Starting chemo Sept 05

sholroyd

Hey Marg – how did the birthday go then? I have put even more weight on eating the birthday cake ;-)

Susan, I think this is the first time I have heard you swear ;-) I hope your eating problems are soon successfully resolved and you can again enjoy eating and preparing food.

Hey Peg – how about a virtual party in your new kitchen? The dogs too! after you have hired the cats of course!

Cheryl – I know what you mean about being scared to take so many pills – I have finally given into sleeping pills today – I so need to get some decent sleep now. I hope you soon start to pick up – stay home, work will go on!

Leanne – two small children, BC, house move and you are looking for more??? (campaigning).

Leanne – I talked the BC Nurse today (counselling) – well actually I typed out 4 pages of how I felt as I couldn’t ‘talk’ – it worked well and then the talking started after she had read it – saved time too. She was very good and she also later talked to my husband whilst I was having part 2 of the CMF today. This is something all very new to me – it is usually people talking to me for encouragement, advice etc and I listen to them – I am not used to talking and ‘admitting’ how I FEEL! Apparently I am emotionally and physically exhausted and it’s time to be selfish and think of ME!

Peg – I have an appointment for my ‘other’ problem (which I hope isn’t a problem) on 29 December – fingers crossed.

Had my part 2 of CMF today – hot flushes have started already. I have to go to Warfrin Clinic (thrombosis) on 22 December and then start next cycle of treatment on 3 January. I am looking forward to the New Year – I will certainly be kicking out 2005 with a great big boot!

Sandra from the UK

Liezel

Hi All,

Have not posted for a while, but have been reading all the posts. Thinking of all of you with all the aches and horrific side effects.

Going for my Port today, then starting Taxotere tomorrow. Very nervous and drained. Hope this is not too bad. Cheryl, did you lose your nails.

I have been trying to work throughout the treatments, but have not been able to put in 100%, since energy levels very low. My business partner and I actually had a huge blow out last night and this morning. I think it is maybe just time for me to admit that I can not do everything and stay at home until this is done. Will think about it this weekend.

Well, I am off to hospital. Looking forward to a little nap.... Take care everybody, Susan, I am glad you managed to start "talking" hope things only get better from here on.

Liezel

susan_02143

Hi all,

Well, I don't have colon cancer or an ulcer! It appears that I have irritation in my septum, which could be inflammation. And, they found a lot of scar tissue- a side benefit of the c-section I had 19 years ago. If the biopsy shows inflammation I get more drugs, if it is irritation, it should eventually heal itself. I find myself relieved that they actually found something, especially since I thought this test was overkill. Also nice that I am not being treated like an hysterical female.

Today is radiation number 22 and I am toasting up nicely. Only three more regular doses, and then we start the eight boosts. The finish line is in sight!!!!!!!

And I start the aromatese inhibitors today. Don't know which one since I am part of a randomized study.

Sandra, I am delighted to hear that you liked the therapist, and writing all that down was brilliant! So hard to reverse the normal flow of information. Did your husband feel as positive after his meeting?

Cheryl and Carol, I am so sorry that you are feeling so badly. Maybe the nurses have some thoughts? The range of side effects is so large; hard to fathom.

Take care all,

*susan*

tornadogirl

Susan great they found "something". Now you can either treat it or wait or it to heal and wont have to worry about the unknown.

Went for my third Taxol today and the onc insisted i stick with the lowered dose, 20% lower this time, that gave me few side effects. Thank good ness i will not have to suffer so bad now.

She said the lowered dose was effective! YAY!

PS, if i had like 5 nodes i would take the highest dose and suffer my brains out just to be aggressive. So dont go by me. I had what is called "high risk node negative" infiltrating ductal breast cancer in fact am triple negative and tumor was 2.3 cm. aneve i HA

nmherr

Hi everyone,
It has turned cold here and there is no heat in the computer room. So only on special occasions do I get to bring in a electric heater and get on the internet.
On Monday the 18th is my last Taxol. I am ready for this to be over with and get feeling better. I think I am addicted to the vicoden but I don't think I can get through it without the pain killer. I actually wanted to eat today which is wonderful. I am tired of forcing myself to eat stuff just to put on weight. Well one more round and hopefully I will be done forever with chemo. That is the plan. I find the L-Glutamine and the B6, B12 complex vitamins a real help on the Taxol.
I scheduled a massage to help with all the pain after my last treatment. The therapist was recommended by another bc patient. I explained to her the back, hand and foot pain and asked to gently massage them out. Well her massage is reiki. Basically the laying on of hands to increase your energy field. I couldn't believe it. It didn't do anything for me. I needed thumb action on battered muscles. I could have cried. I looked forward to getting the massage for 2 WEEKS. When she called that night I told her I contacted another massage therapist and that I was in severe pain and it needed fixed. She didn't really say much and neither did I because it hurt.
I might not get to be on the boards much but you are all still on my prayer list. I hope you feel Gods peace especially at this Christmas season.

lynellb123

Hi everyone, I just wanted to post here that I am done with my chemo treatments today. Now we need a new thread finished with chemo...I feel so happy that this part of the journey is done. Thank you to all for your advice, encouragement & cammeraderie. September chemo girls Rock!!!!

monkey9cats

Good morning! I think...Boy I've been a hurting puppy with this taxotere. My last post I said I had felt like I had been run over by a truck and I still do just not as bad. Tuesday (day 6) I could hardly walk. Then I had forgotten to take my senekot the nite before and developed SEVERE GAS PAINS along with constipation Tuesday morning. It hurt so bad I passed out (not sure if I really passed out or not) and fell between my living room and kitchen because of the pain. Just like you see in the movies I crawled across the floor to get my cell phone that was on top of my kitchen counter sweating the whole time. I was so scared. called my doctor and she wanted me to go to the ER but I told her it was because of the severe gas pains but if it happened again I would call 911. Its horrible being alone thru stuff like this. Have alot of friends but they work so far away. In any case I got the gas and the constipation under control and yesterday seemed to feel better after I ate something after taking gas-X and mylanta 1st. I've been on the phone 4 times with my doctor since this taxotere treatment. I'm a mess!!! I bruised 2 of my toes, twisted my ankle & knee when I fell and slowly "hobble" through the house. I'm going to take the rest of the week off and see how I feel this weekend. The nurse told me if should get better that most people do better on Taxotere then on the other but she has seen it be the opposite too. I guess I was really lucky not haveing problems before.

My nails are still there but are so tender right now. It's hard to tell whats going on with them because there isn't one thing on my body that isn't hurting. I did buy some "tea tree oil" to use on them once they start getting weird looking. I've been told by several people that works great.

Even all my cats know something is going on with me. Animals really have a sense and can really tell things are about to happen. They also know when things aren't right with you. I was in bed yesterday most of the day & normally 3 sleep with me at night. Well yesterday I had 6 in bed with me. Rather hard moving around sometimes but I still love it.

Hope everyone has a great Thursday....take care

Cheryl

monkey9cats

Liezel
Your questions about the nails. Mine are just really tender right now. I haven't quite figured out the side effects you get with the taxotere since most everyone else seems to be on Taxol. I have to assume they are about alike. My oncologist has had much better results using taxotere than taxol which I think is a good thing. I had asked her the side effects with taxotere and she said the main complaints are aches & pains in the muscles and joints and that it is alot easier on your internal organs. BUT she says everyone is different which I am finding out. When I had my very 1st chemo treatment the next couple days were horrible then it got better. I'm hoping this is what the taxotere is going to be like by getting better after the 1st round. Maybe when they change the chemical it takes your body 1 dose to get used to it. I'm not sure. I would probably get some of that "tea tree oil" for your nails. I've read alot about the uses of it and it really sounds like it does some amazing stuff. You just can't drink or swallow it because its poison when you do.

Keep me informed how you do after your 1st taxotere treatment. My infusion went fine, second day I felt fine, 3rd & 4th day tired, 5th day not too bad but 6th until now pretty terrible.

Cheryl

sabrediva

Hi everyone,
It's been a while since my first (and last post). I had a RtMRM on Nov.28th. I still have the drains (yuk) b/c I am still putting out 75 cc's a day (disgusting). I cannot wait until they come out and I can drive and bathe.
I had 7 out of 14 lymph nodes test positive. When the drains come out, do you develop lymphadema right away?
Having drains did not keep me from climbing a ladder to decorate our 9 ft tall tree. My hubby said he'd do it, but NOT my way, so I said "forget you, I'll do it myself!"

Liezel, Hope all is well with you. Let us know how the tax goes. What is the typical schedule of taxotere?

Tina, my TX sister,
How are you doing?

Take care all,
Michele with one L

Take care all

txred9876

I am hanging in there...one more drain still to go...went yesterday to my surgeon and she said...last drain coming out friday no matter what...she does not like to leave them in over 2 weeks. They also drained the right side where they took it out early due to the infection. It looks like the infection is clearing up nicely and should not be an issue. I will have my last appt on the 21st with the surgeon and then get released back to chemo ( I think...12 weekly taxol...here we come...omg I am dreading it so bad!)

I am feeling better but I am also still on pain killers. I did get an adjustment on my sleep meds though and sleeping more sure helps. I guess I just need to slow my rump back down a bit!

Tina

sholroyd

Susan, firstly I was so pleased to hear your health news. Yes it was good for my husband too – he is usually a very private person but he did well with the BC nurse and I think it is good for him to know he can talk to someone else – quite a break-through really. He never realised I asked her to talk to him, he sort of thought she was filling him in about me, which she was in part – we are devious aren’t we us women?! I am working very hard on mind over matter at the moment – been talked into a hypnotherapy session at the centre I have begun to attend. I did visual relaxation this morning. I was talking to a lady about this mind-over-matter business, she had been given just months to live with ovarian cancer – this was 15 months ago and the specialists are amazed at her progress. Any thoughts on this mind over matter business folks?

Norine I have also tried a couple of sessions of Reiki. I have yet to get to the massage (through aromatherapy) but my Onc said she has to stay clear of my arms because of the mastectomy and thrombosis – something about the oils I believe – all new to me this relaxation stuff. I just know the little bit of complementary therapy I have already received at the centre would have cost me a fortune had I been paying for it – I’ll give it a go.

Michele (with one L) – glad you got your Christmas tree up successfully – just some things men can’t do as well as us women.

Tina – I have succumbed to sleeping pills – I do need my sleep – everything seems so much worse when so tired.

I am doing a bit on online tutoring (done before and comfortable with) which is keeping my mind a little active and is not too taxing – I am thoroughly enjoying it and they can’t see what I look like – I am really enjoying this.

Speak soon.

Sandra from the UK

Pegk

Hi Michele, I don't think Lymphedema is ever automatic. You'll need to be careful with that arm to avoid injuring it. Don't carry heavy loads, avoid needle sticks and blood pressure cuffs. Don't cut your cuticles. You don't want to get an infection. Lymphedema is not as common as it used to be.

Tina, The drain is coming out. The worst is over. The Taxol X12 regime is a lower dose (total will be the same), so you may avoid many of the worst side effects. Since I just finished Taxol X4 DD, I can tell you-it's not that bad. I had bone aches for a couple of days during each cycle, but nothing that pain meds couldn't rectify.

Sandra, Keep us posted on the alternative therapies. A friend of mine wants to take me to a local Ashram to explore yoga and meditation. Anything that we can do to keep our mind in a good place has to be helpful.

I am feeling good these days. I'll really feel like I'm done with chemo when I don't have to go to the center next Tuesday. My daughter will be home from college and I will have a little celebration.
My next step is rads. I have an appt. with the rad onc. on Dec 30 and I'll be spending the first weeks of the New Year getting zapped.
I'll be checking in on everybody's progress.
Be well.
Peggy

jlpd

Susan...I've just started my hormonal treatment--femara. What is really curious is that the nurse said 'let me know if you tolerate this, if you don't we'll switch you to arimidex'. I've tried to read up on all the studies but can find nothing that really applies to me. I was not menopausal until the chemo. I also wonder if I'll stay in menopause. My onc says that if I don't, they will switch me to tamoxiphen. He is certain I will stay in menopause as I am 49. We'll see. Went for a bone density test yesterday to get a baseline as this can cause bone loss.

Peg...congrats on being done with chemo. You're right, you don't feel done until you don't have to go to when your normal appointment would be....

Here's hoping everyone is going to be able to find some time to enjoy the holidays. Just remember to keep faith...tiz the reason, for the season.

Janet

sabrediva

Peggy, congrats on being finished with chemo. Thanks for the lymphedema advice. My dr said no sleeping on that side anymore, it was my favorite position, and no lifting anything over 5 lbs! A gallon of milk weighs 8! I keep forgetting too as I am right handed. Time to become ambidextrous (sp). I can still fence, it actually will be good for me! My sabre weighs just over 1 lb.

Sandra- wish I could visit you, always wanted to go to the UK. My tree looks great btw. Have a fantastic holiday!

Tina- when do you get your other drain(s) out? How much does it hurt? Mine will have to wait until Monday, still have over 50cc's.

Take care all!

txred9876

Last drain out this morning...things are looking great...just one more follow-up with the surgeon on the 21st then back to the oncologist.

Just a quick note between things on this very busy week,
Tina

Pegk

Janet, I just started on Arimedex. We can compare side effects. I also had my last period during chemo, but I'm even older. It shouldn't come back.

Michele, I hope you're feeling better. Fencing is probably a great excercise for your arm.

Tina, Congratulations on getting that last drain out. I'm glad things are going so well. On to the next step!

My older daughter, Hurricane Laura, blew back into town last night. It will be interesting to see how much computer time I'll be getting now that she's home. You may only be hearing from me in the morning.

Hope everybody has a good weekend.
Peggy

susan_02143

Hi all...

Peg, Hurrican Laura is so funny! Some children are whirlwinds and there is nothing you can do about it. My daughter is up to her eyeballs in studying for her exams. She isn't sure when she will be able to come home, but I can assure you that I will get a phone call at the very last minute.

Tina, yea on the drains! Keep healing and take good care of yourself. When do you resume the Taxol?

Janet, there was a large breast cancer conference in San Antonio last week with lots of new studies about AI's. The news is good for anyone in menopause: chemical or naturally induced doesn't seem to matter. Some of the best results seem to be for women that have 2.5 years of Tamoxifan and then switch to AI's.

Sandra, mind over matter when used with the words cancer makes me nervous. :-) I am reluctant to make us, the patients, responsible for the fact that we randomly got breast cancer. The idea that if you have a 'good attitude' you won't get sick seems to 'blame' the patient. My Aunt had a great attitude, but the bone mets killed her. On the other hand, I do think that we have some control over how we approach our illnesses, and perhaps attitude can reduce side effects, etc. And yet, even in our small September Group, we have people whose side effects are way beyond controlling mentally. Can you see how conflicted I am yet???

This week I had [count them] EIGHT medical appointments and started on the AI's. Colonoscopy and uturian ultrasounds look good, and the genetics counselor has approved my application. I am part of a Phase 3 study to compare Aromasin and Armidex for both effectiveness and side effects. I was randomized into the Aromasin group. Peg we can compare side effects.

Radiation fatigue has set in and I haven't found the energy to go shopping for gifts. Heck, I don't even know what I would buy my family if I had the energy! Only nine more radiation sessions to go! The end is in sight.

Hope you are all well,

*susan*

txred9876

I will probably start taxol the week after christmas or in January. I am not sure with the holidays coming up. I should get released from my surgeon on Wednesday the 21st.

You know it has been an interesting year and I was not sure if my child would even have a Christmas. I have found more generous people this year that I did not know were even around....

I belong to a group called Easter Star (many of you may be familiar with the Masonic Lodge as well). My chapter brought my daughter several gifts and me some cash to get a few more things of my choice for her. It is very nice to see....It has made me know she will have a great Christmas (all we could get out of her that she wanted for Christmas was to have her mom well...she is very unselfish...)

Have a good day...I am off to go shop a little...as I am trying to get into the mood of the holidays. It has been rough to do that this year....
Tina

tinkermax

Hi everyone

I havent posted for a while, but always read everyone elses posts.

I am still on FEC, have #6 on 28th, two more after that one, so I will finish chemo the first week of February.

Apart from the fatigue I have been fine, and seem to have got off very lightly compared to some of you ladies.

I did have some fluffy white growth on my head, like baby hair, but I didnt like it so I got my hubbie to shave it, I wont have proper growth until I finish chemo anyway.

Sandra
I believe in the power of the mind. Have you read any good books on the subject? I would be interested to know if you have.

I hope everyone has a Great Christmas.

Maxine

sholroyd

Hi all

What a lot of postings to read tonight – all in the main seem pretty upbeat though which is good.

Susan – I see where you are coming from, really this is all new to me – I think what I am trying to do with the alternative therapy things is try and get into the art of relaxation, perhaps becoming a little more selfish and to educate myself to give myself more ‘me’ time – my life before BC was moving at a pretty frantic pace – Oh heck, I’m not at all sure what I am trying to do – Perhaps as Peg suggests – put ones mind in a good place? Maxine – I haven’t read any books at all on the subject yet – hope to do more reading in the New Year – currently trying to read the book ‘Living Through BC' by Carolyn M Kaelin – breast cancer surgeon who had to live through the reality of BC – not very far into the book yet – Christmas preparations sort have got in the way. Susan I hope your energy levels will allow you to enjoy Christmas and your family

I am envious of those who have gone into menopause (I think). I am 48 and still having periods. In fact they are just not stopping at all. I had a period on 14 November – stopped for one day – since then I have been ‘seeing’ every day. My periods have been irregular most of the year – seeing Gyny on 29 December.

Michele - who knows maybe when you get to visit the UK, you may put Tamworth in your journey (or vice versa).

Peg – Hurricane Laura made me smile too – my Royal Marine son (Whirlwind Ben) is home for Christmas.

My hubby and I are taking our 4-year old grandson to a ‘proper’ pantomime on Christmas Eve – Aladdin (can’t wait).

I am having lunch tomorrow with a lady I met in hospital when I had my op – she has (had) bowel cancer (younger than me) – Like Tina I have also ‘found’ people this year.

Speak soon.

Sandra

susan_02143

Sandra,

you said "get into the art of relaxation, perhaps becoming a little more selfish and to educate myself to give myself more ‘me’ time"

Isn't this interesting? This was my goal for this year! I was determined to do several things during my child's first year of college:

1. Redefine my marriage so it wasn't all about raising the kid, and move back to it being about us.
2. Find time to reconnect with friends, new and old; Spending evenings going to dinner with girlfriends, not just couples.
3. Take the time to think about me.
4. Work less, make more.

I didn't need BC to know that my life was out of balance, and here I am, depending on my friends to help me out. Spending less time working [though making far less.] And my marriage has become about us without any effort. Nothing like a life-threatening disease to make a couple to look at each other in a new light!

I look forward to seeing your journey towards a new balance. Keep us posted! There is so much to think about.

All the best,

*susan*

susan_02143

Tina,

I am so glad to hear that the generosity of others means that you will have a Christmas with presents. The presents feel less important to me this year, but I don't think that my daughter would share this sentiment. And to be honest, I would prefer that she not know how tight money is this year.

My husband and I will not exchange gifts, and we have lowered our 'average-per-present' for other family members.

This year my sister was diagnosed with borderline ovarian cancer, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just being all together at Christmas in the mountains of New Hampshire is the best gift of all.

All the best,

*susan*

txred9876

Susan,

It is hard to tell a 13 year old there will not be any Christmas. Unfortunate for myself my entire family is in Oregon and Washington state. I am hoping next year we can go for Christmas up there. This year my dad had hip replacement surgery and I had a double mast...kind of hard to get together.

I am not buying for one person...had it not been for the generosity of others my daughter would have nothing.

Some day I hope to give back....for all the kind people out there who have stepped up to the plate in my time of need (this is very strange for me..as I am normally the one helping others...)
Tina

txred9876

I noticed over the weekend I was collecting fluid on the right side (the non-cancer side ironically!) and went to have it drained this morning....220cc's of blood and fluid. My surgeon put me in an ace wrap and had me do a blood count as it should have been more clear and less blood. I go back to see her on wednesday.
Just one more hurdle to get though...
Tina

lisag

Hello September friends,

Tina, glad to hear the drains are out and I hope your recovery is going well. I just finished visiting with a friend from work who brought over meals and treats for my kids, and I'm thinking about your comments about the generosity of others. In the last year I became a single mother of three and was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few months ago I was thinking about how hard it was to accept help, not even mention asking for it. Until someone pointed out to me that it's a gift to others to allow them to help. I've been amazed at how much love and support have come my way in ways I would not have imagined. And others will need us in the future, too. I'm sending my wishes that the taxol is gentle with you.
Sandra- It seems like you hear that mental state is so important in cancer, and I think that anything that relaxes and helps with fear is invaluable. When I read stuff that makes it sound like we have total control with attitude I feel frustrated because I don't believe we do...there are so many factors involved. Today I visited with a friend who is dealing with lung mets who always has been an upbeat person, I don't think cancer changed that. I think the most important thing is to do is take care of yourself the way you define it, isn't always as easy as it sounds!
Peggy, so glad to hear you feel done! Think you and I are on roughly the same schedule. Finished my last dose dense taxol on Dec 15. I wore a tiara during treatment, what a day. Am having the aches still today but knowing they are the end is so much more tolerable. Going to start radiation in about a month, getting port out first week of January-hooray. I'm going to the naturopath on Wed to see if acupuncture can speed the numbness from the feet and hands. Going back to work in 2 weeks and looking forward to the normality again! Although I'm not sure "normal" is what it used to be.
Wishing everyone healing and relief from symptoms,
Lisa

foxxf

Hi all,

I have had my 2nd taxol tx.

I rang my Onc today because the pins and needles were so bad I couldn't sleep last night even with pain meds. He said No more taxol..I have to see him on Friday which is when I was due to have my next tx and we will discuss the options but no chemo this week.

It's sort of a double edged sword thing, woo hoo I won't be sick for Christmas but sad that I didn't complete the full course of treatment. We'll see what he has to say on Friday.

Nicole

AussieMum

Happy Christmas everybody!

Not very Australian (snow and all) but cute nonetheless! Sound helps, too.



http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003

tinkermax

Aussiemum

Thank you very much for the christmas card...it's brilliant!!!

Marry Christmas to you too, and everyone else in our Sept thread !!

Maxine

jlpd

Tina, i hope they get the fluid under control.

Susan and Peggy...I started my Femara last week...after three days I had bone pain that woke me up at three a.m. (not that hot flushes don't wake me up throughout the night). Aleve seems to help and we'll see if my body adjusts. I'd like to hear any reactions or side effects you experience.

Hope EVERYONE has a wonderful Christmas...keep Jesus close in your heart!

Janet

Calico

Hi all,

I'm sorry to find some of you with drains and pains.

I went for my Taxol # 3 yesterday and it went well.
I did not take any Decadron and only got it in the IV before Taxol. It seemed to have made a difference.
The bad part was the ovary pain again that started about half hour into Taxol.

I'm ready for bone pain with a new prescription of Motrin 800.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

I have not done any shopping yet, Mall's seem such an unpleasant area to be in right now (at least for me )

God Bless