Chemo Starting September 2018
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Hi everyone. I apologize for going radio silent for a long tme, I think I just wanted to pretend i wasn't sick through the taxol for a little while. I Hope everyone is doing well.
Just started AC this week.
Oy. This is.. er.. different.
Holding it together provided I don't attempt too much movement.
Delightfully dizzy.
Love to all.
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I like Taxol better than I do Kadcyla. I got something brewing I had temp of 103.9 last night. So I called my Oncologist who said I had to be evaluated in theEd and expect to be admitted. Now you now I was hoping for something better like going home with antibiotics but no I have to be admitted.taxol May cause neuropathy but it didn’t make me as immune suppression as Kadcyla..
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KK - I thought arm massage was to help prevent lymphedema after axillary node dissection? I did read that anyone who has had any lymph nodes taken out should avoid deep tissue massage and just ask for light pressure.
pcranky - Good to hear from you! Hope the dizziness gets better!
asknomore - Kadcyla is a new one on me. I'm glad the taxol is better.
I saw my foot surgeon yesterday and she thinks the surgery I had should resolve the issues caused by the reconstruction surgery. I graduated from a walker to a cane this morning and am starting to feel hopeful that I will become more mobile again. Just in time, too, because I'm scheduled to go back to work Monday.
Also, anyone here who is PFC - is your hair starting to come back at all? I still can't see it, but I can feel little stubblies. I read that you can often feel your hair starting to grow back before it's really visible. I hope that's true - I'm trying hard to be patient.
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JNKK - glad to see you again. You have def had a rough ride. And honestly I think it’s really lame of your in-laws. “We don’t know what to say” just isn’t a valid excuse in my book. I give people a lot of credit for trying and don’t expect people to know the right thing to say, but it’s not ok for family to just opt out!
Brink - I didn’t know if I’d be ok going half flat either, but I really didn’t want them messing with my “good” boob and out of all that we’ve gone through it would seem I’m still most scared of surgery so no recon was the right choice for me. Like M-and-M mentioned awhile ago, I have considered getting a tattoo there at some point — first time I have seriously considered a tattoo since I was a teenager!
wanderweg - so pleased to hear you are on the mend. Keep us posted on your hair growth!
pcranky - good to see you again! Wishing you mild SE’s on AC
asknomore - so sorry you ended up in hospital! Hope you are feeling better now
Piksie - hope you’ve come through the other side of Taxol #3 ok. Only one more to go!
KK - I would also love a proper massage, but have been enjoying my lymphedema massages though they are a pale substitute.
I am trying to enjoy my last weekend before taxol starts Tuesday. I finally feel better after that last AC but it did take until now. I’m hoping to start exercising again but I don’t know if it’s crazy to think that I can especially with holiday madness descending.
Hope everyone is hanging in there.
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Hello wonderful ladies, good to hear update from everyone.
Pcranky, wishing none/manageable SEs on AC.
Asknomore, so sorry to hear that you had to be admitted. Hope you are feeling better now. I am Hearing about Kadcyla for the first time.
Wanderweg, good to know that steadily you are feeling better and becoming mobile. Best wishes to join work tomorrow. I'm just 13 days PFC, so no update on the hair growth yet. But really looking forward to it. Are you ladies doing anything special to stimulate the growth?
Beeline, wishing none/ manageable taxol SEs. Glad to know that you are feeling better after final AC. Starting Exercise sounds great. I'm not doing much but try to walk for an hour inside home. With it being so cold outside, can't think of going out. And don't want to start gym until after recovery from surgery to avoid infection. Even being inside, got cough and cold from son. Hopefully won't catch anything else as I too will start going to office from tomorrow.
Finally I decided to go for BMX. Last few days have been very emotional and tensed. I don't think I can handle yearly mammo. Also my onco being too high, guess I will do all that I can to have better future prospect. I am really scared of the surgery, but looking at all of you and so many inspirational ladies on this board, I am hoping that I will be able to handle it. After my last chemo cycle, yesterday for the first time I went to a public place and all I could think of was how everyone else has normal life and why God made me go through this. Then I thought, if He has put me in it, He will take me out of it. But sometimes I feel, is this how my life will be here onwards?! Sorry for the rant, but I know only you ladies can understand it. As my surgery will be in January, guess I have too much time. Hopefully will use it positively rather than getting anxious and doubtful about future.
Wishing everyone a peaceful week ahead
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Hey, y'all!
Wanderweg, did you get Herceptin and Perjeta with the Taxotera (different from Taxol, I think) and Carboplatin? I've been on all 4 agents, given in one infusion. So I'll be continuing the Herceptin and Perjeta until Sept. next year. Bah.
I'm wondering about my hair. It's about 3 or 4 mm, not much, but when we cut it off, it was with a 2 mm device. So I'm wondering if it's growing. It would make no sense, because I'm still getting chemo. The individual hairs are fragile, like tiny pieces of feathers.
BrinkofEternity I know what you mean about people acting like we're dying. Frankly, I look to myself like I'm dying. I've always looked younger than I was, but between the weight loss and the chemo, my skin is suddenly so much more wrinkled, saggy, and dry. I'm putting stuff on it, but it's not helping.
I've been off work, so I don't get the reaction there....it's my own brother who seems to treat me like this is the most dreadful thing ever. My friends have actually wondered if he is getting some kind of secondary support from his friends for his online comments about my cancer, and all the postings about breast cancer. He offered to come stay with me after my mastectomy, since I'm single and my kids are barely on their own, but he left after just a few days, pretty much leaving me juiced up on painkillers and really unable to take care of myself. Fortunately, my other brother then stepped in. I don't think I will ever understand what that has been all about, you know? I'm trying to get ready to deal with that again when I go back to work next month.
Hang in there, everyone!
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Hi all, so regarding all the comments regarding hair.....I cold capped and kept maybe 20 percent; I cut the mullet a few weeks ago. It is growing but you can still see my scalp. This afternoon I experimented with toppik even though my crown is still pretty bald. It covered it and I think I can make it look slightly better - this is post shower, hat, and yoga. I have a bunch of meetings this week with people I see twice a year. Debating between the hats/caps and this look. I might do it. Oh, and I can fill in the switchblade cut in my left eyebrow.
I am taking collagen and biotin and was doing minoxidil but wondering if it is all overkill and its going to do what its going to do.
So a terrible picture, but sort of hopeful. I still have chemo bloat....but at. m feeling better 5 1/2 weeks out. My legs are still very sore but I wasn't tired all weekend, which was a plus.
Being positive, I'm glad you made a decision and hope you can be at peace with it. Everyone else, I hope you're managing the side effects ok. Just know that every day is a day closer to not feeling like crap.
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beeline - I hope the taxol goes easier on you than the AC, and you were able to enjoy the weekend.
BeingPositive - I am sure everyone of us here has had those very same thoughts. Let's face it, no one deserves to go through this. And I do the same thing - I look around me when I'm in public and feel very different. As we were sitting in the waiting room at the foot surgeon's, I told my husband I felt more comfortable in the oncology section of the hospital because there were more people like me. I'm glad you were able to reach a decision that fits for you with surgery. I felt the same way when I opted for a BMX - just wanted off the mammogram/biopsies merry-go-round. My oncotype was elevated, too - 38. I was terrified the night before my BMX. But somehow, you just get through it. I know you will - the fact that you got through chemo should tell you you're stronger than you think.
Fairchild - I am Her2 negative. I just had taxotere and cytoxan. I hate that you have to continue the HP for a year.
I got really variable support from my sibs, most of them really absent even though I told them I needed to hear from them. But on FB they had lots of supportive things to say! I finally just shut down my FB temporarily because I decided they didn't get it both ways. My hair grew a little during chemo. I'd have a wave of it falling out, then it would rally a little, then next round fall out again. I never lost 100% of it, but I got pretty darn close to bald. And the growth I'm having now is very feathery. I can only see it if I am close to the mirror.0 -
Good Sunday evening,
I spent two days inpatient for a pneumonia. All my labs were good except for my white blood count was 25.2 which meant I definitely had an infection. I don’t know what’s going to happen this Friday because I’m supposed to received my last dose of Kadcyla.. I ‘m hoping to get that last dose on Friday and not put it off. But my new model is not to complain. While hospitalized on the oncology floor I met and seen patients who had been through a whole lot of procedures and chemotherapy treatments. So hopefully I all will work out as it should.
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Hey ladies,
Hey ladies,
Sorry not to of been in touch for a minute but the Taxol of been incredibly rough. Piksie you described it best a few pages back that traveling pain on days five and six. I felt like I wanted to jump out of my skin! I have my third Taxol this coming Thursday and I am so dreading it.
Question: have any of you had elevated liver enzyme‘s during Taxol? I just got a blood test from my new primary care physician and my liver enzymes were super elevated. About triple what they should be. Makes me a little nervous, I know I’ve expressed before that I really don’t like my medical oncologist. He says super valuable things to me like “it’s no picnic” etc. when I report side effects to him. I just wanted to get through these next two rounds of Taxol and then changeup medical oncologists. Other thing I’ve been experiencing is edema on my left side. It seems to be resolving if I lower the salt in my diet, but I know that’s indicative of heart function.
I do see a lymphedema therapist and she is amazingly wonderful. She does massage on my Mastectomy site and chats and counsels me throughout. I would recommend it highly to anyone. I have not heard about wearing a sleeve during rads but I will certainly ask her when I see her next Monday.
Congratulations to everyone who is finished with chemo! I think you’re through the roughest part. Hopefully I will be standing where you are come the 27 December. As always great pictures and great sentiments. Thank you all
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M-and-M37 - Are you checking your heart rate? Is it regular? Do you have shortness of breath? You might want to double-check with your nurse or MO.
Tigerlily318- Thank you so much for your pic! I feel so encouraged to see how full your hair looks. I bought Toppix for my dad before. Guess I’ll get some for myself when I’m done with AC.
Fairchild - I guess having an abundance of family history with cancer helps me see things differently. I never really felt like I’m dying because I’ve seen both stage 4 cancer and terminal leukemia. Because of that too sibling support has been great. No one over-reacted and everybody was like “oh”, and then “how can we help?”
Beeline - Thank you for sharing! I’ll meet the PS this week and will see what my options are. All this is helping me make a more informed decision then.
KK2018 - Your comment made me feel like running out to get as many massages as I can before surgery! I’ll be so sad if I can’t get a proper massage ever again.
Today I went to the gym but forgot to bring an extra headcover. So after my shower I had to put my sweaty cap back on. Yuck! In my mind I thought, “when I get home I should
wash my hair, oh wait, wipe my scalp.”Good thing is I was able to exercise without feeling much weaker than before. Bad news is my head felt so hot with my regular cap. I do have a dri-fit cap but it wouldn’t cover my scalp entirely. Do people just wear headscarves when exercising in public?
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Brink of Eternity - I don't know...I haven't been well enough to go to the gym. I've been toying with the idea of just getting rid of the hats and scarves while out and about, but I just can't seem to work up the courage to go bald in public, you know? I'd like to, because I'm not embarrassed by having cancer, but it's hard to face people's stares. But I'm clearly ambivalent.
Tigerlily318 & wanderweg- Your posts are inspirational! I suspect my hair is growing, then, because it is like feathers. Sparse, but feathery. Others, please update us on your hair growth after chemo.
asknomore2 - I'm so sorry about your hospitalization!!! Here's hoping you are feeling much better by now!
Best wishes to you all!
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Brink, good luck with your decision. It is such a personal one but you will get lots of support here no matter what you choose.
For the hat question, I exercise in a lightweight merino beanie which is supposed to regulate temperate and doesn’t seem to get too hot even though it is summer here. I usually wear a baseball cap over it for sun protection when I run... if that is what you can call what I did very slowly for 20 minutes yesterday for the first time since before AC #3! I have the blue one here because I let my kids pick it out:
https://nz.icebreaker.com/en/accessories/cool-lite-flexi-beanie/103708.html
Tigerlilly - thanks so much for sharing the picture! I’ve had very short hair for years, often like in your picture, so I thought I would be fine with losing my hair but I can’t believe how much I am looking forward to it coming back.
Being, so glad you were able to make a decision even though it is very emotional. You can always vent here and never need to apologise. I think many of us go though the same feelings
Fairchild, so nice to see you again. I like your relaxing holiday plans. And know what you mean about your brother’s reaction to your cancer. I actually didn’t tell my mother in part for this reason she tends to turn every little thing into the sky is falling and I knew I just could deal
It’s interesting to hear about the different sibling reactions and I am sorry for those of you not getting support I have 2 much younger brothers who I am very close to and it has been difficult. Due to age and circumstance I have always been a bit of a parent figure so I think they have taken it extra hard for that reason which makes me want to protect them and not share my real fears though I wish I could. My middle brother also lost his best friend to prostate cancer 2 years ago in his early 30’s. My youngest brother, despite being the baby of the family, has stepped up to offer support in a way that has really surprised and impressed me. So it is a mixed bag really. I hope it gets easier.
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Greetings!
I've missed you all! I rely on email to let me know of activity, but it's been silent. So I finally went online tonight to catch up and saw that my notification preference had changed. My cats love to walk across my keyboard, and I think they stepped in just the right (wrong) place! Waahh!
Tigerlily, that is so much hair!!! You look lovely! I think you can totally get away with that look. Yay!
Oh, MandM, I'm so sorry you're having Taxol pain. It's horrible. Last night (day 5) I had a freight train parked on my feet, calves, and knees. Percocet every three hours with Advil and got very little relief. It's shocking. What in the hell is causing that kind of pain? I have the fear that it's causing permanent soft tissue/muscle/joint damage all over my body. How could it not? The days are manageable, but by 6pm, the random shooting pains get worse, and by the time I climb into bed, it's constant. I was hopeful that tonight would be better, but it's happening now. Ugh!!! My last Taxol is 12/19. I think, given that the pain is worst in bed, I'm going to ask for some meth so I can just avoid bed altogether. (kidding) I don't know what it is doing to my liver enzymes. My CBC is full of Highs and Lows, but they're not concerned about them, so I'm letting it ride. My resting heart rate is coming down; it had gone way up with AC.
Fairchild, I'm in the same boat with sporting the bald look. It's obvious with the do rags and beanies that I have cancer, and it's much more comfortable, but something is keeping me from venturing out bald. Anyone I invite into my home has seen me bald, but they don't stare. And I still have the dead chicken stubble. No eyelashes, but can't get rid of the stubble…
Hang in there, ladies. I'm so grateful for you all. xoxo
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my liver enzymes were high too. Over 100 normal is less than 54. My doctor decreased carbo dosage.
Did blood work today and my platelets are at 24. Normal is over 140. White blood count is at 2.1 red blood count is super low too. Ugh. Hoping he doesn't postpone just want to get it over it. But I also dont want it killing me!!
I hear you all about being bald. I took family pics this week for xmas cards and included one of my bald. Thought it would be a good way to show strength to my kids and a good lesson on how not to care about how you look but what matters is what is inside. I hate the stares but thats their insecurities not mine. That's the same mentality I'm trying to convince myself when I think about being flat chested. At least that I can hide and when the time comes look at it as something that has saved my life.
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Tigerlily - Wow, you really did keep a lot of hair - looks great! I have a friend who cold capped through taxol and kept hers.
asknomore - Oh no! I sure hope you are able to get your last dose on Friday.
MandM - I know the 27th can't get here soon enough for you. You know, sometimes I think that what we should be saying when we ring that bell is "Yay - they're done poisoning me!" I'm glad the lymphedema massage is helping. That sounds wonderful
Brink - I giggled a little at your thought process about your hair/scalp. Yesterday I was cleaning out the bag I take to work and found several hair ties/barrettes in the bottom. Guess I won't be needed those for a long, long time! I think I would be inclined to wear a light cotton cap if I were exercising at a gym. Seems like a scarf would get in the way.
beeline - That's hard with sibs who you've been in a sort of parental role with. Same for my youngest brother and sister.
Piksie - I know it's scary when it feels like the chemo MUST be causing permanent damage. I have a much milder version of what you're describing - the shooting pains that are worse at night in bed. Like some sort of amped up restless leg syndrome. I really, really hope that eventually resolves as nerves heal post-chemo.
sunocean - When will you find out if you can move forward with the chemo? Are they giving you neulasta or anything to get the WBC up?
I see my breast surgeon today just for a routine follow-up. It's six months to the day since I had my BMX. It will be nice to go to the hospital and not have anything done to me other than an exam. I really like her, too, so it's comforting to see her. And I'm hoping to get my port removal scheduled while I'm there.
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Thanks everyone for your hat ideas! I think I have a thin beanie that may work. I’ll try it next time.
This morning I had my molar pulled because it was fractured. It’s funny the periodontist said “now you have this out of the way so you can focus on your big surgery.” Seriously. Before I would think of going through dental implant as such a big deal, but now, meh.
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Hello all
Brink, I had a tooth pulled as well after my first round. Make sure you keep your mouth super clean. It doesn’t heal at the regular rate and the chance for infection is high. Try the swish and swallow gross but it works.
I’m getting an ultrasound of my liver the day after tomorrow. My primary care physician seems concerned, my medical oncologist has yet to return my phone calls. I’m having this fantasy about jumping off of chemo with two treatments yet to do. I mean really how bad could it be? I know it’s just fantasy but I really do need to get some answers before I get hooked up to the poison infusion again.
Fairchild I get what you’re saying about siblings. I never was very close with my sister so it’s kind of relief that she stays away, my brother tries, but honestly Our relationship is based around social occasions that definitely include drinking, and I can’t participate. At first people at work were treating me funny, but everything is pretty much back to normal, since I’m my sassy old self. Trying to work through as much as possible. Only taking a couple of days off every two weeks. When I’m not feeling well I just stay pretty quiet. Lately I’ve been training a couple of new people and they’ve been very good about communicating to me when they’re not feeling well. I make them wear a mask and I wear one myself.
My boyfriend is the best. He’s been with me through every step. I do try and shelter him from the worst of it however. Honestly when I’m really sick I just want to be by myself. There’s really nothing anyone can do for you then. You just have to get to the other side.
I’m scheduled to see the hotshot cardiac surgeon tomorrow. Heading out to one of the teaching hospitals that’s out of network. I want to see what he has to say about asending aortic aneurysm. It’s not a matter of if, just a matter of when. Before radiation, or after. It’s been quite a year for me. Never been sick before, not like this definitely a new normal.
Keep the faith lad
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Good morning all,
Brink, sorry about the tooth.
And MandM - Surely they'll have some answers for you that make decisions about the remainder fo chemo clearer. Hope the US goes well.
I saw my breast surgeon yesterday for a follow-up - it had been six months to the day since my mastectomy. She asked how I liked my new breasts and I told her they were uncomfortable but I was getting used to them. She said, "New normal, huh?" The other part of my new normal is how frequently I'm sitting in the hospital or some doctor's office. But the visit went well and I don't go back for six months (except to get my port out in February). Oh also, the nurse who I saw first told me to put on the gown "open at the boobies."
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I had my 5th round of TCHP on Tuesday. Today I had major nausea and sour stomach. Took zofran and compazine. Dr was on the fence with moving forward with chemo but he took a chance. Glad he did. I just want this over with. He said i have to be extra cautious. First sign of any fever etx go to ER. Praying that wont happen. I can tell this one is much harder. I've never felt this sick one the 2nd day.i am getting zarxio shots for 7 days that I give myself here at home. Kaiser doesnt cover Nuelesta. Bummer.
This shall pass is what I keep reminding myself. Take care ladies.
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Sunocean - that truly bites that your insurance doesn't cover the neulasta. I knows it's expensive, but no one should have to give them selves a series of injections when there is a safe, easy alternative available. I'm glad there wasn't a delay - you want this behind you. Are you doing six rounds of theTC part of your chemo?
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wanderweg I completely agree. When I asked my Oncologist he was very honest and said he wishes Kaiser would approve and even encouraged me to file a complaint. Which I did but of course nothing resulted.
Yes I have 6 rounds of TC. Both have been reduced to 20% and 11%, respectively, since i landed in the hospital the first round and due to high liver enzymes.
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I have been MIA but am reading all the posts to catch myself up. Things have been rough on me mentally. I literally had no idea cancer could cause such utter depression and an almost constant anxious feeling. I also HATE not having hair but oddly, I do not wear a hat almost ever. Anyone else just go bald? 0 -
sun ocean - So just one round to go! I'm sorry about the liver enzymes, but my onc did say reducing the dose was a possibility and would be okay if they needed to do that.
PNWcyclist - Great photo! I have the same hair loss pattern - bald head but I have my eyelashes and eyebrows. I go bald at home but not at work. If it were warmer, I'd probably go bald more out and about. I had a pretty dark period after I finished chemo and I don't imagine the cloud of worry will go away for years. Cancer thoroughly sucks. Where are you in your chemo - are you close to finishing up?
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I just started 12 weeks of Taxol. I had a lot of struggles with my ANC dropping and had to take a total of 4 weeks off here and there. Back in November, they found a new spot on my right lung that had not been there in September. I also found out my tumor is attached to my chest wall and that some of those lymph nodes are involved. So it has been rough. I literally only wear a hat if I want to be warm but I finally gave up on wearing one to avoid the knowing glances. I feel like cancer is so much more than a disease, it is like a lifestyle right now. I am not sure if that even makes sense.
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Tigerlilly, wow coldcap worked for you. You have very good amount of hair. Great! Your eyebrows look good too. I had thick eyebrows, but have lost about 25% and can clearly make out that those are thinning. Now that chemo is over, will see how those react.
Wanderweg, thanks for the kind words. Yeah, my oncotype is even higher, 41. Doing whatever I can. My hair growth is just like you described, can see it only when I'm close to the mirror. And wow, 6 months post surgery sounds good. Awesome that everything looks good, I giggled at the comment from nurse.
M-andm, sorry that taxol is going tough. Hope next two rounds would be easier. I too seem to have got edema on feet after my final TC round and MO suggested the same, to reduce sodium. She also asked to elevate the legs. Hope your ultrasound goes well.
Brink, great that you started gym. My office has gym, but I have same issues - what to do about head! I wear wig at office and not sure how to handle it at gym. Guess will continue walking at home and hoping that by the time I recover from surgery, will have good enough hair growth to start going to the gym.
Fairchild, I too can't build up the courage to go bald in public. For doc visits I don't wear wig but wear my winter hat entire time.
Beeline, thanks! Support from you wonderful ladies and my family is what keeps me going. And yay for running, doesn't matter how long or how fast, but doing it is awesome.
Piksie, sorry that taxol is causing so much pain. Even I keep thinking how chemo is affecting other body parts and how permanent the effect will be. My eyes have been tearing frequently and MO said it is due to chemo, but will get better with time. Will see.
Sunocean, good that you are able to continue with remaining rounds as planned. But sorry that you are feeling sick. It sounds terrible that insurance doesn't cover nuelasta. Hang in there.
PNW, yeah, cancer seems to not only have presence in breast, but it takes over every aspect of life. I guess all of us feel at loss most of the time, but support on this board is great and keeps reminding us that everyday we are getting closer to feeling better.
As my surgery can't be immediately after chemo (due to holidays, insurance change at my company), my surgeon and MO wanted to start harmone treatment. Earlier we had discussed tamoxifen, but met MO today and she said, lupron shots with letrozole tablets to put me in menopause will be better. She said considering my age, 40 and higer % of ER+ and high oncotype, she is suggesting this aggressive route. Took my first lupron shot today. Thankfully this doesn't have secondary cancer side effect, but causes bone density issues. Scheduled my baseline bone density scan next week. I am not sure how should I react to this treatment. Talk about cancer affecting whole life!!! Anyone else on this treatment? Will have to research a bit about it.
Have calm and peaceful weekend everyone!
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Happy Friday all, just checking in to say hi.
Asknomore2, very sorry to hear about the hospitalization. Hope you are doing better!
M-and-M, good to hear from you and sorry about the side effects. Hope you are on the mend as well.
Brink, yay on the gym!
Being Positive, I have been wearing a baseball hat to the gym and a cap for yoga. But if I get hot, I've taken it off. I make sure I'm in the corner but I've tried to get over it. I am also starting lupron and femara in a couple of weeks, 1/2 to be precise. Some of my chemo induced menopause symptoms are waning a bit. I'm trying to remain positive about the drugs.
Sunocean, hang in there! Hope you have not spiked a fever and are still home.
I'm obsessed with my head. This week I went short at work, courtesy of Toppik. The crappy part is I can't wear a hat because my hair then frizzes out. So while I'm more comfortable inside, outside is cold. I wore a coat with a hood and didn't get it too close to my head. I'm grateful for hair, but the head issues continue. I am shocked at how fast my eyelashes are coming back and my days of non-tweezing are over. I would have a complete unibrow if I didn't keep it under control. The hair is starting to pop up again, so that's a good sign.
I have to admit that the one benefit of radiation is having more regular doctor and nurse contact. They ask how you're doing with everything and it's nice to have the support/perspective. I'm through with 8 of 20 rads and no symptoms from the radiation but they're on top of the chemo stuff. Radiation is much more festive in general than chemo. And, there is a bell at radiation. That make sense to me - will ring it when I'm done with all but the hormone therapy.
Hope you all have a nice, healthy weekend.
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Sunocean, I'm on TCHP, too, and have had really awful nausea and vomiting with chemo. It just knocked me flat from the first infusion. My onc has worked hard to control it, going through 4-5 different medications to reduce it. Finally I was prescribed Sancuso, which is a patch. This saved me from having to take pills for it, b/c I was throwing the pills up. Further, the stuff actually worked. Fortunately my insurance covered it, but without insurance, it's ungodly expensive. Like $750 a patch.
Unfortunately, I've become allergic to something in the patch. The last time I used it I had major eruptions on my skin underneath...so no more patch for me. Fortunately, I don't seem to be as nauseated now as I was at the beginning of chemo.
Anyway, I just want to validate that this treatment, TCHP, is REALLY hard, and that there are treatments out there for the nausea. I hope your doctor can find something that works!
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thank you all for your well wishes. I am taking compazine which is helping. Honestly the worse side effect I get are the mouth sores. Those come in around day 5. Omg don't wish these on any one.
Does anyone else walk like the Hunchback of Notre dame? Lol. That's how I'm walking. Takes so much effort to get around.
Hang in there ladies. We are strong. We got this!!!
Love reading all the updates. Keep them coming.
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I'm beyond frustrated. I saw the plastic surgeon, who has been monitoring the situation with my tissue implants. My left scar line hasn't healed completely, so I've had to go in and let her see it about every 3 weeks throughout chemo.
While she was looking at it a month ago, she filled the left one a bit to get closer to the right one, thinking the scar looked a little better and could handle it. This time I went in and had my 3rd seroma. My 3rd!
The first one happened within weeks of my surgery, when a stitch popped and a seroma burst out, all over me, my poor kitties (who were in my bed), the sheets....everything! It would have been funny if I hadn't been so scared!
The 2nd seroma was found at the surgeon's visit a month ago, when she last saw me and filled the left again. She had to remove a seroma first.
Last week I had been monitoring that side, and when it seemed a little odd, I went back early, because I recognized it was a seroma.
I've read about what a seroma is, but I can't find anything in the medical literature on repeated seromas. I'm a little concerned, because I have a relatively young plastic surgeon with only 3 years experience post-residency. She's been easy to work with, but the complications seems to be mounting. I have this scar repeatedly opening on the left, along with seromas on that side, and some really impressive buising and bleeding post-mastectomy.
Do y'all know anything about repeated seromas? Just part of life, or should I be concerned?
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