Starting chemo February 2018
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Hi jo - congrats on your milestone! Bummer about the blisters on your feet & missing the 10k...
I'm halfway through taxol - the end is in sight! My energy has been improving each week. I keep hearing the effects of taxol are cumulative and you start feeling worse but I think I've been shaking off the AC and I keep feeling better each week. I'm exercising more (more intensity and more minutes total/week) and I've been feeling better over all.
Assuming no delays in my schedule I'll be finishing chemo on July 19. Anyone else going this long or am I going to be the last of the February gang to finish?0 -
Jo - congrats on being done with chemo! Woo-Hoo!! Hope you have a great time at your nephew's graduation.
Moth - taxol was easier for me than AC too. You'll do great! Looking forward to congratulating you on being done with chemo in July!
Is there anyone else here that did not do rads? I am starting to freak myself out!
Hugs
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moth- don't forget you had a few setbacks with the low white blood count and fevers. You were even hospitalized. You had a tough time. I'm so glad you're tolerating the taxol better now. Keep up with the exercising
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Hi everyone,
Congrats Jo on finishing chemo!
Moth I am 1 week behind you. I had #5 Friday. Taxol has been easier than AC so far although my mouth is very dry even though I am drinking a lot. I have more energy and have almost a normal life.
Have a good week!
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Going for taxol #11 this afternoon. Starting to dread it. This week has been crappy. I've been tired and the neuropathy and nail pain has been more noticeable. Not sure if that's because it's cumulative or I'm just having a bad week but I'm scared it's going to get worse since I have two more to go.
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cbok- hang in there. You are almost done with crappy chemo!
Jo- congratulations on finishing!
It's been three weeks PFC for me and I'm starting to feel a lot more like “me". I got out today and did some shopping without worrying about germs continually. It felt good. I'm far from done with my treatment, though. I'm meeting the radiation oncologist next week to get started on 6 weeks of radiation. I still also have 8 months of herceptin/ perjeta infusions every 3 weeks. And I know I'm going to get estrogen blockers starting end of August. I guess I'm getting every treatment there is. Ugh! But my taste finally came back and food tastes great! I'm so hungry after starving these past few month. My eldest daughter just got home from college last week and I plan to love every minute of my summer with all of my family. After this difficult winter and spring with chemo/cancer, I truly realize how precious my family and my time is. I’m sure each of us ladies has undergone a bit of a transformation lately and looks at life a bit differently.
Feb chemo ladies are amazing and have been such a great support network
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Jo, congrats on finishing Chemo! Mouth, Lolette and CBOK, hang in there you're getting so close to being done with chemo! And CBOK, I worried too that my last chemo would be wicked since it's all cumulative but my last one was easier maybe just knowing it was finally over, I'm almost 3 weeks pfc and feeling better but the fatigue is still really bad and my legs ache especially from the knee up, anyone else have this? Hoping the last of the Feb girls finish soon and uneventfuly
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Deb- I'm so glad you're finally getting a break. Blisters on my feet have almost healed. I'm hopeful in a few days I'll be back to running again. I did experience some fatigue but it was inconsistent. I never experienced any muscle or joint pain. You had a tough time. Have you noticed an increase in pain when you're on your feet hours at a time? With your job you're constantly on your feet and moving, Isn't it strange that the girls from January are finishing up chemo or radiation now? There are times I feel this has been the longest 6 months of my life and other times the fastest time of my life. 8 months more of Herceptin and Perjeta. I'm meeting with the radiologist next week and hopefully she will set a schedule. I'm hoping for a 3 week schedule but I really don't have a clue.
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Hope you are all doing well. Had a big scare yesterday when my radiologist called and said they noticed something in the lymph nodes during the CT simulation for radiation planning. She was quite vague about the finding and I was so shocked I didn’t ask for much of an explanation. Of course I spent the night searching the internet hoping to figure out what it might be. Tried to be positive but braced myself for the possibility that it was a bunch of positive nodes missed on sentinel node biopsy. I was picturing more biopsies, another axilla surgery, and delays to radiation that might push the start date beyond the preferred range. Wanted to share this so none of you worry the way I did. Good news, it’s just a seroma! This is a collection of fluid commonly seen after lumpectomy, or mastectomy. Normally they resolve on their own after one month, but sometimes your doctor needs to drain them. I’d never heard of it before but there is a good description on this site if anyone wants more detail.
Anyone started radiation yet?
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Hey Walden1, I've just started radiation, had my first zap yesterday, second one today, they tell me I'll be all done on July 12, I think, or thereabouts. I'm getting 20 zaps, 16 regular ones and 4 boosts.
So far, so good, I mean, it's quick and painless and I haven't had enough yet to have any skin reactions or anything like that. It's tedious, having to go every day, but it's super-quick (takes me far longer to get to the cancer centre than it does to get the treatment) and easy.
Beyond that, here's hoping that the end is in sight for this mess. My new MO tells me we're now at the stage where it's just regular checkups and hoping it doesn't come back (every doctor had given me a different set of odds for it coming back, 20%, 30%, 40%, but this one does tell me I have a far better chance of it not coming back than of it coming back, so that's what I'm clinging to). I'm having a hard time not dwelling on it, I feel like a ticking time bomb, but I'm trying to stay positive. I'm 33, I'd like to be an old lady someday.
Trying to focus on my hair regrowth instead. Still very bald (and having to draw on eyebrows every day, ugh), but I do have some very faint peach fuzz now!!
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Hi Anxiety girl-great to hear your doing well with radiation and close to finishing this roller coaster of treatment. You may want to look into Mepitel, which helps some people avoid the burn if used early in the treatment. It’s expensive and not necessary for some people so it seems the radiologist doesn’t recommend or prescribe it. Just thought I’d mention it for info. Think I will give it a try.
I’m two months past chemo and my hair is just starting to look more like a vert short crew cut. Once I get atleast a half inch I’m going to stop wearing my wigs and pretend I intentionally wanted an edgy short cut. My wig is a good colour but the shape isn’t very natural. I’ve resorted to wearing a hat over it everywhere I go. Wish I knew someone in Vancouver who could cut my wig so it looks more natural. The store I bought it at had noone to recommend
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Walden - I had this bookmarked but I ended up not doing wigs at all. https://www.thetravellingstylist.com/wigs-hairpiec...
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walden- I had a seroma the day after my bilateral mastectomy. I was rushed back in to drain the seroma. Fortunately I was still in the hospital so it wasn't that big of a deal. I would have been terrified if the radiologist told me that there was something suspicious on my scan. Congratulations to you it was only a seroma.
Moth- I've only worn a wig four times since losing my hair. I keep a cheapy wig on the seat of my car for the rare occasions when I might need to throw some hair on my head. One of those four times I lost my wig running across a bridge. So, I just found it easier to wear beanies. I did buy a very expensive wig that has never been worn. When I get around to it I'm going to donate it to a breast cancer group. What I found interesting is that two or three of my friends became irritated with me because I refuse to wear my wig or falsies to the theater. They felt I should have made more of an effort to blend in. Instead I went for comfort. I have some really cool silk beanies.. And I wore. these beanies to match my dresses. I never went bald in public but one day I am going for it. LOL
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Hello everyone!
I'm going for my last chemo treatment (Taxol) on Friday! Also having my PICC removed same day! Woo hoo! Looking forward to wearing short sleeves again...especially since it's been really hot here lately.
Taxol has been way easier for me than AC....and this 3rd round has been almost a breeze...only minor aches and pains. After chemo I have radiation...Can't remember if it's 20 plus 5 boosters or 25 plus 5?! I'll find out more this week.
jo6359-I've never done bald in public either. I've stuck to my wig...I admire moth and others that are able to "rock the bald" look! : )
walden-so happy that it turned out to be a seroma...what a horrible scare for you.
debsmisto-sorry to hear about your aches. Does tylenol/advil help at all?
I really want to thank all of you February ladies! This thread has been a great source of comfort for me. I did not join any local support groups so it's been especially important for me to hear from others who can relate to what I was going through.
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MomofTwo- I know you're looking forward to Friday. Hooray. Your last chemo. Hopefully you will remain relatively free of side effects.
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moth-thanks for this recommendation, I’ve booked an appointment for this Saturday. FYI: she also offers trims to reshape your hair as it regrows while it is still in the “bad crew cut” or peach fuzz stage. I’ll post a review for all the Vancouver ladies next week. If it wasn’t for my son I too wouldn’t bother with a wig day to day. I’m trying to protect him from fielding a lot of questions from his friends at school. So far it’s working, but kids are so smart one of them knew something was up and asked me a bunch of questions. When I’m not at school, I just wear a regular hat. I’m all about comfort these days and if I get a few funny looks it’s no big deal
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Hello February Ladies, I wanted to share some good news: I’m joining many of you in moving on from chemo to the next stages of my cure (lumpectomy in July, rads in August) Last Thursday was my last chemo! I didn’t want it to go without recognition, so I brought the party to my Cancer Center.
We set up 3 of these treat stations- for reception, the oncs and staff, and the all-important infusion nurses!
Fake ringing of the bell before I started cold-capping:
Before I could run out the door the nurses and some staff had gathered around, signed a card for me, gave me banana bread, and celebrated with us. In all my hours at the infusion center I’ve never witnessed anyone’s last chemo day so I didn’t know what to expect! Please ignore the creepy looking cold cap!!!
Thanks for all your support February Ladies, and much love, healing, and gentle hugs to all of you while you all reach your cures!
-Cheryl
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22fightfor - Congrats on ringing the bell!! The pastries look way yummy! Just made me hungry
jo6359 - i'm loving the beanies too! I only wear the wig at work. When I go out I wear a beanie. Once I have some more hair on my head i will get a boy cut and ditch the wig. I was never a fan.
Hope everyone is enjoying life to the fullest post chemo! We did it!
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22fighter- I did the same thing as you did. I didn't wait for a party I took the party to them. My chemo nurse wanted me to wait until I finish my infusions in 8 months before I have a celebration. I told her it was my Milestone not hers. I was happy the chemo portion was over. Two more stages to get through. I had broken my treatment regime into four phases 1- BMX surgery and 2. Chemo. 3 and 4 continued H&P infusions and radiation. Loved your pics.
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congrats 22fightfor! Good luck for the next phases. Keep in touch!
I had my 6th dose of taxol on Friday and neuropathy is creeping its way to my nerves. I am so disappointed as I have taken B6, B12 and L glutamine religiously. My nails are also peeling and my tongue is always dry and I have the feeling I will have mouth sores. On the plus side I have more energy and my blood pressure is better. I wish I could be 6 weeks in the future and be done with chemo. However I am afraid of the next step which for me is surgery.
Have a good week everyone.
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jo- I love the sign! It actually made me tear up a bit.
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Hi girls, so good to see so many of you finishing their chemo! I went for my first herceptin only infusion today, much more pleasent. Not sure what side effects herceptin has but I think the AI's are what I should be worrying about with side effects. I get why some of you celebrated their last chemo even tho we have to go back for more infusions, my last chemo wasn't celebrated and I felt a little cheated, guess they celebrate after the herceptin finishes. Anyway next big marker for me is surgery, I see my PS this Fri, hoping we can finalize what we're doing lol he seems a bit wishy washy about the direct to Implant surgery so I guess I'm just going to ask him how many he has done and if he thinks it's even possible for me, if not I'm gong to ask about delayed reconstruction. Anyway congrats to all of you finished or almost finished with chemo,
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I rang the bell yesterday! It was kinda surreal. Normally my treatment center is PACKED on Mondays. For some weird reason I was the ONLY patient there by the time I got done and that has never happened. I was actually worried about making a lame bell ring because I hate being the center of attention but since it was just me and the nurses I rang the heck out of that thing as they all applauded. It was perfect!
Now I just have to survive one more week of side effects and then I am expecting things to slowly improve after that. This is one of the only things I've actually felt optimistic about so it better damnit! I want to taste food again and not have my nails look like a zombie makeup crew got ahold of me. And hair and eyebrows would be cool eventually too.
Now onto rads which I'm getting scared about. I'm not so much worried about the side effects during treatment which I've read seem to be easier if you've already done chemo but the long term.
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Cheryl/22fightfor & jo & CBOK - HURRRAY!!!!! congrats on finishing this step!
Deb - yay you, just herceptin now! I hope you have a productive conversation with your surgeon and develop a plan you're happy with.
Lolotte - bummer about the neuropathy
Surgery is IMO easier than this. It's fast, you get pain meds and soon you're up and about doing normal stuff. You can do it.
I'm still feeling well. Taxol #8 scheduled for this Thurs, assuming my blood counts are holding. They've been slowly sliding in spite of the injections. My nose bleeds all the time though & I ordered some saline nasal gel which is supposed to help moisturize it overnight so the scabs don't all dry & fall off & then bleed again... I can't taste things well from Sat-Mon. Tue-Fri things get better and I can enjoy food. I'm going to a local farm to get some strawberries. Hopefully they'll also have cherries from the interior of BC.
No signs of neuropathy in my hands and feet. I'm not icing or taking any supplements.I've been wanting to go swimming. I'll see how my counts look tomorrow and maybe to to the pool.
Tonight I'm going to see Oceans 8 with my nursing school dd0 -
I met with my radiation oncologist this morning. She informed me my case has been discussed at the breast conference. They are not going to do radiation to the lymph node area because they had taken a large sample and only one was positive. The debate was whether I need radiation to the chest wall because the tumor had halready been removed with very wide margins. My surgeon, my Mo and this oncologist all felt that radiation to the chest wall would be beneficial for 5 weeks with low dosages to hopefully prevent local reoccurrence. I'm on board. I don't have to wait 8 weeks post chemo. I'm scheduled for a cat-scan and mapping next Tuesday. As soon as they receive the results from the Cat scan, I start radiation the very next day. I'm with you , Moth regarding long-term effects. I am eager to get started.
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I'm looking forward to being able to taste food again. You guys know what I mean , to eat and drink without that horrible metallic taste in your mouth. Having my eyebrows and eyelashes to grow back will be a nice touch also. The hair on my legs can remain off. It was nice not having to shave my legs for four months LOL
Deb- how long did the herceptin infusion take?
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Congrats CBOK! That is great that you could ring the bell hard.
I have also the issue with the taste consistently. Strawberry was my favorite food but now I cannot eat one anymore. I hope it will change after chemo. However, i am eating like a pig and I am gaining back some weight. I am a little disappointed about myself. I should have more restrain.
Taxol 7 on Friday. This is sooooo long.
Have a great weekend!
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For those of us currently doing radiation I'm curious if your doctor suggested you wait to start tamoxifen (or other similar drug) until after the radiation is completed?
My MO said they typically wait to give you a chance to get through the side effects of radiation before you experience the side effects of the drugs. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for the break, but wondering what recommendations other doctors are making
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Hi all!
Hi Walden, I am aware about three women from my chemo time who started hormone therapy at the same time of , or before radiation therapy. One started AI, stage II, chemo cut short due to side effects. One started femara, stage III, small residual disease after neoadjuvant chemo. The other started tamoxifen, triple positive, stage II. I have had one treatment at a time, more than enough for my body to handle. I am back to my second half course of Xeloda after a break to undergo radiation therapy. My hormone therapy will come after Xeloda. I used Mepitel film during rads. Mepitel saved my skin from breaking. My skin held on well in the first four weeks. During 5th week, I started feeling stinging under my arm which was very tanned. My nurse put a big Mepitel film high into my armpit, across from breast bone to the back of armpit. The relief was instant.
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Walden - they're still trying to decide if they're going to rx tamoxifen for me or not. My MO told me there was no rush and that if they do prescribe it, they would wait till after radiation.
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