Chemo in Nov 07

Karyll

Hi Everyone, I am greedy, I started in the September thread, still visit there, and the October thread too - I had my first chemo on September 29th so kinda fell between the months. I just wanted to say YOU GO GIRLS, you can do it. I just finished my third and final treatment of FEC (canadian cocktail similar to TAC) and I was driving to chemo from work (I still work FT) and thought - is this real? Is this really happening? Have I already REALLY had a rt radical mastectomy and three chemo treatments? How can this be real? The point of sharing that is ... you come through the other side. I am only 50% done chemo because now I have  Taxotere x3  given one once  every three weeks. I am apprehensive because again it is something new, but so was everything just three short months ago. The best advice that I can share is drink drink drink, whatever you can drink, water, juice, soda - For some reason Gatorade works for me,when everything else tastes weird. Give yourself excellent mouth care gently but frequently and take ALL the drugs they prescribe whether you think you don't need them or not. Never miss an anti nauseant pill because it is much harder to play catch up than to avoid it in the first place! Club soda is gentle on sore gums and doesn't taste bad  AND you can swallow it, but is a nice easy rinse that you can do frequently (buy the low or no sodium type).

They told me I would start chemo pause but I am in chemo fast forward because now instead of every 28-30 days of getting my period - it comes every 20 days, the week before chemo it is an added "perk" Rolling my eyes on that one. Point is:- truly have been there done that as have some of the other women in here - you can do it. Keep the faith, and remember all of your chemo sisters here that have come out the other side, and if you read around you'll see that many have been here many years! There is always hope, and you will find your own strength and courage is so much deeper than you ever knew it could be. We are all amazing women. Look at us NOW!

Karyll

Karyll

Oh yeah, and one bite of the elephant at a time. You won't know till you know, and so just try and focus on that ONE next step. Today is chemo day - experience it before you wonder what tomorrow will bring and then live tomorrow when tomorrow comes. There will be another tomorrow that may be better or worse - but either way, tomorrow will take care of itself when it gets here. Just be good to YOU for today. One day - that's not so much to ask. You are worth it!!! We all are.

ginnyintx

Hi Ladies today is day 4 of my chemo I went in at 11am on Wed

and left at 4pm, I had a round of cytoxan, doxorubicin and tax.

Wed nite I felt weird with a little leg pain and restlessness.

Thurs I was very constipated, I went in that afternoon for the

shot. Friday I felt like I had the flu, bad taste in my mouth, stomach hurt had a little diarea could barely eat. That evening I managed to go to the park and walk the track with my daughter and granddaughter I was back and forth to go or not, well It felt good, Im in south Tx so weather is nice, came home took a hot bath, took a pain pill and fell asleep. this morning sat I feel so much better my stomach finally settled, it did not know if it was constipated or if it just wanted to run. I have lost my love for my morning coffee also the thought of it is ugh! I took my nausea pill as prescribed, today I take the last one so, could be it helped. I started work this week working short hours, I manage a restaurant and my boss and company has been very good to me. I used my short term and one week of long term to recover from the surgery and just rest. I am gonna give work a try, I'm the kind of person who can't sit still for two seconds together. my kids are grown. So I am really ready to go back but take it slow. God forbid it gets rough I can always go back on long term. I think you should do what you feel is right for you and how your body feels thats the most important for all of us. I go back in two weeks for the next round. I appreciate all the advise, and tips on how to handle chemo side effects. I can not do the Gatorade ugh, I can do the water and juice, I'm gonna try a v8 or something, not spicy though. Keep the chin up, I pray that you get Thru chemo as comfortable as possible,  God bless

hugs ginnyintx

mrs7148

Karyll- i have so much respect for you and how you work so much thru the chemo. I am trying so hard to muster up the energy to just go into work a few days a week part time!

 My biggest stumbling block is my belly aches.  I get the urge to go and I have to run, I am not sure I would be able to work around it.  I did read a post this morning that someone developed lactose intolerance from chemo, I am just wondering if that might be my problem.  I do eat cheese and yogurt trying to fix my tummy problems. I definately have to discuss this with my onc next week.

ginny- I drink lots of green tea.  I found the brand 4c tea that is sweetened with splenda so no carbs!  I am diabetic and I cannot drink wasted calories.  It has all the antioxidents in it and since i actually make a 100 oz bottle with the measure for a 64 oz it is diluted, but tastes good enough to drink lots of.  I am sure it helped alot to wash out my chemo from 11/1.   My dh started a bathroom remodel in April (yes, 6 mos ago) and my tub is not functioning yet.  I think after reading your comment about a nice soak in the tub I might have to put a fire under him to finish the job quick.  We have 2 showers, but I am now longing for a nice warm soak for these achey joints!

cheryl 

otherhalf

Hi all!

I had my first round of chemo this past Wednesday.  I too will be doing a/c for four rounds then taxol for four.  I haven't had my surgery yet, I choose to do treatment first. 

otherhalf

best of luck just started hope for the best

jengrsq

Hello Ladies,

                     Well this is where I belong too. I finished my a/c and I am presently on taxotere this was given to me on Nov 2,2007. Next treatment is on November 23,2007 this will be with taxotere and herceptin the same time. The first week of Taxotere was a "little" hard just my body had aches and discomfort for the first week. So I took it easy and stay home. New treatment I felt better that way.  Today November 11/07 I feel good. I'm going to go out today and get fresh air. This will do me good for the mind and soul. I will be done my treatments after Christmas in January 2008 and then I will have surgery. Well hang in there girls! and questions this is the site to be. Deb

my2girls

Hello new chemo ladies.

sue blue,

Can I give you some advice for your wig shopping?  First take your time and make sure you are really comfortable with the person waiting on you.  They should be able to suggest colors and styles and be patient and knowledgeable and help you with all your questions.  Go to a few different places and you will see what I mean.  And don't buy the first one you see.  I did that and wasted my money.  And take someone with you that you know will be honest with you in your choice.  I just bought mine yesterday after looking around several weeks.  I am very nervous about wearing it the first time at work and around my boyfriend.  It is much nicer than my own hair, but still looks different.  Good luck.  Oh and try to enjoy this time before you tx start.  I was so uptight and just wanted to get it over with that I really wasted a couple of good weeks.

karyll,

Thanks for the encouragement.  You sound like a very strong person.  Are you really or faking it?  hahaha  And how can you drive after tx!!  I fell asleep in the car on the way home and some things are foggy about when I left.  They gave me Ativan in my drip and wham - that was it for me - wasted.

ginny,

Sounds like you did pretty good after your tx.  Wonderful!  I bet that is so hard staying there for all those hours.  I was only in the chair for maybe 45 minutes with my first one.  I hope everyone of them is easy on you.  I am going to drink drink drink next time and do so much better.  And maybe start the laxative a day early or something.  That was an added discomfort that maybe I can avoid.

Deb,

How did you handle your AC overall?  Any tips for me starting on number 2?

I am 10 days out from my first treatment.  I feel pretty good, but my stamina is dropped so much.  Makes me feel weak as a person.  I know my girls will get tired of that soon.  I am going to have to learn to manage my time such that I can rest in order to do some stuff after working all day or rest on a weekend day before I am supposed to do something at night.  Does that sound about right?  And I am starting to get the pale, dark around the eyes look.  And my hair goes in about 4 days I guess.  I cry everytime I am with my boyfriend for any period of time.  Poor guy.  I call it leaking because I am not like hysterical or anything, just sad.  He just keeps on encouraging and complimenting.  How lucky am I??  My kids have been great too.  Well, everyone has.  I just hope I don't make everyone tire of me and my neediness or run them off with my independence.  It goes from one end to the other.  Now I am babbling. 

otherhalf,

How are you feeling? 

Until next time.........

Love,

Lisa in VA

ginnyintx

Hi ladies, thanks Cheryl I am going to look for the green tea.

Yea get that tub going it helps. My first day at chemo they

gave me a little gift bag with pens and a planner and a lot of reading material and I have been really reading on the what to

and not to eat for the stomach issues, I read that milk and milk

products, spicy foods and caffeine are not good to eat if you have

diarrhea also veggies and carbonated beverages produce gas.

I lost about 6 lbs in just a few days, the chemo just killed my appetite, i went from a healthy appetite to just bites threw out the day. Well I could stand to loose the pounds!!  lol                     Hang in there girls!!! Ginnyintx

ginnyintx

Thanks Lisa yes I am gonna drink drink drink before my next

chemo. The first chemo they had me go in too early the two bags

they filled me with one takes an hour to empty then they gave

me an injection that took 5min then I had to wait an hour before

they started the last bag that also took an hour to empty.ugh!!

Oh and before that they started they gave me a bag of anti-nausea. Its a wonder I did not explode! hugs ginnyintx

Jen44

Hi everyone,

Just found out Friday that I will be joining you as a Nov. chemo gal.

Background:

Found cyst in left breast Dec. 2005.  Had it ultra sounded a 2nd time on Aug. 30th this year because seemed to be growing.  Discovered it was not the cyst we were feeling, it had gotten too small to feel, but a 2.5cm mass they thought was cancer.  It had NOT shown up on the Dec. 2005 ultra sound the radiologist showed me both and just kept saying "It wasn't there before".  Had biopsy done and it was a grade 3 cancer.  Had lumpectomy done on Sept. 13th with 3 nodes positive and margins not clear.  Had 2nd lumpectomy on Sept. 20th with clear margins.  Onto oncologist.  Among the other tests she ordered she had an MRI done, thank GOD!  Three areas of concern showed up on left breast.  After everything was said and done ended up having a double mastectomy on Halloween.  Left breast had 2cm mass with 5 nodes positive.  The real kicker was there was also another 4mm mass in the right breast that hadn't even shown up on the MRI.  In the words of both my surgeon and oncologist "Your breasts were just not playing the game right".  No cancer ever showed up on Mamo's, even on the day the original was found with ultra sound.  Left breast never showed up on ultra sound and one mass on right side never showed up on anything. 

Anyway, I will be starting 6 rounds of TAC the week of Thanksgiving.  My oncologist said because it looks like the cancer started in both breasts at about the same time we have to be VERY aggresive. I will also have radiation on at least left side.  Still have to wait and talk to radiology oncologist about right side, but that will probably have to be done as well.  My oncologist said the lymph nodes looked really bad. 

I have a wonderful husband, 10yr old son and 14yr old daughter.  They have been great, but what a way for my daughter to start her first year of high school  I hate there are so many of us having to go through this, but also glad not to be alone.

Thanks,

Jenny

sueps

Hello Everyone...its so good to read all your posts...I can't wait to get to know you all..

I am starting epirubicin on Tuesday..every 3 weeks for 12 weeks...can anyone tell me if the side effects to all chemo is relatively the same....I am having CMF later ....I am just wondering if in the UK they use a different type and what the difference is....

Much Love xxx

billi

I really liked reading all these posts.  My daughter starts her chemo tomorrow.  She is a personal trainer and she thinks after her chemo, she is going to go train 2 clients.  I and so many others wanted her to go to another doctor to see what he had to say.  She has a 3 1/2 cm, phase II and they jumped right on chemo.  They have done MRI, Ultrasound, PET, Scan, Mammogram and so far it shows nothing.  So just in her breast.  She will have treatment every 3 weeks for 6 treatments.  Any words of help will be great.  I wish ALL good luck.  XOXOXOXOXOXO  BB

Karyll

MeandPC - Hehe, I guess I am kinda strong, like everyone here. I have to be. I hold off on the ativan till I get home. I don't need it for the acual treatment now, and then I just take a pill when I get home, and relax into it. I also take it a few days following chemo, but not when I am about to drive, usually when I am just kinda jittery. ON friday after treatment I make a great deal of use of the steroid BUMP and get as much done as possible. By the following Thursday I am kind of back to the upswing, and can do things more normally. I am tired earlier this time though (post #3) as I usually don't start to fade until Monday evening.. but heck... I don't have to work tomorrow so Sunday is fine this week. Somedays, I really AM pushing my way through and kinda faking it till I make it through the day, but then I have the down time, the R&R to follow. I don't do much more than work and sleep!!...but work has also kept me alive, because I think i would dwell in a hermit hole and wallow all the time if I didn't have that to go to.

Karyll

Karyll

Hey Sue, the general side effects are the same, but some have added "bonuses". I understand my newest Tx will be taxotere, has less effect on the tummy stuff but more on different aspects.

The epirubicin was built into my first round..which I would asume will be the C and F in your CMF. Because I have FEC. I think Canada's protocol is a cross between your UK and US one. They seem to have the same chemicals basically, just different variations on a theme.

I am not sure what the M stands for, but I do know that here, they gave me print outs' explaining what each one can do or might do and when to watch for what symptoms. Plus the cancer nurses are very knowledgeable... and helpful....and will tell you/show you what you may or may not expect. Sometimes not knowing is better... lol.. I tend to look for those symptoms that may not have existed had I NOT known about the possibilities... LOL... psych myself out.

Karyll

jay66

Hi ladies just a word or two to say that day12 from first round A/C feeling better stomache wise.As long as i eat healthy and small amounts (boreing lol), still i lost 6 lbs yeah.You sound just great Karyll thats good to hear.Meanandpc i have found a great wig makes me look younger did what you said thanks.Not sure when hair will go but i'm ready.Ginny we sound heaps the same best of luck with next round my hubby will have to drag me there lol. Billi your daughter sounds very strong which is great i found walking every day has helped me heaps. Otherhalf, jeng and jen thinking of you hope you dont feel to bad.Hugs mrs7148 hope you can work things out my mum is diabetic makes other things more difficult. Well best thoughts to you all and hugs all round great to read all of your posts.

billi

Thank You Jay66, I will let her know!  Hugs BB

TinaLee

Just wanted to chime in. I will be starting TAC, 6 rounds on Nov 19th. I will also be getting the Neupogen shots every day after each treatment for 8-10 days. Feeling very nervous about what to expect.

sueps

Hello Everyone xxx

Hope you're all having an 'ok' moment...I am just drinking my gallon of water...xxx

Thanks karyll...I am so glad I am on relatively the same treatment in a roundabout way.... I was reading up on the different types of chemo last night...and the epirubicin is an antibiotic type chemo...where as the cmf works on destroying the dna....from what I read......  (what does a/c mean...I read it a lot here )

I am not looking forward to tomorrow...but nothing will stop me popping in to see all you brave ladeees 

Much Love xxx

Karyll

I think the A is adriamyacin.. same sort of red devil as the epirubicin... (scuze my spelling if I am out).,

jay66

 Red  Devil never a truer word said.

ginnyintx

I am really sorry Jenny, I wish the best to you and your

family. Keep strong!

Ginnyintx

ginnyintx

Thanks Jay, I hope your next round is gentle on you Keep the

faith! Ginnyintx

Jen44

Hey Tinalee,

Looks like we will both be starting TAC treatments the same week.  We will have to keep each other posted. 

Thanks Ginnyintx!  Faith has taken me this far and I keep it very close.  It was only by the Grace of God that all the cancer was found so it could be taken care of.  I know that He has me in his loving arms all the time.  I also know He realizes as much as I want to be with him someday it is a long time from now.  God is so good!

I am so glad to hear that so far the chemo seems to be going okay for everyone, well as okay as it can.  Keep smiling and looking ahead.  This will all be behind us one day and we can be the ones letting people know what to expect. 

Jenny

mrs7148

Hello Nov girls!  Today the sun is shining, the temps might get rather moderate (which is quite rare this time of year on the north coast) and I feel rather great.  Day 13 so i am anticipating hair loss to begin soon.  The tummy is great since I removed all the dairy from my diet. I am quite a dairy eater so I really miss my yogurt and cheese, but i do not miss spending my day bent over in the pot! I am heading into my good week before my 2nd tx next wednesday so I plan on making the most of it.  I might just get some christmas shopping done!  If the fatigue accumulates, i dont want to be dragging around a crowded mall a month from now.

Good luck to all and God bless.

 Cheryl

Jen44

Hey Cheryl,

I hear about loving the milk products.  A something you may want to try are whey products.  I know they make milk with whey so they may make yogurt as well.  There is a chocolate type milk called YooHoos that are a whey based product and not dairy. There are also veggie cheese.  I know it may sound gross but it is really good.  My daughter has been allergic to dairy all her life and she loves this cheese, she is 14, she also loves yoohoos.  Just a thought.  Sometimes it is easier to give up something if you have an alternative to take the craving away.  Glad you are doing so well, gives me hope.  I start the first of six TAC treatments next week.

Jenny

mrs7148

Jenny- so sorry you had such a time gettting the dx, but good it was all found.  My tumor also was thought to be cyst in april, but grew when we re filmed it in july, so the needle biopsy was done and found to be atypical hyperplasia but benign! I went to the cleveland clinic for a 2nd opinion and they not only found cancer in that tumor, but they found a 2nd one with dcis inbetween them in August. I waited to get the surgeon I wanted and he removed the entire mass on 10/11.  My onc is the same my dh had 6 yrs ago so I trust him so much! I am lucky to live so close to the clinic and the newest and bestest medical care.  Once upon a time, in a land far, far, away....I lived in West Oceanview, just across from the hampton VA tunnel...wow, was that a long, long, time ago! lol.

I will go in search of the whey products, thank you!  I found a little store by the clinic that had a huge isle full of gluten free products, maybe they have whey stuff, I will find out.

14 is a fun age. My daughter is now 25 and has a 5yr old daughter of her own.  I remember her freshman year and homecoming, etc like it was just last year. When my youngest son was 10 he started Karate classes, he wanted to be either a ninja turtle or a power ranger.  I don't remember which, but it was a lot of fun!  He is 21 now and just got his first teaching job out of college, in an innercity school his karate will come in handy!  It is great to have our family rally with us to fight this disease. Attitude is everything!

ps.  I didnt mention my oldest, he is a builder and way too busy, but not for his mother! Life is good!

cheryl

sueps

Hello Everyone xxx

Well I have had my first treatment today...feel sad and angry and slapped in the face again... lolol.....

I txt my boss and told him I would be in work tomorrow...if I felt 'ok'...... as a generalisation ...how long does it take for any side effects....etc.....my official day off is Thursday ...... and Sunday ..... but I will be able to fix my next hours when I do the rota at nxt treatment.....

Much Love xxx

sueps

Cheryl....you're posts give me much strength...xx  I am wanting to plan my christmas shopping too..... or my boys will have nothing

Your dog is beautiful

Hope everyone is having a good moment...

Much Love xxx

Jen44

Hey Cheryl,

Like you, I am very fortunate to live close to my clinic.  Since you lived so close you may be familiar with Riverside Hospital in Newport News.  Anyway the Peninsula Cancer Institute was built on-site there just a couple of years ago.  If that hadn't been built I would have had to travel about an hour everytime I had to have a treatment.  Sorry the facility was needed, but very glad it is there. 

It is so funny how small the world is.  You use to live in VA, not too far from where I live now and my brother lived in Cleveland, OH for about 5 years.  He now lives in Myrtle Beach, yeah he has a rough life

I love that you have such a great relationship with your family.  I know that I couldn't possibly face all of this without my husband and kids, they are my strength.  I hated that all of this hit with Ashley just starting high school, but she hasn't missed a beat.  She and my son, Zachary, are both making honor roll this nine weeks.  I couldn't be more proud of them.  We have also been very blessed that they both have great teachers that really care.  I knew that wouldn't be a problem with Zachary because he has a lot of the same teachers my daughter had.  With Ashley being in high school I was really concerned, but she has two teachers that watch out for her and have been keeping up with all that has been going on with me.  It helps so much when you can send your kids to school and know if they have a bad day because of what is going on with me they have caring people to go to help them.  Sorry I tend to ramble when I talk about my kids.

I also wanted to remind you that since you can't eat the dairy that you can look for food, like bread, juices, and other everyday stuff that is calcium fortified.  You definitely want to make sure you stay up with your calcium during chemo.  You may want to mention to your doctor that you aren't able to eat dairy right now just in case she/he thinks you need a calcium supplement.  From what I have been told and read chemo can be very hard on the bones.

It is great to make a new friend.  I hate that we have had to meet under these circumstances, but still very happy that we have met.

Jenny