Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

gmp300

Hello May Marvels,

Just read everyones posts and it seems like were getting a little more tired then usuall.  And a few more Se.  UGH!!  Iam getting anxious to be done as Iam sure everybody is.  Iam 11 days out from 2nd tx so Iam 1/2 way there but it still seems like a long way to go.  And I really feel for everyone who needs more than 4tx  so I won't complain.  All in all I did good with tx #2, just alittle more tired where I needed a nap.  I just get tired so easy. 

Gekko and Deb6563-It is true about the water and ice chips.  water is the key to less SE and the ice chips keep away that taste and sores in your mouth.  My 1st tx I brought a big glass and a baggie full of ice and filled the glass with my water and ice.  I downed the water and chewed on the ice.  I never had any bad taste in mouth or sores.  I also ate alot of popsicles the first week after.  I never lost my taste buds either.  This 2nd tx I drank the water but I forgot to chew the ice cubes during tx and I did get that metallic taste in my mouth-yuck!  I will be sure not to forget again!!! 

LoriR-What a way to face your fears!!  Hopefully nobody noticed.  Iam going to venture to the beach this week I will make sure Iam very careful!!

Zuzee-Hope your sleeping better!  Don't forget to tell us what the 2nd billboard says! 

Texas Rose-Hope you have a great week!!  Enjoy!!

AbuelaBoricua-I hope you have minimul Se on your 2nd tx.  Good Luck!!

Sukianne-I wouldn't want to go either but we know we have to!!  Good Luck and just think -this time next week you can say  I made it!!  What a great feeling knowing this is your last.  If you have bad Se have your dd help you in between phone calls!!!  Haha    Just kidding.  Really You'll be in my prayers tonight hope everything goes well!! 

To Everyone Else-Wishing everyone minimul Se and a good week.  Prayers for all!!

Geri

luv4my5girls

Hi all,

I am on day 4 after chemo # 3 and just wanted to know of anyone else on: T/C followed by 5 days of Leukine injections.  I wanted to compare SE and just to see how you cope.

All you fellow wig wearers...how are you dealing with the heat...I wish my head was pretty so I could go bald everywhere, but have an ugly bald head any suggestions on what I could do to keep from over heating...I feel like I look like a wet dog...LOL

 Hope everyone is feeling good today...here is to better days

Thanx!

Viki 

Janet22664

Hi All,

Everyone seems to have all of the bases covered to help Deb,  The only thing extra I do is to rinse 2-3 times a day with a 1 tsp baking soda mixed with 8 oz. water.  I rinse with this for 4-5 days after treatment.  DEB, stay strong, you're done with the A/C and that's supposed to be the worse. 

Janet

luvtheocean

Hi All!  I haven't posted in what seems like forever....probably only really a few days.  I was very busy over the weekend as I went to see my Mom in WV.  It was so great to be 'home' for a few days and let my Mom take care of me, it made her feel so good and I got some REALLY great food!  I HATE being in the car though and it is a 3.5 hr ride to her house.  Going to the lake in N IN for the weekend and that will be another 4 hrs in the car.........EWWWWW, sounds like a xanax for me, or the rest of the car may throw me out the window!

I have my final A/C next week on Wed and I am already dreading it so much.  #3 damn near killed me with exhaustion and took me forever to get over that part.  I had a terrible time finding anything I wanted to eat.  So, I am super worried about the SE's from #4.  I finally feel human from #3 and hope I can make it thru my 4th weekend without having to take 3 hour naps every day!! What an idiot I am, why am I worrying about this now, I still have like 8 days. (8 Good Days) Well, I'll just say I am on the countdown to my final chemo!  Can I get a "WOOT WOOT"?!?!  For those of you finishing the chemo this week CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!  I am ready to be done as I am sure everyone on here is. 

Seems we are getting a little more chemo brain all the way around.  Thank goodness I am not the only one that can't remember who said what from the last page!  Chemo brain was so bad today, my hubby asked me to look something up on the computer for him and by the time I got from the patio to the computer in the basement, I had forgotten what it was!  Now that is sad!! 

As for the heat and the wig, well, I have had my wig on 2 times and when I go somewhere, I either wear a ball cap with a headband underneath or just a 'do rag'.  Around my family, including extended family, I go bald!  They love me for who I am and this is who I am right now, so I figure if they have a problem with it then it is their problem.  So far, even my little nieces and nephews have been fine. 

Ok, it is midnight here and that is way later than I usually stay up.  So ni-night all!  Here's to a lessened SE night and day to all of you !

Becky

gmp300

Janet and Deb--  I mix club soda (a quart bottle) with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp of baking soda and rinse my mouth 4-5 times a day.  I also use the Boitene mouthwash before I go to bed and in the morning.  Seems to be doing the trick.  Geri

deb6563

Thanks everyone on the suggestions, but I am already doing all that.  I use the biotene, the salt and baking soda, the prevention oncology mouthwash, suck on ice chips, eat popcicles, you name it and I have tried it,  that is why I think I am getting the Avastin instead of the placebo, because I read that the Avastin gives really bad mouth sores.

I am on my way out the door for # 4 and thank God that this is the last one,

Catch up with you later.

Titch

Hi all, I arrived home today from my short but very full on holiday. majority of it was spent travelling in the car or on a ferry.  But it is so nice to be back home.  I am awaiting on my children to get home from school.

I have just had a quick skim read of the post as I am a tad exhausted.  I have missed you all, and wondered how u have been going.

I had treatment number 3 on Thursday a day prior to leaving, and had no SE at all since, even been sleeping on my steroids, which was the area, I was abit worried about being away and staying at family homes and being wakeful in the middle of the night.

Well I am gonna go now but will pop back later and read what I have missed.  I need to defrost, I am so cold here.......  wish I was in a warm tropical place right now....

zuzeee

Hi Marvels

Update on the billboard ad. Next byeline reads

Because we are finding a cure and need your help.

The president of the trust has apologised and his wife died of bc 3 years ago so he does know it IS A BIG DEAL. Announced that we in NZ are going to have  a cure by the year 2018. Sounds optimistic to me but here is hoping that someone cracks it soon.

Girls you have to laugh, stayed with new boyfriend last nite, not prepared at all,, so told him I needed his pjs and a beanie, kiwi word for snug hat. He told he he didn't have a beanie so I slept with my wig on all nite!!! I still don't think he realises I have lost my hair, damn good wig!!!? Haha.

Wig still on this morning and wasn't too uncomfortable. Must put a beanie in my handbag.

Have a great day all. Sounds like you had a great trip Titch and slept, Good on you.

Hugs Susie 

jabl1252

Hi everyone, Had to share my little experience with you all.Last week I was at work(,I work in the service center of a grocery store), well anyways I was waiting on  a man that I knew very well,and after he was done with all his transactions he asked if he could ask me a personal question, I said sure,thinking he was going to ask me if I was wearing a wig. He said, are you putting on weight? Wow was I surprised at that,cause I have only gained 7 pounds.I said to him I guess I probably have since I started chemo.You should have seen his face,I'm sure he was quite embarassed that he asked me that. I guess I didn't realize that I looked heavier and all day it really bothered me.I asked one of the girls that I worked with if she thought I looked heavier and she said it was just probably my wig that made me look fatter.Has anyones face look puffier since chemo? I didn't think I looked differant but I guess I must.Three more treatments to go,I should be done at the end of Aug. Can't wait as I know all of you feel the same way.Take care May Marvels.Julie

deb6563

Good Morning May Marvels,

I finished A/C #4 yesterday. I am so glad this part of the journey isover. Since I did so bad on # 3 the research nurse asked my onc about cutting the dosage for # 4.  Doc said no, it is important that I get the whole dosage since I am triple negative. She did give me more medicine to combat the mouth and throat sores.  I will go this afternoon to get my last neulasta shot, then my exhaustion will start later tonight.  I absolutely hate it that I will feeling so bad over the weekend. I will miss the 4th of July picnic that the Volunteer Fire Dept does for all its members.  Hubby said he won't go if I can't go.  I told him yes he is, because he has already told them he would help cook. No reason to ruin his weekend just because I feel bad.  Then our church host a huge picnic and fireworks on Sunday and I probably won't feel like going there either.  Oh well, such is life of a cancer patient.

I have felt so bad for the last 2 weeks that I don't even have any funny stories, which is really sad because laughter is my spiritual gift.

I am reading everyone's post and thinking of all of you, just don't have the energy to reply to each one.

I am having a side effect that no one has mentioned yet.  I know several of you have the dripping nose, but does anyone else have watering eyes?  My eyes water all the time, I have to keep kleneex in my hand to catch the water.  I look like I am crying all the time.  I know that is a side effect of Avastin, but is it a side effect of A/C also?

debbie6122

Luvtheocean- WOOT! WOOT!!!  So glad you are going on last infusion, im happy you got to have your moms home cooking, i miss my mom cooking

Deb6563- How did your last chemo go? I hope you are feeling betteer

Titch- Sounds like you had a great time, hope your getting the much needed rest you deserve

Suseee- I cant believe that about the first billboard saying breast cancer is no big deal, im so surpriesed that the controversy didnt reach the us, that is just terrible, and they should be ashamed of themselves. On a good note, good for you with the new boyfriend, glad you feel comfortable enough with him at this point in your life, sounds like he is a keeper,  

Jab1152- I just cant get over how some people are so rude, to even mention the weight gain, and the other one saying maybe the wig is making you look fat, what a bunch of donkeys! people dont have a brain sometimes,, i would of said yeah, the fatter i get the uglier you get! Some one asked me if i dyed my hair the other day, was wearing a much darker wig, i said yeah, if you like it i can hook you up with my oncologist lol!

Deb6563- snuck in there, didnt see you again, Horay on the last of those infusions, i will pray that you dont have as bad SE and can enjoy your weekend on the 4th, i had bad eye pain, but not watery, i think geri mentioned to me that she had the red watery eyes i will ask her if she dosnt see your post- take care

Luv4my5girls- Im sure you have a beautiful head, but i know how you feel, i feel like that, my wig itches me so i wear hats, thin ones that cover my head but not as hot as a wig-

Well i havnt been on in a few days, i hadnt felt good, have 2 more to go, this last one seem to take more out of me, i think the closer we are to getting done, we arent feeling as chipper as we were, and i seem to lost my sense of humor a bit too, and i feel a little more angryier and more emotional, cant wait to get it over with and feel normal again- aww this too shall pass

Janet22664

DEB:  I think your nose may be running due to the lack of nose hairs (yeah, they fall out too!)  It will stop when the chemo stops.

JULIE:  What a rude, rude man!  Most people do gain weight while on chemo.  Sometimes it is due to the steroids.  I am monitoring my weight very closely and have found that I can gain up to 8 pounds on the 4 days I am taking steroids but it comes off if I eat healthfully after that.  My Doctor attributes the weight gain to the fact that most peoples' activity levels decrease when they are fatigued due to the chemo.  Nurses also said that it seems most people crave "comfort" food while dealing with the stress.  Whatever the reason.....you are certainly not alone and, as we have discussed here on this board, we are dealing with a "weightier" issue then extra pounds, we are dealing with saving our lives...and that MUST be our priority now! 

Janet

kmc126

Hello everyone.  I started chemo in May. I did dose dense A/C  and my 4th and last one was  2 weeks ago. Is it ok I join this group?  I am scheduled to get 4 DD Taxol starting next week. I am alittle nervous about all the steroids I have to take on Taxol because I had anxiety issues in the past.I wonder if the steroids dosage will be lower with the 12 weekly doses. Anyone start taxol yet?

Teresa

LRM216

KMC:  I am in the same boat as you are.  I too am petrified of the the 4 DD Taxol I have scheduled to begin on July 9.  My onc told me I had to take 5 Decadron the night before and 5 the morning of the Taxol.  I have never been on steroids in my life and I am not liking this at all.  I just finished my 4th AC last Thursday and so far, it has been by far the worst one of all and the Neulasta shot this time out (Friday a.m.) has caused me more pain than I have ever had in my life, especially in my left hip area.  You are doing the 12 week taxol's?  My onc wouldn't give it to me over 12 weeks and never really explained to me why either.  I guess they are just set in their own ways and don't often waiver from them.  Good luck to you and keep me posted.

Linda

kmc126

Linda, l'm also doing my first taxol on July 9th. I will be on the 4 DD taxol regimen. I asked my doc again and he said the mega dose of steroids to take at home will only be for the first time in case of an allergic reaction.  I will definitely be taking the ativan with the steroids that night. You know I had the same reaction from my onc when i asked about the 12 weekly taxols. teresa

foobs

Hi all May Marvels

I have been lurking here but only posting on the Avastin trial forum since I can't keep up with both.  Hope its ok if I chime in now

So I'm 7 days past my last DD A/C which I started on May 14. 

I'm 7 days past my LAST A/C!!!  so hang in there if you're almost there! 

I feel much better today finally.  I'm still very tired but stronger than yesterday.  My strength started to return on day 7 this time instead of day 10 last time.  Maybe that's wierd or maybe its just because I knew I was done with A/C, which I REALLY hope is the worst part.  I did have more bone pain in my hips, lower back, and thighs with the 4th A/C.

My symptoms have been: exteme fatigue, watery nose and eyes, food tastes funny, vision has been affected, bone pain, and today I see darkening at 3 fingernail beds, but no pain there. 

 Regarding the steroids:  I did awful with them and asked to have only the IV and not the oral for 4 days after.  I did much better that way.  I'm also concerned, like some of you, about the weekly steroids with Taxol.  I was told I have to have steroids with Taxol and the first time I get 20cc but they can cut it back to 10 cc for the next 11 doses, if I do ok.  So maybe its worth asking to get the minimum dose, if they're willing to try that with you.  I hate having my blood pressure and pulse rate so high.  My pulse runs at 100 beats per minute after steroids.  I was told I would get Benadryl with the Taxol, although I was not given it with A/C.  Maybe the Benadryl slows down the heart??? Does anyone know?

My  hope for all of you is for less SEs every hour!  It helps me to try to remember that my body is still mine and its still strong and WE CAN ALL GET THROUGH THIS!  I've been so grateful for all of you sharing this.  I know its helped me more than I can say.

LoriR

Hello May Marvels

To all new ladies - sorry you have to join but you will find much support in everyone here.  It is a great group!

Luvformygirls - I had #3 of 4 TC today so I wouold be interested in sharing SE to see what you are experiencing - I will tell you that it has only been a couple of hours since I got done and my hubby said my face is all puffed up and I am flushed from the steroids. I know the flushed face will go away by tomorrow but I sure hope the puffy face goes away! 

 for all of you on the AC - t good luck -  i didnt keep a real close tab but it seems like the AC-t has far greater SE than the TC.  Good luck and Stay strong - you can do it!

 Sukiann - I think you are the first one done with chemo? so happy for you!!

 Luv for the ocean - Woot!  Woot!  you are #2 - unless I missed someone - 

 I can't wait to join you and move on to the next step - and be one step closer to being past all of this -  21 days and counting...

Hugs to all - sorry I can't respond to everyone - Chemo brain - UGH -  hope SE for everyone are a little less than the day before and a little greater than they will be tomorrow - hope that makes sense as the brain isn't working...

gmp300

deb6563--Hello there.  Deb6122 told me that you had watery eyes!  Well so do I.  Whats weird is I had this before chemo.  Never had it before.  My one eye was red and watery.  It went away for a few weeks.  As soon as my first chemo tx   ( taxatere and cytoxin) it came back.  I get it all the time.  My eye is watering (not pussy) I have to have kleenex to soak up the water and I look like Iam crying too.  Eye is red also.  The funny thing is that it is worse in one eye.  And I seem to get a runny nose in one nostril.  Oh well, it comes and goes and mak -up makes it worse.  My onc gave me eye drops but it took 2 weeks to clear it up and now it started again.  My onc said it is a Se from chemo and it could also effect your vision.  Good Luck with your eyes, ask for some drops they do help, at least from getting any worse.--Geri

MsPig

Gongrats to all who are done with the last treatment. 

I have put everything into phases. 1 Surgery double mastectomy with tissue expanders inserted, 2 Chemo Taxotere/Cytoxan x4, 3 Radiation 7 weeks  and 4 more surgery remove expanders put implants in and two minor surgeries after.

Well it's day 6 after chemo #3. I'm still feeling horrible.  I got just about every se you can think of.  My hips down to the bottom of my feet hurt from the Nulasta Shot. But I'm almost done with phase 2. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

I love the stories of the wigs and bathingsuit mishaps. I have a pool and have not gotten in. The tissue expanders make it look like I have rolled up tub socks instead of boobies.  Ugh not pretty or sexy at all. Well I keep telling myself that its a small price since I am still amungst the living and plan on keeping it that way.

Hugs to all of you. I will keep all the May Marvels in my Prayers. Keep your spirits up. Keep in mind that we will get through this.

God Bless you all.

Titch

Hi all.

The campaign going thru NZ at the moment is really unbelievable, I only heard about it last night.  seeing big billboards with Breast Cancer is no big deal is just crazy.  Is really insensitive when you are fighting BC.  it is all about a cure.  But too me they shouldn't be minimising BC and saying it is no big deal, until they are having 100% cured of the disease.... or preventing it from occuring.  

  The treatment is so invasive and we lose so much and for me it is definitely a "big deal"........ eg masectomy, chemo, radiation, even just the ultrasounds, ct scans etc................   The only positive of it is, the country is talking about Breast cancer. I participate in kiwi forums also, and there has been some lively debate.  Of course anyone living with BC or been thru it with family or friends are more likely to be unhappy with the campaign.

Zuzee..... I could only imagine what you looked like when you woke up with your wig.   I always have a beanie with me... usually in my car, just for when I need it. But to be honest I have been doing the oh natural GI balded headed look, even in public.  Only cause with the hat and wigs my head gets so hot. 

TexasRose

Hey May Marvels.

I think I am finally back in the land of the living. AC #3 kicked my butt. I felt pretty good last weekend, so I thought it was going to be okay. Monday morning I woke up nauseous and it didn't stop until...well, this morning! Yesterday was somewhat better, but still nauseus. I had a good day though. We were going to go see The Proposal, but my wbc are supposed to be so low right now that we decided to avoid the crowded movie theater. Instead, my sister took me to my mom's and we just visited. It was very nice to get out of the house for awhile. I have to run to the grocery store today and stock up for next week. Last AC on Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!! Other than that, I think I will spend the day in my craft room and do some long overdue scrapbooking!! I need a day that I enjoy. I need to clean, but what the heck. The dirt will be there tomorrow...and the day after and the day after....LOL  Actually the house doesn't look too bad. I've tried to keep up through chemo. DH wants me to hire a service so I don't have to worry about it, but I don't want to do that. For one because I'm cheap and for another I hate to admit that I can't keep up right now.

Speaking of housecleaning, I post on another thread here over under the surgery topics called Housework Support Group. Don't let our name fool you- we do precious little housework! Mostly we just chat. All are welcome! Drop by and visit us! We have a lot of fun and laughs!!

The ad campaign in NZ would piss me off if I lived there. Breast cancer is a VERY BIG DEAL to me. My sympathies to you ladies who have to see those billboards every day.

Hope all of you are doing well. I can't remember who got treatment this week, who is recovering or who is done but you are all in my thoughts and prayers. We are getting through this!!! 

Hugs, Mary 

AbuelaBoricua

Good Morning Marvels!!!  I hope everyone is doing well. I am on day 4 after my second AC and doing fairly well. My main issues have been headaches, heat radiating from my head and acid build up. I have been using an ice bag for the heat and headaches and i get good results from it. The acid build up normally starts today and I have been using Prilosec twice a day.  I feel a little better than the last time.

LoriR: I did experience the flushing and the ice bag helped me a lot. You might want to give it a try.

Well I hope everyone is having a good days and getting lots of rest.  Lots of Hugs, Diana.

luvtheocean

Hi girls.....just popping by to say have a fantastic fourth of july.  I am leaving in just a couple hours and will be at the lake until Sunday!  I hope everyone is able to at least enjoy a little bit of the holiday weekend with minimal se's. 

Becky

TexasRose

Becky- Have a wonderful time at the lake!! Enjoy your holiday as well!!

zuzeee

Hi Marvels

Wishing you all a fabulous holiday in the USA. We in NZ, Titch & moi will work!!!! Thankfully we do not live in the city so do not see the billboards. Keep talking to me please over the weekend if you  are free. I am feeling break thru nausea and very emotional, work driving me mad, feel as if I want a gun under my desk!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was asked if I wanted a 2 month holiday .My response was-  what for? At least work keeps my mind occupied elsewhere than myself.

Love and hugs to all and welcome to the newbies. We are winners in Marvels. Susie

debbie6122

Suzeee- Im sorry that you are feeling sick and emotional, if there is any thing i can do, let me know, sometimes work keeps your mind off of things, i dont work and i go crazy, i have to much time on my hands, Are you getting any sleep yet?? Being sleep deprived makes you even more depressed, i remember that you said your onc wont give you any thing, if the melotonin isnt working i would see a regular doc just for some sleeping pills, somthing light, because they can cause you to be depressed too. Im sure we will all be pooping in and out so we are all here if you want to talk!

hope you have sweet dreams feel better

gmp300

Zuzee--Sorry your feeling so bad.  I know I haven't been resting enough and Iam getting pretty bitchy to my dd and dh.  Cranky as all ---!  Everytime Iam tired and try to nap someone or something wakes me up!!  It definately affects your mood!  Get the gun thoughts out of your head!!  That won't help.  As far as nausea I find that if I don't eat My stomach starts feeling weird.  So I graze and munch small amts.  thru out the day.  Don't go long periods with no food.  Hope this helps and know we are here to talk to anytime.  Geri

rockbranchdeb

SOS!!! I have been reading this thread for a few weeks now, but have never posted. I just really enjoy the spirit, enthusiasm & positive outlook of all of you wonderful May Marvels, and I felt I had nothing significant to contribute. I started chemo May 12 and am on the E5103 trial that some of you are on. I'm also triple negative, as I noticed a few of you are.

   Here is my problem, and I know that many of you are off on a holiday weekend, so I don't know if anyone can help. I just called my cancer center, and it was closed, so I talked to the hospital "nurse line," and was advised to go to ER. That's the last place I want to be right now. So maybe you girls can give me some advice? When I first started chemo I took stool softeners, then moved to Miralax, but anything that I took ultimately ended up in diarrhea by around Day 7 or 8. So for my A/C #4 I took nothing. Of course the first couple of BM's were a little rough, but not too bad. Apparently, however, 4 chemo treatments have taken their toll on my hiny, and I am now soooooo sore that ANY BM hurts to a screaming degree. Since yesterday I have eaten only liquids (popsicles, jello, etc) to avoid passing anything. I just feel that if I give my body a couple of days to heal, maybe I can become normal again. Anyone else have this problem? If so, is there a cream (over the counter or prescrip) that you used? I'm so desperate. If this problem doesn't resolve itself, I fear that my counts will be too low to take my first Taxol treatment next Tuesday. Help!!!  

kiwifriend

You poor thing!!  Here in New Zealand we have a fabulous fruit called Kiwifruit which is also called Zespri overseas. It is the size of a plum, brownish outside with a fuzzy covering - but inside it is green, just scoop the inside out and eat in any quantity you want!   You may have in your supermakrets the liquid form called Kiwi Nectar. Totally recommend it for constipation in any situation. Else, drink lots of water can help  If you are taking antisickness tablets these may be the cause for constipation - I had to take Ondansetron and they had a terrible effort on my bowels till I started taking Kiwifruit morning and night - especially at night, because guess what your first thought is when you get up????  Good luck from Kiwi-land.

rockbranchdeb

Kiwifriend,

   Thanks so much for your kind reply. I'll look for the Kiwi Nectar next time. For now, however, my big problem is the pain & soreness down yonder!! I can't bear to pass anything at all. I just wondered if anyone knew of a cream or ointment that heals up torn/bruised/swollen membranes.