Starting Chemo Aug 09

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Patty - love the pie story..... last year my cousin (in-law), who has 5 children came over after going to her parents in a frenzy as you can imagine with 5 children and forgot to bring desert - luckily she lives close by and could run home because we didn't have a back up.  This year I have a back up just in case.

    I noticed the hair several weeks into the Taxol, it seemed to show up almost overnight.  I looked in the mirror one day and noticed my scalp looked darker, then realized it was hair growing back.  It looks almost like it did when I buzz cut my hair as it was falling out, but darker.  I'm like you I really don't care what color, just hair..............

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Jenn, thanks for the hair info.  Guess I'll just have to wait a few more weeks.  My head feels itchy lately, so maybe that's a good sign?   I'm determined to make it through the last 10 Taxols, but having some hair would definitely boost my spirits.

    Patty

  • Kim09
    Kim09 Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2009

    Gogo - With me it is the medical onc who coordinates the overall process.  I finished my chemo in October, so he said the next steps as follows: have the surgery that was postponed in July, then meet with my radiation onc after radiation is done then back to him and he will start me on my AI's. 

    Gillyone - I go in every four weeks for them to flush out my port.

    Jenn - My port gets sore every so often.  It seemed to be the worse on the day of chemo because they would really press down to hold it still while they were poking it.  (I have a power port which has a very small opening).

    Building on Jenn's suggestion about pinning the drains to a ribbon for a shower.  My drain actually had a loop so I threaded the ribbon through the loop instead of pinning it.

    The tradition is that either the day before Thanksgiving or after we set up my mom's outdoor Christmas decorations.  One year we couldn't find the extension cords.  My mom swore they were not stored with other Christmas decorations.  She was positive they were somewhere in the garage.  After 2 hours of looking we found them.  In a box marked extension cords that was with the other Christmas decorations.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2009

    Hey Ladies! 

    Well I'm back from Atlantic City slightly poorer but had a blast... glad you had fun on your trip too Jenn!

    Re: Ports -- yes mine got sore when I had two weeks in a row of access (taxol one week followed by Herceptin the next)... this week it's fine (two weeks spacing seems to be enough time to recover).  I also have a power port... I have to say most weeks I don't even feel it when they stick me!  Definitely makes chemo easier.  I haven't had the clotting problem yet (fingers crossed that that continues).  Now I am on an every three weeks Herceptin routine, so hopefully the longer stretch between shots of Heparin won't be a problem. 

    Saw my PS today to sign consent forms for surgery December 9 (RMX and immediate reconstruction with TE... will then have lift/reduction of healthy breast and exchange in the spring).  I was so nervous this morning and upset that the time had come for this; like Kim I did chemo first.  But seeing the PS relaxed me.  So I guess that means I have the right PS :)   I feel nauseous just thinking about all the stuff I have to do / take care of before I get laid up for a few weeks come December 9.  Ack!  Christmas shopping!!!!  Who has had time for THAT what with all these doctors and chemo and surgery.  It makes me tired.

    On the chemo front, since November 9 was my last Taxol my doctor did NOT give me Neulasta the next day and I have to say all in all my Neuropathy was better.  Two weeks later and my toes feel a little funny (not numb at all but it is as if a little swollen, even though to the eye they don't look swollen, which I assume is some sort of neuropahty).  I hope this goes away.  My hands/fingers were never affected. 

    Can't wait for some freaking hair!  I can't tell if there is more there or not... sometimes I think yes (not all of it fell out but I too did a buzz cut just before the hair loss began)... and other times I think maybe what's there is what has always been there.  Maybe in a few weeks there will be more.  I have watched for white peach fuzz and seen none, so maybe that is the tell-tale I should focus on.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Good morning - still feeling a bit achy, but I think I'll pull it together walk the dogs and get my day going early.  I have a lot to do between now and Thursday. 

    Lilah - sounds like you had a wonderful trip!!! I haven't even begun the reconstruction process, but can't wait for the final okay from the dr.

    Kim - I can only imagine y'all looking for those extension cords only to find them where you thought they were in the first place.

    Patty - The hair will grow.......... say this over and over...............

    Have a great day!

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Lilah...no jackpot?    Gift cards and internet shopping are saving Christmas at my house! 

    Kim..extension cords in box marked "extension cords"?  Hmmm...goes to show ya' that being too organized can really mess you up.  HA!

    The hair will grow...the hair will grow...the hair will grow. Just when I think I can't stand my wig one more day, the lady at Starbucks says to me this morning "Your hair is always just perfect and so cute".

    Patty

     

  • YoYo44
    YoYo44 Member Posts: 203
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I chuckle about the extension cords.  We have the same thing going on every year and I always wonder where they are and am always pleasantly pleased to find them where they are supposed to be.  Except when I second guess myself and look some where else!!  :-)

    We had Thanksgiving in October so it is long done here.  I don't have any funny stories that I can think of right now.  But there was the year my Mom and I made 29 assorted pies (to eat and share with the family) and baked them all at once in the oven.  It was one of those evolving things.  Had no idea they would all fit!!

    I am still enjoying my hair that never fell out.  But it's funny, my last treatment was Oct 29 (#14) but every weekend I still lose a whole bunch.  I am hoping to keep it over the holidays until the next round of chemo anyway.

    I am doing pretty well after the surgery.  I guess I lost a little ground having to get the transfusion after getting the hematoma.  I was so ticked off after all the cream of wheat and prune juice and apricots to keep up my RBC's during chemo only to need a transfusion now!  Every day is a little better.  It is pretty manageable really.  I am at peace with doing the double and really glad I did it actually.  Although no reults until Dec 17.  I won't get the drains out until next week some time though so that is annoying.  But less painful in the long run I guess.

    Take care all!

    Yo

  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited November 2009

    Hi Everybody!

    Glad to read that some of you are finishing chemo.  My last TX is December 1st.

    Good luck to those that are having surgery soon and happy healing to those that are recovering.

    Glad to see some of you are traveling again.  I have a trip to Florida scheduled for January.

    About the hair thing.  I noticed some very fine blonde(maybe silver) fuzz on my head about a week ago and also had some real strong itching sensations.  I lost all of my hair, (as in shiny scalp) so seeing even a little fuzz at this point is encouraging.

    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

    Navy

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2009

    Love it Patty (the lady at Starbucks).... and yeah (sigh) no jackpot for me. 

    And I just bought a whole bunch of gift cards... far less work!

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • gogo_xago
    gogo_xago Member Posts: 131
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies, I have a question to all of you who have finished chemos. Are you going to have exams right now? or after radiations? If yes what kind of exams (blood tests, scans, what???).

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Good morning - Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm getting the finishing touches around the house done today.  I ran over and did my lab work this morning and met with the trial nurse so that Friday will go by much quicker.  My WBC and granulates (sp?) are still low, but my numbers are just..........high enough that I can do chemo Friday - thank goodness.  The trial nurse is going to talk to the onc to find out if I have to do the neulasta shot - I sure hope not, but would rather that than delay chemo. 

    I am going to do Christmas shopping during the week, but am cutting back with friends.  I am buying family only - everyone else understands.

    Hope everyone has a great day!

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Yo - so glad to hear you are recuperating from surgery.  The good thing about surgery is that every day after you get a little better.  Getting the drains out is also a big relief. 29 pies!  How big is your oven?

    NavyMom - congrats on the hair!   I saw a woman the other day with a head of silvery white hair and she looked absolutely terrific.   

    Jenn - I'm too am off for blood work in preparation for Taxol #3 on Friday.   Just three (four?) more for you...right?   Keeping my fingers crossed for good results for you and no Neulasta!

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

    Patty

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2009

    Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans on here!  I hope you all have a great day with your loved ones!

  • Kayel
    Kayel Member Posts: 28
    edited November 2009

    Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating tomorrow! 

    I am so happy for each of you that have finished up or are close to finishing.  It is also so nice to hear from those traveling and getting back to "normal".

    Good luck to those having surgery or suffering from icky SE's.  I thought I was doing so well with taxol but as of last week (1/2 way point) I have not been feeling as well.  I have had tired settle in and not go away as well as just feeling sore and grouchy.  I was feeling good and let my calendar start filling up again so I am going to clear  a bunch out of the way so I can have a chance of getting Christmas together.  We usually have a big Christmas Eve party and have for the past 18 years but decided to cancel this year.  I am bummed and did not want to do it but I just don't have the energy this year.

    Have any of you been having trouble taking deep breaths?  I have been having some trouble taking some complete deep breaths and also have had some pain last night and this morning around my left shoulder when taking a deep breath.  I had TX today and I was thoroughly checked out but it is just weird for me. I was told that I might be at the beginning stages of coming down with something.   Does this sound like anything any of you have experienced.?

    I am so proud of each of you and how you are dealing with the chemo experience and very thankful to have a place to "talk" with others in a  similar situation.  So Thanks!!

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Kayel, from what I've heard the Taxol is cummulative and about half way through the SE's get a little tougher.   I'm not looking forward to that (I have TX #3 on Friday) but hearing from others helps for planning...because I've sort of started filling up my schedule again too.   The breath thing is not something I've experienced.   I hope it gets better!

    Patty

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Good morning (almost afternoon) - My turkey is in the oven roasting, mirlitons w/shrimp & crabmeat, cranberry w/roasted pine nut stuffing, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, artichoke dip & polenta cakes (from DD) done and just need heating.  The house is cleaned and decorated so I have some time to relax.......... before the family starts arriving with more goodies. 

    Taxol SE's do seem to be cummulative for me..... the neuropathy is getting much worse in my feet with my left foot and finger tips being the worse and the pain issues seem to be getting worse -the fatigue is hitting me in the evenings to the point I can hardly keep my eyes open past 7p, but I do have plenty energy during the day and as of right now I'm not letting the neuropathy stop me - still pretending it's not there.  I was told if it continues to get worse they will have to reduce the amount of Taxol I'm taking - guess we'll see next week.

    Patty - You are right - I have 4 tx's left which includes tomorrow's tx.  Some people don't have trouble with Taxol, others like me (of course) seem to struggle - I'm crossing my fingers that you don't have problems.......... 

    Kayel- I am so sorry to hear you're having trouble with the Taxol.  It was about 4 tx's in that I started to really notice problems and each week gets worse. I can relate......... the SE's do wear you down.  The pain and having to take pain medication do make me grouchy, but I find it's worse on days 3-5 when the pain is much more intensified and I have to take more medication, then I'm much better for days 6 & 7 and of course then it's time to start chemo all over again. Are you struggling with neuropathy too?   I hate to hear you have to give up your Christmas party, but healing and taking care of you is more important - there will always be many many more years to come in which you can host parties and you can make next year's party huge!!!

    Karen - Thank you for the holiday greetings................... how are you feeling?

    Happy Thanksgiving to all..................... have a great day, eat too much, watch football and enjoy the day.

  • smore
    smore Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2009

    I haven't posted in a while.  The last three treatments were a little rough on me.  But I had to put that I finished my last big chemo the 24th of November. Now I just the the herceptin to complete in August.  I didn't post much but I read a lot, this is a very supportive place to be.

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Good morning - getting ready to head to chemo in a little over an hour, but wanted to check in. We had a great day yesterday, enjoyed having family over and the food was great. 

    smore - Sorry to hear you had a hard time with the end of treatment............thank goodness it's over.  I guess it's true when they say it's cummalative because I have to admit each treatment is a little harder on me too.  I keep telling myself "it's almost over"...........................  I'm triple negative and which means after chemo and rads I won't be taking anything else so I don't know much about the other medications.   How has Herceptin been for you?  What SE's come with it, if any?

    Hope everyone has a Happy Friday.................

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Jenn, I hope your TX went well.   I am leaving in a few minutes for mine.   I hear you on the evening fatigue thing...since the start of treatment I've pretty much been in bed by 8:30pm or before.  But these days I, like you, have plenty of energy during the day so maybe the extra sleep is helping. At minimum is keeps me from getting cranky.

    Smore, congratulations on being DONE!   You go girl!

    Patty

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited November 2009

    Gogo -- I finished chemo November 9.  I had a check up with my regular doctor Nov 17 (he did complete bloodwork) to monitor all my other issues (thyroid, high bp, high chol, diabetes -- I'm a mess for a woman in her 40s)!  I will not be having radiation.  My ONC ordered a MUGA to check my heart (she also had me do a MUGA Scan prior to starting chemo and half way through).  I am continuing on Herceptin until next summer (once every three weeks), which is not considered "chemo," and will have MUGA Scans once every three months (I believe).  I will be having a Right MX on December 9, so will have pre-surgical testing (blood work, chest x-ray, urinanalysis) next week.  I'll be following up with the BS two weeks after surgery and then once every three months after that.  Exchange and lift/reduction of my left (healthy) breast will follow in early spring, after which I'm told I'll need annual mammograms on my left breast and continued check-ins with my BS as well (probably will become annual at some point).  I next see my ONC in January -- not sure what the long-term is with her.  I am guessing that since my annual mammogram (the one that found the cancer) was last March, they will have me undergo a mammogram on my left breast this coming March (before they do the lift/reduction).  Hope this helps.

    Jenn -- yeah I found the taxol SEs were cumulative.  It's three weeks since I finished and my toes still feel funny (lingering SEs) and toward the end the pain lasted two full weeks (instead of just a week); that said, the pain IS gone... and what I'm feeling now is more like discomfort.  When I walk around in shoes I feel like there is something in my shoe but there isn't (like a piece of sock folded over).... which I assume is the remaining neuropathy.  I am praying that this will go away...

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited November 2009

    Lilah, it is so good that you are done with chemo!   Surgery is no picnic but once its done everyday gets better.   On the mammograms...my surgeon said I'll need to get a right-side (cancer side) only in December and my regular annual bi-lateral in April.  I'm not sure this is just for this year, or for every year for a while.   There were several ladies in the chemo suite this morning getting only the Herceptin and they were in and out really fast.  YEAH!

    Jenn, they had trouble getting my port to draw back blood this morning.  The head nurse came over and she suggested that they use a bigger "gauge" access needle.   So they took out one and put in another that was 20 gauge and 3/4" long...and voila...immediate blood draw back!   Who knew they had different sized needles?   Anyway, I made a BIG mistake and looked at the needle...WHOA!  But it didn't hurt at all going in.  

    Patty

  • Juli-CA
    Juli-CA Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2009

     I have my last of 6 TCH infusions on Tuesday!  The taxotere side effects were worse each time starting with the 4th.  The 5th took me 11 days to return to "normal" so I am expecting 13 or more days this next time. 

     This site has be an awesome resource and encouraging for me.  Thanks to all of you for your comments.

    smore- Did you have the funny feet sensation: neuropathy during chemo?  Did it go away when you finished?  Do you have any side effects with herceptin? 

    Juli

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited November 2009

    Hey ladies!  Just checking in and hoping you are all doing as well as possible!  I've feeling pretty good rioght now luckily.  I had a girlfriend over last night and we laughed and laughed.  So nice to be able to do that!

    Jenn, I must admit, every time you talk about food you have me drooling!  hehe! 

    Smore, congrats on being done chemo!  wow! 

    Hugs to everyone!!

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Good afternoon - I just finished putting up most of my inside decorations for Christmas, all I have to do is the tree and I'm saving that for whem my daughter gets home from work.  I watched National Lampoon's Christmas last night and It's A Wonderful Life today while was decorating.  I'll let my daughter choose the next movie, which may be Home Alone or Santa. I love Christmas movies - young children movies and grown up movies - I just love them all. 

    Today I'm feeling okay, just a little tired from being up until 4am (again).  I forgot to take the Ativan I took the last two Friday's that helped me sleep - oops.  My feet started to hurt from the neuropathy, but nothing I couldn't handle.  I'm trying to get as much done as I can before the damn Taxol pain kicks in tomorrow. 

    Patty - glad to hear they were able to get your port w/o all the drama I had to go through. I think they were using a big needle on me because when she had trouble two weeks ago  1) it looked very big and 2) they said it was the biggest needle they had.  This week went smooth - I guess what they did last week cleaned it up. 

    Lilah - glad to hear you don't have to do radiation - I hear it's easier on reconstruction.  Which by the way all sounds so confusing.  I guess when it's my turn I'll be able to ask you questions or undestand it better.  I know you can't wait to get this over with.  I'm 43, but feel like I've aged at least 10 or more years since all of this started. 

    Karen - I do like to cook, but more so since I've been home with not much else to do. 

    Smore - So glad your done with chemo!!!

    Julie - glad we can be of help and hope you're doing well.

    I'm off to finish the tree - talk to y'all later.

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2009

    Good morning - Yesterday I went to the morning show to see Blindside w/Sandra Bullock - great movie!!! Then we came home and really didn't do much - the achiness of Taxol started to set in and I found it hard to get motivated so I watched really bad Christmas movies for the rest of the afternoon.  I love Christmas movies, there are few I don't like, but I have to say they had some really bad ones on yesterday.  Woke up this morning and the Taxol pains are in full force, so I'm a little down today, but it'll get better in the next day or two. 

    I do love the Christmas season and although I'm feeling bad and won't have the energy I normally have I am looking forward to it.  We finished our decorating on Saturday both inside and out.  My DH loves the outside lights and he goes all out.............. Griswold style.  As much as we laugh about the lights - I love them.  We have a new neighbor that moved in about 2 months ago and  was so glad to see my DH decorating, the new guy thought he would be the only one and didn't want to over do it.  I had to laugh.........and glad to see our new neighbor likes to decorate too.

    Hope everyone had a safe weekend and still has money left after Black Friday.  Talk to y'all later.

  • lindal52809
    lindal52809 Member Posts: 25
    edited November 2009

    Hello to All of you.

    First of all I'd like to say, that I'm sorry, that I haven't been very active on here.  I tried to follow what everyone was going thru, but for me it was too hard to keep up. It did help just reading about what we all had in common, but other things just scared and confused me. But that's how I am. Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks and at the same time apologize for not helping when maybe I could have.  For that I feel bad. 

    I had alot of the same SE's as some, but then again, not nearly as many as others and I felt that I shouldn't say anything, as I didn't know what or how to say it.  I didn't want it to seem like this thing has been a breeze, because it hasn't,  but compared to what some of you have/are going thru I have been very Lucky/Blessed.  Only one has all the answers, and that's how I tried to help all of you. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers all along.  

    Today I feel full of mixed emotions, like it's not real. I actually got thru the last 6 months. And here I am still working, and able to finally take some time to write about it. At my job, the last 2-3 months are the worse times to work.  Very busy because of the holidays.  Well I made it thru, missed a few days after each treatment, because of SE's but I made it. 

    I finished my last treatment on Wed, the 25th of Nov. and am at work today, feeling good.

    I started my treatments on Aug 14, and had each one every 3 weeks, right on schedule. No set backs, no major problems.   I've gone for the blood draws, to check levels every week for the last 2 1/2 months, and each time was progressively worse, but managed.  My counts have always came back up to a good level.  The neulasta shots helped of course.  I have 3 more weeks of labs to go, but after my blah mouth feeling goes away, and my fatigue disappears, i'll be ok again and stay that way.  Will I really not have to feel like crap again?  YES!!! God willing for a very very long long time.    

    I am very lucky, I am cancer free because of my surgery back in may, but now I am on the way to being Chemo free too, and that is a relief.   I'm so tired of being sick.

    Well, I'm done babbling now, I had to say hello again, While it's on my mind so heavy.  
    Thanks again.   

  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2009

    lindal, Don't feel bad for not writing in alot, I too didn't keep up with that as much as I would have liked to, but I did read every post from everybody. Sometimes when we don't feel good we just have no energy for anything. Thank you so much for keeping all of us in your prayers! We are getting on our way back to a new "normal".

    Just wanted you all to know that I am done with chemo and have had radiation #5 with at least 25 more to go. It makes me a little tired but worst of all nausea again, luckily it's not the same as chemo nausea, meaning no yuck mouth just a belly ache. It only last a few hours after rads so far. So far rads is nothing compared to chemo and I am so glad for that!

    Jenn, do you know if we (August Amazons) are "all" done with chemo yet? Or if not who is still?

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited December 2009

    I've still got 2 chemo left to go.  I'm hoping to have the last one on the 31st.

  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited December 2009

    Well...looks like I'm going to be about the last one to finish up.   I'm not done with chemo until January 29th...nine more weekly Taxols to go.   In the original discussions with my Onc my goal was a regimen that would allow me as normal a life as possible and he suggested AC every three weeks (instead of DD) and then 12 weeks of Taxol.  So far I've done really well.  My blood work continues to be completely normal and although AC was pretty lousy I didn't have the extent of the problems you DD gals had.   And...cross my fingers...I haven't had too much to complain about on Taxol.

    I'm so happy to see you all finishing up!   But it may get a lonely here on the August Amazons board!

    Patty

  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited December 2009

    Hi Everybody. 

    Don'y worry Patty, we will keep you company and be here for you while you finish chemo.

    I have my 6th and FINAL TAC Tx TOMORROW!  WoHoo!!!  As much as I am dreading it, I am also with the feeling of........Just get on with it already.

    Funny you should post today Donna, I was just thinking about you.  I knew that you were a few weeks ahead of me and I was hoping that you finished and were doing fine.  My head is getting the fuzzies, too.  Started just around 3 weeks ago.  Eyebrows and lashes look pitiful.

    Good to hear from you, too, Linda.  Glad you are finished.  Did you have TAC?

    Take care everyone.

    Navy

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