Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Majanumba1

Day three after TCH and Neulasta shot yesterday and not doing so badly!!!!I have been drinking gallons of wate and my onc gave me the okay on green tea so I am never without one or the other. After treatments 1 and 2 I had terrible side effects with nausea and vomiting and we tried Zofran (ugh) and Phenegren. I already knew that I was allergic to compazine . Out of desperation my onc prescribed ativan and it seems to really work. My onc nurse says that anticipation can cause the nausea and vomiting and I really do get very nervous before they pump me full of these chemicals that are going to save my life! Otherwise, I am just taking it easy today and trying to stay calm and centered.I have been doing yoga and meditating along with walks when it is not so cold!! I know about the nosebleeds and the onc told me to put a little Neosporin in each nostril. That seems to help.

I am a little spacey but someone asked about my treatment schedule 6 x TCH each followed by Neulasta 24 hours later.

Simvog, my next treatment #4 is February 9. After that , only 2 more to go!!!!!!

Thankyou for welcoming me into the group and providing me with info, support and laughs when I need them.

Welcome Sonia, glad you posted.

Spring is just around the corner.

Carolyn

havehope

Updated list 

Welcome Carolyn and  Sonia glad you posted.

colleen1960            #4 - 2 Jan 09             CMF  

jajebr3                     2 Jan 09                   4xAC+4xTaxol

Lainey64                 #3 2 Jan 09          4xAC+4xTaxol  

Texas357                #3 6/7 Jan 09        3xFEC+9xTaxotere 

iktracey                  #2 6-Jan 09               4xTC 

apfuentes                #2 6-Jan 09              4xTC  

Mandy1313              #3 6-Jan 09             CMF 

Kranie                     #2 7-Jan 09              6xTC  

Bkokie                    #2 7-Jan 09              4xTC  

mary5454                #2 -  8-Jan 09           4xTC

teachgrade3            #2 9 Jan               TC  

mombos                  #2 9- Jan 09             6xTC 

busqueen                #2-9 Jan 09           4xAC+12xTaxol  

Colleen1960             #5 12-Jan 09           CMF

Grancy11                 #2 12 Jan 09              6xTC

mmliv                      #3 13 -Jan 09        4xTC 

mimiwhite              #3-12 Jan 09            4xTC 

horsercn                 #2 12-Jan 09          4xAC+12 Taxol+Herceptin 

LindaBusEd            #3- 13-Jan 09            6xTAC 

zuffa                       #3- 13-Jan 09            6xTAC

msbusdriver           #3   13-Jan 09               4xTC  

Brenny                 # 3  14 Jan 09               4xTC 

BreastCancerDiva    #4 15- Jan 09               4xFEC+4Taxotere  

Catrenae                #3   15 Jan 09        4xAC+12xTaxol  

Lainey64                 #4 15 Jan 09          4xAC+4xTaxol 

lisasayers               #3-16-Jan 09                 4xTC 

bobcat                    #3  16 Jan 09                 TC

simvog                    #3  19- Jan 09           4xFAC+4xTaxol

cebula                   #3    19 Jan 09               6xTC 

Bold                        #2   19- Jan 09             6xTCH

sdavis                     #3 19-Jan 09                  6xTC 

swest                      #3  19 Jan 09          4xTC   

Majanumba1           #3 19-Jan  09              TCH

Firni                       #3   21-Jan 09              6xTC

DrDecker               #2   21- Jan 09               4xTC  

ptjen                      #3   21 Jan 09               4xTC

Colleen1960           #6 22-Jan 09        CMF

CindaD                  #3 -22 Jan 09                4xTC 

simvog                   #3  23- Jan 09           4xFAC+12xTaxol

horsercn                 #4 26-Jan 09          4xAC +12 Taxol+Herceptin  

Mandy1313            #4 27-Jan 09             CMF

iktracey                  #3 27-Jan 09               4xTC 

apfuentes               #3  27-Jan 09              4xTC   

kokie                    #3 28-Jan 09              4xTC

mary5454              #3 - 29-Jan 09           4xTC

busqueen            #3     30 Jan 09           4xAC+12xTaxol

Colleen1960        #7  30 Jan 09        CMF  

mimiwhite            #4  -1-Feb            4xTC 

Grancy11                #  2 Feb               6xTC 

LindaBusEd         #-4   3 Feb             6xTAC

mmliv                  #4  3-Feb                4xTC  

zuffa                      #4 -  4 Feb           6xTAC

Brenny                 # 4- 4 Feb              4xTC  

Catrenae              #4 5 Feb        4xAC+12xTaxol  

lisasayers            #4- 6Feb                 4xTC 

bobcat                   #4- 6Feb                  TC

sdavis                   #4 9-Feb               6xTC

cebula                   #4 9 Feb            6xTC

Majanumba1         #4 9-Feb              TCH

horsercn             #1 9 Feb (TH)       4xAC +12 Taxol+Herceptin  

Colleen1960         #8  9- Feb        CMF 

swest                   #4  13 Feb           4xTC 

Catrenae

Hello divas,

I've been out of the loop for a while. I had my third TX on the 15th. Everything went ok. Slept almost all day Friday and made it through the rest of the weekend ok. Just the normal fatigue and nausea.  I made it to work on Monday but was pretty out of it. As soon as I got home, I changed into pajamas and crashed. I stayed home yesterday because I was so tired and had a raging headache, plus the usual nausea. Back at work and feel pretty good today. Hope it lasts.

Have my last AC tx on Feb. 5 then go to Taxol. Here's hoping that will be a lot easier to handle.

Cat

havehope

For everybody fighting the insurance co my advice to you is put everything in writing. Send them letters and ask them to provide reason for denial. Keep all the correspondence. If they call you ask them nicely to send you a letter or don't pick up the phone. When you answer back refer to the federal law and asked them what the reason of denial is. Please do yourself a favor and don't call them anymore! Write to them!

Mandy1313

Simvog is correct about putting it in writing. But add one more step...send it by a mail service where you get a receipt when they receive your letter. Certified mail, return receipt requested would work; priority mail where they show who signed for the mail would also work. 

Years ago I had a problem getting reimbursed for something. They claimed I had missed the deadline in sending it. Luckily I had used certified mail, return receipt and could prove that it had been received a full month before they said they had received it.  

colleen1960

Hi All - Saw the onc today and the blood count was fine.  She said I was probably fighting a virus last time.  So I was able to get Tx #6.  I am scheduled for #7 on 1/30 and #8 and final tx on 2/9.  Everything went fine.  I am very tired and hoping not to feel so bad, but I will deal with whatever comes.  I to get very nervous before the tx.  The nurse asked me today if I was ok and I told her that I get very nervous before tx.  She said usually it is the opposite.  Most people get nervous before the 1st and it gets easier as they go along.  Not me!!!  Well I think I will go and try to get some rest If that's possible.  I will try and post in the next day or two.

Colleen

mary5454

Haven't posted in awhile but have been faithfully reading all the posts. So good to hear how everyone is doing. Nice to hear from some new people too. My latest thing is huge itchy welts ...I have the small red ones on my scalp but these are big and raised and itchy on my arms, neck, hands and some on my torso. My onc said he wasn't sure what they were from since they came on 10 days after tx but things I have read here make me think it's the taxotere. So I am on steriods and taking benadryl and still itching like crazy...He did say if they don;'t go away that he would be okay with stopping chemo as my oncotyp was in the low intermediate range and I have a high estrogen receptor (not so progresterone though) and go right to hormones and rads...Part of me feels like I am halfway there and should finish but part of me says  YES PLEASE LETS STOP....

My next chemo is 1/29 and I meet with him and the NP prior to see if I am okay to continue...

My best to all who had treatment this week......

mombos

I also get nervous before a Tx.  I just go crazy trying to do everything like I'm going to be gone for weeks.  I go to the store and buy all this food.  Then I make calendars for the kids.  One for who bought and who needs to pack a lunch for each day.  One for all of their activities like basketball games and piano lessons.  Then I clean everything.  I have this panic like I'm not going to get it all done.  Then the day before my Tx I run out of things to do.  Then I'm ready.  I thought at first that it would only be the first time around but it happened the second time also.

Texas357

I've got to admit that I'm a bit jealous of those of you who are nearing the end of your treatment. I'm about to start 9 rounds of taxotere (with 3 weeks of breaks in between) = another 3 months of chemo. I'm so ready for this to be over!

I've read the same pros and cons about flax. Have decided to use high quality fish oil to get the Omega-3's that flax has, and try to get the lignans from other sources. If flax is that much in question, I don't want to be kicking myself later for adding it to my diet.

colleen1960

Texas357- I know that you still have a lot to get through, but we will all still be here for you.  You will not be alone.  And there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Just start to look forward to the late spring when your tx will be finished.  Stay strong!!!

Day two after tx 6 and although it is early in the am I am feeling pretty good.  Just hopes it lasts!!

Colleen

horsercn

Texas357 - I still have around3 more month to go also, so I know what your feeling.  We will get through this. Just remember that we are very strong women and this web site really helps us get through some of the ruff times.  It's good to be able to talk to other women who are going through the same thing and at the same time.  I have 1 more AC tx on 1/26, then I go to weekly txs starting 2/9 of taxol for 12 weeks so that puts the last chemo on 4/27, then wait a month and have to go through radiation for 33 days in a row! Still have a long way to go but I know I can do it, I have to stay positive as much as possible.  We will get through this together.  Does anyone else have to do the reconstruction surgery after all of this....my PS says I will probably have to have the lat flap done and the implants put in sometime in September.  When I think about that it seems overwhelming to know that I pretty much have to go through this stuff all of 2009.  I don't mean to be complaining about all of this, I think I started this message trying to give hope and spread some of my positive thinking....got a little off track....sorry. 

Hope everyone that has txs this week will have little or no SEs.

Talk to you'll soon

Tricia

lisasayers

Good morning ladies!

Well my energy is finally coming back.  I actually taught Zumba last night without having to take a break! LOL  Today is day 7 after TX#3.  Now the nasty taste has turned into my tongue feeling burned again!  It is time for the Mexican food!

Still no period.....and last night I had alternating night sweats and cold chills....made for a long evening. 

Well, time for my protein and fiber shake. 

Hang in there ladies......the light is at the end of the tunnel!  We ARE WOMEN...HEAR US ROAR!

Hugs

Lisa

Bold

Hello My dear friends:

Texas357: It seems that you have an aggressive plan to defeat stage 3. You can do it. Hit it with all you got. It can be done. It seems that it becomes a bit of a full time job. I know a lot of people tell you that you have to be positive and they are right. Do realize that there will be ups and downs and as long as you end your thought process of the up you won. I an all these other worriers will be here for you. I have had only 2 of 6 TCH. I am on day 4 (yuck). After I will have a year of herceptin  every three weeks. So it ain't over after rads for me either. Hang in there.

Mary5454: I would not be to afraid of stopping. You are right that most people with your stage have only 4 TXs. You can just ask if the risks out weight the benefits. You caught it early and I am sure that you will be just fine.

Lainey64

Hi ladies.  I'm doing okay today.  At work and although chemo brain is getting to me, I'm still being somewhat productive.  My mouth feels cruddy and even though it's day 8 since TX I'm still queasy off and on.  Gosh I hope it goes away soon!

Lisa - Oooh, I have the tongue burning off and on too.  My Onc gave me "Prevention" mouth rinse to use for that and it does help.  But it tastes terrible and reminds me of the chemo drugs.  Not a good reminder when trying to feel better.  But if your tongue is really bothering you, you should ask about it.  My period is now officially 2 wks late and I don't think it's coming.  Thankfully no night sweats yet!  I'm glad you're feeling more energized today.

Tricia - Don't worry about complaining.  We are here for each other no matter what our moods are!  I have to do the 33 rads as well after my chemo is done and thinking that is going to be something else!  It's supposed to be much easier than chemo but still sounds brutal. But we can do this!

Lainey64

Hi ladies.  I'm doing okay today.  At work and although chemo brain is getting to me, I'm still being somewhat productive.  My mouth feels cruddy and even though it's day 8 since TX I'm still queasy off and on.  Gosh I hope it goes away soon!

Lisa - Oooh, I have the tongue burning off and on too.  My Onc gave me "Prevention" mouth rinse to use for that and it does help.  But it tastes terrible and reminds me of the chemo drugs.  Not a good reminder when trying to feel better.  But if your tongue is really bothering you, you should ask about it.  My period is now officially 2 wks late and I don't think it's coming.  Thankfully no night sweats yet!  I'm glad you're feeling more energized today.

Tricia - Don't worry about complaining.  We are here for each other no matter what our moods are!  I have to do the 33 rads as well after my chemo is done and thinking that is going to be something else!  It's supposed to be much easier than chemo but still sounds brutal. But we can do this!

lisasayers

Have to share my sister's news!  For those of you who remember...My sister, who was diagnosed two weeks before me, had ILC...her tumor was 7 cms.  She has been getting chemo first...doctor wanted to shrink it before doing mastectomy.  She just called me...her breast was hurting so they did an ultrasound...and the can't find the tumor!!!!!!!!!!!

Woohoooooooooooooooooooo  She had 6 cycles of AC and is now getting 12 weekly cycles of taxol.

She meets with her doctor next week to see how they will progress!  Praise God!

apfuentes

Lisa - So nice to hear such a positive story.  Each and every fight a woman makes and succeeds at is definitely for all of us!  It was much needed news as I ALMOST posted last night how I was SICK of cancer (I mean I still am, but don't feel the need to vent about it...right now)! 

I had my period during my first treatment back on 12/16, and haven't gotten it since.  I had some nights when I woke up super hot and sweaty...now I know what's going on!  I had no idea it was related to chemo.  Just wonderful.  I am only 34...will this all push me into menopause or will things go back to normal when chemo is over?  What about Tamox?  Will that do the same thing??

EleanorJ

Lisa, that is WONDERFUL news, it's nice to hear that chemo IS working

I had my last period on Dec. 10th. I've been sleeping so bad, I always waking up in sweats. DH works nights so we sleep with a fan so that the kiddos don't wake him up in the morning. Well, even with a fan I sweat at night and don't use a sleeping cap. Apfuentes at 34, you should go back to normal, it will usually put you through menopause if you're close enough to it.

Mary5454 I had a nasty rash & welts last cycle, it cleared with steroids, so hopefully yours will too. Sorry you're itching

I have my typical fatigue right now and no desire to eat. Still do, still gaining weight. I'm so bummed because I was working so hard to lose weight before dx, I managed to lose 10 lbs and I've officially gained it all back and don't even care. Still have 3 rounds to go, I sure hope I don't gained an extra 10 lbs, I'll be heavier than hubby I also get very anxious during the first week, I just start worrying. How will they know that cancer is all gone when chemo is done, what if, what if, what if and I just start panicking over it! I do have an appt on Feb 3rd to find out if I'm a candidate for proton beam radiation. Still don't know how I feel about it, still a new method, but it seems to be more effective and better on your body. They're opening the biggest center in the world (they say) in Philly by the end of the year, I don't know that I would want to wait that long to get my radiations done and I don't know that I'd want to be treated else where, the course of the treatment is just as long, I can't picture myself in a hotel for 6-8 weeks and having someone to take care of the kids for that long. Cancer is frustrating!!!!

Well, ready for a little nap

Texas357

Lisa that is great news! It's nice to hear of such positive to reaction to the chemo!!!

Tricia, my plastic surgeon is making me wait 6 months after radiation to finish reconstruction because she says the skin will be too thin from radiation if I try to do it sooner. I hate the thought but I'll need to lattisumus dorsi flap procedure. If I didn't have to undergo radiation, I'd just be able to go with a straight implant with flap surgery.  

Speaking of radiation, I live in Houston but not a single radiation oncologist accepts my insurance. I really want to put a timeline together but I still need to find a doctor to do my radiation therapy! My medical oncologist and plastic surgeon have given me recommendations. Now it's a question of evaluating doctors/facilities and trying to convince them to accept me as a patient.

The doctor who was by far at the top of my list has refused to accept me.

swest

That is terrific Lisa!  I am so happy for you and your sister.  

Texas 357-Who is your insurance carrier?  With the medical center in houston you would think you could find a rad. onc. who accepts your insurance. Go figure. 

I don't see how doctors can refuse anyone.  It doesn't seem right. 

Cebula-I too have gained weight during this process.  I have gained 15 lbs. in 3 weeks.  Yck!  I had lost 45 lbs about a year ago and am terrified of gaining it all back.  Pants are starting to get tight.  The bad part is most of the time I don't feel much like eating.  Not sure were the lbs. are coming from.  I will have to write down a food dirary to see if I can figure it out. 

ddlatt

this is a great link about flax:

 http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions/what-is-flax.htm

 my med onc recommends one heaping tablespoon daily of ground flax meal as well as one heaping tablespoon of flax oil in my protein smoothie every day.

i am triple negative, so i can have soy. if you're ER+, PR+, that's when you want to stay away from soy. here's the link for that:

http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions/soy-and-hormone-related-cancers.htm 

Firni

I've been gaining weight too since my surgery.  20 lbs so far.  I think the steroids have a lot to dowith the weight gain.  Yesterday at Tx, I weighed the same as last time, so I think I may have peaked out and will at least stay where I am.

Lisa, I'm so happy for your sister.  It's always encouraging for me to hear the chemo is helping ILC people since I'm ILC and I keep reading on this board that chemo really doesn't do anything for ILC. There really is no way to tell if chemo is working once the cancer it cut out.  But for those having chemo to shrink ILC tumors and it works... well that give me a lot of hope and confidence in my own treatment.

I finally got a hold of my ins. comp. and discussed my recon claim.  He guy said they would reopen the claim if they ever got the op. notes that they requested.  I told him those had been sent on 12-25.  He put me on hold and said there was a 20 page fax from the cancer clinic that he thought was it but that was for a different claim.  (Probably the oncotype test).  Put me on hold again.  When he came back he said, yes the op notes were there and my claim was in review.  So, I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens next.  I also got a bill from the cancer clinic for a co-pay.  My bank account said I paid it so I called them and when they checked I have a 0 balance and disregard the bill.  So pay attention.  Chemo brain or not.  It's so easy to over pay.  Or get billed and pay something the ins. company has already paid.

Day two of Tx 3.  So far no SEs at all. 

EleanorJ

I know what I can attribute my weight gain to... MILK SKAHES. I've gone through about 6-7 tubs of ice cream since mid-december! And I'm not willing to give it up, it's my only comfort food right now. I'm not worrying about it much right now, just getting myself through chemo is enough.

Firni - glad to hear about the insurance mess, I hope it gets taken care of soon. Wishing you no SE at all

I just took a nice nap. I don't think fatigue is as bad as last time, then again, don't want to talk to soon, last round ended pretty nasty after all!

mary5454

Hi all!

It really is upsetting to hear about problems with insurance and MDs - we should not have to be worrying about money when we are going through this! Firni- I agree with the others - no matter what they say - the review doesn't matter - it's federal law they have  to pay for reconstruction.

Texas 357 - would your local American Cancer Socierty be able to help you find a MD to do the rads?

Lisa- great news about your sister. So nice to hear hopeful things.

Bold- I hope so - I have only done 2 of 4 treatments- hopefully that will be enough if needed. My Oncotype score was 18. we will see next week if I can continue.

The rash keeps spreading and itches like crazy. I am on steriods (day 3) benandry. benadryl cream and taking ativan to help me sleep at night. Before BC I never took drugs- now it seems like I am taking something everytime I turn around. Caroline - how long did it take for your rash to clear? It's on my arms, stomach, head, neck and under my breasts...

Once I get though this part - I am going to be changing my diet and lifestyle,. it is helpful to read what others have found out. The dietician at my onc - gave me a article that says no flax for BC folks. I have gained weight too- after losing 20 punds before I was diagnosed. (And people thought I would lose weight during chemo!).

Wishing you all a nice evening with minimal SEs...

EleanorJ

Mary, I think it took about a week to fully clear.

colleen1960

Lisa-I am so happy to hear about your sister.  May she continue to get great news.  It is always uplifiting to hear good news.  Just spoke to my mom and she is doing ok.  She saw dr. today and blood count was good.  They did a chest x-ray and the fluid in lungs remain the same no better or worse.  After one treatment she is only experienced extreme fatigue.  Lets keep praying for all the good news we can get.  I am still feeling pretty good for day 2.  Hope the se will stay away this time. Well 3 and 4 are usually the worst so I guess I will find out tomorrow.

Have a good night,

Colleen 

BonnieK

Lisa -- That is really wonderful news about your sister!  Thanks so much for sharing it here. 

Colleen -- Glad you and your mom are both doing reasonably well and I hope the SEs stay away this time.

Cebula and others gaining weight -- send me some!  I've lost over 20 pounds since diagnosis.  Not much appetite.  Lucky for me, I had a little extra to begin with.

Anybody on TC getting really dry, sort of peeling and pruny fingertips that look like you've soaked them in water way too long?  I'm on day 16 after TX#2 (#3 will be 1/28).

Bonnie

Firni

Bonnie,  The fingertips on my right hand peel about 2 weeks after tx.  I know chemo really dries out your skin and my onc thinks that I'm not keeping my hand and fingers moisturized enough and get my hand in too many cleaning chemicals or something.  He isn't worried about it yet tho.  He told me to use a good moisturizer at night and put cotton gloves on to sleep.  If your fingertips start turning red or the palms of your hand turn red, check with your onc.  It could be hand/foot syndrome.

lisasayers

Thank you everybody!  I knew you would all want to hear the good news about my sis!  It is good to hear when any of us are winning the battle! 

Colleen...glad to hear about your Mom!

Firni...keep pushing girl!  Don't let that insurance company tell you no! 

Bonnie...sorry to hear about your fingers.  Really look for a moisturizer that does not contain mineral oil!  Mineral oil just coats your skin...it makes it feel soft on the outside, but dehydrates your deepest layers!  That means mineral oil, petrolatum, petroleum....you don't want any of those!  The reason companies use it...it is cheap!  I know that the chemo has dried out my skin a bit, because normally I don't use my night cream very often, and I'm using it every night now!  I've been using a bit more eye creme as well....as I noticed the skin under my eyes has been drier.

Apfuentes, from what I understand, you will probaby get your cycle back after chemo...just may take a while.  For me, I was already in perimenopause, so I'm not sure what to expect. 

Have a good night ladies!  Good luck to everyone having TX tomorrow!

Lainey64

Hi everyone. I am taking a sick day today and not going to work.  I started getting some dizziness last night and woke up today feel really fatiqued and achy.  I must be entering my nadir.  It's day 9 since TX so that makes sense.  I was able to take a long shower but haven't made it out of my bathrobe.  It just really sucks.  I don't want to get dressed and go to the office but the thought of laying around feeling bad all day stinks.  I know you can all relate!  Do you think the dizziness is related to my RBC count and the anemia?  It's not as bad this morning but it's scary.  Has anyone else had this? 

Also, has anyone lost their eyebrows and lashes yet?  I still have mine but have noticed my brows are starting to thin a bit.  They look like I've had them waxed because they are almost perfect in shape.

Lisa - Fantastic news about your sister!  It is very reasurring to know that these drugs are working even though they make us feel like crap.