first chemo done

kristifromsandiego

Hi everyone,

Yes, I got to meet Jill and she was not an axe murderer...we all lived.  We had a great visit to Starbuck's, it was great to see the person behind the typing.  We really had a good time.  See some things good can come out of this crazy cancer.  I am just sorry that we didn't have a warm winter day.  I am watching the Chargers play the Indianapolis Colts, it is 7 to 7.  Go Chargers!  Talk soon Kristi 

jill323

Good morning, Ladies !

I am back in Cincinnati and a little jet lagged (could not wake up this morning when I was supposed to).  

Kristi - First, congrats on the Chargers (say congrats to your hubby as well from me).   Gotta admit they surprised me with that win last night.  But, what a great game given it went into OT and all.   I watched it through to the end too.    We had a roaring fire and a nice bottle of wine and watched the football game.  OK, I am getting old, but that is my idea of a good night.

I saw where you were talking about your cat on the other thread.  Funny story on that.  Remember that cat that adopted us ?   Well.. we figured while we were out for a week that this would "cure" him and he would go back to his real owners.   We had my mom take care of the dog and the guinea pig, but given the cat is not really ours, we would have felt weird having someone take care of him in our absence.  After all, his real owners live like three doors down.   But... what do you know.... we pulled into the driveway last night, and there he was waiting for us.   You could tell he was very happy to see us (seemed starved for attention).  The really weird part was, we actually missed this darn cat that does not belong to us.      So, into the house he came where he promptly sat on my lap all during the football game.   He is sitting next to me on the desk right now happily purring away.   The other weird part is that his real owners have to know he is here (as we have called them a couple times to let them know in the past).   They don't seem to mind at all.   I think they would rather not deal with him (which is a shame because he is a good cat).  So.. I guess we have a cat now.    Anyway, thought you would like to know that one given your love of animals.

As for the trip, you guys have no idea how proud of myself I am that I actually did it !   Yes, I am thumping my chest a bit.   I was really nervous going into this, and there were times I had to hold back and take it easy - and never mind the strange things like taking wheel chairs through parks.  But, being able to do that despite this crazy diagnosis and treatment, restored some normalcy into my life and made me feel a lot better.   Made me feel more in control of my life that had felt out of control sometimes.   

Meeting Kristi was also a highlight.  It made me think about how crazy this 21st century world is in which you can know someone very well and never have met them.   We talked for like 2 hours straight at Starbucks and never once was there a lull in the conversation.  We probably could have gone on for another 2 if both of us weren't getting so tired.   And this was with a woman I was meeting in person for the first time.   Crazy, but as she says, it does highlight one positive thing out of this cancer in that a common crisis can create instantaneous connection (but we did talk about a lot more than just breast cancer).  

So..if any of you find yourself in Cincinnati.... look me up !

Well, that is enough philosophizing for now.   I hope everyone is doing well.   Been quiet on the board, but I suspect that is due to the holidays and the like.    Usually when we don't hear from folks, it means things are going pretty well.

Jill

Debbie1218

Good afternoon all,

I also watched the football game (and usually never watch them at all), no wine, and no cat, but did have the cantakerous yorkie wanting in and out, Max, our lab mix, only wanted to stay outside, thank goodness It was a wonderful 74 degrees yesterrday. I sat out on the patio and it was so nice, as I didn't need a coat or anything. Just a hat - well, in addition to other articles of clothing . No matter what the temp, my head is always cold. Today we are back to the cold- is only 36 degrees. Brrrrrrr

I'm still having some sort of delayed reaction to not having hair. Very odd, as I had no problems when it was buzzed, but now I don't even want to look at myself. Took a Xanax today- maybe that will help.

Wonder of wonders, I slept last night! I took my sleeping pills, and made my husband stay up until I started feeling tired. Went to bed at 11, and slept until 9:30 this morning, only waking up once to get rid of all the water I've been drinking,  which seems like gallons. Am so thirsty, and the only thing that tastes good is water. Maybe I'll drop a few pounds since I'm not drinking 7-Up. 

Started getting a few mouth sores, and the Magic Mouthwash came out of the cupboard. So we'll see how magic it is. And get to see the surgeon tomorrow for an aspiration of fluid. Maybe that will lessen the finger numbness on my right hand.

Nothing else happening, other than I'm collecting quite a few hats. Seems everywhere I go I see one I like. Very dangerous

My son is coming on the 10th to visit. Can't wait to see him. He'll be here for a week. He's been out of work a year now, and I think he needs a break from motherhood/fatherhood combo. Sad not to see my granddaughter, but I think it's actually better this way.

I hope you are all feeling good, having a great weekend, and resting instead of doing all the things you think you need to do.

Take care,

Debbie

Debbie1218

Forgot to add, Jill, I'm glad you met Kristi and are not an axe murderer

Debbie

jill323

Good morning !

Well... back to the grind today.   Going to work for the first time in two weeks.  I did a very good job while I was out not paying attention to work, but I know I will pay for it today.  So, this is fair warning... I already know I will be cranky tonight.  The only upside is that I have my support group tonight, and am looking forward to that. 

I confessed the other day to Kristi something that has been bothering me since I started chemo and that is weight gain.  I hear other ladies talk about weight loss and wonder how I ended up on the other end of the spectrum.    My doc says the darn steroid is the primary culprit, but she was "OK" with the gain because she "needed me to keep my weight up" - nice that at least one of us is "OK" with it.   Beyond the aesthetic annoyance, I feel "puffy" - and I am starving all the time.   I have gained like 10 pounds, which might not sound like much, but when you are as short as I am, 10 pounds on me is like 20 on an average size person.   I am sure this is not great for my sore knees as well.    On top of that, I know that eventually I will be put on hormone blockers which will make it that much harder to lose and could potentially add.

Wondering if any one else out there has/had this issue and once the steroid effect left whether things got a little more "normal" ?

Jill

Mocity

Jill,  I too am off to work for the first time in a while.  My fingers and toes are bothering me so much I can't even imagain being there in the office full time.  Just wanted to comment on the weight gain.... I too have gained weight and hate it.  Before all this started I had a good 15-20 that needed to go.  Unlike yours, my Onc is very adament about not gaining weight.  He said... yes it is hard with the steriods and increase in appetite but that I really need to watch it.  He said that a very serious recurrence factor is weight gain after a early diagnosis.  Anyway, it is frustrating.  All this going on really makes me feel like I deserve to eat what I want.  Ha!  I have told myself I will worry about it more once chemo is done (for me three more weeks).  I dont have the energy to exercise and even if I did my toe issue has put a stop to walking.  I am HOPING once chemo is gone, energy will gradually come back, steriod will be done, side effects fade....... hoping anyway.

Good luck back at work!

Cristl

Deb-from-Ohio

Just so you ladies know, I am not ignoring you.......STILL having problems with my eyes and the computer screen makes them burn and run even more.......Have an appt tomorrow morning with my eye doctor, that is providing the roads don't get icy like they're supposed to......

Am feeling ok, course I go to start my Taxol on Weds.....loverly.....ya just get to feeling decent and it's time to go get sick again.............Will be the first of 12 weekly sessions.......just hope the neruopathy isn't too bad, already have it slightly in my heels, have one toenail that hurts like the dickens and I think I am going to lose it.......

And get to take the dog to the vet here in a couple hours.....oh boy...he's already had hip surgery and hates vets....so it's a struggle.......has to be muzzled even though he's not normally a mean dog.  The hubby caught some bug at work, am hoping and praying I don't get it.....ugh........stay away from everyone that is sick, barely see my grandkids because I don't want to get sick and he brings home something from work.......go figger.........

Well eyes are a going to town.....ya all behave!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all are doing ok today.....

Luv, Hugs and prayers

Deb

Debbie1218

Hi all,

Just a quick note about the weight gain. I've put on 5 lbs. They chalked it up to holiday eating, I bet they'll be surprised to see it didn't go down any after the holidays. I'm also hungry all the time, but only the week before my chemo after all of the nausea is gone.

Deb, do you start your Taxol this Wednesday? Let us know how you feel compared to the ugly stuff. That way I know what to look forward to in a month.

Ok, I uploaded my picture, now, how do I NOT have it shown everytime I write in here??????

Have a good evening, and be safe.

Debbie

Debbie1218

Well, it was there, now it's gone. I just don't understand....but I guess thats because it's late and I'm just not thinking straight. Oh well.......

Deb-from-Ohio

Debbie  Yup the taxol starts this Wednesday........I'm so excited.....NOT........but will let you know....Will you be doing yours on a weekly basis or an every other week deal? Mine will be 12 weekly........but will let ya know how I do.....hopefully lots better then the A/C..........

And yup heheehe, your pic will be on every post you post...............

Luv

Deb

jill323

Well...well....

I leave for a while and all kinds of pictures start going up.   I decided not to subject you all with my crankiness last night.  I did not get out of work until nearly 6:30 and was late for my support group.  Did not get dinner until nearly 9 last night.   That can't be good for weight gain.  

First, Cristl - great pic.   You know, I like your dog and all, but it is great seeing your smiling face up here.   I am thinking a source of amusement for you and me would be to put our two onc's in a room and let them have it out - like an oncologist "clash of the Titans" of sorts.   They don't seem to agree on much of anything - except perhaps that we needed to be treated, which I guess is the big one.   But, they don't agree on which scans/test, they don't agree on the weight thing, they don't agree on meds.   Goes to show how variable this thing is.   But, thanks for letting me know about the weight thing.   While I am sorry you are also dealing with this (and the fingers/toes thing), there is a certain comfort in company (misery?) - all of the other things I have seen are most women losing weight (which is not good either).    I am going to talk with my oncologist about it because I really want to get it back off prior to the meds - which I think exacerbates things more.   As for the fingers/toes - interestingly, I have not had the sore nail problem - just numb/tingly hands and feet, which makes typing interesting.   Did you try the cold pack thing that was recommended ?

Deb - Sorry about your eyes and about Rick being sick.   My son has also had some crud and does not seem to understand why I am keeping my distance a bit.   As for the taxol... don't be lulled by it.   While it appears to be easier than A/C, the first couple of treatments may fool you.  As Cristl can tell you, the effects appear to be cumulative - meaning that the treatment side effects CAN get progressively worse as you get more.    I also found out that to be the case.  Treatment 4 for me was way worse than treatment 1.   I am not telling this to scare you, but rather to make sure you don't over do it early on or make big plans based on your early experience.   Hopefully, that won't be the case with you, and you will breeze right on through !

Debbie - Well... hello there.   Great picture!  Sorry, but it will go up not only every time you post, but will also show up on stuff you already posted.    Just so the rest of you ladies are in on this, I have been teasing Debbie behind the scenes that we needed a picture of her in a hat.  She has pictures of me in a hat (although I now realize that the one I have here is not in a hat).   Said that the "hat" defines the journey and when we all get hair, then we will post pictures with hair.   The weird thing is that I was teasing her to "get with the program", and it appears she is and I am not.  I better find a picture with a hat !  

Well... better head off to work.   Will check in with you ladies later.  

Jill

P.S. Debbie - I am soooo happy you are sleeping better (although I miss your 3 am messages).

Deb-from-Ohio

Grrrrr having a bad day.....first off was supposed to go to the eyedoctor.......had to call and cancel cuz of the icy road conditions........THEN my onc's office calls.....turns out I was supposed to be there today for chemo, not tomorrow.......had to reschedule for Thursday, then find a ride......have a sinus headache and eyes are pouring and burning............found out last nite my sister in law who has had BC before now has to go get a biopsy........and she has no insurance.......and the hubby still has his bug..........ugh.

Anyone else having a great week like mine?

Luv, hugs and prayers

Deb

jill323

Hello all !

Hope everyone is having a great night.   I have had an interesting day.   More on that in a minute.

Deb - Yikes !  Sounds like a heck of a day.  Sorry to hear things are going so crappy for you.   If you ever find you have an issue with the ride thing in the future, let me know.   Remember, I am in the area.    I hope things start looking up for you.  

As for the rest of the day, I have actually been pretty energized (surprisingly) at work.   I feel like I lost late October to late December due chemo (I call them the "lost months").   But, even though I am only a couple of weeks out, I think the psychological lift from being done with chemo has made a world of difference.   I actually feel like I am making a difference, and it has only been a couple days being back.  Let's hope it lasts.

Now... for the highlight of the day - I came home tonight and found a beautiful flower arrangement sent to me.   All the card says is "It's over - yeah !  Love ya."   It is not signed.   It is obviously referring to chemo.  I have checked the likely people in the family and at work, and they all say they did not send it.   Evidently, I have a secret admirer - and one that knows how to make me nuts.  I don't know who to thank.   I am glad SOMEONE is so thoughtful.  I just wish I knew who.

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well !  (and hope things have improved for you, Deb).

Jill

Deb-from-Ohio

Jill

  Things just keep gettin worse.....went down and got dinner, ate, took my shoes and socks off and here my foot is all swelled up, ankle, and a little of my calf!  Called the onc on cal, naturally she suggested going to the hospital.....am so tired of running there......Keep in mind, I'm in Goshen, this woman wanted me to go to Christ Hospital!!!!!!! I'm like yeah.......gonna wait and see if it goes down first......I absolutely hate going to the ER.....not to mention Rick is still sick........grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, whats next?????????????

Love ya

Deb

jill323

Deb- Need some help getting to the ER given Rick's situation ?   Sounds like something you should not mess with.   Did you take any anti inflammatories to get the swelling down ?  

You know how to get in touch with me if you need something (still got my numbers, right?).  

Jill  

fairy49

Deb, I just wanted to send you a big hug, I haven't "talked" to you before, but was reading what a crappy flippin time you sound like you are having and just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and hope things get better very soon.

Lorraine ox

kristifromsandiego

Hi guys,

Sorry, I haven't been on much, I am trying to live as much as possible because chemo day is coming right around the corner (next Monday).  And there is not a lot of living that will occur for about 10 days. 

Deb, Oh my gosh. You have been through a lot these past few weeks, I am so sorry.  When my husband was even a little sick I made him sleep in the back room, actually he volunteered to do it.  He says that I am turning into Howard Hughes as it relates to germs.  I have hand sanitizer all over the place and wear gloves when I go out.  Can you imagine how many people touch a piece of lettuce before it actually gets into my basket at the grocery store.  It can make you a little crazy.  My eyes are also watering more and this morning were partially shut with goop.  I dropped by my oncologists office (was in the building seeing another doctor) and he prescribed me special eye drops.  I pick them up tomorrow morning from my pharmacist, that personally knows me now.  What funny relationships this cancer brings us.  My nails are also really sore.  In fact it hurts to type this.  I am just hoping that I will be able to keep my nails.

Debbie- Glad to hear your son is going to visit, mine just left for college...boo...hoo.

To my favorite ax murderer, I mean Jill, I don't think I will ever forget you "new name".  It was great to see you, to really know now that we are not alone in this fight.  Here we were just two really normal people living great normal lives and pop...we have BC. We would have never met if it weren't for this so maybe, just maybe there is a reason for having it.  I am sorry your knees are still hurting.  I do not know what to tell you.  Weight......weight....see I have the other problem, nothing taste good to me.  Everything tastes like metal.  I will have this craving for something then I will have a few bites and say to myself it doesn't taste like anything.  I have always been a cookie addict, now I can barely taste them.  The sugar is just over powering.  Wine doesn't even taste good, and I use to love wine.   I have had a few beers through this, but haven't gotten a buzz.  

I might have already said this but I use to exercises a lot (walking 3-4 days a week for at least an hour), I use to have a glass of wine, or sometime two, every night, Now I don't walk more than a mile the few days I feel good and I don't drink.  Both of my stress releases have gone away and the stress level of cancer has increased, so that said, I have decided that we are allowed to be as crabby as we want.  Just for fun last night I woke up soaking wet, from sweat - 3:00am.  I actually had to change my night shirt, what fun menopause is!

Cristl......Nice picture, wow you have hair.  My husband always wanted me to be a blond bomb shell, I think I will somehow have to try the blond hair. Ditto on the nails.  The weight gain can be a real drag, just don't put to much stress on yourself, I say wait until treatment is done then try to loose it. But who am I to say.

I do have a question, when we do get to rad's, they say that I have to do it 5 weeks.  Do we get the weekends off?  I am not there yet but I wanted to go on a mini-vacation one of the weekends and was wondering if anyone knew.

 Hey, if we make it to the Super Bowl you better all hope the San Diego Chargers win!  My fingers are killing me, talk soon.  Kristi

Deb-from-Ohio

ok back from ER......bloodwork showed no clots.......sigh of relief....but while I was laying there, I was thinking.....dawned on me......I have two german shepherds one over 150lbs, the other 106lbs...was playing with them in the living room earlier today around 3:30-4pm, went to go into the kitchen, and both of them came running, and tried to squeeze past me, well they shoved me into the wall pretty hard.....I'm betting I twisted it or something then and I just didn't feel it at the time.........didn't notice it being swelled till like 7.......and it wasn't swelled earlier so Im bettin on that......this ER doc wanted me to come back tomorrow for a doppler just to make sure  there is no clot but I think I'm gonna pass on it.......

Lorraine, nice to meet you......and it has to get better! LOL...today couldn't have gotten any worse!

Kristi if the drops don't work, there is some salve I bought at Kroger (local grocery store), it's called Systane, made by a company called Alcon, it's in the eye care section where Visine is and all.......you put just a little bit on the inside of your bottom eyelid at nite and it keeps your eyes moist all nite so they don't stick together....Iam still going thru that,mine are getting better but still have to use it...just make sure you're ready for bed cuz your vision will be blurry and it will be in the morning also until it either wears off or you can get it off by using a wet wash cloth....

Ms. Jill who is done with chemo, Rick took me, he was fine, he sat out in his truck listening to his Ham radio.......Bout the only thing good I've found with having cancer is going to the hospital ER....tell them you're a chemo patient and there is NO waiting....LOL........ Thjis ER doc told me he thought they were making great strides in curing breast cancer, I told him to tell that to all of the women on this message board.......we had a long nice discussion about it....he was really nice though......

 Oh well bored everyone long enough.....Thanks for all the concern and warm wishes.....does mean alot specially when you have a perfectly rotten day!

Love, hugs and prayers

Deb

jill323

Hello all !

Kristi - Nice to hear from you.  Personally, haven't done any axe murdering (or even threatening to) for a while now.   Must be losing my edge.   (For the rest of you not in on the joke, I am a little twerp.  So.. even the thought of me being threatening in any way is very laughable - the most dangerous thing I could do is maybe bite your knee caps).  

 Sorry to hear you are still having so many problems - eyes, nails, menopause, and food issues.   Also, I think it is a cruel twist of nature that you (who clearly does not need to lose weight) loses weight and those of us (like me) that don't need to gain.. gain weight.    That said, all the ladies I know like you who said they could not taste food and/or that it was not enjoyable anymore, said that goes away pretty quickly after chemo.   So, you have something to look forward to !    Another thought I had was that it is interesting you brought up stress relief.  Interestingly, I think that is one of the major purposes of this board.   Don't know about you ladies, but when I was most stressed was when I got into "journaling" mode.   Because we couldn't do the normal things like exercise and/or eat comfort food due to chemo - it shifted into what we could do.    Also, I got some really good rants sent to me in the middle of the night on the private message board.   So I KNOW those were stress relief (I think both for the person writing and for me getting them).    

Anyway, Kristi - I know how you dread treatment on Monday - and more so, the 11 days following.  I will be thinking about you.   Get on here and get some "stress relief" when you need to.  

Deb - Glad you got that checked out - and really hope that you have a much better day today.   Did you go all the way into Christ Hospital ?   That is quite a trek from where you live. 

Well.. off to work.  Talk to you ladies later.

Jill

P.S. Kristi - My son is rooting for the Chargers largely because he wants to see if an 8-8 team can make it to the Super Bowl.   But... for now they got to take on the big bad AFC North champ (Pittsburgh).  Hmmmm...  Being from Cincinnati.. there is NO way I can root for Pittsburgh.   It is not in my DNA to do so.  The only thing I could think of that would be worse is rooting for Cleveland.  Therefore, the Chargers get my support by default.   

Deb-from-Ohio

Jill, No didn't go there....I won't go to that hospital......little story.....my Dad, last year, in September was healthy except for a blockage in his leg....he went "there" to have surgery to remove the blockage....next thing you know, he has liver cancer caused by hepatitis.....(He didn't have wild sex, didn't use drugs or drink) In 3 months time he went from perfectly healthy to us losing him. He refused treatment, said he was tired and was lonely, missed Mom, etc...so it spread to all over......He had everything checked out prior to this and did not have the hepatitis.......so even though several docs have told us that he could have hepatitis from when he was in the service, etc.....and that it can be caused from a myriad of things, I still think he caught it "there"......Besides that, when I visited him after his surgery, he was in this tiny little room, and it was so dingy looking and nasty looking.......so nope won't go to that place....went to Bethesda North where I always go even tho the onc on call told me to go to the other one.......

Luv

Deb

Mocity

Hi All,

Just checking in.

Deb - So sorry you are having all these problems!  Hang in there!

Kristi - My pic was BEFORE chemo..... funny, I have never really liked my hair... very fine, baby thin.  NOW I WANT IT BACK!!  I am also have major issues with my fingernails, toenails and numbness in my fingertips.  My socks hurt my feet and my fingers hurt to type.  I am worknig full time and am an accountant so i am at the computer all day long.  It really stinks.  My 2 big toe nails are now completely black and separating from the nail beds.  Now my 2 index fingers are turning black and so numb.  I also have a rash on my hands that won'nt go away.  Parts of my skin turn bright red and tingles and then it turns into a big dry area on my hands so I keep putting lotion on.  My face was full of acne and now it is SOOO dry there are big patches of dry skin.  If I put moisterizer on then I break out.  So I put it on, break out, put more on, etc.  I see my Onc in the morning before treatment #10 to discuss all these side effects.

I thought I was sailing along with the weekly treatments.  #6 really hit me and it has gone downhill since then.  I can't imagine going in tomorrow for more of this stuff pumped through my system.  I just feel horrible.  So tired, so uncomfortable, so ugly.... UGH!

Jill - I hope you are starting to feel better since the end of chemo.  I pray you are getting your energy back and can see a light.

Hugs to all, Cristl

jill323

Hello everyone !

OK..  I finally caved.   Debbie shamed me into putting a picture of myself in a hat on this thing.   So, I am now also "with the program".     When I get hair back, that picture will then replace this one.

Cristl - I am sorry you are feeling so bad.  That taxol is a sneaky one.   It lulls you into thinking it is all meek and mild then it sneaks up on you.  I am convinced the effects are cumulative.  Thank goodness you only have three more.   There is light at the end of the tunnel !   I did not have the nail issues.   But, did have a fair amount of joint pain and numbness in my hands/feet.   However, the fatigue is the one that really kicked my butt.   It got worse with each treatment.   

Now.. you said you hoped I am getting my energy back.   Well.. I AM !   So, I hope this makes you feel better.   There is light !  In fact, at work the other day,  I was in full throttle mode and got fussy with one of my teams about a presentation they were working.   But, when I was done, I really felt like I had done something useful for them.  In fact, they thanked me (and yes, it was genuine).   I could tell my level of engagement had increased significantly since the "lost months"  (October/November/December).   It felt great.   When I went back to my desk, one of my other employees was there (who I joke around with a lot).  I looked at her and said "You better watch out now".    She asked why and I said, "because the bitch is back, baby!".    She lost it and cracked up... and then welcomed me "back".    Honestly, I did not know how disengaged (or otherwise occupied) I was for the past three months until this week.  Nor did I realize how noticeable it was.  I can tell just by the way my folks are responding to me that I am working at a different level.   They actually seem "relieved" and happy to have me back to more of my old self (minus the hair).    

I am telling you all this to let you know that this stuff kicks our butts even more than we think it does - and it affects others more than we think it does.   BUT.... coming back from it is doable and great !    So... hang in there these last few treatments.   There is something better on the other side of it. 

In my case, however, I am really hopeful that radiation does not decide to drag me back down.  Will know more about that next week. 

Anyway, enough philosphizing.   I hope everyone is doing better tonight.

Jill  

Onehalf

I did the fourth!, I did the fourth!, I did my fourth and last treatment today!  If there was an emotion icon that showed dancing then I would place that here,

I will be honest and tell you that 2 weeks ago and this week I was for the first time dreading on doing this. But then the common sense took over.....it's my last.

What was bugging me is the side effects after my treatment, which is stupid because even my oncologist said I had an easy time.....I had no mouth sores which she said is one of the most common side effects ( oh! please don't let me jinks my last chemo with that comment ). The part that was bothering me is it is just takes up so much mental time trying to figure out what your body is doing....is this a side effect to chemo? well I felt this way last time.....should I take medicine (imodium) now or ride it out a little longer. I know this sounds silly, but it does get tiring when you are doing this every three weeks.

But I did it and I'm glad this part is over....I see my oncologist in 2 months and should start my 30 treatments of radiation in 3-4 weeks......Then the worry of recurrence for the rest of my life.

I'm up beat and happy! And I will keep reading the post on this forum.

Best of luck to all,

Denise/Onehalf

jill323

Morining, Ladies -

Cali - Congrats on being done !!!   Wonderful.   Sounds like you actually weathered it pretty well (no jinx, no jinx)  - but didn't you have a hospital stay somewhere in this process ?   I get maked for radiation next week.   Sounds like we are going through that together too.   I am wishing you well through this LAST round of side effects.   

BTW, you can not only read, but post on this forum any time you want.  Being done with chemo does not change that.  This little skunk works thread is not even in the right "category", (i.e.  it is IDC instead of chemo), which is one reason I like it.  Kind of like a little clandestine thread that attracted like minded women for some strange reason.  I hope we continue to hear from you !

Well, running late today.  Talk with you all later.

Jill   

Deb-from-Ohio

Morning all

   Doin ok today....eyes still watering......foots just a little swelled today.....otherwise ok......Go for my first Taxol treatment today.....say a prayer....with the way  my lucks been going, will have every SE known to man! LOL...........

   Jill AWESOME PIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Love it!!!!  

   Cali  CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Luv, hugs and prayers

Deb

Deb-from-Ohio

wow awful quiet in here.....well got my taxol........my gawd the stuff they put in for premeds....let's see, I got decadron, aloxi, benadryl, tagamet, ativan and oh yea the taxol.........had to come home and  take a nap! LOL........so far so good.....course it was good the first two days of A/C too.....

Bad thing was my red blood count was way low.......said she was going to mention it to the doctor....it was 2.87.  My white blood count which is usually the low one was good, it was 6.9  guess it's time for a big old steak! LOL.............

Oh well, hope and pray I keep feeling good............little bit of bone aches I can handle, my bodies so old and beat up, it always hurts anyways!

Luv, hugs and prayers

Deb.

joanne51

Deb,

  Congrats on getting the first Taxol done.  Tomorrow is my number 11, cannot wait.  I was looking at the premeds that you got and they are a little different then what I get.  It is amazing how things change from one center to another.  I always get Ativan, Benadryl, Decadron, Pepcid, and Zofran.  As soon as I get back home I go straight to sleep for several hours.  My husband goes with me because they will not let you leave alone, somedays I can hardly walk out of there, I feel so drugged up. And they also will not let you drive. 

  Taxol is really starting to tire me out. I also one of them that if it is going to go wrong, I'm your girl.  The first Taxol I had a horrible reaction to but the rest I have been ok.  My main problem right now other than extreme tiredness is my fingers and 2 big toes.  They are so sore, nails are discolored and I am hoping that they don't fall off. It even hurts to type this.

  I noticed the strangest thing today, I have stubble on my head.  Now I have heard that some peoples hair grows back on Taxol but I'm thinking what in the heck did it have to fall out on Taxol and then decide to come back only for it to go away again when I start FEC in 2 weeks.

  Almost bedtime, have another full day tomorrow,  good luck to everyone.

  Joanne

Deb-from-Ohio

Hi Joanne

  Basically the same stuff........the Pepcid and Tagamet do the same thing and the Zofran and Aloxi do the same thing, rest are identical.........I actually had no probs walking and all, but when I got home, I did take a 2 hour nap.........I just  pray theres no nausea....I did great for the first two days on A/C too, then all hell would break loose.......trying to drown myself in water, get this stuff outta me....

 As for nails, well one toe, when I was diagnosed I had just started taking Lamisil for, have a terrible fungus infection in it....course I quit the lamisil along with everything else I was taking.......but I imagine that toenail will fall off for sure, the big toe on the other foot is sore also and turning darker.........only problem with fingernails is my thumb nails are a bit sore but that's all from the A/C.

And I hope mine grows back on Taxol!!!!!!!!!! whoooooooo hoooooooooo

Luv, hugs and prayers

Deb

Mocity

Hi Deb - I am glad things went smoothly today.  I had a reaction my first one - just itching on my chest and a rash but since this the actual tx's go fine.

Joanne - Again sounds like we are alot the same.  I had a reaction the first one and have been fine every since.  I get the same meds minus the zofran and ativan.  I got the ativan the first couple of times but decided I didn't need it since it makes you tired and is only for nerves.  Today I had #10.  Since #6 I have had a really hard time.  I saw the Onc today and he was suprised I am getting these side effects on the weekly dose.  He said they are more common on the every 3 week regimen or when ladies have to take it over an extended period of time.  So, they decided to reduce my dose for the last 3 treatments by 25%.  He said he felt very comfortable doing this since I am 75% through treatment and they will only lower each of the last 3 by 25%.  I pray this is ok.  I am h aving trouble buttoning things or opening things. My bigtoenails are so painful, black separating from the nail bed.  They will be gone every day now.  Now my index fingers, middle fingers and thumbs appear to be following suite.  I hope I don't lose those nails too.  It is painful to sleep with hands and feet throbbing and tingling pain from the neuropathy.  I guess we will see.  I think I have to grin and bear it till I am done Jan 22nd.  I guess while it is killing the good stuff we know it is in there kicking cells butts... including any cancer ones!  Still sucks though.... :=))

Good night girls... we will get better!!

Cristl

kristifromsandiego

Hello everyone, 

Man you guys are scaring me with all this finger nail stuff.  I guess I am following suit.  I have only had 3 TAC's and all my nails hurt.  I am already having a bit of difficulty opening Campbell Soup cans.  My toes are also hurting, I cannot wear closed toes shoes except for my running shoes without my toes hurting.  I have 3 more of these, so I can't wait to see what is going to happen.

Deb be really really careful if you are driving after treatments.  If they are giving you the Drugs that they say you are taking I don't think driving is a good idea.  Just be careful!

Joanne  and Cristl, sorry about all the finger stuff - it is just crazy.  

Jill, I understand the disconnect during chemo.  I can't believe how bad my memory is.  I forget names of people and just regular stuff.  I sometime use the wrong word for things, it makes me a bit crazy.  I also think it is fatigue.

I went down to the San Diego Bay today, just sat there in my car and watched the boats come in and out.  I tried to think how lucky I was to live here and see the beautiful sights.  It was 74, don't mean to be bragging just reflecting before I enter the chemo hypnosis that I will be in next week.

Have a good evening, wow it is 10:15pm, way past my bedtime.  Kristi