Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited January 2010

    Valerie: Good luck today with #5. Then you will only have one to go.

    JoJo: It will be good for you to get back to work for a day. Please don't turn into Edward Scissorhands!

    Suz: Sorry to hear that treatment was so rough. I'm guessing the fact that you had bronchitis didn't help. Will you have surgery before the rads? Please don't apologize that your post was "alll about me." We all learn from each other's posts, whether it's seeing that someone else is going through what we are going through or helping us realize that we are all different. I think we are all gaining a lot of empathy from this experience and this will make us better people.

    My treatment on Monday hit me really hard. Yesterday was the worst...constipation, nausea, fatigue, chills, sweats and Neulasta pain. I think I feel a bit better today but haven't tried to eat yet.

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2010

    Mornig All,

    Mary thanks {{hugs}} I will have radiation first then the surgery. I think its because they want to try to irradicate the node thats behind the chest wall (mammory??) and the ones in my neck. I will know a little more tomorrow  after I talk to the surgeon again. Originally I was gonna have immediate reconstruction, but thats not happening. Although I have a cold I feel so clearheaded today... that is a really good feeling.

    Im really sorry your se's are so bad, I hope they settle down and dissapear. The constipation is just the worst!!! It takes me about a week to ummm "work it out". But your almost there, will you be doing rads afterwards?

    Valerie, Good luck today, your on the home stretch! Your tx was the same as mine 6 x TC, although we all get sick of hearing it drink, drink, drink your fluids and flush that crap through along with any microcells its attacking! I also got worse with each tx #5 was the tastebuds, everything tasted like I poured a bottle of liquid smoke into it..... but it on was like that for a few days. Big Hugs.

    JoJo, Sometimes I wish I still worked for someone else as it would get me out and about. I love people and miss the distraction of working with them. Have fun at work!

    SnuziQ, I so love your avatar pic! Ive been trying to upload a pic but its just not working. I think its because I havent put any on this laptop yet. I will have to take a few new ones (yuck) and download them on this computer. Havent had the energy to even try until now. Lol and yes Im also sick of trying to find the right hat or scarf all the time. Its a little colder here so going topless outside isnt happening.

    So I talked to my Mom this week and I think she is gonna pull through! She has ovarian cancer and we both started chemo a day apart. She had her surgery on the 10th of last month (full hyst and bowel hernia repair) then they gave her another chemo a week later. She was in really bad shape and was giving up, didnt even want to try anymore.... thank god for my stepdad who forced her to eat and drink and changed her dressings constantly, they left the incision partially open to drain. Anyway she even said on the phone that she had given up.. BUT now felt like she was back again!!! She is very weak but back on track. I still wish I could be there for her but am so happy that she's willing to fight again!

    I hope everyone has a beautiful se free day {{{{ hugs }}}} Suz

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited January 2010

    Suz: I feel bad about whining. You are going through so much now between your own bc issues, your mother's ovarian cancer and your husband's shingles. It must feel as though you are being assaulted on all sides. Glad to hear you mother is getting back on track.

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2010

    Mary, we are all going through so much.... this is the place to complain laugh and whine! Heh heh, Im looking forward to a nice Birthday/ New Years dinner and glass of wine as soon as we all feel better here!

    Photobucket

    OK now that the fog has finally lifted my brain is remembering how to do a few things. Suz

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Jojo, throwing a a hissy fit is what being a princess is all about...I would expect no less..

    Suz45. I hear ya sista...

    Laura, I find if you drink a bucket of coffee and bran/ fiber at every meal that helps...

    Val, good luck with #5 today...I just got back from mine as well...uneventful as usual...Had a nice visit with my cousin who took me then we went out for what I like to call "my last supper". 

    Snuz,  still love your pic, it make me smile every time I see it...

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Suz45....I am sending hig hugs and prayers out for your mom and you....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    Hi all:

    Congrats to all those finished with chemo and cheer on to those soon to finish. 

    I have had a bit of unnerving news.  I have completed 4 ddAC and 5 taxol - yet I have two lumps growing larger in my right (formerly known as the good) breast.  The U/S and MRI indicated birads 4 and my bs, onc, and gyn all agree that the lumps are highly suspicious and it is time for a bilateral masectomy.  I had previously had a lumpectomy with reexision for margins and axillary dissection with 2/9 positive for cancer on the left breast.  Apparently whatever is growing on the right is not reacting to the A/C or Taxol and instead is getting larger.  So the plan is to cease chemo and schedule the BMX asap.  I plan to start immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders.  I am currently scheduled for Tues Jan 12 - I am so over this that I will go right now if they will take me.

    So my friends, I will be on the side of surgery for a while before I resume chemo.  I do wish you all well and continued strength and success in the battle to freedom from bc.

    God Bless you and bestow good health on you,

    peace to all,

    Jaclyn

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Jaclyn, oh what shitty news...but it sounds like your doc. is on the ball and is moving fast...that is good..get that sucker out of you...I was so glad to be rid of my left breast, crazy isn't it?  I kind of wish I had them both done at the same time...but it was never an option.  Now I feel paranoid every time I touch my self..

    Good luck with everything...I am saying prayers for you that all goes well.  Please keep us posted when you can. And remember a wise women once said " I'm in to win"

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited January 2010

    Jaclyn: So sorry that you have to get this news now after already putting yourself through weeks of chemo. Life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I will be thinking of you on Tuesday and hoping all goes well.

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2010

    Jaclyn, Hugs remember we're all here for you! Suz

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  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited January 2010

    Quick post.  Not feeling well.  I was extremely nauseaus today and actually threw up.  Suffering from bone and joint pain.  Having a really hard time.

    I will come back tomorrow to read everyone's posts.  Sorry I couldnt be very encouraging today.

    Anita

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited January 2010

    valerie, good luck today.  Hope this tx is better the last.  I know my last was about the best one.  I had fewer SEs and wasn't down but about 2 days.  It feels so good to be through.  You are almost there, you can do this. 

    suz45, sorry to hear about your mom, I know that has to be so hard on you both just knowing that each of your are going through this and can't help each other.

    Mary, I hope each day you feel better and better. 

    michele, glad you had a good day, eventhough you had a tx.  Maybe the SEs wont be too bad this time. 

    jaclyn, sorry to hear that you have to go through this with the other breast.  I  know that if I ever have to face it again, I would do the same as you.  My prayers and thoughts are with you.

    Anita, so sorry you are feeling under the weather today.  Hoping tomorrow will be better for you.

    It is so cold in Texas, we are not getting the snow, but it is not suppose to get out of the 20 tomorrow.  We are just not use to this.  I go to the rad onc tomorrow for my consult.  I am ready to get rads started.

    Good luck to everyone who is having a tx this week. 

    Juannelle

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2010

    Jaclyn I am so sorry to hear that news. It's awful. Thank goodness your treatment team is working on it FAST. I wish you the best possible outcome. And I shed a few tears for your pain.

    Mary - finished #5 today- altho because I cried about side effects to onc they reduced the taxol from 80 something to 60 something but it is still effective but w/ hopefully less ses YAY.

    Michelle - hope you are doing ok but if not crying to your onc works pretty good!

    Love to you all, Valerie 

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited January 2010

    Jaclyn - what stinky news.  I, too, am glad your doc is jumping right in and not taking chances with this.  Although I only had a lumpectomy, sometimes I wonder if I should have just done the whole thing; then I wouldn't have to worry as much. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is your solution and that surgery goes well.

     On the bright side, you can now get the t-shirt that says "No they're not real. But they're still spectacular" Laughing

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited January 2010

    Hi All!

    Just popping in to catch up on all the posts and say hi!

    I'm still in a bit of a brain fog from my last chemo 12/29 and I can't shake the fatigue.

    My eyes are so dry and sore and without eyelashes I'm constantly wiping crud out of them. 

    My arms are stiff and sore too as well as upper shoulders - I think that might be from not using them.  Does muscle atrophy hurt?

    No bone pain from the neupogen but I do the Clariton every morning before my shot.

    Michele - I wonder why my SEs on FEC are growing cumulative and your don't seem to be having any issues?  Could we be on different doses?  Throwing up the first night is now becoming routine!

    Jaclyn - I'm sorry to hear that you have had a "set back" but I agree - take them both off and get on with it! 

    Alicia & Suz - love the new photos!

    Everyone else - keep focused and stay on track!  Soon we will all be done with chemo!

    Well that's all I can type for now - it's 8:30 and my bed is calling me.

    Night night...

    Marie

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited January 2010

    HI GALS

    VAL

    Yep the tears sure do work ah especially on the men  .Be strong and positive and happy if that doesn't work reach for the drugs

    SUZ45

    Life can be tough at times ah big hugs to you and I'm sad to hear about your mum shell pull through all right

    JACKIE

    Wow , shit ah yep i reckon to get those buggers of and be done with it lots of prayers to you i know your a very strong lady

    ANITA

    Every day you will get better hang in there were all holding hands together don't forget that

    Well i went to work today wore my wig!!! and i looked sooo hot that every time i looked in the mirror i would get all excited lol, no i had a great day and i didn't think  or talk about cancer at all  finished at 3 then Sam picked me up and we groceries shopped I'm so tired now but its a good tired love to all

    PRINCESS JO JO

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Jojo, glad you had a great day...stay away from those mirrors and reflective surfaces...we don't want our princess getting a big head and not fitting into her beautiful overpriced wig.  What do you do, at work that is?

    Marie, good to see you back...take it easy and talk to your doc. about the vomit thing...there is no reason to have to suffer..that is what my pill pusher says...Oh by the way, I am having a big sale on narcotics after this is done...must make up some income since I have'nt worked since the summer.  Perhaps we could pool our drugs and go on a vacation to Vegas...yah baby..what happens in Vegas stays there don't you know...us bald chicks could really shake things up..

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  • CAtharsis
    CAtharsis Member Posts: 52
    edited January 2010

    After the Taxotere extravasation I went through a rough time with the swelled arm then infection got into my arm and I spent Dec 28th to Jan 1st going in and out of the hospital for antibiotics perfusions. This week, finally, I feel normal, there is still redness on my arm but there is daily improvement and the docs are confident that everything is coming back to normal pretty soon. The funny thing is the SE's from the treatment were not as bad as I was expecting...

    Most important, my last (LAST!!!) treatment scheduled for next Thursday will not be postponed. Next Thursday, the 14th, I'm in for my last Taxotere and then, I will get to the next step, the surgery.

    Jaclyn: Will be thinking of you next Tuesday. As everyone said, it is a good thing that the doctors are swiftly taking action. Hugs.

    Mary: I've had 3 FEC before my 3 Taxotere and I remember throwing up every time the first night... like within the first 12 hours. For me, the first 36 hours were crappy but then it went up and the fatigue was not that bad after 4 days. This is not an easy one.

    Jojo: I never thought I would say that but now I long for getting back to work. When I return, I will also begin with a new employer. When I learned that my fall/winter/spring will be all about fighting the crab, I was just about to begin with them... they are patient and are waiting for me to get better. I miss so much the contact with co-workers, the deadlines, the phone calls with clients, everything. I do realize now how much I love what I was doing. I relate to the "needing to go to work". :)

    Everyone: Let's beat that thing. :)

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited January 2010

    Hi all!

    Just jumping in with a quick note.  No SOOO sick or anything, just tired and mushy feeling (and tasting).  Hot flashes are back in full force.  I'm hoping that will calm down - even just a little! - soon.  I think I'm just going to lay low today, maybe tomorrow.  Watch some movies.  Play some Farmville and Sorority Life (HAHAHA!!)

    Jaclyn - so sorry about your news!  We are all pulling for you!  Sounds like your doctor is on top of it.

    I am so ready to be done with chemo.  And the next surgeries, etc.  I just want to MOVE ON, but I am afraid too.

    Oh, funny note for the day . . . Did I tell you all my hair is coming back?  Not really well, but I have 1/2 inch to 1 inch hairs all over my head.  The problem is that there is about a 1/2 inch space between each hair!! It looks ridiculous!  And I still have that male pattern baldness thing going on so I look like a chia George Jefferson.  Since the hair on the rest of my body really isn't coming back now, I'm not going to worry too much about the head at this time.  Now, if I have to start shaving my legs and attending to other landscape maintenance issues and my head hair still looks like this . . . well let's just say I will COME UNGLUED!!!  Aren't you a hairdresser Miss JOJO?  I need your help!!

    Love to All -

     Laura 

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    I have noticed that my once lovely eyelashes are starting to break off...not fall out...what the hell...now I have stubble eyes..thank god for Cover Girl eyeliner...at least I can fake them in...but I  stopped wearing mascara...to hard to take off...and didn't want to play to much with them..well at least I don't have to shave my legs or do any bush-wacking...besides not a lot of peeking at the bush lately anyhow..

    Good to see you back Catharsis..glad you are on the mend..

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  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2010

    Hello girls,  It sounds like many of us are finding bumps in the road.

    Val - glad doc change your meds...he is a nice guy... I have been fine. For some lucky reason my #4 chemo (Dec 30) went well. I think someone was watching over me. Instead of dealing with chemo se, my family and I had to put my father in a nursing home last week. He's only 79 but effects of parkinson's took over his body quickly.

    Jaclyn - so sorry for what you are going through. Prayers will be with you.

    Laura - your new hairs are longer than mine. I have 1/2 inch but who new they would be all white.   I knew I had "roots" before chemo but the whole head was not all white.  I am hoping this is not my new color.  (I know this is not the biggest problem in my life but what a shock)

    Michelle and MarieK - I am in your boat with the eyelash thing - I can count how many drop each day!!

    best wishes for a good weekend, Jean

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited January 2010

    Just dropped by to say hello and that I am thinking of all you girls that are still getting treatment.  Stay strong and it will not be long until you are finished.

    I never lost all my lashes, I have just been real careful taking off makeup.

    I start radiation on 1/20, am ready to get to the next stage.

    Hugs to everyone.

    Juannelle

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited January 2010

    Hi All!

    Just wanted to comment on the eyelashes - mine are pretty much ALL GONE!  I had my DD (16) glue on falsies today and they look pretty good.

    Kind of look like this now:

    LOL! Just kidding!

    Laura I noticed just this morning that my hair is growing too - just on my head though.  It's very wispy looking and without colour.  There is a touch of colour on the ends - a mix of white, gray and black - but the new growth seems to be clear or very light and peach fuzzy.

    Not sure what to make of this?

    Maybe it will come in like this:

    Wouldn't that be something!

    Hugs to all!

    Marie

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited January 2010

    MICHELE

    I'm a hairdresser so we Carnot live without mirrors ,hair or no hair , and just in case of swelling Ive got an adjustable crown.

    I'm up for Vegas Ive got heaps to donate, YAH baby lets go!!!

    CA THARSIS

    Yeah your last TXs coming up ,have a glass of wine ,I'm doing FEC as well and all i can say is F#@K  FEC ,work, yes we do take things for granted the rut of life  is sometimes the most important part to life.

    LAURA

    Ive got the same problem i just keep on shaving mine cause if i let it grow i might look like a smurf.

    MARIE K

    How funny is that photo i look like that but a puffier version when i go out topless ,OH no ,Undecided and if you come back looking like Beckham ill turn gay just for you honey.

    HANG IN THERE GIRLS NEARLY FINISHED

    PRINCESS JOJO

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited January 2010

    LOL JoJo, I love the way you breeze in at our end of day in the US, to cheer everyone up.

    Just came across this quote from Goethe:

    Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that these branches would turn green again and blossom? But we hope it, we know it.

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2010

    Hair... from my first experience.. came in pure white, almost clear and very very fine at first. The avatar pic is from june 08, I started that chemo early dec 07. That time my hair started growing back as soon as I finished AC and started paclitaxol, I lost every hair on my body including my eyelashes and eyebrows (that was the worst.) The nether hair was the first to go ;-)

    In the pic my hair was very short still and different shades of grey, right after that it turned into crazy curls and I let it grow until right before chemo this time around. The curls were just on the ends at that point and when it was cut was back to my normal a bit wavy hair.

    This time Im done chemo and have about 30 bits of fuzz on my head all scattered with inches in between, my eyebrows and eyelashes are still sorta hanging on. They are thinner but never really came back 100%. Legs and nether regions are smooth as a babys bottom (wish that would stay)

    But anyway hair coming in like clear or like white duck down is really common, its chemo hair and we will all be in for a few changes and surprises as we get towards the end of chemo and onto our next steps, whatever they may be. Hugs Suz

     ps. Mary that last smiley can be put in place please when you feel betterKiss

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010
    Mary, I just noticed I need a smily face...please.Smile
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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2010

    Hi everyone, sorry I've been MIA, but I needed to feel sorry for myself for just a day or two.  I'm feeling a little more like myself today, even though I had to get my Neulasta shot, I didn't cry.  I still hate all this stuff, but feel more able to handle it, at least for today.

    Had to catch up on reading (we are quite the prolific bunch!), so I just want to send out good vibes to all of my sisters - we are all dealing with a lot of crap, but we just keep on truckin'!  Smokey's not gonna catch us, cause we're all looking out for each other.  :)

    Now if I could just get my DH to stop snoring...

    Peace to all... 

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited January 2010

    jojo, you could never be a smurf.  You are too beautiful and you are a princess.  Glad you are getting to work some, I know it makes you feel better.

    suz, I guess we are all curious to see how our hair will come back.  My hair was very thick, wiry and I was  about 50% gray.  I wouldn't mind if it comes back in all gray.  Maybe it wont be too long before I will start seeing some growth, all I care about now is that it comes back.

    Juannelle

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Marie liking that doll !! She is a cutie (like you)

    Juanelle ~ hope rads is starting off smoothly for you and it goes by quickly ! 

    MY last AC was 12/14, first Taxol 12/28 ~ and I have not much... but a bit of hairs growing.  It is growing in like I have male patterned baldness in the front.  Those hairs aren't growing in yet.  But the sides and the very top have short faint new hair growth.  Hope it doesn't fall out with the rest of my Taxol.  I have chemo again Monday ~ ugh ! HATE IT ! But I will be that much closer to done.

    Suz45 ~ thanks for the hair tips.  I am sure my 40 something facial hair will be the first to grow back in full force.  :)

    Shelby ~ Glad to hear from you, sorry you are not feeling so good.  NEULASTA YUCK ~ I will have mine Tuesday and feel like I got hit by a truck by Thursday.  Hang in there.

    To everyone ~ wishing you a wonderful weekend.

    :)
    Alicia

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