Starting Chemo in June 2005

JoMac

I did have to have the Neulasta after the Taxol. They said I would for the next three treatments too.
Today is so much better than the last three days. I don't feel achy. I was able to walk and paint and even socialize a bit.
Now the only problem is the opposite of last weeks.
Now I am constipated.
Always something huh?

danahollis

Hi Junies!

Where's Nancy??? Oh yoo hoo... Nancy... where are you?

No Surrender... you're part of our group and we request you stick around... just knowing you are there is great support! We need you and your Towanda!

I'm feeling great today. Just a little watery eyed, nose running, Thrush-stricken... but still great!

Hope all are well today.

HUGS!

sjstrader

I had my first Taxotere on Wednesday, thought it was a piece of cake, then barely remember getting home from work on Friday night. All day Saturday bone pain, and all day today. It is the worst!

selly

Hi there - I started in June and just found this. So here I am. Just had third round of FEC (I'm in UK) and hating it. It does help reading people having the same problems as me though. I'll just jump in and so on since this is up and running

JoMac

I had my Taxol on Weds. I felt the pain on Thurs through Sat. I don't feel the pain now. What a relief It was wearing me down.

danahollis

Welcome Selly...

Beta, hang in there!

JoMac, glad to now your pain has subsided.

I'm nervous about my first taxol on Wednesday.. but so GLAD to be done with AC. I'm hopin' and prayin' I have a smooth run of it. I want a "walk in the park!"

HUGS!

bmck

Can we take Ibuprofen? my onc told me to take tylenol for the body aches but that is not helping! Today has been hell for me and I want to take ibuprofen but not sure if that is a good idea, any help would be great! I am off to take a warm bath to soak my aching body!!!

Cathi

danahollis

Cathi... I was told no Ibuprofen by my Oncologist. I can't recall the reason but it seems I have heard conflicting info in the past. I'd be interested to hear what others say.

I hope your bath helps!

HUGS!

saleboat

Selly-- welcome. Never too late to join in! Hope you're feeling better soon.

JoMac—my Onc said that the nasty chemo taste would go away with Taxol. Is it true? Oh please say yes!

Dana-- you deserve a walk in the park! Hope it starts on Wed!

Me-- 4th A/C (Fri) + period = horizontal. On one hand, glad to know that the girl's still got it-- not looking forward to early menopause (I'm 34!) Trying to psyche myself up for a walk outside, but thinking nahhhhh! Then again, craving big piece of cake, which can only be achieved by venturing out...decisions, decisions…

Jenster

I was of the understanding that I couldn't take ibuprofen because it acts as a blood thinner and is bad for the port.

Of course, I've been known to make up things so I could be completely wrong!

LizFL

I was told I should take Tylenol for the aches and pains from the Neulasta, but if that didn't help I could take Advil. It could depend on your counts, so it's probably better to ask then to be sorry

Liz

kimBe

Think I have posted since Thursday and #5-but seems like that was ages ago. I have had more nausea, some vomiting and have slept the whole weekend. I am feeling pretty sorry for myself but happy for everyone else who has now passed me by and starting Taxol or Taxotere. Coach-you have no idea what a boost you and my other teammates are! I have lots of things going on in my life right now that I wish I could either rewind or fastforward--my son, d-i-l and two babies are moving to Seattle which is wonderful for them but will be tough not having them here, am thinking that maybe this would be the ideal time to sell our 5 bedroom house and move into our "little rental" (Trav & Annie were living there)-this time of year the yard and house always seem to get away from me and this year is terrible and then I will be .75 full time at the college starting the middle of August-and thought that I could work 2 days a week at the hospital (my classes at the college are all on-line so I can work anytime which is really nice), but the hospital has made no attempt to find anyone to replace me so am thinking that they think I can probably work 3-4 10 hour days-I better get off that subject! Anyway, by the first of September I will be done with the AC, teaching which I love and have made a decision about the house...hopefully I will feel better tomorrow! Take care and keep those positive posts about T coming....I can do one more A/C...Am somewhat curious about the neulasta with the Taxotere as I will be getting it weekly for 12 weeks.
KimB

saleboat

Not sure exactly what I was told-- I thought one of the concerns with Advil was that it lasted longer and could mask a fever-- and that if GOD FORBID you have to go to the emergency room for any reason (which is unlikely, right?!) the Drs feel more comfortable with Tylenol and possible drug interactions. That said, I know my Oncs office did not completely rule it out if pain management became an issue-- call your Onc-- no need to suffer!

Despite pedicures and unpeeled fruits and veggies, I do have a cautious bone in my body-- before taking Tylenol, I always take my temperature.

KathyBee

I am taking weekly Taxol, have number 8 coming up Tuesday. No nausea, no vomiting, dry mouth, still get mouth sores if I forget to suck on ice, the infusion of Taxol seems longer than the A/C was. I get incredible bone pain from days 3-5, comes on suddenly and is gone just as suddenly. I was told NO ibuprofen, so started with Tylenol but no relief from that, was moved to Vicodin, which helped but not a lot and finally was given Percocet. But all in all, things have been so much better on Taxol. I have not had a Neulasta shot since my final A/C so must have something to do with the amount given or maybe I just have white counts that are normal now?

Kathy

Scout

It's interesting to read how different we are, but in a weird way, how much we are alike!
I don't know what I would do without all of the support and love I feel on this forum...it has saved my sanity many times!
I've been feeling very tired and my bones have ached but I can't figure out why. I don't have my third chemo until this thursday. I DID go back to work last wee and with working today and tomorrow, I'll have 40 hours under my belt...which will help with the sick leave.
I know the third chemo can be the worst, so I told work I didn't know when I would return..could be a week...could be two..who know!
How long does everyone wait from the end of the chemo until they start taxoters (sp). My onc calls this chemo....is it??
Sorry for rambling.....

bmck

I slept horrible last night. My bone and body aches was terrible all night long. I don't know how much more of this I can take! It is so hard to drag my butt out of bed to care for my 4 kids, I feel like I am 100 years old and should have a walker. Tylenol doesn't help so maybe I will call my onc today and see what he recommends! Thanks for the input about ibuprofen, it helped!

Cathi

danahollis

Cathi... ask for some pain killers. You shouldn't have to SUFFER through this if you don't have to. I'm sure you could get something to just take the edge off and still be able to function. Hopefully it won't last long though and you'll be back to "normal" ASAP!

Scout... you've been through a lot. If you've gone back to work, that could easily be causing you to feel the way you do. Of course, combine that with the accumulative effects of the chemo and VOILA!... tired and achey! Glad that you are able to tell your employer you'll be back when you feel well enough. Try not to overdo though.

KimB... sending you some extra hugs and prayers to get through all the stuff going on in your life. Sounds like you have your hands and mind full! Glad to see that you KNOW it will get better!

Ok, gotta go get some stuff done! Happy Monday, Junies!

HUGS!

MichelleB39

I am so jealous of those of you that are done with ac. My #3 is today and I am NOT looking forward to tonight. I have been using Kytril and Compazine but after reading the post on Phenegran, I might ask for that today. I would be happy to sleep off the nausea!!

I'll post when I come up from the bottom of the sea....

MichelleB39

Oh, will anyone be on Tamoxifen after they are finished with ac? How soon do you think we'll start radiation? These are a couple of questions I have for my onc today.

Reeny47

Well hello all,
Well I have developed a new symptom with the taxotere. I had my first dose Thursday and woke up with my hands all red and hurting like crazy. You all know how all us ladies are always using our hands so need I say I hate cancer. I tried to tolerate it over the week-end and act nice because my daughter and her family was here form Augusta and of course my other two children were over. It was a pleasure to see all of them even though it is hard to smile.So....I got up this morning and cried and cried and vented on anyone who got in my way.Call onc only for him to tell me this could move to my feet and oh yes, I have the ole thrush again and my mouth taste like S...! I am so so so over this. I would give anything just to be completely normal again. I feel so sorry for myself,then I read the post and you ladies are working and taking care of children and I feel like a whimp. I have my mom who is 94 to see after and the responsibility of running the house and financies because my husband is task and communication limited because of his stroke. I will just be happy when this has ended for all of us. When I feel like giving up I come on here and it strengthens me for another day. I know I am not the only one going through this. NoSurrender,where are you? I think I could use a good pep talk.
Have to go shower and go get a neulasta shot at 2 o'clock today. Yipee, more aches and pains. I know....bitch bitch.I will try to be better tomorrow. Hugs to all
Maureen

2frogs1princess

Hello all. Just found you and glad I did. I'm 30 yrs old and diagnosed in May. DCIS and invasive ductal cell carcinoma. Estrogen/progesterone positive and HER2 positive. Right mastectomy with tissue expander and re-excision one week later due to positive margins in May. Started A/C June 21st. #4 is this Thursday and I dread it with every fiber in my being. So much nausea! I didn't realize until reading it on a few posts today that Taxol causes alot of pain. I'm glad I know that rather than going in unprepared. After 4 doses of Taxol then I will have radiation and start Arimadex (sp?). So that's my story. I'm so happy to have found this site!

JoMac

I haven't noticed the lack of a metallic taste in my mouth since starting Taxol. But it must be better because I have started to have a small cup of coffee in the morning and it tastes pretty good.
Those of you still on AC hang in there. Despite the pain Taxole is so much more "do-able" . When I was on the AC I didn't even have the strength to complain. Now I am going at it pretty good. I haven't had any hand or feet tingling yet.
I'm sure there are more suprises to come.

But for right now today it is O.K.

Rene23

Welcome, Mindy. So many new people and updates, I feel bad I haven't been able to keep up with it all.

Well my good news is that I'M DONE! Had my last AC this past friday, and that's it. No T for me.. as I was node negative. I'm still feeling fairly yucky today, the dry/weird mouth and throat feeling are just the worst for me.. it's almost chokes me. I'm back on Diflucan to head off any thrush from starting up again. I have to say, I never got the overall body aches from my Neulasta shots. I did get a specific pain in my upper arm which I have to get an MRI for, but the feeling is that it's likely bursitis.
Oh, and I am now having my 2nd period while on chemo. Now that's just not fair.
I'm going to get a consult with a PS at Northwestern to discuss reconstruction vs. implant. It's a big decision I'm still wavering on. I also still need to talk with my Onc. about my hormone therapy.. TAmoxifen vs. intervention to make me menopausal then Arimidex.. I'm not sure what way we're going to go. I've also decided to get the genetic testing done. If I test positive, I'll likely go ahead and get the ovaries yanked.. and maybe the uterus too.

So, I'm done, but I'm not done. Hang in there Junies.. this board has been invaluable for information and support.

danahollis

Michelle... Hang in there! It's another one down and one closer to being DONE! Post when you feel up to it!

Oh Reeny... that sounds just miserable. You vent to us all you want. We're here for you! I hope it gets better very quickly!

Welcome Mindy... sorry you had to join us but glad you found us. We are a great group and have a wonderful coach... No Surrender. She's our biggest cheerleader!
At least they say that there's no Nausea with Taxol... just some "other" stuff. Keep us posted and we'll help you get through it!!!

JoMac... you just keep up the good progress!

Rene... CONGRATULATIONS on being done! I am also node negative... but asked for agressive treatment. My Onc wants to see how many Taxols he can get me through... ideally 4... but I'm just going to take one at a time and if I have too many side effects.... I'll quit. Best of luck with your reconstruction! Keep us posted on how you're doing. We'll all be right here!

HUGS!

rmmom

#9 done. I am having a party for number 10 that means five more a/c to go. Maybe nosurrender is right I am too perky for my own good. Do you dense dose girls have any days that are good? I have one and 1/2 and I am suppose to feel good about that. Every place that could have a sore has a sore and peeing hurts a lot. I am telling this to my onc
and she said it could be worse. How much? I am so far down at the bottom of the sea on Saturday that I want to breathe in the water and not go on. And STILL onc and clinical nurse from hell(now dear we grin and bear it don't we-DO I SEE YOU TAKING THIS POISON EVERYDAY!!) are puzzled by the sore in my throat-I want them read this board. DH told them today we found it all over the internet-not something new or made up. Sorry I am just so tired of all this, couldn't get them to explain why 15 weeks was such a magic number. They kept telling three other people made it through without any problems at all-liars!! And that one other person just had too much toxicity-what could been wrong with her-probably threw up all the time. Throwing up get their attention. Now I have complained even more-me and my chemo brain are going to time out until I am civil again

danahollis

[quote ...And STILL onc and clinical nurse from hell(now dear we grin and bear it don't we-DO I SEE YOU TAKING THIS POISON EVERYDAY!!) ...

---

Oh my gosh! I HAD to giggle at that one. LOL!

Oh Bev... you need more good days than that! Do you have Thrush? I have it every time now... it's a bummer! I had a VERY inflamed taste bud or something on my very white (non-working)tongue for a couple days that made it hurt to swallow. I started using my Biotene mouthwash religiously and it did help. I think my immunity is getting back up now too,. Of course, it's jst in time for my first Taxol on Wednesday.

List your problems here and let's see if we can give you some suggestions to go back to your Onc with. You know, it seems there's no problem that someone here hasn't experienced. Maybe it could help. I hate to hear that you are having such a hard time and not getting any relief.

And who cares if three other people made it through just fine. We each react to chemo uniquely! That's no way to treat a patient. (That makes me mad!)

BIG HUGS to you!

NancyM

Hey there, Juners! Just getting caught up after being on our trip. I can't believe how many posts there were in one week! Reeny, I hope you are doing well, you must be so strong to care for your husband and mom while going through this! And everyone else on this board, I hope things are going well for you, too! (So many people to keep track of, sorry I can't remember who is doing what right now!) And thanks for thinking of me, Dana!

I have had peeling skin on my hands and now I am losing sensitivity in my fingertips. My right thumbnail has purple marks and is really tender...if I already have this on AC, I'm bound to have problems on Taxol, no matter what NoSurrender says to reassure me!!

CHEMO ATE MY BRAIN - I lost my wedding ring on our trip! In reference to chemobrain, my husband said "I'm so used to you having it together...this is weird." I don't blame him for being worried about my mental state. He was very wonderful about the ring and told me he'll get me a nicer one for our anniversary. I don't want a nicer ring, I am just glad he was understanding.

Our trip was good, I got to spend time with my son and his cutie patootie 3 year old. I almost started to cry when my son asked to see me with the wig off. He then held my head and started kissing it all over. What a sweetie!

I found out yesterday that my 18 year old nephew is being deployed to Iraq with his National Guard unit. WAH!!! He is home for the week, then goes for 9 months of training before they go over there. I hope, hope, hope that we are done with this whole thing before he has to go.

Well, I better get productive here...take care you guys!

LizFL

CONGRATULATIONS Reeny!! How great that you are finished with chemo. I know there's still more ahead, but it must feel good to have that over with!

Welcome all newcomers...we have a pretty active group and I'm losing track of names etc.!

Having last A/C on Thursday. Today was the first day since I started chemo that I could actually taste chocolate! Had a brownie and it was delicious...and tasted the way I remember chocolate should taste! Guess I should eat some more before Thursday. I hope I don't get thrush again...that is pretty yucky...the diflucan cleared it up pretty quickly, but UGH!

Hugs to everyone

Liz

minerva

Hello everyone. I can't say enough for all the support you have given me. I come on here as much as I can and read everyones posting. I have finished my Taxol treatments (12). I didn't have too hard of a time. Mostly tired but my alergys kicked up and I could only take Sudafed, which put me to sleep half the time. I am headed for my next chemo, which is a mixture of three different kinds. One of them is Epirubison, and they said it is hard on your heart. I will have to be monitored for up to a year after taking it. It is so hard to think sometimes that this crap is breaking your body down. Thanks for all the information.
I will be back.
Hugs

LizFL

Minerva...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Glad you made it through the Taxol. So glad you have a big part of this behind you.

Hugs,
Liz