October 2019 Chemo Club Members
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AC has been a walk in the park for me. I’m nit sure why. I’m very thankful. I have nulesta each cycle and I get some tolerable back pain and that’s about it. I haven’t rwally had to take nausea meds. One thing I have had is mouth sores. I’m nervous to start taxol. I have one AC treatment left on nov 20th.
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Greeting my peeps...
Went to MO today and got good news. Said my numbers were high enough so that I could go visit family for Thanksgiving. Just try to stay away from know sick people and wash wash wash your hands.
I asked him about the Neulasta and he told me that it often causes more problems then the chemo. So he no longer gives it. He said that I was doing great just keep doing what I'm doing. Reading about everyone else's SE I feel that I am truly blessed. This last treatment #3 made me more tired than the last two but that's the only real bad effect it has given me. I have had no taste changes or mouth sores, fevers or real nausea. I do get the constipation but only while I am taking the Zoph and Phen. I keep waiting for the shoe to drop and so far it has not fell.I will just keep doing the same eating healthy balanced meals drinking a lot of water getting my rest. As you can see by the time of this post it just isn't always at night. Curse of working the night shift at the Hosp. for the last 15 years. But I get at least 8 hr of sleep every day.
Martaj, so sorry that you are having so much trouble with the AC. Do they give you a anti nausea med before your chemo? They give me one called Civanti or something like that it's a 72hr emetic it's a IV drip that takes about 20 min to go in. They do that and then a steroid and another emetic all IV drips before the red devil which is a hand injection. Then they hang the Cytoxin it takes about 30 min for it to go in, every thing goes trough my port so it's only one stick. Then I'm done. From start to finish it takes about 3.5 to 4hr, all depends on how busy my nurse is. Once I get home I take the Phen. and Zoph. every 6 hr. whether I need it or not just to stay on top of every thing and get into bed. I also try to drink at least 8oz of water every hr. That's the hard part want to sleep but hubbie wakes me up to drink. My urine is usually clear of the red by 10pm. This last treatment #3 it did not clear till halfway into day 2. But Did not drink as much water the first night fought hubbie about drinking my water. Just wanted to sleep but made up for it the next day ( drink drink drink) wanted that stuff outta me. I also drink 2 Lt of water the day of my infusion so I am well hydrated to start. I hope your team can do something for you to make your treatments better.
DMHGF so sorry that you too are having such a hard time with the AC. I have to get #4 on the 2nd of Dec. part of me is looking forward to it as it will be the last one, but I still worry will this be the one that gives me all the trouble.
Keep the faith sisters we got this.....
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Last week I received good news from my colonoscopy—no cancer. 🙂 I found out that I do have mild colitis and that is probably why I have more diarrhea than constipation as a SE from the Abraxane,
RadQueen and MissMom79, I’m so happy that your SEs have been manageable. Martaj, DMHGF, and others who are having a tough time—I’m thinking of you.
This week will be the end of my 4th cycle. My SEs remain with the worst part being the leg pain and neuropathy in my feet. I’ve started to take vitamin B6 twice a day and last week I received a 20% reduced dose of the Abraxane. The nurse said it was better to reduce the dose and be able to finish the treatment rather than not being able to finish due to worse neuropathy.
I’m grateful that Thanksgiving is my “off” week. I look forward to celebrating with family. I wish everyone a happy holiday with lots of hugs
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So sorry you feel so sick. Do they give you the nausea med and a steroid during you premeds for the AC? If so, they should adjust the amount of nausea medicine during treatment and give you pills at home too.
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Hello Ladies,
I've been following along with you guys. I think I posted once or twice. Started chemo 10/16 and I've had 2 TC infusions so far. No real issues or side effects, I mean except the hair loss, fatigue and endless heartburn. Haha
Plan to ask my doc when I go for my next treatment 11/27 but thought i'd ask here first. I've been working thru my treatment, data entry to nothing to strenuous. I've noticed lately walking in to the building from my car in the mornings my legs are so tired, like they weigh more than they used to. I feel like I need to rest before I continue upstairs to my office. Is this neuropathy? I'm only 45 and never felt like this before.
I hope it's not permanent.
thanks
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Good afternoon all,
What a very rough week. I was hospitalized with pneumonitis, acute viral syndrome, compromised immune system. Fevers 102, could not breathe, my WBC 42,000!!!! I was septic. Got home from hospital a short time ago. Missed chemo this week. Unable to have it for 2 weeks if at all. Big meeting next week with all parties. I have never been so sick in my whole life. My hemaglobin dropped from 10 to 8, now back up to 8.3. White count down to 22,000. High white count not from neulasta. On the mend now. Don't know how this will effect clinical trial i'm in, or if I'm able to receive last 3 doses of AC being this was the cause. On Monday I was praying to die, ( at age 63), I could't breathe, talk, walk. Poked proded, X/R, CT scans, RT treatments you name it. I am so much better now. Had every speciality doc. They were all wonderful. Just thankful I'm on the mend
Marta
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So sorry you've had such a rough week. I'm glad you are on the mend.
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Marta, thanks for the update. I have been thinking about you. I hope your providers can get your treatment figured out for you. I will say a prayer for all the October warriors tomight
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Hello Ladies,
I hope everyone is soldiering through treatment and I wish you all the best.
I'm posting for the first time after searching these forums for answers on a number of BC related topics. I started chemo on 10/25 and finished my second infusion of TC on 11/15. Although I had no reaction to the Taxotere during the first round, I experienced the shortness of breath and the skin flush just a minute or two after the start of the infusion during the second round. Thankfully I was able to continue after many adjustments to the IV drip getting some extra steroids (team no sleep!) and allergy meds. I would say that other than some fatigue and the hair loss, the chemotherapy hasn't been as terrible as I thought. The Neulasta, on the other hand, has been a bit tougher. It took me more than a week to feel even close to normal after the first round. I was ok within five days after the second round but the Neulasta really takes a toll with the bone pain, low grade fever and headaches I experience within 8 hours of the injection and up to 48 hours afterwards. I've been taking the Claritin to help with the bone pain, but I'm not sure it's very effective. Has anyone found another way to manage this?
Also, I cut my hair really short prior to starting chemo to minimize the the psychological impact of losing it. I made peace with having no hair during the course of the treatment but even before the second treatment, I began to sprout the fine, fuzzy hair I thought wouldn't come until after chemo was finished. I'm wondering if that's typical and if I will lose it all again before my last treatment near the end of the year.
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Dbalme09, I had issues with the shots my first time. It was the 6 shot that did me in and I went to the clinic and asked(begged) them not to make me take the 7 ( and last) shot. They said I could stop and gave me some Tylenol #3 to help and it provided great relief from shot #6. Then on my next infusion they didn’t give me the shots at all, and my labs came back good one week later. I take the following week off from work and stay home and force fluids. Hopefully I can avoid those shots for my last two infusions.
Hair loss: I did the same as you- and am getting fine gray or white hairs too. My eyelashes seem to be getting thinner now as well. Oh well, I am trying not to fret over things I cannot control. I have tried to put on false eyelashes, but that has ended badly every time I practice!!! I just have to laugh about it!
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Finally on the mend.
Meet up with chemo team on Wednesday. No one is sure what caused my symptoms, AC or trial/palcebo?. I was dx with pneumonitis, acute viral syndrome, Fever, very high white count of 43,000 I'm finally on the mend. Not allowed to go to any place without mask. Ball and chained to house. My husband and sons are inforcing it. Feeling so much better. Tire easy but what else is new. At least I can breathe again, no fever.
Have a great weekend everyone.
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Greetings warriors,
Martaj, so sorry you had such a bad week. Praying for you.
Kkukowski, I too have been dealing with the thinning eye lashes. They now have a new type of false eye lash. It's magnetic and not the kind you place your real lashes between. It consists of a liquid eyeliner that must have some type of metal in it. You paint it on for 2 coats and then you just place the lashes close to the liner and they stick on. The lashes have 4 small magnets attached to them. It is so much easier than the glue. If you can put on liquid eyeliner you can nail this stuff. Sally's Beauty Supply sells it, or you can order it from Amazon. Just be careful of the style you get. Ordered the wrong one made me look like a drag queen LOL I then ordered the more natural ones last time. They look and work great. You can reuse them too. Only down side is some times they might get loose because the liner can come off. It almost goes on like latex paint. When That happens I carry the liquid liner with me go to the rest room and touch up the place where it isn't sticking any more and repaint the liner then reposition the lash.
Be well every one
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Martaj, I'm rejoicing that you are on the mend. What you mentioned about all the testing and specialists is so true. After my first two doses of TCHP, my liver levels put me in the hospital for a couple of days. You feel like you have a little army of healthcare specialists surrounding you.
RadQueen, I tried the magnetic lashes as well. I thought I picked out a natural length as well, but nooooo. If I were going to a party the lashes might be OK, but I'll have to buy shorter ones to look normal for work.
DH and I celebrated 20 years of marriage this week. Normally, we would have made this special with a trip or long weekend. We'll have to do a “make up" celebration after chemo because neither of us felt like celebrating. Sometimes it is enough just to have and love one another and get through the day.
My energy level is definitely declining. It takes more effort to walk up stairs and my pace is slower than it used to be. Standing for several hours now brings pain in my feet. I realize that I will need to schedule some rest time and that leading an all-day workshop for my job is probably not a good idea right now.
Navigating and accepting change is hard. Like many changes, BC has been forced upon us. The SEs are necessary to keep us alive. While we battle to keep going to chemo and we stubbornly pull ourselves out of bed to keep up with our duties, it strikes me that a part of getting through this is also embracing the changes that BC makes to our life.
So sisters, what are your strategies for embracing change?
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I've got 2 more rounds with TC and I'm thinking I'll continue with the injection for my third round and ditch it the fourth since that will be my last.
I still have my lashes and brows but with 2 more treatments, they may not be there for long. Now that hair is growing back, I just don't want to lose it again!
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So whoever says "that which doesn't kill you will make you stronger" or "God only gives as much as you can handle" is full of crap.
My 18 year old died 10 days ago. We are devastated and heartbroken.
Since I started this Oct Chemo group chain I thought I should share this with you, to give you (and me) hope that we can carry on through our challenges, despite this horrific fight we are going through. We are warriors and I am finding strength from somewhere I didn't know existed, to grieve, mourn, AND fight cancer. I know that self-care is key for both horrific situations, and I am doing my best to give myself the space and time to take care of me. We can do this. So grateful for this community.
Final TC Chemo treatment is Tuesday. My girlfriends and I are going to mark this milestone with a tea party that afternoon. Ready to feel a million times worse, side effects + grieving, vs. last chemo.
My seroma came back after my son died - surgeon said it's highly unusual. Have had 3 procedures in last week to try to reduce the swelling/pain. Hopefully yesterday's incision (to help with draining) was the fix needed. Will do quick check-up before Chemo Tuesday.
FuCancer.
Thank you for being here.
Me and my beautiful boy, Trevor.
Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/marinij/obituary.aspx?n=trevor-london-leopold&pid=194493823
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Oh my gosh Michelle, I am so sorry for what you are going through. This picture you shared is so precious.
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Michelle so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my prayers .
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Michelle,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. What a beautiful picture
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So sorry for your loss Michelle. Praying for you and your family at this difficult time.
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Michelle - so sorry for the loss of your son, Trevor. The picture is beautiful andshows kindness, sweetness, and love.
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Michelle, there are no words to express how heartbreaking it is to hear that you have lost Trevor’s physical presence, even as his memory is a very real presence everywhere to all who knew and loved him. My prayers are with you and your family. I pray that you can grieve at your own pace and that even as you grieve you will also find comfort in the support and virtual hugs that I know each of your forum sisters wishes to give to you.
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Hi all,
Tolerated 2nd infusion of AC without a hitch. High on steroids right now. Take the good with bad. Only 2 more infusions and will be done chemo!!!! Trial drug was held this time to see what would happen. Will get it next time of all holds well. Blood counts up, feel fairly decent except high from steroids. Nupro on will go off tonight. I was really scared about this infusion because I had such a reaction from first one. But Oncologist change some meds around so it went well. Only 2 more, I have to keep saying on 2 more, then 4 weeks off then surgery followed by radiation. Triple neg breast cancer, stage 3
Marta
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I had my third infusion yesterday. 7 minutes in had an immediate flushed face and shortness of breath again. Stopped everything for a few minutes. Extra dose of Benadryl and back on with a slower drip. Only 1 more to go!! I am like you Marta; we have to keep thinking of the finish line!! One step at a time. Had a very nice thanksgiving with family. Still think of all of us October starters every night before I sleep.
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Greetings all,
Having TC #4 tomorrow the last last one. Then still have 12 Taxol to go. Have had a head cold since the 24th. I have kept it from going into my chest or getting any worse but still have a cough. The cold totally upended my Thanksgiving plans. Darling Hubbie would not let me leave the house much less go see family in Lafayette. Am feeling good today but was running a low-grade fever Tuesday and Wed. My WBC is the lowest it has ever been. Ready to get this last TC done. I just have a bad feeling about this one. 1 & 2 were OK but the 3rd one took longer to get out of my system and took me longer to recover from and then the cold at the end didn't help.
Hope everyone has a good week. Will let you know how it goes...
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Oh Michelle, I am SO sorry. I read the beautiful obituary of your handsome, twinkly-eyed, smiling son and he sounds like such an interesting, joy-filled young man with such a future ahead of him. I can't imagine what you and your family are going thru to have had this sudden, devastating loss of your beloved son. Accidental overdose is so tragic. I know mothers and fathers that have suffered this also. There are even four trees in memory of four young men from our HS class of 2011 that passed away from this on our local school grounds. I'm sure they never intended to end their lives, but it took them anyway. My prayers and sympathy are with you Michelle. I hope that in the midst of your sorrow, you have sweet memories that can help you survive.
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I'm so sorry for your loss Michelle. I pray that God gives you strength for all that you are dealing with.
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RadQueen, I hope things went well today and that your cold is better.
I managed to trim the fake lashes that I bought so that they are a normal length for me. I’ve also found that they are reusable for a few times, which saves on cost.
I’m using the kind with glue because I’m not sure that I like the look of the black magnetic eyeliner. I wasn’t one to use eyeliner before chemo. I’ve found that the glue is strong enough that I can use an eyelash curler after I put on the lashes and this helps them look better. I’ve lost almost all my lashes now, upper and lower. I have a half dozen eyebrow hairs on each side. I’m “making do” with what I have.
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Well #4 AC is done and in the books. YEA... Almost thought I wasn't going to get it as may WBC was so low. Had to have my blood drawn the previous Wed. instead of Thurs. due to the holiday. So when I get there they have to check my blood again, They accessed my port. I had it all creamed up with the EMELA cream, the blood work results only took 7 min. My WBC jumped up over 3.5 pt. So I was good to go. Had a different nurse this time,
Cyathea thanks for the well wishes my cold is better still taking the Musinex just to be sure,
Came home from infusion ate (was starving) took my Zo and Phen, and hit the bed Hubbie still woke my up every hour to drink my water, and at 10pm have my next dose of Zo.and Phen. and Musinex. Slept almost all night. Just woke up once to weewee and drink some more water, and climbed back into bed and woke up for 7am.
So now is Tuesday morning it's 30* and I just took my Zo and PH. Don't feel nauseous just don't want to take the chance. Think it will be a oatmeal kind of morning.
Hope everyone day is good, much love and strength.0 -
RadQueen are you on the Dose Dense ACT treatment (infusion every 2 weeks)? I just finished AC number 4 yesterday and in two weeks I start Taxol. If you are are starting Taxol, just curious if you will be icing you fingers and toes during treatment to ward off side effects (nephropathy, nail problems, etc). My doctor doesn't seem to think it is necessary with only 4 doses of Taxol and that it won't make a difference. I don't go to Memorial Sloan Kettering but a friend of my does and they do have their patients ice their hands and feet.
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Cynd I am just on the regular ACT treatment I have gotten the AC every 3 weeks starting the 30th of Sep and had the last AC Nov 2 for a total of 4. The only bad part is that it puts my start of the Taxol the week of Christmas. I see my MO Monday and I want to see if we can push it back till the 2nd of Jan. I want to go see family for Christmas as my Thanksgiving was messed up by my cold. My MO has me doing 12 weeks of the Taxol as the second part. I hope he will let me do this. I am not sure if this will mess up the overall treatment. I also plan on icing my fingers and feet. I have been icing since AC#2 and have had no nephropathy so far.
I have been feeling OK this week, no nausea just tire easily. Am sick of being home, but I know that I don't have the strength or stamina to go to work and do my job. So here I sit at home on what feels like house arrest. My cold is just about gone still have a bit of drip but that could be from having no nose hairs, my eyelashes are just barely holding on and I still have some eyebrows. My WBC is back up past 6, so that is great news. Am a little anemic but don't think it is enough to justify any drastic measures.
Hope everyone has a great weekend GEAUX TIGERS!!!!
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