Starting Chemo Aug 09

yasminv1

Good Morning,

The last 2 days have been crazy. The infection in my armpit continued to spread and worsen. Yesterday my oncologist did some blood work. The test shows I was neutropenic so off to the hospital I went. My breast surgeon drained 2 abscesses under my arm. Which hurt like hell as he only gave me a topical anesthetic. They took samples of skin to test. Shortly after that I was admitted to the hospital. My WBC count was 3 but the neutrophils were only 7% at the time. My oncologist was concerned the infection would continue to spread since my immune system is not strong enough to fight the infection.

Due to being in high risk of getting another infection from someone else, they have me quarantined and anyone who comes in contact with me must wear a mask and gloves in my room. I have been getting antibiotics via IV.

My infection has not healed and my armpit is still inflamed but it looks like for now it has stopped spreading. They have been giving me great medicine for the pain. Hopefully my blood counts are up and I can go home tonight or tomorrow.

Sounds like we all haven't been feeling all that well the past couple of days. Hang in there everyone! We are all super strong!!

Hugs to all,

Yasmin

kristin09

Hi all,

Karen, I'll be "there" with you.  I rebounded from tx #2 about a week ago but am pretty nervous about tx #3 tomorrow.  Did tx #2 hit you harder than the first like it did for me?  Be happy today and take time to think of great memories of your mom; she's with you.

Donna - I don't get the slime on my tongue but I get the awful taste that makes me feel much sicker than I think I really am.  It's gross and makes me miserable!  For me, it lasted about 2 weeks but has been gone for the last week.  I experience dizzyness, but it has been limited to days 4&5 post-tx and after that it improves.

Jenn - I noticed the fatigue this time around.  At about 8pm I start to get very tired, even after having a good night's sleep.  I need to start giving in and just going to bed!

Titch - so sorry to hear about the lymphodema, I've heard that it can be miserable.  I hope that the massage helps.

Some have spoken about weight changes.  I am experiencing huge swings in weight.  I'll lose 7 pounds during the first week and then, in the second week, gain at least that amount back and end up on the high side.  So far, I seem to almost level out at the time of the next tx, but the swings drive me nuts.  We'll see how tomorrow's tx goes.

Take care, everyone!

K

jenn3

Good evening - I just got back from chemo and not feeling too bad just ate some dinner and planning on watching Survivor in a few minutes.  However, I did get the terrible headache during the Cytoxan again.  They closed off my area to shut out the lights and gave me pain medication, which helped.  The good news this was my last A/C treatment. Whoo Hoo...... Now I'm on to Taxol. 

I spoke to the doctor about my fatigue apparently it's because my RBC is bottomed out, I am 1/10th of a point from insurance approval to receive Procrit, which is $5000/shot.   If I have the same fatigue as last time I may go on one of those days I feel like I can't get my head off the pilllow for a blood draw and see if it comes back low enough for the insurance to cover Procrit.  I've told him that I've eaten spinach almost everyday for a week and added red meat back into my diet, but he said it won't help.  The bone marrow is working very hard to keep the WBC up and it can't keep up with both right now, my eating extra spinach and red meat will do nothing. 

Yasmin - I am so sorry you had to go into the hospital for the infection, but like you said they do have the good medicine in the hospital. 

Off to catch the 1st episode of Survivor - talk to y'all later.

Karen09

Kristin, my first treatment hit me really hard but I had better meds for the nausea and vomiting for the second so I didn't find it as bad.  Good luck tomorrow!!  I'm glad I have a chemo day buddy but I'm going past your dates I think.  I finish the first part of January. 

Jenn, I'm watching Survivor too.  I'm a reality show junky!

kristin09

Thanks Karen,

I'm gettin herceptin as I write, so far so good (tx #3).  What nausea meds have worked for you?  I have held off on taking any due to their own SEs but am interested in some that are milder.  I'd prefer to take something this time as I am worried that it will be worse.

Jenn & Karen - what did you think about Survivor - was that guy awful or not.  I wonder how long it will take for people to find out what he's all about.  I would think that since the girl last night told everyone that he was out and about making alliances, they should pick up on it.  Also, why wasn't there more of a fuss about the canteens?  Craziness!

I'm so excited to be done with tx #3 - half way through!  Feel well ladies.

K

jennsdogs

Had my TX #2 yesterday. I came home and went for a bike ride with my kids and am at work today. Just starting to feel gross in my stomach and it is lunch time.  UGH!  At least I have the week-end to recoop before Monday starts all over.  They added the herceptin this time since they never did the MUGA scan prior to my 1st tx. Hope this doesn't make me sicker than last time.

The doc was mentioning taking me off decadron (anti-naseau) and keeping me on Emend.  Instead, he just said to only take one away a day??  Even though it keeps me up at night, I think I would rather be sleepless than have naseau.  Sleeping pills will take care of the sleep thing.  He did say that decadron would help with a rash too?  What to do.  I didn't have naseau last time just diarrhea and stomach churning/burning but Immodium AD helped out with that after suffering through a week of it almost.  Things could be much worse so why complain today? It is Friday with a beautiful week-end ahead here in the Mid-Atlantic!!

  Kristin: I hope #3 goes much better than #2. I am going to keep trying to work out a little throught this to see if it helps.  I hope so! I started running again the last week to pick up miles but now it is back to walking, biking, and yoga.  How are you doing with it? Is that personal trainer still in the picture?

yasmin:
 are you home yet?? Hope so!

Have a great week-end, All!

yasminv1

Happy Friday All!

Jenn3, Kristin09, Karen09 and jennsdog - I pray all of you are feeling well after your treatments his week. Wishing you SE free days! 

I am still in the hospital. My Neutrophils count went up but not as much as my Onc. had hoped so I am here for another night. My infection seems to be under control even though it is slowly healing. I am crossing my fingers that I can go home tomorrow. I am exhausted and I think I can get better sleep at home. I know they need to keep an eye on me but I wish they didn't come in every hour. I hope my body recovers quickly so next Thursday's TX#3 is not postponed.

As if things weren't already bad enough, My Mom got a call from her physician last night telling her she needs to have a follow up Mammogram because they want to get a better look at some calcification they found on her left breast.

She had the mammo the last week in August which was a week before she came to take care of me. I can't believe how long they took to contact her. Maybe it is normal for a bigger state but when I was originally tested it took a day for them to ask me to go back for more testing. I know very well that this could be nothing and that most calcifications are benign but dealing with breast cancer the past 6 months I can't help being concerned about it. Mom is staying here (she lives in Florida) until I am done with chemo at the end of Oct. I urged her to contact my Breast Surgeon to have him help her get this second mammogram and treat her while she is here if necessary. He is an angel and has agreed to help her. As soon as he receives her films and records he will schedule the Mammogram. I can tell Mom is a teensie bit concerned, who wouldn't be after seeing what I have gone through. For my sake she is pretending like it isn't a big deal. This is the first time they have asked her to go back for additional testing. Let's pray this is just benign calcifications and nothing to be concerned over. I could not take dealing with her having this terrible disease as well.

I hope all of you are well. Hugs to you all.

Yasmin

yasminv1

Good Morning Ladies,

I hope all of you are well and not feeling too bad after your treatments this week. Hang in there!

I am so happy this morning because I am being released from the hospital this afternoon.

I am still neutropenic but now only have mild neutropenia. My blood counts are all still low but no longer in the dangerous range. They finally diagnosed my skin infection as being MRSA. My family and I will need to follow special instructions to prevent the spread of this bacteria. Luckily, the antibiotic they have been giving me via IV fights MRSA. They will be giving me oral antibiotics that kill the bacteria to take home. I haven't worked out in a week and it is driving me insane. I got the OK to walk lightly indoors on my treadmill. I have to be careful for atleast another week and make sure I take things slow and try to prevent sweating as this could spread the infection to other parts of my body or to someone else. My onc thinks all should be ok to go ahead with Tx#3 this Thursday. Let's hope there are no delays.

I am so excited to go home to spend time with my Yorkie Biggie Smalls. There is nothing better than cuddling with him on the couch on a Saturday afternoon and watching College Football.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Take Care.

Yasmin

jenn3

Good morning - I'm feeling okay - the normal bone pain from the neulasta, mild queasiness and fatique - the usual after tx.  I'm just taking it easy and not going to push myself. 

Yasmin - I am so sorry you are going through all of this - what a mess.  I can't believe your Mom's breast center waited so long to get results back to her.  You and your Mom are in my thoughts - I'm so glad to hear they are letting you home.  Enjoy college football today!!!

Kristen/Karen - I can't stand that slime on survivor.  I'm especially sensitive to "Katrina" and as he was talking about Katrina I had tears in my eyes, then when he said he lied about it, burned socks and dumped out the water I was so angry. I sure hope they figure him out faster than they did Johnny Fairplay a few years ago. 

Jennsdogs - Sounds like you're doing really well with the SE's.  I'm off of the steroids except on treatment day and managing the nausea with anti-nausea meds.  The steroids made me too jumpy and had my heart racing.  However, once I start the Taxol they said I'll have to take the steroids the day before tx day and the day of tx.

Hope everyone has a good day with minimal SE's 

Karen09

Hey everyone!  I'm doing alright after #3.  I was pretty nauseated last night but that passed late at night.  I've been really tired and I'm sleeping a lot.  Hopefully I'll be able to sleep at night.  I'll try to stay up for a bit. 

Kristin - I was put on Zofran and Maxeran with my first treatment and I got really sick.  It just wasn't enough so they gave me Dexamethasone and Emend the second and third times.  They seem to work well except for that first afternoon and evening.

Jenn/Kristin - I can't believe that guy on Survivor either!  If someone would have emptied all the canteens I would have had a fit and a half for sure!

Jennsdog - I hope you are doing alright after #2

 Yasmin - It's great that you are home from the hospital!!  Cuddly with your pup all you can!  Sorry to hear your mom got called in for a recheck and I'll be thinking about you two!

kristin09

Yasmin - all the best to your mom, we're all keeping our fingers crossed.  I'm so glad that you're out of the hospital - take care of yourself.

Karen - I have been on Dexamethasoe and Emend from the beginning and have never actually gotten sick, although the nausea is always in the background.  So far I haven't had to take any anti-nausea meds after any of my treatments.  I'm feeling a a bit queasy today but not too bad at all. Last time it hit on Sunday, so we'll see how tomorrow goes.

We're off to go see "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" with the kids.  It's a beautiful day here so I hate to be inside of a theater, but I've been outnumbered!  Have a great day.

K 

jenn3

Good morning - Today I'm still hurting from the Neulasta shot, but I know it'll end soon.  For the most part I'm going to just stay home and watch football today - Go Saints!!!

Kristen- I used to read "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" to my girls when they were small.   I think I'm going to see about going next weekend with my cousin's children. 

Karen - Sorry you weren't feeling so well yesterday and you're tired.  Are you feeling tired from not sleeping well or is your RBC low? 

Hope everyone has a good day!!!

buccaneersdj

Jenn3- My chemo nurse told me to try 800 mg of Motrin IB before neulasta and for a couple of days after, you might want to try if your stomach can handle it (don't take them on an empty stomach) it worked for me , no more bone pain.

Karen09

Jenn - they said my bloodwork was great right before my treatment.  I just got really tired for some reason afterwards.  I'm feeling a lot better now though.  I've been up a lot in the night to pee so maybe that's part of it.  All this extra fluid.  I find drinking lots keeps the nausea down though so I won't complain about that.  I just feel really sluggish at times. 

I can't wait until this is all over with and we can all get on with our lives. 

kristin09

Hi all,

After tx #3, I'm in my typical chemo "fog" that hits on day 4.  It's pretty amazing how similarly I've responded to each of my treatments.  Days 1 & 2 seem to be okay with the fog starting on d3 and hitting a peak on days 4-5.  I think that I'm experiencing less nausea this time but it might be because I'm hydrating myself extra well.  I exercised on days 1-3 and am planning on giving it a try today.  This is the first Monday after tx that I have stayed home from work . . . probably isn't safe for me to make a 35-minute commute.

Has anyone heard of a clinical trial for bisphosphonates?  I have been asked to join.  It is a trial that looks at including bone density drugs (like Boneva) to help prevent bc spreading to the bone. I've looked up the drugs and it seems reasonable, just wondering if anyone else is on it. 

Karen - I'm with you . . . can't wait 'til it's over!  

I hope that everyone is feeling well today.  Take care! 

K 

NavyMom

Hi everybody.  I haven't posted lately but have been keeping up with reading all of your posts.  Feeling Ok.  Just struggling with belly bloating.  Mild bone pain from neulasta this go around.  Tx # 3 is next week.  Thinking of all of you often and hoping for more good days than bad for all of us.

Navy

yasminv1

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I hope all of you are doing well today. I get Treatment#3 on Thursday. I am praying this treatment is not as bad as number 2 was for me. My Mom had her Mammogram this morning and all looked good. What a relief. I had my tissue expander fills yesterday. It had been a month since I had a fill. I can't wait to be done with them. My wounds are still healing from the MRSA infection. Luckily, the antibiotics they sent me home with are working! I feel super bloated today. I have been bloated since my hospital stay. I am sure some of it has to do with the IV fluids. Despite that I am trying to drink tons of water to get ready for Thursday. I pushed myself to workout yesterday. I am hoping to do the same today.

Take Care everyone. Hope you have a great day.

gillyone

Hi ladies

I haven't posted in a while but I read the posts every day. I see there is a September chemo group started up - makes us look like old hands.

I am feeling good -a week out from my first of four taxol tx. Still getting the neulasta shots - with no SEs. I do get tired but can handle that and I think my taste buds are beginning to work again. I can actually taste a few things - yeah!!!

I'm still lugging my boot around, have a check up in three weeks and hope I won't have to wear it for long after that.

Hope everyone is doing as well as possible.

jennsdogs

Day 7 after Tx #2 - Still having trouble but not as much as Monday and Tuesday.  It is amazing how much they are all alike but it seems that the SE I got are just a tad bit worse!  Just starting to feel better today.

Except for the mouth sores - wondering how people teach with these stupid things!  I try to use the mouth wash to help and all it does is make me drool or spit when I teach.  Trying to skate by at work for the rest of the week and then I have the week-end to rest up. 

Still trying to keep exercising but it is hard because when I get home from work I want to do nothing but be with my kids.  Thank Goodness my mom is town to help with meals so I don't have to cook and between my DH and I one of us cleans and the other gives baths.  I hate that every night I look forward to bedtime.  I don't like wishing my life away like that.  It sort of makes me sad. 

Yasmin:
 Good to hear about your mom! I know that is a relief for both of you.  How are you feeling now?

Getting ready to get my CBC done today. Hopefully, I can still stay off extra medicine!

Lilah

I have been lurking -- tried to post a few weeks ago but then I did something wrong and a long post I wrote got lost and so I gave up   Here I am trying again...

I started chemo August 3 -- finished first 4 A/C DD on September 14 (woo hoo!) and had minimal side effects (except of course for the hair loss); starting Taxol and Herceptin on Monday.  Was diagnosed with DCIS in May (non-invasive) and then when they did the first lumpectomy in early June they found it was invasive and HER2-neu postive; had a second lumpectomy June 23 (clean margins in all but one spot, which was close).  Met my oncologist in July who said I should start chemo and finish surgery later, so that's what I'm doing.  Will most likely have one more lumpectomy (in December, 1 month after my last Taxol) to be followed by radiation and then plastic surgery (reduce my left breast to match my right, do what they can to pretty up my right -- right breast is where the cancer is).  Herceptin will continue until next summer. 

LovesHerMom -- I agree with what someone wrote above re: HER2-neu... is your Mom going to be treated with Herceptin?  IF she is HER2 positive then she should be, as from what I understand Herceptin is a drug that exists entirely to treat HER2.  Of course, it may be that her heart problems make it something too dangerous for her.

Re: Sugar -- which people have mentioned to avoid -- hell no I haven't avoid it!  It's one of the few things that still taste good to me; coffee is the one I can't abide now, for the most part, except for some odd reason Starbucks still tastes good (maybe it's because of the strong, burnt flavor?)  I did go to a salad bar in August after my second A/C and ended up getting food poisoning from the raw fruits and veggies (at least that's what they think) -- apparently, and I never knew this, all raw fruits and veggies have bacteria on them that someone with a healthy immune system simply kills but when your WBC is low (mine was really low, unbeknownst to me, 1.7) you are susceptible to the bacteria.  So now I avoid salad bars and wash all my raw fruits and veggies very carefully.

I'm a little nervous about the Taxol, but my Doctor says that since I tolerated the A/C so well I should be ok -- fingers crossed!

I've been working and living and enjoying life and except for being a little more tired the last week or so, it's been surprisingly easy getting used to having no hair, wearing a wig, and being someone who has cancer (which I never thought I would be).

Oh -- someone asked about Neulasta and what it does -- as I understand it, Neulasta boosts your white blood cell count which helps boost your immunity.  LovesHerMom should definitely look into the alternative people have recommended, especially if her mom's WBC is low.

Cheers,

Lilah

gillyone

Welcome Lilah

Ther are several others who are on the dose dense AC followed by taxol regimen. Are you getting DD taxol or weekly?

I have had one taxol tx and go for 2/4 on Tuesday. I did pretty well with SEs on AC and so far so good with taxol. The most exciting thing is food is beginning to taste of food rather than cardboard!!! I don't know if this is temporary and when I get more taxol in my system my taste will disappear or if it is the real thing. I am finally able to enjoy the tomatoes from my garden.

Have a good weekend ladies.

unklezwifeonty

ECOG 5103 enrollment suspended. Anyone else on it? What are you gonna do?

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200909251618dowjonesdjonline000580&title=2nd-update-avastin-breast-cancer-trial-enrollment-halted

Karen09

Welcome to the group Lilah!  I'm with you on the living and enjoying life still.  I figure any good day where I can enjoy my life and enjoy all my blessings is a big "screw you" to the cancer.  I want very much to hold my head high and live my life through my treatment. 

Hope you are all enjoying the weekend and taking time for yourselves!  Hugs to all!!!!!   

unklezwifeonty

Welcome Lilah!

Melinda-Tma3

Kristin 09....I just wanted to give you a huge thankyou and hug....I have had headaches non stop since my 1st A/C 12 days ago...after much searching I saw your post for Aleve...I've tried everything but...I've been headache free for 3 hours now....wow! I just can't say enough thank yous .....Everyones' tips help someone...I'm from the Sept 09 group too! Best wishes to you all and it's exciting to see some of you are finishing up and many of you soon to come....Thanks again for sharing from a September Sister...

unklezwifeonty

See this thread about the Clinical Trial ECOG 5103 involving Avastin.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topic/740968?page=1#idx_5

yasminv1

Hi Everyone,

I hope all of you are doing well and having a good weekend. I had TX#3 Thursday and it went ok. I had some trouble with my veins. The first IV failed a few minutes into my Taxotere. My veins were all beat up from being in the hospital 2 weeks ago. Two pokes more and 30 minutes later they had my IV going again. I am feeling a little crappy. My stomach continues to give me issues and my mouth and throat are swollen. I hate feeling like I have something stuck in my throat. It makes me panic at times. It makes everything difficult to swallow but I am luckily able to get liquids and food down. My Mom has been an angel and has made me some wonderful homemade soups. I hope I feel better tomorrow because I can't imagine going to work the way I am feeling today. After taking time off while in the hospital I hate to take any more time off. Luckily, my work is very understanding.

I hope all of you are having a great weekend and that you are all feeling well.

Hugs,

Yasmin

msmpatty

Hello everyone.   I've been following this discussion since it started but this is my first post.  Thanks for all the good suggestions and information! 

I started AC every 3 weeksX4 on August 21st, then Taxol weekly X12. Currently on day 17 of AC TX2 and I must say I'm surprised that most of the time I feel just fine.   I've never really felt nauseated but was advised by the chemo nurse to stay ahead of it because once it starts it is hard to stop. 

Here's my routine in case it helps anyone:  One Emend in the morning day 2, 3;  Dexamethasoe in the morning day 2,3,4; Zofran every 8-hours day 1,2,3,4 (after that as needed); Ativan at bedtime for sleeping (and as needed for anxiety and steriod withdrawal); Compazine as needed (haven't needed it but I like knowing I have it if all the others fail). Sounds like lots of stuff but so far it has worked!  No nausea and I'm usually off everything by day 5-6.

There are a few things I've done for myself that I'm really glad I did.   Got a weekly house cleaner!  Soooo nice not to have the spend the weekend cleaning.   Got a personal trainer!  I'm sharing her with a friend and it definitely makes me exercise.   Go to bed by 8:30pm!  I have to set the alarm to get up at 10pm to make sure my 13-year old gets to bed, but the extra time reading or sleeping really helps with the fatigue. 

My dentist gave me a prescription mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine to keep the mouth sores at bay.  It is a anti-microbial so it kills the bacteria that can cause the sores.  If you swish with this stuff it can turn your teeth brown, so I soak a Q-tip and rub it around on my gums instead.  So far, no sores, no brown teeth.

 I'm with Lilah on the coffee!  My home brew now tastes horrible but Starbucks still tastes great!

Patty

Karen09

Yasmin - sorry you aren't feeling very well!  You certainly have been through the ringer.  Hugs!!!  I'm glad your mom is taking such good care of you!  

Patty - welcome to the group.  I'm sorry you have to be here but we can all fight this together!

I'm feeling quite good right now.  Going to enjoy the good days and try not to think about going for #4 next Friday.  Take care everybody! 

jenn3

Good morning - I've been reading, but haven't written in a few days.  I'm feeling okay with the exception of the fatigue.  I am really struggling with fatigue.  I've never experienced fatigue in this way before.  I don't just feel extremely tired, but it's almost as if a fogginess comes over me, my mind seems to shut down, my eyes get blurry and I get that feeling of I just need to stop.  I don't necessarily need to sleep, but I have to just stop and rest for an hour or so, then it's as if nothing happened my energy returns and I'm back in business.  According to my dr at this time there really isn't much that can be done. Changes in my diet, exercise and hydration won't help it has to do with the bone marrow and I am getting out moving, eating right and drinking water constantly.    I guess we'll see where my RBC count is this week and go from there.  Last check I was 1/10th of a point from insurance approval for the Procrit shot so this week I'll either be in the same place as last time or low enough for the "boost".

Yasmin - I am so sorry you're having stomach and mouth issues - hopefully everything is feeling better or more tolerable by today, but having an office that understands what you're going through does help.   I know it's made my life so much less stressful.

Karen - So glad you're doing well.  Like you, I try to enjoy the good days/hours and forget the rest.

Patty - Welcome to the group!

Hope everyone has a good week!

Geaux Saints!!!