Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
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So good to hear from everyone...ahhh the ups and downs of chemo.
Having done the AC followed by Taxol, I really feel for Neece and everyone else who is doing TAC. My Onc told me that is a really hard regimen and I can't imagine dealing with all the SE's of AC along with those of Taxotere at the same time. You ladies are stong!
Vickilynn...what does your rash look like? I'm on Taxol and the only SE I've had (besides fatigue...which seems to be our new "normal"!) is red splotches on one leg. They are are about the size of freckles and really red. It doesn't itch or hurt, just looks really bad. I hope the news about stopping chemo is for positive reasons. In the research study I read comparing different types of cycles for the Taxanes many people did not finish the entire regimen, but the results were still good.
I'm in the chair for Taxol #5 tomorrow. I'm doing well on it...no major aches, no nueropathy, blood counts good. Just soooo tired. I hit the sack before 8:30 every evening but despite 10+ hours of sleep I still feel like I need more. I know you all can relate...
Regarding hair, not enthused about a fuzzy face, chin hair, toe hair... but one place that would be totally unacceptable for it to show up is in my EARS! Please...nobody has this right??? Ha.
Patty
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Hello Ladies.
Well finished taxol tx #3!!! Just one more to go and I am finished!!! Yay. The tx went really well and my onc said no neupogen! I am doing the happy dance. I am so excited. She just said to stay away from big crowds. That I can do. By Saturday I should be experiencing bone and joint pain and my onc filled my prescription for percocet. Unfortunately I am one of the ladies who suffer from terrible pain that motrin can not help. Also my onc wants me to consider starting a trial with Zometa..I think that is what it was. It was for bones and they are seeing if these drugs stop cancer from getting into our bones. Anyway spoke to the trial lady over the phone and she is fedexing a package for my review. I think Onty was once in this trial. Has anyone here heard of neurotin? My onc said it could help reduce effects of neuropathy. Anyway if I want to take it just give her a call. Fortunately my daughter is 15, almost 16, and they pretty much want me and hubby to dissappear. So not much work on our part needs to be done. Just buy lots of junk food, put out all video games and Christmas videos and whala...fun filled sleepover. Thanks for all of your well wishes and thoughts.
Vickilynn- First talk with your onc to see why they are stopping your tx. Maybe they can just reduce the amount of taxane. You never know. The nurse may be wrong. But if she is right, the Lord has all things in control. Nothing takes Him by surprise. TN is not a death sentence nor does it mean you will have a recurrence. Many TN women live long healthy lives. And you will be one of them. I am TN and I am very optimistic. I will pray for you that you will have the strength and courage to go through anything that comes your way.
Holly - make sure you take stool softners and try phillips milk of magnesium tablets. Take two the night of your tx and the next few days after that. They work really well. Unfortunately I struggle with diarrhea. So I have other issues related to that. It is probably because I do not have a gall bladder. Once that was taken out I have had soft stools (sorry if this is TMI). Hope the claritin helps your bone pain. If not and the pain becomes too intense you really need to consider narcotics. There is no need to suffer. If taken responsibly you can have relief and no lasting issues.
Jane I have no idea why they have me taking decadron at those crazy times. But it is on my prescription page that they give me. They want me to take the decadron 12 hours before tx. Since my tx was at 9am the want the first decadron at 9pn and second at 3am. How did your tx go today. Sorry to hear you are having some swelling. I am having a little swelling in my feet. Yes I am only doing taxol this go around. I did 4 rounds of AC prior to taxol. This is also my 3rd tx and next one is my last. We are finishing together. I moved my last tx to 12/28 so I can enjoy my Christmas. Although now my New Year will be in pain. Oh well. At least my mom will be here for that tx.
Susan- my thoughts exactly. These are memories for a lifetime. And she will always know how much I love her by my sacrifices for her.
Catherine- thanks for the well wishes. Had my tx today and it went really well.
I know I missed a lot of ladies so please except my apologies.
Hugs and prayers to all the ladies on this thread. We are going through the biggest challenge of our lives and I think we are doing a wonderful job despite all the obstacles.
Anita
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Hello lovely ladies-
Hey Patty --Ear hair? Holy Cow! Good luck tomorrow, I will be thinking of you. I am still focusing on Taxol being as good to me as it is for you. I will take tired, all the crap from AC can go bye bye.
VickiLynn- I have to concur with a few other people here. I was told by another bc patient having rads when I did, she couldn't finihs her taxol and was told by her onc it was fine, the difference was only minimal. She did 9 of 12. Also my onc said that if I had issues when I start Taxol that he would stop it, but that whatever I got done would have an effect and that the difference was really like patial percentages. Anyway, you are right we are all in His hands, and I really believe you will be OK. Hugs to you.
Scooby- Sorry for the low WBC hope it improves soon. Sleepovers-ugh. We had our daughters 16th party/sleepover at one of those hotels with a waterpark. Gave them a family suite and my hubby and I stayed in the room next door. Much quieter and I didn''t have to make the beds-woo hoo. You are a brave woman to host it, my hats off to you. Yes the throw is nice, I lovely warm things, although that may change when I get on Tamoxofinwhen Taxol is over, but I am looking forward to that throw tonight since it is about 10 degrees here. I hope you get a heated throw for Christmas!
Neece- Hope you are better!
Pamela- Sorry for the headache and the "back-door-trots" and I hope you are feeling right soon, but I am SUPER happy you got some rest, and with the cold weather blanketing the Midwest it is the best time to snuggle in! Oh an before I forget HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Holly- Constipation is the worst. Just when I would get the Raisin Bran just right to combat the constipation that comes with my prilosec and iron AC/Aloxi would mess it all up. I took Senna S and it worked well, but I battled hemorrhoids, I only had then one other time and that was when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant 16 years ago. Preparation H will help, and getting regular again. I have to say the hemorrhoids with chemo were much harder to heal up from. Anyway I hope your backside is feeling better soon!
Susan- I am sure your boss doesn't mean the things she says, but people without self censorship drive me crazy-especially adults who should no better. But I am glad you have other more supportive co-workers. Stay warm, if it is cold here it must be cold out there!
Wanda- Congrats on finishing chemo! I can't wait to get deported!! Yea for you!!
Catherine- good to hear from you-feeling stronger everyday?
Jane- I thought of you today. I hope the ecko turns out well, but like I was saying to Vicki i have heard from more than one onc that even portions of tx's make a BIG difference in preventing re-occurance, so it should be all fine. Stay warm in you 50's, can you send a little up here to my 10 degrees? Maybe it will balance us out!
Hugs and no SE's!Love and huggies
Barbara
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Anita- so glad your tx went well, I am doing the happy dance with you!
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I'm with Barbara on the Taxane cycles...until a few years ago this stuff wasn't even used for BC and look how many women survived just fine. I had a grandmother who was diagnosed in her 40's, her only treatment was a MX and she died at the age of 86 of other causes. So...everything we do is increasing the odds for us! Yeah!
Also Barbara...Taxol is sooooo much easier than AC! Perhaps I'm just lucky, but except for a few minor SE's and fatigue, I sometimes forget I'm on chemo. Someone elsewhere on these boards described their experience this way: "I never felt quite good on AC. I never felt quite bad on Taxol." I second that.
Patty
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Good Evening Ladies:
I tried to post this morning, but lost my internet. My 2nd Taxol tx went okay I guess except for the friggin 4 1/2 hours sitting in a chair. Took my MP3 player this time and crocheting plus had "control" of the remote! Today I left work early because both of my hands started itching uncontrollably...came home and took a Benadryl and it seems to be helping. My lab work was all good except for the bone marrow, but that was only slightly dipped...one thing that I was disturbed by was that yesterday was the first day that I never saw my doctor...she had the the PA come in and talk to me. I thought that was weird...2 more tx's to go and I should be done by mid-January. So looking forward to it.
VickyLynn-I am agreeing with the others...you are in God's hands (we all are) and you will be fine. Once your emotions have returned to normalcy (whatever that might be!), you will get your second wind and be the overcomer that we all are. You were in my thoughts all day today...
PamelaJo-Not looking forward to 5 years of Tamoxifen if the side effects include headaches...Yuck. Already having hot flashes, so that should be nothing unmanageable.
Susan-People can be pretty insensitive...I use the "chemo brain" thing all the time because I think people don't realize how damaging these drugs are to our whole bodies, not just the cancer parts...my friends at work are like, "Well, what's my excuse? I can't think rationally all the time and I don't have that excuse"...my comeback is "You don't want it".
I am again so thankful for all of you...this is a journey that nobody really "gets" unless they have traveled the road. I pray that it gets easier for all of us and that in our "twilight years" this will be only a dim memory...And when I pass on one day for whatever reason, my new "girls" will be pointing straight up... the way to Heaven!!
Kim
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Pamelajo HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! I hope you had a fabulous Tigger day.
Vickilynn I am also sorry to hear about your treatment dilemma. I echo others' thoughts- try to have a list of questions for your Dr on monday so you can be very well informed. My onc had mentioned to me that if my neuropathy got worse with treatment 5, (which it definitely has, I can't feel my hands and feet most of the time now) they might not give me the taxotere for the final treatment. So maybe it's not a huge thing to miss one or two? I don't know....I see her again next week so will be discussing it the. It gets very confusing and upsetting sometimes doesn't it? Just know we are with you no matter which way your Dr and you decide to go.
DH and I went out this morning (first time in a week!) Just to do a little Christmas shopping. It was nice. Am going to a Chrsitmas party tomorrow with a group of close friends- it is a tradition dating back about 15 years to get together at one of our homes just before Christmas. I thought i would have to miss it when they re-scheduled my treatment dates, but now that I am back to Plan 'A' dates I can go! Am really looking forward to it even though I can't eat much. Will be lovely just to be with people I love and exchange small gifts and just do a christmas sort of thing, not a bc thing!!
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Happy Friday SOSisters,
Been keeping up with all of your posts. Still healing from my surgery, however just now is starting to feel like the healing process is coming to an end. My BC said it will take 6 months til it is completely healed and scar tissue is at its minimum. Here's the good news to those of you finishing chemo. My last was Oct 26th. I can say that last week Dec 1, I am completely normal. My brain is working great (once in a while I can't come up with words, but gets less each week). I feel great, absolutely no SE's. My hair is looks like a salt/pepper snow storm...Finally I see some progress. I'm glad I have the month to recooporate til Rads begin. It is helping me mentally as well as physically. Your stories about Tamoxiphen don't make me very excited, but I'm glad to know what's in store. Please keep posting. Did I mention my BS wants me to start Tamox now, but Onc says no? My Rads dr said it doesn't matter there is no proof there is a problem taking it through Rads. So, I'm curious to see what the final outcome is. Kind of hoping not to have a hot flash Christmas. Anyone here doing both?? I was told the worst SE's from Tamox would last around 3 months (Flashes) then would settle down.
Susan-some people are just selfish. Not going to change them. Speak your mind in an kind and thoughtful way. Chemo brain is very real. My friend just said to me yesterday..."you have your brain back don't you?" I' thought yea...I really do...I feel really clear and my creative thinking is totally back too. I didn't get the second round like many of you, but it will come back.... So give yourself a month to a half to move back completely into your old (but wiser) brain.
VickiLynn, One day at a time. Good plan to enjoy and not worry. Your Dr will guide you in the right direction.
China...My BS will see me every 3 months as well as my onc. Also, my Rads dr will see me for 3-6 months after. I would think they would all be monitoring you or at least be reviewing your blood work and tests. My BS is part of the Lundy Breast Health Center which is connected to the Cancer Center. All my results are reviewed by their Cancer Panel made up of each of those depts. Maybe see if Sloan has that same approach. I think it is a normal approach for bigger Cancer facilities. Then make your decisions to switch Onc based on that. Also ask your surgeon what he/she suggests.
Barbara- dealing with my 16yr daughter too...every week it seems..new excitement (not the kind we want) Not sure what to do....one day at a time.
One more for many of you....hang in there! We'll be cheering you on through the finish line!
Btw...only one present purchased for xmas....I'm sooo far behind! Next week is crazy with appts not sure when I'll get this all done! Can we delay it for about a year? No, that's ok...I'm really looking forward to 2010.....a fresh view without SE's maybe?
We're almost halfway through Dec....2010 really wants to be here...Bring it on!
Hugs everyone!
Melinda
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Good Morning
Just wanted to wish everyone a quiet and good weekend.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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melinda - Yikes! Are you saying that you will need to see three doctors every three months? Geez, so many doctors and they will be all be doing similar tests...I think.
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I am happy to report the headaches have finally eased up. I take the tamoxifen before bed, so I wake up with no SE's.......I must be sleeping through them. The hot flashes are just annoying, but I can deal with them. My explosive diahhrea has gone away....thankfully
All in all, I guess I can say this isn't so bad considering you have to do it for 5 years.
Do the TE's hurt your ribs? I'm terrified when they put mine in they will hurt my ribs. I'm ok with the stretching.......but my ribs already hurt around where my boobs used to be. It's like they are used to having padding on there and when I lay down on my stomach, my ribs hurt now. Ugh.
slept 12 hours last night. I'm still trying to get energy levels up where they used to be. It's taking soooooooo long.
On the hair front, mine is about 1/2 inch now, salt and pepper. Curly. I'm not amused. I want my auburn locks back. All hair is growing now. 6 to 8 weeks it looks like before it starts coming in really good.
Love all of you and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
P.S. Hang in there Vicki....God will take care of you. Each TX you take is better than no TX.
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Wow - it sure has been a long week!! Have not had a chance to catch up on all posts as of yet. Plan on doing that this weekend.
I went for my third biopsy on Monday for the second mass that was never biopsied. They had a hell of a time even finding it just saw shadows, Got the results back next day and it was in siti. The other mass is invasive. I am going to have a masectomy after finishing chemo. I do have a question, has anyone had a masectomy on both breasts as a precaution? I plan on having reconstruction afterwards.
Had my first taxotere treatment on Thursday. Three more to go. Had the shot yesterday. Usually when I wake up on Saturday morning I feel awful. Doing pretty good so far. Have been taking Advil. Only thing I notice this morning is that the right side of my face and nose is red. Kind of look like Rudolf the red nosed reindeer. Anyone have any suggestions???
Promise to catch up on everyones post this weekend. Hope everyone is doing well.
Love ya,
Barb T
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Barb T - did they give you steriods with the Taxotere? Everytime I get my TX with the steriods I wake up the next day with a very red nose and cheeks. My Onc recommended a Claritin and it works. By noon the redness is gone. Sometimes it also feels a little itchy, so then I also use some cortizone cream.
Domegal - I'm with you on the length of the Taxol infusions. I'm doing weekly so presumably get less, but by the time the pre-meds are done (1.5 hours) and then the Taxol which they drip really slowly at first and then crank up to full speed...I'm in the chair for 4-hours. Even though my appts start at 9:30am, I've learned to take a lunch. But on the positive side...this stuff is so much easier than AC that I really shouldn't complain!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Patty
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Also...In answer to your questions Barb T., I have a friend who had a bi-lateral as a precautionary measure and also to make sure she came out "even" after the reconstruction. She did really well and feels great about her decision!
Patty
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Hi to all:
Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far....I have been up since 3am with bone pain/body aches from the last tx...just pretty wiped out. I also had hives the day after and took Benadryl and that helped.
BarbT: I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in July...right breast had 4 tumors and 4 lymph nodes, left breast was non-cancer, but had some pre-disposition to go in that direction and I am very confident that I made the right decision to remove both...even my BS said that I made a good call after she was able to see what was inside. I also did it to have a better match when I start reconstruction after radiation. I already have TE's installed and plumped, but had to stop during the chemo process...he is going to have to make them WAY BIGGER than they are now.
PamelaJo-thanks for the hair update. My hair has yet to fall all the way off in the "nether region" and may not. My head hair I had shaved and it is getting thinner now that I am on Taxol tx's. Eyebrows almost a memory and same with my lashes. I hate that my lids show now that I have no lashes...I now truly look like a chemo patient and that is okay. I am getting better at "drawing" eyebrows and have yet to resort to the stencil that I purchased for when they are all gone and I have nothing to follow!
Trying to be upbeat about the coming holidays, but just so wiped out emotionally and physically...if someone would've asked me last year what I would be doing, I never would've thought that I would be going through chemo and having breast cancer surgery. My boyfriend and I were talking last night about what a wild 6 months it has been...and I am still fearful about a reoccurrence...I guess I will be living with one eye over my shoulder from now on.
Best wishes for a great weekend...
Kim
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hi gals
RonnieKay so great to hear from you! And with such wonderful enouraging news - that we will get our brains and personalities back after chemo! Your timeframe sounds perfect for me as I will have 6 weeks between last tx and going back to work (in a new job). I was really counting on that being enough to get energy and some brain function back and from what you say it might just be...fingers crossed. I am so glad your healing is going so well.
Pamela my te doesn't hurt my ribs exactly but it is certainly a tight feeling around that area - kind of where the bra line is? Hurts more after tx's and neulasta shot that's for sure. I have my second 'pump up' of left te scheduled for this week. The first one went well. I have a question for you... when your hair grows back (upstairs and downstairs) does it hurt in the same way that it does when it starts to fall out? Or does it itch? Have been wondering about that. I hope it just grows back smoothly with no drama or irritating effects.
Barb0323 I also get a red face on the day or two after each tx - usually on one cheek - not sure if this is the steroids, the taxotere or the AC drugs. It usually goes after a day or two.
I hav ehad both breast removed (different cancers over 8 yrs) and when my ps does the final reconstruction on my 'newest'breast, he is going to take out the old implant on the other side and replace it with a new one -hopefully they will match up better than they do at present.
Went to my pals Christmas lunch yesterday and so glad I did. there were about 25 people there including some of our assorted (grown up or nearly so) kids with partners. This is a tradition amongst our group that dates back about 16 or so years... lovely to keep it going. It was hosted by a couple who went all out this year, with a huge, elegantly decorated table down the middle of their big back deck, and beautiful food (which i couldn't taste but it sure looked good) Just a very pleasant day. A perfectAussie summer's day too. Wonderful.
Am going to movies this afternoon with DH. Having some fun at last!!!
Planning to enjoy this 2 weeks before my final treatment.Love to all and wishes for a healthy week for all.
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Hair itches as it comes back.
thanks for the info on the TE's.
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Pamela- I figured itching would be the case, but ugh what a horrible thing to look forward to. I don't mind walking around digging at my head, its everywhere else that looks highly inappropriate!
Neece- Glad to here from you, enjoy your time "off" and before you know it you will be through.
Melinda- thanks for the inspiring messages from the other side. I am so looking forward to normal. I actually have been chosen for jury duty about two weeks after i finish Taxol in March, maybe they will let me go if I say I still have chemo brain? Hope your healing still chugs along.
Jane-I hope you are well and few se's.
Patty- I love that quote, not good on AC, not bad on Taxol, that's my new chant. I know you take Claritin daily, I am thinking of taking an Alavert, chewable orange ones, it has the same drug and amount as Claritin, but I am so tired of swallowing pills I just want to switch it up. I am double checking with my onc tomorrow at my pre taxol check. I started my B complex about a week and a half ago. Do you take a multi-vitamin too, I have for a while. I also take iron, the chemo nurses seem to think it has helped keep my blood counts up. Thank you again for making me feel better about the Taxol. Hope you are well and enjoying your weekend.
Kim- Sorry about the pain and the itchies what a combo, hope you are feeling better toady.
BarbT- sorry I can't help with the mastectomy info, I had a lumpectomy, but I am glad you aren't feeling bad and hope it stays that way. I am so glad the biopsy is back and they won't be poking at you anymore. My first two tx's of AC made me all red in the face but I get really pale mid November, sun is a hot commodity by then here in Michigan, so even ac couldn't give me any color.
Catherine- hope you had a peaceful weekend too.
China- I think a lot of it may depend on your docs and how they are connected. Mine are all in the same cancer center. So after a couple follow ups with my bs, he was done with me, my rad onc, saw me 6 weeks after my last rads, and will not see me again for a year, my onc, who is not done with my chemo has yet to tell me how the follow ups will go, but wince, just like someone else mentioned, my hospital has a "cancer board" the cases are gone over (Tuesday is BC day) by ever body on that day. So they assume as long as one Doctor is in regular contact the board meeting will catch any discrepancies. I hope you too are doing well.
Well off to do some chores, tomorrow is my pre Taxol onc check the Tuesday is the big day. And I am not nervous thanks to you ladies, and I figure AC showed me the worst I can handle the rest-right?
Take care love and hugs
Barbara
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Hello SOSisters... txt #5 is not being kind and this will be a short post. Hopefully will feel more like posting tomorrow.
Vikilynn - I'll be thinking of you at your appointment tomorrow. I'm sure that the decision whatever it may be will be the right one for you.
Barb0323 - sorry I can't answer any of your questions, but know you are getting good advice from the rest of the sisters. Keep us posted.
To all who sat in the chair last week, hope you are doing well and your side effects are none or few.
To all going this coming week, just keep counting down!
Take care and will post later.
Thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jane
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OMG I lost half of my eyebrow today!! I liked my eyebrow. I know it is not that big of deal, but...
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Here's to the end of another weekend....I did get my inside house decorated (except for the tree which will happen tomorrow night because we have had rain all weekend), but I am wiped out. My bf is in the garage with the "boys" watching football and that has been great for him. I sometimes forget that it is not "all about me", but even though he isn't going through the physical stuff, he is going through the emotional stuff. We are trying to navigate this together...
ChinaBlue-like you, I am down to half an eyebrow on my right side and very little to follow on my left eye...eyelashes not worth dusting with mascara...I told everyone, this is me for now...until chemo is done.
I hope that those who are before us and are done with chemo, are doing better. I am hanging in and have a lot of sad feelings about whether I have done enough for Christmas (my kids are 29 and 24) and a granddaughter that we now don't get to see....and wondering if it will be my last ever Christmas. I have always gone all out for Christmas...since my kids were young and through divorce...trying to keep things "normal"...still trying, but feeling very sad.
Back to Fa-la-la-Lifetime!
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hi Domegal i know what you mean about Christmas... it is a tearing thing to want to 'do' Christmas as normal yet not have the energy. But please don't think this is your last one! Consider it a 'different" Christmas this year and that's OK. Next year will be better!
pamela thanks (i think) for hair info. Not what I wanted to hear though! oh well just another jump to get over i suppose....
Vickilynn please let us know how you went at Dr's.
oh China your poor eyebrow!!! So far I have mine but very few lashes left. I really hope I keep my brows as I think the totally no hair face is so hard. But I agree with you "This is how I am until it's all over" is the best approach. Funny thing, I went to trouble of putting on makeup the other day when I went to the Christmas party, but several people told me how pale I looked! I was thinking "Gee and I put makeup on too" then realised - I had put on foundation but forgot the blush!!! So of course I looked pale. And like you I don't bother with mascara any more - nothing to attach it to.
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Domegal and Neece,
I held on to the rest of my hair, eyelashes and brows til just 2-3 weeks ago! As my new hair grew in, those old strong hairs finally gave in and came out. I had three long eyelashes one day and went into a panic. With my magnifier I found that there were new ones peeking through. They are in about half way now. My hair on the top of my head is starting to darken my scalp and the sides are just starting to come in. My scalp is bumpy where the hair is coming in and maybe itchy at times but nothing like when it came out. Not sore just changing. My last chemo was Oct 26th and it really surprised me that the eyebrows and lashes fell out...thought I got a pass on that one. I went to the Look Good Feel Good program here. A great bunch of women were there and I wish we could have had more time to spend together. They helped figure out how to find the eyebrow line with out eyebrows. If anyone wants more info, I'd be glad to share.
Big hugs! Hope you are all fairing well. I can't wait til no one here is getting tx's any more. It will be a celebration day!
Melinda
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Melinda...I'd love to hear the technique on finding the brow line without any brows. I seemed to be getting some brows back for a while, but now they are mostly gone again. Still have some tiny white new eyelashes and my scalp is getting very fuzzy. Unfortunately, the chemo nurse told me that I'll probably lose it all again before I'm done with Taxol at the end of January. Drat. I hope she is wrong!
Patty
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Is anyone on Taxol getting tingling feelings in their finger tips, toes and bottoms of their feet? I will ask my onc about it tomorrow/ I am getting a little worried because a read an article about how it could become permanent.
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Hello Sisters:
I met with my onc. this morning and she has decided to end my chemo treatments. The burning rash I have will only get worse with each tx even if they lower the dose. so I am ending early (I had 2 txs left) and will be getting my port removed within the week. (for those of you on taxotere - my rash was not simply the itching, peeling kind, but more like a chemical burn - and painful - so don't worry if you're experiencing some lighter SEs.).
My next appt with the onc is not until April - just a check up. No hormone txs for me, so I am on my way to getting life back --- hair and hands and taste buds and ... looking forward to it all coming back.
So glad to hear Melinda's after-chemo encouragement. I will keep you posted.
Chinablue: the neuropathy you are experiencing (tingling) will most likely go away after txs. However, it is very important you report it to your dr. and keep an eye on it. my cousin ended up with permanent neuropathy after chemo from his knees down. He wished he had talked to his dr. sooner.
Love, Vickilynn
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Good Morning All:
Have a little slow time at work and thought that I would chime in.
ChinaBlue-I too am on Taxol and have been experiencing neuropathy in my fingers and feet...kind of resembles when I had carpal tunnel. So far not too bad...mostly in my right fingers I guess because I am right-handed.
Vickilynn-Congrats on getting back to "normal". Glad that you don't have to do the hormones either.
msmpatty-I purchased Eyebrow Stencils from Sephora, but have not had to use them yet as I still have a few hairs to follow. I also purchased from the Benefits counter at Macy's BrowZings that includes wax and powder to cover over the wax instead of using a pencil. It looks fairly natural and I even things up with Q-tips if I get too wide or whatever. I don't have a cure for no eyelashes and have never worn false ones, so will just do without.
Hope that you all have a good week...
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Hello, everyone.
I hope you had a nice Monday.
I had an eventful day. My DH woke me up at 3:30 am this morning having severe pains in his kidney area. He tells me that he thinks he has kidney stones. So I rushed him to the hospital. After having some pain meds. he is dozing and they take him have a CT scan. Sure enough, he does; it shows that he should be able to pass it without surgery, but he needs to follow-up with his doctor since the CT scans shows stones in both his kidneys. I called my work and told them that I would be working from home. By the time we got home, I was too tired to work, so I took a nap. Oh well, I will just work doubly hard tomorrow.
ChinaBlue - definitely talk to your doctor. I told mine before my 3rd treamtent about the numbness/tingling/burning in my feet and hands. She reduced my chemo by 25%, but the feeling is still there. It is worse in my big toes but after the last treatment it feels like it has spread to the other toes. I will speak to her again this Wednesday and ask her about it. So far the feeling in my hands have dissipated, but the feeling in my toes are the same. I don't want this to be permanent and I am praying that it goes away after my last treatment on Thursday.
Vickilynn - Congratulations and here is to getting back to normal. I can't wait to get my port taken out.
I was thinking of taking some cupcakes for the nurses for my last treatment. What do you guys think? My DH thinks I should bake them something, more personal, but quite frankly, I don't have the energy. Does my thought count more than the actual product?
Thanks to all for the suggestions regarding my indelicate issue. I am happy to report that the plumbing is working fine now. I will definitely get ahead of it for this last treatment. I read something on other sites (or was in here, chemo-brain) about not sleeping on the side you had lymph node removed?! I have heard you shouldn't carry anything on that side, but not sleeping on that side. I am confused. I guess I will get clarification from my onc. about what I should and should not do on that side. I know she told me about BP cuff and blood drawn, but I don't remember any other limitations. I had a SNB and they only removed 2.
Hope that we all have a great week. Take care.
Love, Holly
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Vicklyn - The thought of not seeing a doctor for a week seems unreal, but to think that you will have 4 months until you see a doctor...absolute heaven. You have been to hell and back. Enjoy yourself and pat yourself on the back. Hurray for Vickilyn. Oh, please share what it was like to get the port removed.
Holly - Cupcakes are a really nice treat. I am sure the nurses will love it. It is very thoughtful of you.
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Holly- Sorry about your hubby, VickiLynn's just went through that but I think his had to be blasted out. My hubby had some years ago, but was able to pass his with a few meds and a lot of beer, doctors order, it really flushed his system. Hope your hubby does well. Here is a link to a lymphedema site. http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm I ended up having to sleep on that side since my port is in my arm on the other side. I noticed some issue with my SNB side when I tried to do to much exercise with dumbbells, so I have cut that out until I am through all the chemo and what not. But I have slowly moved up to being able to pretty much lift like I used too. The biggest thing my doc told me was to make sure you wear a 50 sunblock on that arm, actually both unless you like the uneven look, because too much sun exposure can cause problems. Oh and the needle, and cuff are no nos too. Glad your plumbing is working!
Jane sorry you havinga rough time, I am trying to send you good vibes for a speedy bounce back.
VickiLynn- I am happy you are being deported, I can't wait for that day, Keep us posted on your progress. You sound happier now, and I hope you are. Is your burn healing?
China- Sorry about the eyebrow, I still have mine, but my eyelashes are super thin.
Kim- I agree with Neece, it isn't a last one, but a different one. I am sending you a virtual hug to feel better.
Neece- I love your blush story, with chemo brain how can we be expected to remember every makeup step?! I hope you had fun pale or not!
Melinda- I love that you are keeping us in the loop about life after chemo. Is the eyebrow trick in the LGFB book by any chance? How is food tasting?
Patty- So you are growing some fuzz on Taxol? What day is you tx again?
Well here is hoping all my sisters are well. I will be in the chair tomorrow for the first Taxol, or should I say bed. Here is hoping it goes well.
Love and hugs
Barbara
I had an eventful day. My DH woke me up at 3:30 am this morning having severe pains in his kidney area. He tells me that he thinks he has kidney stones. So I rushed him to the hospital. After having some pain meds. he is dozing and they take him have a CT scan. Sure enough, he does; it shows that he should be able to pass it without surgery, but he needs to follow-up with his doctor since the CT scans shows stones in both his kidneys. I called my work and told them that I would be working from home. By the time we got home, I was too tired to work, so I took a nap. Oh well, I will just work doubly hard tomorrow.Categories
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