how long before chemo is totally out of system?

oldCowgirl

Hi ccbaby, i'm 5 weeks PFC also. I still have pretty much the same type of feeling to, get tired easily and my thigh muscel ache all the time and are very weak. My feet are giving me the most problem, feels like I am working on a bed of pins, will be glad when the nerves in my feet heal from the effects of the chemo. I've been to the Rad onc two weeks ago and I go back this Wed for my last markings and will probably start my Rad treatment Thursday, at least this is what they are telling me.

oldstudent

What is PFC?

trishK_

I am new to the website and am so glad i found this discussion! I am three weeks out from my last chem of taxotere/cytoplatin and hercepton once a week. I finished my 6 doses of chemo 3 weeks ago and am not just getting my hercepton for 7 more months. I was so shocked to see how extremly exhausted that i am and was hoping to feel pretty good by now. I see from here that i will expect to feel tired for a long time. I am winded just going up stairs, walking to and from my car and lets not even try to Go to the mall right now! I did that and almost fainted from being so tired!

I am 40 and prior to my masectomy and chemo i was working out 5 days a week and was in great shape. Now i cant even do my laundry! This is so frustrating! I am eating every vegatable, juice and fruit and vitamin i can get my hands on but nothing is helping. I started retaining water last week and am on water pills. I hear they can help or hurt. But the water gain is making me feel even worse.

COWGIRL - i also have horses (well just one now) and miss riding so much. I cant even as much as clean her stall or lead her yet. But i totally know your feeling of loosing your breath and elevated heart rate. Mine is at 100- 110 at rest right now and shoots to 130 when i walk into the doc office for my check ups. My doc sent me for an EKG just in case and it came up fine. I just am not used to ever feeling like this and having such extreme fatigue. Especially when i recovered from each of my chemo treatments pretty well between. I was still working out lightly between treatments for the first 4. Last two i did not recover enough to do much more than rest.

The nurses told me it would take about 4 weeks to feel better, but from the sound of it on here, it will be much longer!

Hang in there girls, with each day something will feel better. My taste is almost back to normal!

Trish

ccbaby

Oldstudent...I just now read your last post. If you haven't found out by now, but PFC stands for Past F***g Chemo.

bluedasher

trish, 3 weeks out from my last chemo, I also felt very weak and tired. It was alarming how weak I felt and I worried about how long the road to building back up would be. My upper leg strength was a particular problem - going up stairs was so hard that I could barely do it even for a few steps.

Then I had my blood test for my post chemo onc appointment just before my first Herceptin only treatment. It turned out that I was very anemic and my Magnesium was very low. I got a transfusion and IV magnesium. By the next day, I felt a lot better as far as tiredness but my legs were still weak. At the end of the week they checked my blood again and magnesium was still low so they gave me more IV and put me on a supplement once a day. 

5 weeks post chemo, I went on a business trip and the place had little flights of stairs 4 steps between one meeting room and the break area and 8 between another meeting room and the bathrooms. At the start of the trip, I had a struggle getting up the plane steps to a small plane with the weight of my day pack. By the end of the week, I was doing fine with stairs (though I still took the precaution of arranging for help at my home airport to not have to go up the big flight of stairs from the tarmack to the terminal with my suitcase).I was surprised and pleased with how quickly my strength came back with the magnesium supplement and gentle but persistant exercise.

When I felt so weak, I was afraid that it would take months and I felt much better, almost back to normal, in a few weeks. Ask for a blood test that tests more of the blood chemistry including magnesium if they aren't giving you one. They didn't test that on my blood during chemo - only on the post chemo one. If you have had trouble with vomiting or diahrrea, it can throw your minerals out of wack.

Edited to add, we have a thread title taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin where those of us on that chemo or finished with it hang out to help each other.

trishK_

BLUEDASHER- thank you for your help! you sound like you felt jsut how i feel! I saw the doc today and my blood work is good according to the doc, but i get my hercepton tomorrow and will ask the nurses to check on the magnesuim! that is very helpful to know. My resting heart rate is significantly lower now compared to a week ago which is good, but still not where it shold be yet,. It dropped from 124 to 112 this week. And that is after walking up to the office, standing up for my weigh in and walking to and from the lab for my blood work. so it isnt exactly a resting rate at that point! I am feeling slightly better but the stairs are still killing me! i feel like im carrying another person up with me!

 I will join the other discussion that you mentioned, i did actually read it the other day so I will be sure to keep up with the group! We need each other! it helps so much!

London-Virginia

Hello Trish - I just wonder are you still on steroids?  They certainly can make me feel spaced out/sleepy.  Probably no help but I thought I would just mention it.

best wishes to you -

echosalvaje

Hey Trish, I'm new to this thread also. My last T/C was the 20th. I've been weak just like you've mentioned since #4 and now that chemo is over I am anxious to get back to my past energy levels. My horse is also standing around the pasture because I've been too weak to ride, and before that I was recovering from a bilateral mastectomy. Since July I have not been strong enough to go to my yoga classes. 

I have been forcing myself to walk up to the mailbox each day and at least go up and down the steps a few times a day. It takes a long time, but once I finish it mentally helps me to think I'm starting the recovery process. I am letting go of the idea that I will pop right back to my old self anytime soon just to take the pressure off. I am planning that this time next summer I will be doing all the riding I want and kicking ass in yoga! Be kind to yourself.

ccbaby

I am still tired most of the time and still somewhat weak in my upper thighs.  I am starting radiation tomorrow, so I am sure that will make me even more tired. I have heard it can take as long as a year to start feeling normal again.

trishK_

ECHO  and CCBABY- Good to meet you both. Thank you for sharing with me your struggles with fatigue. I am now feeling much better about this. The doctors do not warn you enough about this stuff and i was so worried that there was something wrong with me! But i see now that this is normal. We are having a bad heat wave here in Los Angeles and it really is affecting me right now. I was so tired yesturday that i slept for hours after i got home from work!

 I was just told by a co worker that i should wear more makeup to work! HA HA! i just thanked her for her suggestion and told her that it is a miracle that i get up and get dressed and put on the small amount that i do right now! People are so funny!

CCbaby- good luck with the Radiation! I will keep you in my prayers that it will not take a big toll on you like chemo did!

I am so glad i joined on to this forum, you ladies are my inspiration!!!

trishK_

LONDON_ VIRGINIA- No i am off the steriods now, just on my herceptin. I take a suppliment called SUPER FOOD PLUS from American Botanical Pharmacy (herbdoc.com) that seems to really be helping boost me. After three days of taking it I feel like my mind is clearer and i catch my breath easier now.

Slooooow going, maybe week 4 will be better. So far My tastebuds are better, my skin feels better, and I have stubble growing thicker on my head and some on my legs. I am trying to state all my positive improvement each day instead of dwelling too much on what hasnt improved!

 Nice to meet you!!

JudyNaomi

Hi all, my name is Judy and I cannot remember if I have already been on this thread (you all know what I mean when I say that my memory is not doing so well...). Good to meet you all. I finished my chemo four and half weeks ago. I had 4 A-C and 4 Taxol DD every two weeks. I certainly have more energy now, but by the end of the day I am exhausted. The tiredness seems to manifest itself in my legs, lots of aches, like I have been working out (which I haven't...).

I suffered bad heartburn/acid reflux during chemo and that is still not better. I am on meds and am hoping that it is going to pass. I would love to go back to eating what I like. If any of you have had the same problem, I would love to hear from you!

No sign of any hair at all yet - so lots of patience needed here!

Being on these discussion boards, gives me a lot of strength to get through the day, especially when they are not such good days.

Looking forward to hearing from you, Judy xoxox

ccbaby

Hi Trish and thanks! My first rad treatment was excruciating only because they did my markings first and then my radiation afterwards. Usually they don't start rads until the next day, but they wanted to start early on me. Anyway, I had to lay on the hard board with my arms above my head for about 2 hours total!! They let me get up once to get some feeling back. They kept reassuring me that it would not be like this from now on....only about 15 minutes. Yes, hopefully this will go smoother than the chemo did.

Judy...I had major heartburn the first week after each chemo treatment, but I haven't had it at all since chemo has ended. I have heard that radiation can cause heartburn too, so mine will probably flare back up.

JudyNaomi

Thanks ccbaby - what did you find helped the heartburn? I have had mine for months...

 Thanks, Judy x

trishK_

Hi Judy~ I have a friend that does her treatment with me each week and she said that her heartburn is bad and that Zantac really helps her so much and she has been able to eat all the food she wants even spicy! I was not that lucky, my diet was very bland for my chemo months.

 Thanks for telling me that at 4 !/2 weeks that you are finding more energy. I feel like there is so little light at the end of the tunnel when it is still summer and all I want to do is go for a walk on the beach! I guess maybe in the fall i can enjoy that right?

As for hair, my progress is very tiny, i just notive that my stubble is seeming a little courser than it was a week ago, but still nothing to get too exited about. I look every morning inthe mirror hoping to see something!

Hope you find some relief from the heartburn!

JudyNaomi

Thank you Trish - I will ask the Doc about it.

 I know it all seems to take so long to kick in again - but I def do have more energy. I have eaten bland food since April! I hope every day that it will improve!

Good luck and let's stay in touch!!!

Judy xoxox

oldCowgirl

Hi Trish, as you can see you are not alone with your pain nor tireness. I am 8 weeks out from Chemo and as far as engery level it is getting better each day. I do still have a lot of joint pain and my thigh muscle ache and feel really tired most of the time. Climbing stairs is tough right now, it does feel like you have a 100lb monkey on your back. The worst thing I am having trouble with is my feet, some days I can hardly walk because of the Neuropathy which is not good sense I am a Mail Carrier and most of the day I am on my feet. I have started Rad now, had treatment #10 today. For me the Rad treatments are a peice of cake (so far) compared to Chemo, NO side effects at all yet, hope it stays that way.

Trish, hope you will be able to spend time with your horse soon, that is one thing that I have done even when I did not feel up to it, they have helped me get through all this. My hubby and I are going on a horseback / camping trip Labor Day weekend to the Mt's, I am really looking forward to that, it will do me a lot of good.

Hang in there for it does get better each day and for me it seems if I push myself a little more each day then I can do more the next day.

ccbaby

Judy...Prilosec helped me the most. I would drink a teaspoon of baking soda in water and that would help some too. Good luck!

London-Virginia

Hello ladies - just a quick post, I read on another thread ( think it was anyway) that MAgnesium depletion can cause sore hips, legs etc, and exytreme exhaustion.  The person that posted that info was recently treated by their doc with I think, an injection even.  MAyeb worth looking into.

best wishes all -

JudyNaomi

ccbaby - thank you, will try that too!

Have a good weekend everyone! Judy xoxox

trishK_

Hi Cowgirl!

Yes, i have been lucky enough to spend some time wiht my big girl Sunny she is my 14 year old Draft mare who is just a big love. My best friend has been taking care of her for me during this but does take me out to see her and i give her lessons on her while is sit in the shade. It is very theraputic. My dog (see in my profile pic) has also been my godsend. She is the best buddy a sick girl could ask for!

 I have no idea how you are already delivering mail and getting rads, that seems like great progress! i cant even picture myself walking to the corner right now! I know it will all come back in due time, just frustrating when i want to plan to do fun things and know i am not able to just yet. My Nueropathy is not as bad as many, it really didnt hit my feet. My fingertips are tingly and my fingernails are a mess. but other than that i got lucky in that department.

 HAS anyone else suffered any fingernail problems? I have three on each hand that have black underneath and have lifted a little. It is gross. If anyone has had this, how long did it take to grow out?

 Happy Friday girls!

2lkh538

CC.. thanks for the definition of PFC... it made me laugh out loud, literally... I am at work so now my co-workers think I am crazy!:)

I have been having a hard time not beating myself up for being a wimp. Thanks for all the posts about the fatigue and pain. I am not alone and not just a wimp. My onc told me it would be about 3 -4 months before I started feeling normal but I really thought it would be sooner (last taxotere Aug. 12).

My daughter is taking weekly riding lessons. I started her right after I was diagnosed. It has given her, and me, a great outlet from all the stress. I grew up with horses but don't have any of my own now. I can't wait until I can ride again. I tried to ride once while still on A/C. That didn't work too well. I was totally exhausted in less than 10 minutes and had to have help off the horse. My favorite horse at the stables licks me like a dog. She follows me around and if she can catch me not looking at her she will lick my arm or the side of my face. I think she knows that I need a little extra love right now.

Trish: I have had some problems with my nails but thankfully, they have held on. They have become brittle and white and flaky. I keep them polished to cover it... my toenails are the worst.

I love you all and it is such a comfort to know that support is just a click away. Thank God for BCO 

NanaA

I had my last taxol on May 19 and have just started to be able to go to bed at night without a pain pill for pain in legs.  It has been about a week now that leg pains have been mostly gone.  I am still tired right now but I am 25 treatments into rads, so that is still to be expected, I am not nearly as tired as I was the first 2 weeks after chemo, then I could hardly make myself get up off of couch.  Now no much I can't do if I plan for it.  If it takes alot of energy I don't do much else that uses alot the same day.  I still have been working about 20 or so hours per week.  My rads are at 1:00 so I just usually work the morning before rads and then leave for rads and then go home.  Seems to be working OK.  The stairs to my office are a little bit of a challenge but I try to do them only when I get there and then when I leave.  Not enough energy to do 18 steps too many times a day. Hugs to all   Annette

echosalvaje

Hey Trish, I've had extremely sensitive finger and toe nails since about round 4. A couple of my finger nails are turning bruised underneath but still staying on. I've opted for polish on a regular basis. Not spending so much time in the barn has left me with long enough nails to actually look good with polish on....we'll count this as one of the "perks" of chemo......I'll take what I can get at this point.

ccbaby

Trish...The problem that I have had with my fingernails is that they have white specs on them that makes them look like they have been smashed. They aren't black. My toenails are doing ok.

Oldcowgirl...I just noticed that our diagnosis is almost the same, except that I am HER2+. I am 8 weeks PFC too. You are a week ahead of me with rads. 

London...Thanks for the tip about magnesium. I used to get magnesium from the health food store called Natural Calm.  It is powder and you mix it with hot water and drink it like a tea. I actually used it for constipation, but it is good for a lot of different things. I am going to try it for the leg weakness. 

bluedasher

London, I was extremely low on magnesium at the end of chemo and it made me extremely tired and low magnesium can do a lot of things, but I didn't have pain.

They had to give me magnesium infusions twice plus they had me take an oral supplement. After the first infusion, I didn't feel as tired but it took a few weeks to get the leg strength back.

oldCowgirl

Hi Trish, I have some nail problems, but not bad, they chip easy, lost one toe nail and looks like I'm going to loose another, got white strips running across all my fingernails, but turning black. It is tough working, but I get through it each day and I feel like it is helping me get stronger, faster. I am lucky that I have a easy route to carry, just ride in a truck from box to box, only have to get out when a package that want fit in a box. There has been days when I had to walk up to someones house to deliver a Pkg. and could hardly make it back to my truck.

Ccbaby, I noticed that also, we are on just about the same schedule. How are you doing with the Rad treatments. So far I can not even tell they are doing anything to me. I just about gave my Dr a heart attack the other day, told her I was going on a horseback - camping trip next week, would be leaving Tues. morning so would miss most of my treatment. She about feel out and told me NO WAY!!!! I was not surprise and she has talked me into not going until Thursday, so I will be getting my treatment Thur morning then leave, start back with treatment on Tues since Monday is  Labor Day and they are closed.

ccbaby

Cowgirl...I have only had 2 rad treatments so far, so it looks normal. I have using many different creams on it.  Have fun on your trip and remember to cover up and not get any sun!

oldCowgirl

ccbaby---How are you doing with everything else, are the after effects getting better. How does the  Herceptin make you feel. I'm not taking  that since I am a triple neg. would not do me any good. You will find this strange and funny too, # 13 must be my lucky #. I was diagnosed with cancer on Jan. 13th, had surgery on Feb. 13th (Friday), had my first chemo treatment March 13th(Friday), and started my Rad treatments Aug. 13th, how strange is that. My first chemo was suppose to start on March 4th but they scheduled me wrong and changed it to the 13th, my Rad treatments were suppose to start on the 12th but some of my markings were not right so they changed that to the 13th. Sure hope the # 13 is good luck for me

And for my trip, I will have a great time, that is one thing I am good at, having fun and living life to the fullest. When I am with my horses and some of my good riding buddies it just don't get any better. All of our riding is in the deep woods of the Mountain, so very little sun exposure.

Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day and we all start feeling back to normal soon, Bless you all

Lisa1964

Hi guys!  I am jumping into the middle here!  For all of you (especially my horse friends) you will get your strength back!  I am 7 months PFC with 2 more herceptins to go.  I am back to caring for all 9 of my horses by myself.  No the barn is not as neat and tidy as it used to be, but my stalls, buckets and troughs are clean.  I have been on several horse camping trips this summer and had a blast.

On the down side, I have put on about 20 pounds and my eyelashes just fell out for the second time.  But other than that, life is good!

Signed, Mom to 2 Foxtrotters, 2 QH, 2 TB, 1 Appy, 1 Belgain and a useless mini......

Lisa