Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited January 2010

    One-L,

    I take 5,000 IU D3 daily. It is available OTC.

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited January 2010

    WTH!!! Today I woke up with a rash on my face.  Little papules and red streaks.  This, of course, makes me extremely stressed and anxious.  I have suffered from rosacea and cystic acne over the years, but have been clear for a year.  I do a quick internet search only to discover that, yes, this is a "less common" side effect of chemo.  THANK YOU AGAIN, CANCER!

    I got a facial this afternoon.  Hopefully that will help nip this is the bud.  I have a dermalux lamp that I am going to sit under.  If this is not better by morning, I am going back on antibiotics.  I cannot take another round of cysts right now.  It was so bad at one point my doctor was doing weekly cortizone injections in my face.

    This is worse than my almost 20 lb weight gain.  OK, its not THAT bad . . . yet.  But I am so stressed out about it, I am hot flashing about double my already too numerous to count rate.  I'm sure that will contribute to the spread of this rash.

    SERIOUSLY I AM GOING TO DRINK AND EAT A LOT OF KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN RIGHT NOW.

    Oh how I hope you ladies are having a better day than me!!

    Laura 

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  • RaiderDee
    RaiderDee Member Posts: 150
    edited January 2010

    Hi Ladies!  Just getting ready for my first round  (of 4)  taxatere tomorrow.  I'm hoping it goes well but I am always a little nervous about starting anything new on this sucky journey.  I tolerated the AC just fine so hopefully this will go ok too.  Good luck and no SE's for everyone in treatment this week.  I just want to feel good enough to enjoy watching football this weekend.  I'm gonna be so depressed when football season is over!  Hang tough my chemo sisters and congratulations to everyone who is done or about to be done.

    Dee

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

    Laura, sorry you are stressing out.  I didn't have anything like that when I was in treatment.  I hope it clears up fast and doesn't cause you any more trouble.  You have enough to worry about without that too.

    Dee, good luck with your tx.  I just finished TC x4.  You can do this, it is not always easy, but you can do it.  Stay strong and I hope you get to enjoy the weekend.

    Juannelle

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

    Onty, I will look for the 5000iu D3 this week when I go to the store.  Thanks for the update.  I did go out to the Vit d thread and haven't read all of it yet, but have a good start.  Lots of information.

    Thanks again.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited January 2010

    Wow look at the top, all those smileys sure make me feel good!

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

    Dee, good luck tomorrow...kick chemo butt.

    Laura, that does sound like a sucky day...I have a feeling tomorrow will be better..sign me up for some KFC...mind you it would make me gag...and i most likely would only eat a bit or two...whaaa to taste buds. That is the sound of me crying..

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  • jsmiley60
    jsmiley60 Member Posts: 204
    edited January 2010

    I just found this site today....wish I would have found it sooner!! I started chemo 10/22/09 - 4x a/c, which I completed 12/28/09. Next week, 1/19/10 I start 12 weekly treatments of Taxol.

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

    Welcome Jeanne: I hope you find the site as useful as the rest of us do. Feel free to cry, whine, laugh or wherever the mood of the day takes you. I added you to the OP so you can watch yourself striking off those weeks of Taxol. 12 more weeks of treatment must seem daunting at this stage.

    Good luck tomorrow Dee and CAtharsis! 

    Laura: so sorry to hear about the face rash. I would be very upset over that too. At least we can cover up our bald heads with our wigs and hats, but it's hard to hide a rash. Try drinking lots of water to flush out any toxins. I'd stay away from the KFC, but I'm sure you don't want to hear that.

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited January 2010

    Hi All!

    Laura - I developed a face rash at one point early on in treatment and had to switch my moisturizer.  I was feeling dry and was using Clinique but it was too rich and I had to switch to something lighter.

    Vit D - I buy the OTC Vit D3 in 1000 iu pills and take 3-4 nightly. 

    Drinking - I hate the taste of water but was forcing myself to drink lots of it day before and 3 days after chemo.  Now I just cannot do that and have switched to Gatorade.

    Tastebuds - I like my food salty and tasty now.  I used to be a bit of a chocoholic but now can't stand the stuff (not a bad thing I guess).  Yesterday I had McDonalds for lunch for the first time in years and I was so sick all afternoon and developed a migraine in the evening.  It tasted good but not that good and I'll be avoiding it in the future!  I hate those nausea inducing migraines!

    Weight gain - I think that I have gained at least 15 pounds during this "journey".  I attribute it to the steroids, water retention (from all the salt I've been eating) and binge eating (because of depression and overeating when I can eat).

    I'm considering converting my garage into a home gym and getting myself into shape when I'm done all my TX.  The only trouble is it puts me closer to my pantry and freezer and the tempation to snack might be too much!

    Good luck to those of you going in for TX this week and to those suffering SEs.

    Hugs to all!

    Marie

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2010

    Good morning everyone!  Hope today is a better day.  

    My new job is kicking my ass - only 15 hours a week, but it's killing me.  I had to call in on Tuesday already, and I'm considering calling in today, because I'm so freakin' exhausted.  I don't know if I can continue at this rate.  How will I make it through today?  I still don't know how people work full time during chemo, they must have superbodies.  I was crying about it last night.  I think I've cried more since chemo started than I have in the last two years!  I was also upset thinking about the trip to Italy, and the fact that I'll still be mostly bald and I don't want all my pictures to be of me in scarves or wigs or bald!  I don't want any reminders.  I think we'll postpone the trip until the fall, when I should have a little more hair.  Is that silly, to postpone a trip because of my hair?  I don't know, but it's the only way I'll feel better about it.  Ugh.  like Laura said, THANKS CANCER!  I don't need any more gifts from you right now.  Or ever, for that matter.

    Sorry to whine, I'm just in a whiny mood.  Hope those of you with tx this week have those ever-elusive minimal s/e's.

    Peace to all... 

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2010
    Hi Shelby - I can't work on any thing but stuff I can do from home also- please do not judge yourself for that or you will have to take me w/ you b/c this sh-t is kicking my a$$ as well, everything hurts, walking upstairs is exhausting and my equillibrium is off. My eyes were twitching so much yesterday I had trouble w/ TV. (So I do not go any office either,) Then I remembered I had not taken Neurontin b/c it makes me dizzy but i cut dose down - took it for last 2 dys and somewhat better. This, I have decided is an exercise in acceptance and somehow it is an important (yet absolutely SUCKY) life lesson. Do not worry about Italy now- just one day, one moment at a time - I'm with ya (by the way don't you hate those fitness commercials where everyone is in the peak of health?-Ugh).
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  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2010

    Good morning,

       just reading through posts this a.m. because I called in sick today. I have been working on and off (nursery school teacher)  but I find 4 days in a row too much for me.  Working through treatment is a challenge.

     Val I can't believe you mentioned eye twitches.  I have had a twitich in my eyelid and in the palm of my hand. At first I thought it must be a side effect then I thought I was being crazy to blame everything on chemo.  What is the chance we both have it and it is not a se.!!!!  This chemo thing takes over everything I guess!

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

    good morning ladies....I hear you ladies about being tired...chemo can kick your ass...I couldn't imagine working right now...Shelby, does your job know about your cancer?  If so then they must understand your calling-in.  Take the time that you  need, listen to your body...you need time to heal and get strong..I hear also, that Italy is beautiful in the fall..perhaps you can get in on some good wine tasting then...don't they harvest at that time?  Not being a wine drinker, I don't know for sure.

    Welcome Jeanne, you will love this place.  The ladies are great and have big shoulders to cry on, whine to and laugh with...WE ROCK.

    Marie, I love your idea of a gym in the garage...can I join..

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  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited January 2010

    hi girls

    i am glad to be back home (Myanmar) but connectivity is very poor here so not much online time.  I am right inthe middle now between cycles and dreading the TX which starts on 24 january so back to bangkok for that - HELP!

    Anyway - I just wanted to share this with you all - I had some fun putting this together tonight.

    On the first day of chemo these delights came to me

    The most scary, bright pink pee

    On the second day of chemo these delights came to me

    Total exhaustion and some more scary bright pink pee

    On the third day of chemo, these delights came to me

    A very queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the fourth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Very fuzzy head, one queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the fifth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    A foul tasting mouth, very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the sixth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth

    very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the seventh day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Clumps of hair a falling, dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth

    very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the eighth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Skin nerves a jangling, clumps of hair a falling, dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth

    very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the ninth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Needless tears a falling, skin nerves a jangling, clumps of hair a falling, dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth, very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the tenth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Clumsiness and stumbling, needless tears a falling, skin nerves a jangling, clumps of hair a falling, dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth, very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the eleventh day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Grumpy bad temper, clumsiness and stumbling, needless tears a falling, skin nerves a jangling, clumps of hair a falling, dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth, very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    On the twelfth day of chemo, these delights came to me

    Blood counts a dropping, grumpy bad temper, clumsiness and stumbling, needless tears a falling, skin nerves a jangling, clumps of hair a falling, dreadful constipation, foul tasting mouth, very fuzzy head, queasy tum, total exhaustion, but no more funny pink pee

    love and hugs to you all

    philippa

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

    Philippa: LOL, couldn't help but hum along as I read it. Wishing that the 12 days of chemo could become a distant memory soon for all of us. I think you are starting Taxol with your next treatment (Jan 24) so it should be easier on you than the AC. At least you'll be able to say goodbye to the pink pee.

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  • Sunshine1958
    Sunshine1958 Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2010

    micheleboots, I agree with you 100%.  I would rather do FEC all over again than do Taxotere.  I can't believe my own oncologist said to me "Oh, Taxotere will be a breeze for you after FEC"!!

    I had my first tx last Wednesday, the 6th, and it has been pure hell ever since.  Extreme fatigue and body aches that have yet to subside, terrible headaches, thrush, earaches, godawful mouth sores that make it almost impossible to eat or drink, and some weird rashes on different parts of my body (the rashes look like what you might get if you fell on the pavement and scraped your skin on the cement).

    Anyway, I haven't been able to get in to see my doctor until this afternoon (it's almost an hour away and my hubby will have to drive me), and I think when I get there I am just going to sob and sob because this has been one of the worst weeks of my life!  Surely there is some kind of antiobiotics she can give me to help with the thrush and mouth sores, isn't there?  And I hope she has my blood checked because with the continued fatigue I've been having something just doesn't seem right. 

    I feel like such a baby for whining, but I never expected it to be THIS bad, and I'm so tired of feeling like this.  I just want some relief!!  Thank GOD I went on full time leave as of last week.

    Anyway, thanks for listening.  I knew all of you would understand more than anyone else.

    (How do I change my diagnosis and add more details?  It is completely different from what I originally typed last summer).

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

    HI girls, HUBBY's tests shows no tumors.  Just some bowel inflammation.  May need more tests, we see the dr next week to recheck his blood levels.  THANKS for all of your prayers.

    Feeling not as bad as I did last Taxol.  (Had #2 Monday)  Hanging in there.  Hope everyone else is doing good.

    Hugs ~

    Alicia

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

    Philippa, I love your song...it was great...gave me a laugh for the day.

    Sunsine I am with you, it was hell...you can get something for the mouth sores, or at least that is what I was told...I do the club soda rinse and that helps...you can also get something for the thrush..I had it and was put on meds...

    Alicia, good news about the hubby..breath easy on that one,..by the time he is done all his tests you will be done.  my dh is waiting on tests done a while back that landed him in the ER one night..We are focusing on one thing at a time..

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2010

    Phillippa, GREAT SONG!!  And all of it, so true!  

    Alicia, I'm glad for your hubby's good news!  And michele, hope your hubby's tests turn out good as well.  

    Sunshine, there are a couple of things that can help with mouth sores.  There is a mouthwash that the pharmacy can compound for you, called "pink magic", that basically numbs your mouth so you can eat.  I didn't like that stuff too much, the flavor made me gag.  So, my doc gave me an artificial saliva to use, I can't remember the name, but it worked much better for me.

    I decided to postpone the grad assistant position until the fall.  I felt like it would be too hard for me to focus on my family and on school if I was so freakin' tired all the time.  The head of the program was totally cool about it, and was completely understanding, thank goodness.  That's a load off my mind.

    Well, it's time to get ready for class!  At least I didn't have to spend the whole day there.  I'd be totally beat otherwise - I'm tired enough as it is!  TIRED OF BEING TIRED.

    Peace to all... 

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2010

    Great song Phillipa! It says it all in one place!

    Plain old mouthwashing w/ salt and warm water gets rid of mouthsores for me w/in 24 hrs-don't know if u tried it. Nurse said do it everytime I pee and its preventative- works out. 

    Peace to all-Valerie 

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  • CAtharsis
    CAtharsis Member Posts: 52
    edited January 2010

    No treatment for me today but still it is over, the last Taxotere is cancelled. I developed an allergy to the Taxotere. I can earn my last smiley since I'm through.

    Today, my doctor discussed the POSSIBILITY of having post surgery chemotherapy before rads. How the hell am I learning this today, the exact date that I think I put chemo behind me? Post surgery chemo will be determined by pathology report on the nodes and tumor that the surgeon will take out. 

    The whole situation gives me mixed feelings: happy to be done (for now), disappointed that I did not finished the initial determined regimen and stressed out for potential post surgery chemotherapy.

    Overall, unproductive day and I feel so bad at the possibility for post op chemo. yark yark yark!

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

    Philippa, I rinse with club soda.  I havn't had any mouth sores..

    Catharsis, I know surgery sucks but at least you have one thing behind you..your body needs to take a break from chemo...if you need it you will have at least had a break..

    Feeling not to bad today...yaahhooo

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  • RaiderDee
    RaiderDee Member Posts: 150
    edited January 2010

    Hi Ladies, I got through my first Taxetere yesterday just fine (so far) !  I did have a little bout of nausea afterward which I found weird because I didn't have any while going through AC.  Oh well, nothing I can't deal with.  I hope everyone else is doing well.  I'm hating the steroids as I'm posting this at 4 in the morning my time and have to get up and go to work in 3 hours.  Hopefully I can get through work today and then rest up this weekend before I crash. 

    Mary, please give me a smiley face for my 5th treatment.  Only three more to go.

    Everyone have a great day and weekend.  Be careful of all of the germs out there.  I've had 2 friends and 2 people at work go down with the flu this week.  It seems to be hitting pretty hard in Arizona right now.  Hubby and I both had our flu shots before I started chemo.  He didn't want to get one but I told him he would have to go live with his mother if he got sick while I'm in treatment.  Sometimes you have to use tough love. lol.  Take care and hang tough.

    Dee  

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited January 2010

    Hi All!

    I had my Rad Onc consultation today.  I'm not really sure what to do - how will you ladies all decide whether to go ahead with the radiation treatment recommended?

    I have one friend who had a similiar diagnosis to me and she decided against radiation and I have another aquaintance who has had several bouts with BC and even had mets to the lungs and she said "do whatever the doctors tell you to do".

    The dr gave me all kinds of stats like if I have radiation it will increase my chance for survival by 10% and lesson the chance for recurrence, but that if my heart gets damaged I'll end up with heart disease and may suffer a heart attack years down the road, also my lungs may get damaged and I might experience problems with that which might not show up until later, also that my ribs could break from radiation damage but then they would heal. 

    Regarding the lungs he said that if I developed a cough I was to go back to see him rather than a dr at a clinic who might just prescribe antibiotics when in fact I would need anti-inflamatories.

    He also talked about the permament effects of the radiation on my skin - discolouring like darkening could be permanent as well as red markings etc.  Not to mention the tattoos - I never imagined that I would get a tattoo and never for this reason!

    He mentioned that there is a slight chance too that the radiation could actually end up giving me cancer - he mentioned chernobel (sp?).  But that might not show up until years later.

    Regarding lymphedema he did say that there is a slight chance that I could develop that and/or the radiation could damage the nerves in my arm which could lead to pain (which would require medication) and limited use or no use to my arm permanently.

    He did not recommend not radiated the underarm area (25 nodes) just to avoid lymphedema.

    He actually told me that if I had a recurrence in my lymph nodes under my arm that it would be untreatable.

    He told me that for treatment I would be on my back (as opposed to doggie style) and that I would have both my chest and underarm radiated.

    It was so much information I was glad that I signed up for the study that was going on which recorded my consultation with him so that I could review it with my husband - as he couldn't make the appt.  I went home with a USB flash drive with the consultation recording.

    Some good news that came out of this appt is that he confirmed my stage (2) and grade (3) and he told me that my tumour was 3.5 cm not 5.8 as the surgeon reported (incision and mastectomy sizes are not added together).

    Also he told me that if I wanted to have implants I could with radiation but that they would adjust my treatment - instead of 3 1/2 weeks high dose radiation I could go 5 1/2 weeks (traditional treatment) with less radiation spread over longer time which would be easier on my skin.

    It is a matter of time and convenience for patients choosing one method over the other.

    As for reconstruction he told me no surgery until 6 weeks out from radiation.

    I thought that was a bit too soon for me but I'm happy that my "new boobs for Christmas" plan make work out after all!  Or maybe at least I'll get the process started.  I'm open to having some reconstruction to even out my breasts.  I definately want my right breast tissue removed and maybe a small implant (B cup).

    Another good thing was that I am going to have a CT Scan before I start.  I was wondering what kind of testing/scans I'd have once I finished my chemo.

    And another good thing is that I can get my family vacation in before I start radiation.  He agreed that I could wait until the beginning of March to start.  Normal start time is 4 weeks after the end of chemo but can be up to 8 weeks later.

    I've changed my ONC appt to the day before my next chemo (it's normally just before my TX) so I will have a chance to speak to him about what the RAD ONC told me today.  Maybe he can advise me on what he has experienced with his other patients?

    BUT I'd really appreciate hearing about how you decided to go ahead with radiation and any thoughts you have on what my oncologist told me today.

    Hugs to all!

    Marie

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2010

    Wow, Marie, that is a lot of info!  I haven't consulted with the rad onc yet, that's on my list of things to do.  I already know that I want to meet with two rad oncs just to compare their recommendations.  I also know that I will be having radiation no matter what (since I had a lumpectomy) but I have questions about how extensive and what areas need to be radiated.  I'm glad you posted this, it reminded me of some things I want to ask the doc.  I say, talk it over with the DH, read up here on the website, and even talk to another rad onc if you're still unsure.  You'll make the right decision for you.

    Peace,

    Shelby 

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

    Marie, so much info...I can't give any great advice...I will be doing the same visit myself soon,

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

    Marie, so much info...I can't give any great advice...I will be doing the same visit myself soon,

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2010

    Jeez Marie did you get the feeling he was trying to talk you out of it or covering his a$$?

    Sounds kind of scary - I have my consult on 1/27 - maybe I can give a more informed opinion then but I also just assumed rads would be a definite as MDs all seemed to talk that way due to lumpectomy. But if its so risky why don't they tell people prior b/c more might opt for a straight mastectomy? I will have to educate myself- Thank you for bringing up these questions and taking time with the post. I appreciate it.

    Be well - Valerie

    PS Happy MLK weekend! 

      

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited January 2010

    HI ALL

    Ill make this short and sweet iv haven't got much go in me at the moment so tired and sick I'm sure you all know the feelings Sam gave me the Neulasta this morning and Ive been taking antihistamine's for the first time so ill see if it minimizes the bone pain i really hope so about the rads i was told by my rads onco that all those side effects cracked ribs ,heart damage ,etc are as low as 1% I'm going ahead with mine as he fully recommended it for lumpectomy and also he is the hottest doc Ive ever seen  lol least Ive still got a bit of stir up in me after chemo

    MARY

    Can you up date my smiley please ONE MORE TO GO SH# T I CARNOT WAIT HATE THIS

    Ill come back soon hopefully feeling the energy to type

    All my love girls hang in there

    JOJO JUST

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