November 2009-Starting Chemo

Options
1…3536384041…148

Comments

  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2009

    I gave myself my 6th Neupogen injection today - and for the first time - I am having really bad pain in my hips, legs and back. I drove my son to his hockey practice, and when I got out of the car I almost collapsed under the pain. Sitting in a freezing cold arena for an hour didn't help matters either. Right now I'm wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot water bottle, and I'm feeling much better. Isn't it odd that I would only start getting pain after 6 doses? Just when I think I've got it all figured out, something goes and changes on me.

    Melinda - how did they find the tumor on the subpectoral lymph node? Was it during surgery or on a mammogram? My paranoia has set in  - and now I'm wondering if my surgeon looked. 

    Nette - thanks for thinking of me... but my next treatment (#3) isn't until Jan 6th. Everything moved up a week when I had to wait for my WBC count to get back to normal.

    Psalm - I'm thinking good thoughts for you MIL. I hope everything goes well.

    Cathy - Wow - that must have been scary! I hope they figure out the meds so that doesn't happen again. I'm with Michele, maybe you shouldn't be alone for a while.

     Toya - how in the heck does a port "flip"? Mine seems so incredibly stuck in there, I can't imagine it moving at all, much less flipping!  Good luck with getting it back into position.

    Take care ladies! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited December 2009

    Mabelle:  Subpectoral lymph node showed up in PET scan when they were checking for mets.

    Cathy: glad you are Ok

    Hope everyone is doing well, I am on day three post AC #3 so I feel like dog doo. But at least it is predictable dog doo. Both kids are snotty and congested, keeping fingers crossed it is nothing worse than just the snots.   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • doronet
    doronet Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2009

    mabelle: I never got the Neupogen pain until my 8th injection during both of  the two rounds I had of the shots. When I changed to the one-shot Neulasta, I had no pain with the first injection and two days of pain with the last one that was in my rt. upper thigh and hip, and Tylenol took care of it. (BTW:  thanks for addressing everyone's issue above, because your posting kept me from having to go back a page to respond to all the postings I wanted to respond to!  You said everything I wanted to!)

     Cathy!  OMGosh!!  so glad DH was home!!  Hopefully you won't have to deal with it again.  Scary!

    Toyah:  my worst fear with this stupid port has been that it would move or flip.  Sorry to hear it happened to you.  Let us know what they did to right it.

    Psalm21:  I'll keep your MIL in my prayers as she recovers. Hopefully today was a success. She's in good hands with Him.

    Alicia:  Sorry to hear you're having the shooting pain in your leg.  Hopefully it is very temporary.  No tears for me, just dry.  Go figure.  I've had calf, foot, and toe cramps almost every night since all the chemo started.  Chem nurse said it's because of drinking so much and washing away all the potassium.  To eat more bananas.

    Everyone have a good night, if it's night where you are.  Laughing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2009

    I, too, had foot cramps.  My husband read that I should try using a bar of soap.  So, we bought a bar of soap and put it under the covers at the foot of my side of the bed.  VIOLA!  No more cramps!  My best friend is a pharmacist and says this "cure" has been around for a long, long time...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Psalm121
    Psalm121 Member Posts: 238
    edited December 2009

    Great News!  My MIL had successful surgery, surgeon was able to get all of ca in lung and margins are clear.  She is on a ventilator for a while, DH hasn't got to see her yet, but surgeon was very pleased with how well she did.  Thanks so much, Warrior Friends, for the prayers and support. 

    You ladies have all had a rough few days!!  I pray that everyone has a good night's rest and feels muuuuch better tomorrow.  I am exhausted from the day of waiting for news....off to bed myself. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2009

    Melinda - Are PET scans standard procedure in the US? I'd never heard of it until this forum, and I only just looked it up when I read your post. It sounds like its an amazing tool for diagnosis and treatment plans.

    Sherri - I've heard the bar of soap story and thought it was a joke... I'll try it now!

    Psalm - so glad to hear everything went well.

    Nette - glad to hear I'm not alone with the weird neupagen pain. thanks for easing my mind.

    goodnight all! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited December 2009

    Psalm glad to hear your MIL is doing well.

    Mabelle: Not sure how standard PET scans are, I am glad it is available, though. It may have been ordered to see if I was eligable to participate in the study trial they want me in.

    SLV: Cool news about the bar of soap, I have never heard that one before!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2009
    wishing all my bc sisters the very best for 2010. we are on the countdown to midnight here in Bangkok (4 hours to go) but the bigger countdown is for Sunday when i am scheduled to get chemo 4 as long as iam fit.

    hope 2010 brings the best possible for you all

    hugs

    philippa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited December 2009

    Psalm, glad to hear your MIL is doing ok.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2009

    Good Day Warriors,

    The year 2009 is 12 hours from being over. I wasn't going to post until Monday after my vaca, but I wanted to wish all a Happy 2010. To all sisters getting TX, I pray little to no side effects!

    I have cried since yesterday, dreading this TX. I just watched the"Red Devil" go into me as I now await the FU-5, then the Cytoxan. Today I got the biggest New Years Cocktail ever. I learned today that I will only be getting 6 TX's, not 8! So I am happy about that!

    Tonight I will sit in my brand NEW in home Jacuzzie tub and sip some Champagne at midnight to bring in the New Year. My DH has worked really hard remodeling my 2nd bathroom getting it ready for me by the New Years.

    Knowing the New Year is upon us and that spring is getting oh so close!!!!!

    Happy New Year's Eve

    ((((((((((Warrior Hugs))))))))))

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited December 2009

    Happy New Years to everyone...be safe.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2009

    HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!  I hope 2010 will be healthy and wonderful for you all!

    Turns out I was wrong (what??) but my port didn't flip, it was leaning towards the left getting ready to flip but the doctor was able to massage it back to where it was supposed to be.  So no pain and I'm done with chemo hopefully forever!  I made an appointment to get my port out asap but then was told that I would need hydration during rads so to leave it in until all my tx was completed.  Shit, I really wanted that sucker out of my body and that was the first time I had heard anything about hydration during rads.  I'm going to get on the radiation threads and see whats up with that.

    ((((HUGS)))) to all

    ~Toyah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mouse6694
    Mouse6694 Member Posts: 88
    edited December 2009

    Wishing everyone a HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR IN 2010. Been in bed all day with heating pad that Taxol bone pain ain't no joke hope I can stay up till midnight.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited December 2009

    Mouse, sorry you are going through that...I was there two weeks ago...big hugs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Toyah ~ congrats on your last chemo.  I hope your SE's stay AWAY!!!

    Mouse ~ I am with you on the bone pain.  I feel awful.  Shooting pains from my stomach down.  I feel like I am in labor.  Almost passed out today had a spell in the bathroom turned white as a ghost, drank some oj and talked myself out of it.  I will be asleep before midnight unless this pain keeps me up. 

    Happy New Year Girls.  Hoping 2010 is a better year for everyone !!!

    Hugs ~

    Alicia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sueinfl
    sueinfl Member Posts: 258
    edited January 2010

    Sorry for not posting with my fellow Nov Chemo Warriors. Just plain overwhelmed with researching surgical options coming up after the chemo, radiation, etc. I am doing my best not to think about #4 TAC coming up on Monday. I can't complain because the SE's are not too bad and come and go pretty much. It's just days 3-6 when my stomach starts to cramp and sends me into the fetal position...even as I type this! All my worse emotions/fears are so amplified. I think I am going to ask for something stronger than Ativan for just that short period. After that, the climb up is fairly steady.

    BUT! for the next three days, I will practice that good old standby called DENIAL! Wink  Chemo? What chemo?

    Here's wishing everyone the happiest, healthiest New Year possible!

    Peace,

    Sue

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Alicia, I am sending you giant sized hugs today...I was there two weeks ago...

    I have my next Taxotere on Thursday and my DH is away...my cousin will go with me I hope...if not I guess I wing it my self..This is the first time my DH has missed a treatment and I am a bit scared of the days after...the intense bone pain, dry mouth,and all the other shit that goes along..at least my kids will be in school and can take care of themselves when they are here.  Plus must find someone to give me my shot for a couple of days...yuck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Michele ~ I hope your cousin goes with you.  You definately cannot go it alone.  This pain is awful. Thank god I have a few pain pills left over.  They help at least a little bit.  I just sent hubby out to get me donuts, that should make me feel better.  LOL  My next one I get the Neulasta shot after ~ I can only imagine how bad the pain will be then.  OH boy!  3 more to go.  Chemo really sucks.  I hope you are having some good days now before Thursday. 

    Sue ~ I always get pissed off the days before chemo.  You finally are feeling better and then bam we have to get shot back down !  Hang in there ~

    Hugs girls !

    Alicia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Alicia, yes she will go with me...my PICC nurse said that if I can't find someone to shoot me up, on e of them will come.  Yah.

    Up until now the three weeks between treatments have gone at a slow pace...now it feels like it is flying fast...sucky since I just started to feel good, yet good in that these next 4 weeks should fly by fast...right.  I think I will start a big count down...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sueinfl
    sueinfl Member Posts: 258
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Alicia. I am so sorry your pain has been so bad. The level of taxotere I have been getting apparently hasn't been the worse they can give. The stabs of pain have been fairly intermittent and my onc is generous with vicodin. I have no idea if it really helps, but I have taken Clariton for 3 or 4 days the day of and after getting my Neulasta shot and have had only one horrible episode from it. I have no idea whether pushing myself to get out and walk as much as possible has helped or not, but it seems to accelerate recovery. (When I say walk, the day after chemo I manage a whole quarter mile and work my way back to 2-3 miles over the next three weeks.)

    You have more fight than I do. I don't make it to anger. I just cry at a drop of hat the days before. I really have to work up more gumption!

    Good luck on Thursday, Michele. I know the American Cancer Society has a ride program. Do you have anything like that up there?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mouse6694
    Mouse6694 Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2010

    The Taxol and the new year brought me a gift, my period havent had one in 3 months and this one is a doosey.  Still having lots of bone pain dont know which I prefer nausea or this bone pain. I will hope it passes soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Michele ~ love the new pic !! Your daughter is adorable ~ (like her mom)

    Sue ~ yes I take the Claritin after Neulasta shot too.  Not sure if it helps either but I take it.  I was going for the walks when the first 2 or 3 chemos.  Then I switched to a recumbent bike as it got too cold here.  NOW I lay like a vegetable.  Just the flight of stairs winds me.  I can't wait till this is over and I can get back to exercising.  I have never felt so unfit in my life !!!  And of course I eat whatever I want, it is the least I can do for myself. 

    Mouse ~ I am with you I am not sure what is worse the nausea from the AC or this pain from the Taxol.  I am day 5 today and feeling a bit better, also taking vicoden though.  Hope you feel better.  And I so far am the opposite, had my period the whole time with the AC so far none this month with my first taxol. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2010

    Hi Girls,

     We're back from the beach!!! Not looking forward to the 3rd treatment this Wednesday. I have been enjoying tasting my food while I had the break.My feet swelled up in the last week or so but that seems to be going now, I hope. Sore knees are still killing me, so I wasn't able to make it down to the beach. I just enjoyed the view of the ocean and the breeze and did cross stitch and read a lot.

    My hair is definitely growing - I'll need a new buzz cut soon.

    Hope you all had a wonderful Xmas and New Year.

    Sue

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010

    Hi ladies, Hope everyone is doing well, progressing along with cell death and making new, fresh stuff.

    I did AC #3 last week. Knocked me on my ass as per routine, got to have a period at the same time, lovely. But, having a period always makes my bowels more active, so that was nice to not have the constipation.

    It is so cold in my area, I haven't left the house in days, full hibernation mode. I am going to have to go out and restock the kitchen today.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited January 2010

    Happy New Year Everyone! I am finally starting to feel human. I'm glad to be done with AC, but it seems the further I went, the harder it was to knock the side effects. Smells are making me sicker than a dog. I can't stand to pee cause the smell makes me gag. My head won't stop throbbing, but at least I'm sleeping ok.

    Got my new schedule. I had an echo on the 31st. I go for a breast MRI on Monday, see the dr on Tuesday and start my next round of chemo on Jan 13. TH*12. Have to see my dentist in February and then start Zometa for my bones. Got kind of bummed when I found out that I'll be taking that for years. He said I start 1 every 2 months...1 every 3 months...1 every 6 months and on and on and on. I guess I just need to treat this like a chronic disease, but I didn't expect this. I'm getting overwhelmed!!!!! This wasn't what I had planned. The one bright side to everything is that the dr. said my tumor has shrunk by a third!

    I've never heard of a port flipping. My surgeon told me that she tacked mine down onto the pec muscle. She said it shouldn't move.

    My weight has been fluctuating like crazy. One week I lose 6 lbs, the next I gain 5 lbs. I stay right around where I was pre cancer.

    It's too cold to do anything. I think I'll just take a drive. OH, I can't...too medicated. CRAP...I miss driving. I miss the way things used to be. Cry ARGH!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mouse6694
    Mouse6694 Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2010

    I am feeling overwhelmed with this pain nothing is touching it, I have taken every pain pill I have, my legs feel like they are gonna fall out from under me. Took a hot bath and felt good while in there but back to same once out. To top it off all this stuff goes through my head like there is something else wrong and this isnt normal, but Alicia is having same pain so I guess its normal. Just wanting my spring to get here sooner.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cat60
    cat60 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2010

    Happy New Year !!

    Hi Linda,  I feel like you do after my last A/C TX....The chemical smells and my taste buds are horrible this time....on top of my passing out the day after TX and going to ER....my head feels ok, a bit dizzy when move fast...My husband is awesome, got groceries , made food for NYE and yesterday, helping me put Christmas Decorations down........I know how you feel for sure...I hope in a few days I will feel like myself again.Going to go for lunch with some girlfriends , I need to get out and quit thinking about whats next....ARGH !!

    I go for preop stuff on Wednesday....Mastecomy on 12th......then will start on Taxol..My Oncologist seems to think SE are easier than A/C,  I hope so...also will be doing Herceptin for year.......

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Mouse ~ I too had a funny head feeling.  After my bath on Thursday I almost passed out.  Turned white as a ghost and felt faint.  I had some orange juice and that seemed to perk me up.  Maybe it is low wbc as I didn't get the Neulasta with this one as my blood count was high before chemo so they thought I would be ok.  I know the pain you are feeling.  It was shooting and unbearable.  I actually laid and cried I felt so awful.  But I will tell you today is day 6 and I feel pretty normal.  So I hope for the same for you.  Gentle hugs ~

    Cafe ~ so sorry for you being so sad and overwhelmed.  Normal for all you are having to endure.  BUT you can do it.  WE are here for you.  My friends mom has been living with bone mets for 9 years.  She is still doing all kinds of treatments but does have many good days.  And she had a miracle she was Her - and just had it change to Her + so that has opened up more treatments for her.  You are in my prayers as all the girls and I know you will kick this cancers ass.  Try to remember as hard as it is some days a positive attitude will carry us a long way my friend.

    Melinda ~ Hope you are feeling better.  I too was blessed with my period after each AC~  ugh !  But so far this taxol nothing.  WOO hoo something good.  Hope you are getting some rest and energy back soon. 

    I am still exhausted but feeling better.  Enjoying a snowy day, buffalo wings in the oven, and watching Bridezilla's on WE what a bunch of bi*&ches !  :) 

    Healing hugs my dear friends.

    Alicia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010

    cafelovr: Great news on tumor shrinkage! I winced when you said the surgeon taked your port to your pec, visions of staple guns dancing in my head. Chronic disease, that is a sucky thought isn't it, it isn't going to over, this is a lifestyle now.

    mouse; hug from a distance, you sound like you feel too bad to hug, I am so sorry you are having this much pain. comfy nap thoughts coming your way.

    cathy; have fun with your girlfriends and tell hubby I think he is the bomb, he sounds great and very helpful.

    Alicia; is the taxol better? please say it is better? stay warm and snuggly.

    I am going to brave the cold and get out of the house, friends invited me over for a steak dinner which is what I was craving last night. So I am going to have a big slab of beef and see if I feel better.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010

    Getting ready to go out and realize a chunk of eyelashes is missing.

    You know the Michael Jackon Thriller video? Does anyone else feel like the undead, waking up to see what body part is oozing or falling off today?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories