BC support group had guest expert on the subject & he recommended sleeve strongly. I’ve also found some good self massage videos on YouTube. Hope you can avoid further complications

    Dark13- I’m 2.5 months post mastectomy with no reconstruction. I’ve saw the physio* twice a week for a while (now biweekly) to break cords, stretch arm and massage scar to prevent adhering of dermal layers. I have 95% Mobility, although rib area pulls a bit. I remember reading something about accumulated lymph becoming solid. Have you had someone experienced look at the area? *my physio has specific training in post mastectomy recovery.

    Wishing everyone a good week

  • mjb1018
    mjb1018 Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2018

    GenevaC You’ve completed your 4 ACs! That’s something to feel great about! I had #4 on Friday. 1 & 2 were relatively “easy” in the big scheme. #3 I was wiped out the whole time. I had to shorten my days at work and stay home some full days. It is what it is. My biggest advice is to relax and go with the flow. Listen to your body and try not to worry about what you “need” to do. Remember that this is temporary! Be good to yourself. I’ll be starting the 12 weeks of Taxol + Herceptin soon. I have surgery on the 7th and as soon as I’m recovered, I’ll start. Probably by 3/1. My MO says it’s nit nearky as rough as AC. Let’s keep that in mind and remember we are doing what’s needed to get well. Hugs to yiu

  • Hariry
    Hariry Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2018

    GenevaC, you echoed my thoughts. I know I am already half way but all these are just too unbearable. Let's pamper ourselves with some tears. Let's take it slowly. I just pray that what I have gone through, is worthy eventually.

  • Daniz1983
    Daniz1983 Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2018

    Hariry, you’re reading my thoughts exactly. I am more than half way done but yes alllll these are so unbearable I just don’t know how I can handle this and endure one more. Let alone 12 freakin Taxols. I had AC#3 Friday and honestly just the thought of it and the words AC make me nauseated and want to puke my guts out. Today I was even nauseated even threw up twice when before I was usually much better by Monday. I went in for fluids and more iron today. Just freaking sucks I can’t even look forward anymore.

    How was #4 for everyone?

    Has anyone started Taxol? How are they feeling. My MO says Taxol is usually not nearly as hard on the body like ac is but I am having a hard time believing anything anymore. And I’ve been freaking out so much about once all this is done what to do to help prevent reoccurrence. I can’t helo but worry about it already it’s frightening me to death. And yesI know I know one thing at a time but it’s impossible not to think of it.

    How is everyone else doing?

    Sending y’all hugs

  • mjb1018
    mjb1018 Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2018

    Daniz, I just had #4 AC on Friday...I was dreading it as #3 was rough for me. I had just started feeling better the day before #4. It went fine and I have felt OK since. Just tired. In fact I was able to sleep regularly plus naps until today. That's good, because I'm usually climbing the walls the first few days. I'm going to make it a full work day today! Yay! I may crash when I get home, but grateful for a good day. I've had good energy today. I was chatting with someone I know who had Taxol and Herceptin first. She lost her hair with the Taxol, so I won't be surprised if I don't start growing hair until summer, since I start it around the 1st of March. She also just lost a toenail today! I hear that nail issues could be from Taxol. She didn't lose eyelashes or eyebrows...She had a break between Taxol + Herceptin for surgeries, and then went in to an AC routine (same A, different C, can't remember what the C drug was for her...), anyway, she had started growing her hair back after Taxol, but it came out again. I know we are all different, but it was nice to hear her perspective. I don't care about my hair until it's time for it to come back, but I just don't want to feel so wiped out. :)

  • Daniz1983
    Daniz1983 Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2018

    Mjb1018, thats awesome to hear I'm glad you're feeling good after your #4 you must be relieved to be done with AC. I think I just need to get used to these nasty side effects, and pray and hope that I survive it. I have one more left which is in two weeks. That’s great to hear that Taxol is easier I’ve talked to a few women as well they say it’s rather a breeze compared to ac. Some still struggle with the neuropathy and stuff but the nausea is less or non existant. I pray it’s non existant.

  • GenevaC
    GenevaC Member Posts: 38
    edited January 2018

    I had first taxol & herceptin yesterday. I was a nervous mess going in but the staff were amazing. And I’ve never felt better leaving after chemo. Or day2. I’m a bit tired, I guess, but zero nausea makes me nearly euphoric. I got myself to art therapy class this morning, and even stayed for lunch. Apparently day 4 is often bad but so far it Is really ok.

    Good luck everyone with finishing your final rounds of AC.

  • Daniz1983
    Daniz1983 Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2018

    GenevaC, oh WOW AMAZING!!!!! I’m so happy for you, you have no idea. Praise the lord!! It makes me feel like I too will have some hope. The zero nausea is so nice to hear!!! I can take a nap if I’m tired but the nausea part is the tough one. Sooo happy to hear that my friend. Please keep us posted on how you do throughout the week!!!

  • Gigicommon
    Gigicommon Member Posts: 58
    edited January 2018

    Just finished AC #3. I am so glad I only have one more to go. Of course there is always something with this journey. Last week my internist changed my blood pressure medications and i am no longer on a water pill. The result? I am barely able to fit my feet into shoes and a 11lb weight gain! Can a sister please catch a break?

  • Hariry
    Hariry Member Posts: 100
    edited February 2018

    Daniz when will you go for your#4 AC? Mine will be on the Valentine's. Yes, indeed glad to hear that taxol might not be as nasty. At least some hope and strength to complete AC.

    This round, for me, with more proactive measures taken, seems a bit better. Took fiber pills earlier so to avoid C and piles. Rinse with soda earlier so that no bad sores/ulcers till now touch wood. Take longer leave so that no stress thinking about getting back to work. Soon I am gonna done with AC and so do most of us here. Wishing everyone a smooth complete of AC and breezy sessions with taxol.


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