Starting Chemo April 2009

Options
1…3031333536…173

Comments

  • lindatwo
    lindatwo Member Posts: 122
    edited July 2009

    Helen,  It is interesting that your dx is totally different this time.  Did you have a mastectomy after your first diagnosis?  I see that you are ER & PR + , will you do hormone therapy this time? I have not had the BRCA2 test.  Originally the pathologist said I was a candidate for genetic testing, but nothing has been said about it since.

    Lesley, How long do you have to wait after chemo to have your surgery?  I had a mastectomy with a tissue expander in Feb. at Renown.  I have to wait 6 weeks after chemo to have the tissue expander replaced with an implant (and reduction & lift on other side.) That will mean probably the end of July.  I finished chemo June 11th.  Hallelujah!!  How frequent are you chemo treatments? It sounds like you are doing a lot of travelling for treatment too.  At least now the weather is good so you don't have to worry about driving to Truckee in the snow & ice! We've driven 2,000 miles for treatment since Feb.  Maybe we could get together for lunch sometime......

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2009

    Linda

    About 3-4 weeks after chemo for surgery.  NO longer than that but they want me to get my strength up before surgery.  Congrats on finishing chemo.  I CANNOT wait.  Since I am stage 3 with lymph node involvement that is why they wanted the chemo on board right away.  I will have to have radiation too.  I live in Somersett so almost in Mogul/Verdi so it is almost equal distance for me.  Plus the level of personalized treatment I get there since I know the whole staff is really nice and warm.  I appreciate that.  They treat everyone great but it is personal and I like that.

    I am doing dose dense so every other Thurs I go this week then only 2 more rounds to go

    I would love to grab lunch.

    Lesley 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2009

    Hi Linda....I did lumpectomy the first time. It was triple negative. This time I had bilateral mx. I'm starting Tamoxifen within the next few weeks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited July 2009

    As of yesterday, 7/02/09 (ACT #5) -- five rounds down, one to go. Last one will be 7/23/09.

     

    Treatment Day itself has never been too bad (though I did take a 2 hour nap when I got home from yesterday's infusion!), but I know I'll be a wreck again once I eat something today -- starting with having to force myself to stay awake to get to, wait for, have my Neulasta shot and finally get home so I can pass out again.

     

    Since my next chemo will be the last, yesterday when my chemo nurse stopped by to see me during treatment, I asked her how long it would take from my last treatment to be Me again -- at least in terms of getting my brainpower and physical energy back, and not having the taste of Sewer Mouth (I know getting My Hair back will take "forever," since I want it LONG again, and I fully expect to need my wig when I go out for at LEAST 2-3 years). I had to ask because since my third round, I haven't been Me at all, and I'm figuring that 6th and last round is going to be much worse on account of the cumulativeness factor that began with the 3rd round -- since which time I've been constantly fatigued and brain dead and had Sewer Mouth (with the sole exceptions of the five minutes after brushing my teeth with Biotene toothpaste and using Biotene mouthwash) -- this applied not just for the first week post infusion, but even in weeks 2 and 3 as I approached the next round and was supposedly "better." Um, no! I was still exhausted, brain dead and had perpetual Sewer Mouth all the way up to the next treatment.

     

    So my chemo nurse said that by 6 months past my last treatment, I should be "back" -- but I'll be coming back gradually, not all at once. Well I hope my brain comes back first, because that'll make it easier for me to be patient about the rest.

     

    One more "new occurrence" since my last post....I went  on, then went off, an antidepressant. I'd had a psychiatric evaluation on 6/18/09, which resulted in the psychiatrist recommending the SSRI antidepressant Lexapro, which I agreed to try -- started it the next day. I was on it for about a week when I started to actually notice something -- which I thought originally was good, until I, er, "investigated." The good -- my long-lost libido seemed to be making something of a comeback! Since my Pack Rat wasn't here, and I was actually REALLY in the mood, I did what I normally do in that position (remember, we're in a long distance relationship) -- I took matters into my own hand, shall we say. Well, it took me WAY longer than usual to get to the "finish line," and when I did finally get there, it was nowhere near the "full bodied depth and intensity" which is normal for me. VERY frustrating, on all accounts. But I decided it was a fluke -- until the exact same thing happened again the next day. At that point (last Friday), I went online looking for Lexapro SEs again, figuring I might have forgotten something in my original research (conducted thoroughly in the midst of chemo brain) -- and there it was, 18-50% of Lexapro patients had SEs of sexual dysfunction, up to and including "anorgasmia."  Um, no way!  NO NO NO NO NO! That is on my WILL NOT TOLERATE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES list. So....

     

    Not knowing how how long one has to be on Lexapro for withdrawal issues to occur, I stayed on it for the weekend (and was grateful I didn't get "excited" again), but first thing Monday morning I called the psychiatrist, told him what happened and said I wanted OFF the stuff -- so could I just stop, or did he have to taper me down? He said I'd only been on it for 10 days so I could just stop -- so I did!

     

    Two days after going off, I had another "I'm in the mood" episode, and when I dealt with it in the aforementioned manner -- yeah it still took longer, and neither was the finish as good as it had been pre-Lexapro, there WAS a noticeable improvement. Now I'm 5 days off, have had no w/d effects, and am optimistic that I should be back to normal in that regard in time for my Pack Rat's next visit (July 10-12). Yeah, well since I'm still on chemo, I know I'll only have minimal inspired energy like his last visit, but at least what we do "do," I'll be fully functional.

     

    Damn. It's time to eat something (not really hungry now, but I'd better eat something before it gets "too late")....so then I can fight the urge to nap... and drag myself to the Neulasta injection...eeesh...

     

    ~Lena.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aris
    aris Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2009

    I had Taxol/Herceptin #5 this past week. I am doing okay, am much more able to do "normal" things in moderation, of course.  I took my kids to the beach on Friday and then to the fireworks that night. It was so nice to have a day that didn't revolve around cancer treatment and/or resting from it. Of course I was completely exhausted from those 2 outings in the same day, but it was worth it.

    I have developed a terrible cough, that at first I thought was a reaction to having a cold, which is not unusual for me, but it isn't going away with my inhaler.  My chemo nurse and oncologist think it could be a reaction from Taxol.  My father in law told me that when he had Taxol (for lymphoma), he also developed a terrible cough. So it is possible I will have this cough for the rest of the summer! I may call the acupuncturist to see if she can help me with this side effect. 

    I have some small fuzz on the top of my head, I'm hoping it's hair regrowth. How cool would that be.  I hope everyone is hanging in with all the side effects and treatments. It's tough going through this in the nicer weather.

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2009

    Anyone know if there is a natural way to dye the short - very- short hair that we have coming in?  An herbal product or something?  I REALLY want to stop wearing my scarves and hats but don't want to look completely bald because my hair is coming in pretty gray.  Thanks!  Tammy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Tammy,

    I know on the Hair Hair Hair thread they mention a natural hair color, can't remember the name, something like Prizms.  Try looking there.  I'll be looking to do the color in a few weeks too.  Good Luck.

    HUGS, Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited July 2009

    I heard that Whole Foods carries a natural vegetable based dye you can use. Don't know the name, though.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aris
    aris Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2009

    Tammy,

    Congrats on the hair growth. I have some fuzz coming in, I think it is blond. It resembles the hair on my 7 year olds' legs! I am hoping this is not the permanent hair, but I really don't know what it is. It's like peach fuzz up there! And very fair.  I can't wait to have some hair, even if it's all grey!

    For those of you with hair growth, please share details. I want to know all about it!

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Hi Pam,

    Between my second and third Taxol, peach fuzz sprouted on my head too.  Very fine and soft.  I think someone posted that said the follicles return before the pigment which explains the very light color as my hair is very dark but this is definitely very light.  I also think that most women's starts as the duck fuzz too.  Good luck with it all!  HUGS, Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TSmith
    TSmith Member Posts: 30
    edited July 2009

    Our group has been really quiet. I hope everyone is doing okay.

     I haven't posted in a while. Getting through A/C took all the energy I had. Ended up in the hospital after #2 with pnuemonia in both lungs and a huge blood clot in my right lung. I'm giving myself Lovenox shots in my belly 2x a day.

     I feel like crap all the time. Pain in the right lung and muscle spasms in the shoulder from the blood clot, belly sore from all the shots, not to mention black and blue and purple and green from all the bruising, hands and feet peeling (not sure why and wonder if the ped-egg would help this) I can't sleep, effexor xr is no longer helping with my mood, and I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. BUT I am so glad A/C is over.

    I start Taxol ( 12 weekly doses) tomorrow and am a little worried but am hoping it is better than my last rounds.  I've still got to run and get Clariton and L-glutamine. I've also got to get some eye drops as most of my eyelashes are gone and my eyes are either burning or they are itchy and watery. Any recommendations?

    Tonya

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Hi Tonya,

    I'm so sorry to hear what a difficult time you have been having.  I'm thankful for you that you have finished the AC.  I did not have such a hard time with the AC but I can tell you that for me the Taxol has been a picnic (well not really a picnic but ya know what I mean).  I have DD Taxol and I think ladies have said that with the 12 weekly there are even less SE.  I will hope that is true for you as you have definitely paid your dues already.  Definitely do the Claritin as that has helped me to have very littley aches and pains.  My husband has allergies and uses Zaditor eye drops, it used to be prescription but is now OTC, I don't know if that will help you out but might be worth a try.  My HUGS to you for a better time with Taxol.  Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited July 2009

    I am doing ok.  Have my 5th tx of 6 TCH tomorrow. Made the appt for my LAST tx for 7/30. I can see the finish line. I am starting to get excited!

     I had some peach fuzz and it was sticking through my scarves so we buzzed it off this weekend. It was a little hard to let it go, but when I looked on the floor, it was just the tiniest little pile of fuzz. I don't think it would have made any difference in the long run. I am hoping that in the fall, I will see some REAL hair starting to come in.  I always have had very thick, fast growing hair. We'll see what happens......

    I have also noticed how quiet this thread has gotten. I figured it was because some women had only 4 tx and were done by now and have moved on to Rads or other boards.

    Amy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2009

    Hope everyone is doing ok ... sorry to hear that TSmith has had such a difficult time. I had my last TC 3 weeks ago (did the 4) and found the last one to be very difficult. I am starting to feel better but still have peripheral neuropothy and trouble tasting food. I'm starting to sleep a little bit better but a long way from what I need. The port was removed yesterday and the site is painful now. No sign of hair. I started rads on Monday so have had 3 doses. I'll probably be starting the Tamox next week or shortly thereafter. No sign of any hair. ...so I guess physically I'm coming along. However, all the emotional baggage is still there and my friends and family don't get it. This is my second primary bc ..... I can't imagine that this will ever be behind me. I had BM and I'm still not used to that. Hope I can get reconstruction next year.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Karma76
    Karma76 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2009

    My sister will have Treatment 6 of her 12 week of Taxol this Friday so she is almost half way through!!  If all goes well she is done August 21st!  She had her appointment with her Radiologist today and gets her Tattoos Next week!  She did amazing on A/C actually maybe a little better than the Taxol with the Bone Pain.   She said she is noticing fuzz coming in too!  She has had a stellar attitude throughout this whole process and I think it really has helped.  She is amazing!!  My hero.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aris
    aris Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2009

    Yesterday I had infusion #6 out of 12 of Taxol and Herceptin. I'm halfway done! I guess if you include the 8 weeks of AC, it's more than 1/2 way, but I'm 1/2 way done from this protocol. I can hardly wait for the chemo to be over, only 6 more weeks!

    From a SE perspective, I'm doing okay, just tired, hungry, and have a dreadful cough, and of course bald and gaining weight! I know the hair will come back and I can lose the weight, so I shouldn't complain.  I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping. Is anyone else? My doctor gave me ativan and then he gave me Serax. I am wondering what others' have been prescribed to help with sleep. I don't want to get addicted to the Serax, it's a benzodiaziapine (sp?) and can be addictive.  But I do need to get some sleep!

    I hope everyone else is doing okay. I am still in for Herceptin for the year and also rads to start in Sept, so it's a long journey ahead. The support here has been really helpful. 

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 230
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies:  It has been one month and 7 days since I finished my last chemo.  The hair is slowly growing in.  Each day is better than the last.  I still take a nap most days, but the energy and concentration is improving.  Don't know how much longer I can blame things on chemo brain.  Never thought I would be able to see any kind of light at the end of the tunnel but now starting to see there is hope. 

    Cyber hugs to everyone...hang in there it does get better.

    Nadine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited July 2009

    We April ladies have been much tOo quiet!  We need to be talking alot because most of us are getting there...as in almost done with chemo.  Next we will on the radation boards! 

    Hi Denise!  Just had Taxol number 2 yesterday..2 more to go....it went even better than No #1 did..at least so far...I plan on keeping it that way! I have my neulasta shot and brought the clariton and tylenol along with me to work to drug up before I have the shot...I've decided that a few drugs now and then isn't gonig to hurt me.   It's better than being tired and achy and grouchy! 

    They did take 3 times before they got a IV in..I guess the nurse was having a bad day..I wanted to ask her to have someone else do it but...SHE WAS THE ONE WITH THE NEEDLE!!!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • blondie45
    blondie45 Member Posts: 580
    edited July 2009

    aris-My doctor has prescribed Ambien for sleep I believe 5 mg tablets. At first 1 tablet worked but now I have to take one tablet (also take the lorazepam as only thing that helps for nausea) of the Ambien and then lay and relax, about 1/2 to 1 hour later I take the second 5 mg tablet and then I am usually sleeping within 1/2 hour. The prescription label stated I could do this and it has been working for me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2009

    Just curious.... did anyone else have a harder time with Taxol than they did on A/C??  I am spending three days in bed with  bone and muscle pain that starts three days after tx.  I begged my Onc not to do the neurlasta shot but he won't budge. I have tried claritin and my Onc gave me diladid, but claritin isn't working and I hate being on such heavy duty pain relievers. My knees are still hurting all the time; I can barely get out of bed in the morning and I have my next tx on Monday the 13th!  It just seems like everyone else is having a mild ride on this Taxol.... I have been doing yoga and pilates and riding my bike as much as possible, to no avail..... any words of wisdom???  Tammy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Hi Tammy,

    I am having an easier time on the Taxol, the Claritin is working pretty well for me. But when I do experience some pain it is from about the 3rd - 6th day so I know what you mean.  It always is in my lower extremities too.  I wish I had some words of wisdom for you as I know this can be H*LL sometimes.  I know stretching helps me a lot but you mentioned you are already doing pilates.  I hope someone else comes along with suggestions that might help you out.  Don't forgo the Neulasta shot, my onc said I wouldn't need it and after my 1st tx my blood dropped too low and my 2nd treatment was delayed for 4 days, you don't want that to happen.  Are you on DD or 12 weekly? I'll be thinking of you! HUGS, Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2009

    Amy

    My last treatment is 7/30 too I cannot WAIT!!!!

    Lesley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2009

    Tammy

    I have of course had NO nausea with Taxol but I never had bone pain with Neulasta and had 2 DD Taxol and it has proven to be harder than the AC for me very unexpected.  Last round I ended up with some "bug" they gave me antiobiotics as I had a temp of 102.3 and all the bone pain and muscle pain from the Taxol.  I get TX on Thurs by SAt night thru MOn I am a wreck of pain and have to use pain meds can't sleep but 2 more to go 3 weeks and I am DONE with Chemo.

    Everyone prepared me for how awful AC was so mentally I was ready for it and I got lucky.  Then all I heard was Taxol is better and it did not turn out that way for me so I am with you!!!

    All my Best

    Lesley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2009

    Lesley and Dawn, I too, am through with my last DD Taxol on July 30th!!! I will be thinking of you!  It is reassuring to hear that at least two others on this thread are experiencing the same things I am - not that I would want anyone else to go through this- but when you get such different "pep talks" form your Onc. about A/C vs. Taxol, and then your own personal experience completely flipflops from everyone else's, you kind of wonder if you are going nutty!!  Sounds like all of us are on about the same schedule and are, remarkably, and unfortunately, having very similar SE's - but we're almost done!!!  So let's remain confident and positive in knowing that this is close to the end....Tammy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited July 2009

    Hey...I'm done on August 5th...stick around a little bit longer for me..please! 

    I just called the office to set up my "tattoos" for rads..I have to waith until 7/22 to get an appt...they asked me if I was in a hurry...I said YES!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2009

    Ladies, Gang, Everyone

    We were going really quiet and I was not sure if I was going crazy so I lurked on the May starters just to compare notes.  Titan I will stick around and I hate to lose touch with this group.  For sure the May group is staying together even once Rads start.  It is hard that even though I did not post alot I had my ups and downs I have read EVERY post on all 34 pages and am aware of each person's journey - the ups and downs. 

    We have shared stories about our feelings about losing our hair, perhaps our libido, our body image, diarrhea, constipation, so I feel very close to all of you in a way I do not to many people.  Truly the best support for me in all of this has been other women battling breast cancer.  I have a terrific family, friends, co-workers and feel very blessed to have that and I know they try to be supportive and say the right things but most of the time though well intentioned it just did not work for me the way all of you have.

    I do not believe it is a misery loves company I think you just really do not know until you have walked a mile in the shoes.  Even at times I have had to check in with all of you even though I think I have the GREATEST team of docs & nurses treating me.  I love them and some of you may remember Mark works in oncology so this group of folks were my "friends" before they started treating me, but still none of them has personally experienced breast cancer.

    I have rambled long enough but I did want to share that my tumor was over 5cm when this started and I had several nodes involved.  Went in to see the Onc and have my counts checked yesterday and he said complete clinical response no palpable tumor or nodes.  Which was GREAT news.  On the other hand when I said, "Does that mean I do not have to do the last 2 rounds...."  Of course the answer was no!

    I had neoadjuvant chemo since I was 3A multiple nodes so I still have surgery the end of Aug and since I am positive for BRCA still going forward with the bilateral then I will have the oopherectomy then radiation so this whole process will not be over until say the holidays for me, but I cannot wait to have the surgeries and get the pathology back with no more cancer in my body and clear margins......

    Best to all of you!!!!!

    Lesley

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Titan - not going anywhere, feel like we all have a special friendship now and wouldn't want to give that up.

    Lesley - CONGRATS on the tumor info, that is AWESOME!! Always love to hear those kind of stories.  Hang in there for the last 2 tx.  You can do it!

    All the other ladies - just keep on keepin on!  We all can do this!  HUGS to all, Dawn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited July 2009

    Titan - I'm not going anywhere either. We will stick together till we're all done! Don't the Marines say they'll never leave a brother on the battlefield? Well, we're the same way - with the sisters.

    Had my 5th tx yesterday. It went fine. Feeling good today too, but we shall see what the weekend brings.  

    When I was leaving the building, waiting for the elevator, I said, "The next time I am standing here leaving after chemo will be my LAST ONE!"  I can really start to see the finish line for this now. And even though rads lie ahead, and H through March, and Tamox, etc.,....I still feel a huge hurdle has been passed with the conclusion of the chemos.  I am setting my sights on that last one and I am going to rejoice! I am so proud of what I have accomplished. You should ALL be as well.

    Swampy -  hang in there.

    I hope you all are doing well and are ready to enjoy the weekend.

    Amy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2009

    I am not a runner, but as I read these last few posts, to me they resemble how I imagine a runner must feel as they get close to the finish line.  I can actually feel the cyber-surge coming through from all of you.  I don't think I could have gotten this far without having this place to come to.  As we all have said before, family and friends are terrific support, but no one can really understand this unless they have been through it. The fact that I haven't  met any of you, and most likely never will, is not a barrier to the amazing strength you give me.  It truly is remarkable.  Tammy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited July 2009

    I also have to say that this online support group has been incredible in terms of helping me get through the past few months. Not only did I learn how to handle some symptoms, but I felt that I was not alone. Family and friends are great but they do think that all I had to do was get through treatment and then everything will be ok. It helps me to know that I am not the only one with these challenging and difficult feelings. I checked in here every day and even though I didn't always post, I got a lot of strength from all of you. I'm so glad to be finished the chemo and even though I still have lingering SEs, it's getting better. I started rads this week.....20 more zaps to go. Wishing all of you a good weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories