Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

youngmomof3

Went to the Look Good/Feel Better class last night. Turns out that event hough i registered via phone when I went into the room I was not on the list. Fortunately they let me stay and actually there were only 4 people there when 8 had registered, not including me. Anyway a colon cancer survivor ranthe class and she was an interesting person. Very abrasive, bossy about how you should be putting on make-up and when i tell you that this woman reminded me of Flo the waitress from that very old show "Alice" I am not exaggerating. 5 yrs out and she still sports many different wigs and if they are anything like the one she wore last night, it was clearly a wig. One poor woman came in 30 minutes late b/c she got lost and this "teacher" gave her a look that would kill. Told me I was caring for my wig wrong and was not nice in doing so but I was happy to get some free stuff out of the deal so overall not a complete wash of a night.

As for surgery, I have already made up my mind to have a bi-lat mx. I know I would worry obsessively about the good breast if I left it there and figure I'm already going to be in pain so might as well get it over with all at one time. So happy to be feeling like my old self this week.Feeling productive at work and at home and am trying to get everything ready for easter next week since it is a chemo week and I won't be much good over the holiday weekend. 

mslrg: you have had such a difficult time throughout all of this and I am praying that things start to get a little easier for you.

Issymom

11ttybillion - I spoke to my Naturopath today.  She confirmed the site I mentioned is the right site.  She said that licensing law is different from state to state.  The key is to find a Naturopath that went to medical school.  Some state allow some online accredidations to be a Naturopath but they can't prescribe traditional drugs, etc.. 

She also told me to take L-Glutamine (for the 1st 4 days after treatment) for the neuropathy.  She said the powder form is the most effective.  My onc is out of town but I spoke to the nurse.  She didn't think there would be any issue as it is an amino acid.  I did some research on this site and other sites and many doctors recommend it but many think it doesn't help.  I decided to take it this afternoon.  I don't know if it is the Glutamine or something with the chemo but I have a lot more feeling in my fingers (a couple have not changed but my left hand almost feels normal).  I do have a tingling in my feet but nothing too noticeable.  We will see how things are when I wake up tomorrow.  With tx #1, Day 2 my fingers were incredibly sore (stayed that way for 5 days).

Marmalade - When I made the decision to have a bi-lat, once I personally made the decision I "lived" with the it for a few days to see if I was at peace with the decision or if I had any angst with the decision.  I felt very comfortable with the decision and it was easy to tell my surgeon.  After going through chemo, I don't want to do this again.  It may have been easier for me as I am BRCA1+.  Good luck on the decision.  Can you imagine doing this without this site??

stlcardsfan

Hi all,

8 days past # 4 of TCH for me, and back among the land of the living. Seems side effects hit earlier, but go away earlier...

I think all the resting I did on Sunday and Monday afternoon really seemed to help this time. Now if these Chemo HOT flashes would go away, things would be good...

Anyone on TCH still have there eyebrows and eyelashes? I do, as was curious if they would be going. The hair on top of my head, what was left after the shave, is hanging tight to, and actually growing a little. Arm hairs still there, but leg hair gone for the most part.

I think the ice bags are helping my finger nails and toe nails, I keep cutting them short, and they are still growing strong

mslrg

Youngmom, dorry you had Florence Jean Castleberry for your make-up instructor. At lest you got some nice free makeup. I use mine everyday--stuff I probably would not have bought for myself.

I got my biopsy report back--benign! There's some good news.

Anonymous

Finished the last AC on Thursday. Amen!  Fingers crossed taxol will be as the dr said "a walk in the park". Breast MRI this afternoon to see how I responded to AC. I'm hoping that miraculously I'm cured and can go back to my pre cancer life.

paxton

My tire blew out on the way to my CT scan this morning.  The same thing happened on the way to my CT scan in December.  What are the odds?  This is ridiciulous. 

Anyway, energy is slowly coming back but the depression is as well.  I'm not feeling very good about life in general even though its nice and sunny out. 

georgiabirdgirl

MSLRG- B9!  B9!  B9!  That's my happy virtual benign dance for you.  YEAH!

NKRUN- I'm going in for Taxol #2 on Friday.  (Mine is the dose dense)  I have to tell you that for me, Taxol is a walk in the park compared to AC.  I still had 3-4 days of troubling SEs, but now that I'm able to see it all clearly- it was a breeze comparatively.  I'm hoping it's the same for you.  I so don't want to go to the center on Friday, because I have been feeling like my normal old self for a week now and I don't want to do it again. 

Paxton-YIKES!  It always storms on my chemo days, and I have come to appreciate that the weather matches the way I feel about it all.  I'm sorry you have car problems to add to the list of worries, but I'm glad that you can see the depression coming.  It helps to recognize it so that you can tell your doctor and they can try to help.  Have you tried any meds or therapy yet?  You are in my prayers and hoping that the weather plus some good news can start to help make you feel better.  If not, we're here for you too.

mslrg

I thought I was the only one! Whenever I've had an infusion, it's rained. On the days when I've had infusion appointments, but ended up not getting them because of complications, it's been sunny and warm. My next infusion is on Friday and the forecast is for rain, starting tonight.

Paxton, sorry about your tire. I hope it wasn't too scary!

Georgiabirdgirl--good luck with Taxol on Friday--we'll both be in a chemo chair at the same time!

pagowens

HI all,

Thanks for the tips on the Aquaphor and the Balm.  I checked out the Aquaphor at the CVS today and its only listed ingredient is petroleum (41%) it doesn't list the rest of the ingredients.  I looked at Vasoline and its 100% petrolem, so I'm sticking with the vasoline.  My hands are starting to heal - between the vasoline, topical antibiotics and Lubriderm, they're finally getting better.  So, I'm sticking with the routine I've been using altho I appreciate knowing what everyone else is using. I've been taking preventative measures with my feet and they're dry but not cracked.  I've also stopped using the Germ-X -- I think that was really drying out my hands.

I've had my second (of 12) dose of Taxol yesterday and asked the doc about the neuropathy  -- the tingling hands and feet are the major concern and she also told me that they adjust the dosage if the neuropathy becomes a problem.  So, I'm hoping for little to no of this SE because I want to be done asap as well.  I was also hoping for a steroid high today but didn't get it.  I think it's because I am also moderately anemic...8.8 blood count.  They gave me an bag of iron with the infusions yesterday to boost my iron count.  I went out today and bought calf's liver, chicken livers, and liverwurst, dark green leafy veggies (like spinach) and more eggs (egg yolks have iron) and that's what I'll be eating all week - YUMMY!  It just figures that it can't be cured by something like chocolate and red wine.   If I get down to 8 points (severe anemia), they will insist on a blood transfusion and I'm not hoping for that!  Any of you experiencing chemo-induced anema?  If so, what are you doing about it?  My doc won't give me Procrit because she says some research has shown it can work against the chemo and we're going for "curative" - so anything that might impact a cure is out.

Plus she leaked that she thought my research drug was not the placebo because my urines are showing proteins (a sign of Avastin).  That was happy news - as much as I can throw against this cancer to prevent recurrence, the better.  I'll know in 5 more weeks, when they "unveil" my study if I've been getting the Avastin or a placebo.  Avastin causes fatique and anemia as well.  Although quite frankly I can no longer figure out what's coming from where.

I had the lumpectomy and not the mastectomy.  On the one hand I'm glad that I don't have to think about reconstruction that you all have been discussin.  On the other hand, I'm now pretty worried about a recurrence in the other breast and going through all this again.  The reality right now is I have a left D cup boob and a right B-C boob.  I'm feeling pretty lopsided and heard that radiation shrinks the boob even more.  My husband gave me a Victoria Secret gift card to go get new bras.  However, I'm figuring that Victoria's Secret doesn't exactly have the bras I'll be needing. 

Let's see - bald, shrinking eyelashes and eyebrows, dry hands and feet, black fingernails and toenails, mismatched boobs.  Yes, I'm feeling quite sexy these days!

Hugs to all,

Pat

georgiabirdgirl

pagowens-I'm glad you are getting the Avastin.  I'm a little anemic and when I asked the doc what to do, I was told that diet wouldn't help much because chemo was doing all of this.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't go down much more.  They seemed so nonchalant about me getting a transfusion, but it sounds like something I really don't want to do. 

And on the sexy note, I am fortunate that it seems my hair is growing back.  Not enough to make any real difference, but enough that I have tiny stubble on my legs and about 17 hairs standing up about an inch sporadically located around my bald head.  Sometimes I feel like a total alien. 

I'm in the same boat about the lumpectomy.  I had over 25% of my breast removed and got clear margins.  We did that because it was the fastest way to get into the tissue and see what was happening with the mass and the nodes.  It would have taken at least another month to schedule with the PS.  So, I'm thankful we jumped in right away.  But, now I am probably going to have a double mastectomy.  The more I deal with the treatment issues, the more I want to do everything in my power to make sure that I don't have to come back to this again.  We don't know exactly how many nodes are positive, so that would probably make the decision easier if we did know.  Either way, I'm 37 and the statistics for recurrence are not exactly on my side.  Although the surgeon has told me they are virtually the same, I've read other stats that don't agree.  Plus, there are PLENTY of women on here for the second time.  I figure if I'm giving up this year to fight my cancer, I may as well go all out.  I am not afraid of the mastectomy part, but I'm terrified of the recon part.  It sounds so long and full of potential complications. I'm meeting with my surgeon after we get back from Spring Break in two weeks (YEAH the beach awaits) and then we'll decide.

Hope everyone has a nice SE free day.

KAJDerby

Just finished my 4th AC on Wednesday.  I was supposed to have taxol, but my doctor changed it to taxotere every three weeks.  Is anyone else having just taxotere?  Do you know what the side effects are?  Curious.

wren22

mslrg:  Congrats on the biopsy results!!!!! So good to hear some good news, isn't it?

Oksana

Hi Grace,

I had my first taxotere treatment last Monday. The side effects are not too bad for me, very tired, just about it... will see how will it go further. I am also getting 8 daily shots to bust a bone marrow production. Today I've got my second and I feel like I have a flue - muscle or bone pain (hard to tell apart). Took an advil, hope it will help (my onc got me stronger pain killers as well).

Good luck to you. 

bubbalu

GraceOkinawa:  I also just finished AC and am going on Taxotere next Thursday.  The nurses said that the side effects are of course all Possible:  neuropathy, mouth sores, edema, low white blood cells, fatigue but overall general easier than AC.  We shall see! 

I can't get rid of my swollen itchie red burning eyelids and runny nose.  Anyone tried Zyrtec for this?  I'm wondering if I don't have a dermatitis on my eyelid.  Anyone had that?

VegasDiva

pagowens  Maybe Aquaphor is 41% petroleum jelly, but the other 59% is where the magic is.    I have been using InVite Iron Plus.  It is non-constipating and easy on the digestive tract.  My Hg numbers have been great. 

Today is 3 weeks since my last chemo.  Still no sign of hair.  Hope it starts growing soon.  I have been feeling pretty good, but it's weird I do get waves of nausea.  Usually they pass quickly, but for some reason I was nautious all day today.  I feel a bit better now.  Maybe I just needed to eat more.

Tamatar

Hi Everyone,

I had my first Taxol today at 9AM.  It went well.  I just takes SO long and I am not one that is able to just "sit"..it makes me crazy.  I still feel good now at 7:15PM...ate a nice sandwich and soup from Panera for dinner.  I have not had any strange aches, tingling, nail problems of anything else...just a bit of steroid high.  I hope I can sleep tonight!

I will keep all of you posted on what I experisnce on the Taxol.

Take care of yourselves and enjoy each day.

Tammy

mslrg

Yeah, tell me about the steriod high! Gee whiz! I started Dexamethasone this morning and cleaned the house all day like a mad woman! My housekeeper didn't show up yesterday, so I cleaned today. The steriod really helped! I'm going in for chemo tomorrow and there's only one thing I hate more than feeling ill, and that's feeling ill in a a disorganized or untidy house. No problem of that now!

 Did my blood draw this morning and  I'm still anemic. White bloods are mostly OK, just low lymphocytes, andhigh neutrophils. Now to tryto unwind so that I can get some sleep tonight.

Issymom

Tamatar-  Good luck witht the Taxol.  It is much easier than AC in my opinion.  I had my 2nd Tx on Tuesday.  My hands are bothering me but not as bad as the first time around, mild neuropathy and my skin is peeling on my finger tips and the underside of one thumb (can't figure that one out).  Today at about 2pm, the aches and fatigue hit.  It is manageable but annoying.  I'd trade this for the nausea, bad taste buds, and watery eyes.  I also have a very dry mouth (like I have slept with my mouth open).

Bubbalu - I had the same issue with my eyes.  My last AC was a month ago and this week they are finally getting better.  I still have a little eye watering and crustiness in the morning but it has definately gotten better!  I try to put a good dose of moisturizer on them each nigh.  Of course, now I only have 1/2 of my upper lashes and very few lower lashes (not worth looking for).

Mslrg - I hope you get your last infusion tomorrow and can put this all behind you.

rcames

Mslrg - I'm with you, the steriods really rev my engine, too. Do you crash after you stop taking them? I usually come down hard about a day and a half after my last dose. Can't do much but lie around and wait for my body to catch up.

stlcardsfan - I'm on TCH and still have about half of my eyebrows. Same for my lashes . . . none on one eye and all on the other. My head is covered with fine stubble. Yes, chemo is quite the beauty regimine.

mslrg

rcams--yup crash like a freight train going full tilt into a concrete wall!

pumpkinsoup

mslrg--Good luck with your last infusion tomorrow. You can close that chapter in your life!

It sounds as most of us are finishing up AC and moving on to Taxol or Taxotere now. I'm glad to hear most of you are handling it well. Keep the updates coming--I need all the support I can get right now with these mouth sores that came out of nowhere. I though Biotene was the answer, but it failed me last week. The magic mouthwash the onco gave me was a joke. It's nothing but lidocaine, which numbs your entire mouth for half an hour and then you're back in pain again. My dentist gave me another compounded prescription tonight, which I'm using and will call onco tomorrow and see if it's OK to use, but at this point, I'm trying anything because I can barely talk. I actually called one of the people who had offered to help "anytime" and asked her to take my daughter for most of the day because I felt like sh*t. It's hard asking for help, but I'm at that point.

I never thought I'd be saying I hope I can have chemo next week, but I really hope my mouth improves, so I can finally start Taxol.

Take care. 

VegasDiva

Tamatar That's funny you mentioned you ate at Panera last night.  I did too.  I met a friend there after work.  I had the pick 2 of the new Cuban sandwich and Greek salad!

bubbalu

Okay, I'm confused.  Taxol and Taxotere are different drugs?  The nurse gave me a printout on Taxotere (Doxetaxel).  How is it different than Taxol? 

Issymom

Bubbalu - Taxol and Taxotere are from the same family of drugs, "taxanes".  The side effects listed are about the same.  I always wonder why the oncs choose one drug over another. There are lots of posts on this site about Taxotere if you are interested.

paxton

I'm trying really hard to have a sense of humor right now.  I get to the hospital for my PET scan this morning and they can't do it because I ate a cough drop.  Now I have to drive an hour and a half away on Monday to have it done at another hospital. 

Issymom

Paxton - Oh My!!  At some point you really do have to laugh at the absurdity of all you have gone through.  I am so sorry you have had to deal with so many obstacles.  Check your tires before you leave on Monday . 

TerriJo

Had my last Chemo Tx on Wednesday and am doing pretty good right now - hoping it stays that way.  Overall the side effects from the treatments weren't so bad after all if I can remember with my Chemo brain - what's the lost of my hair, constipation/diaherra, fatigue, very little eyebrows, loose toe nails, metallic taste in mouth, runny eyes and nose, and Chemo burns on my arm from the drugs leaking from my IV, when compared to what Chemo is doing for cancer cells in my body - hopefully killed everyone of them off!!!!  Going through this has also been a blessing when I think of all the kindness that I have received from people that I know and from those that I didn't know very well when I started.  I have always believed that when God give us more than we can handle, he also gives us someone to help us through the tough times

So I asked my Onc what happens now that Chemo is done.  No need for radiation, had that at the same time as my surgery back in November. He replied that we are now life long buddies and will be seeing each other the rest of my life. He gave me a big hug and said how proud of me was for the the way I handled the Chemo (like I had a choice).  I will be starting on Tamoxifen on May 1st and see the Onc in July and will have a mammogram in October.  I told him I am concerned about being on Tamoxifen as one possible side effects is blood clots and my family has a history of this (dad and two sisters).  He suggested taking Vitamin E and baby aspirin which will help reduce the risk. 

I am giving myself two weeks to rest up from this round of Chemo - then I'm off to make changes in my life.  I have promised myself that I will start an excerise program, lose weight and try to fix more healthy foods for myself and children.  Being a single parent this cancer has made me more aware of how I need to do these things in order to make sure that I am here for my children.  I am looking for suggestions on any good books related to nutrition, dieting, changing to a healthy lifestyle, etc.  I have started to read the Anticancer book but haven't gotten to far in it.    

Hope you all have a great weekend.

paxton

Anticancer is a great book.  This is my 2nd time going through bc and I wish I'd changed my lifestyle after the 1st time.  The author pretty much did the same thing.  I think its natural to try and move on after the first time.  So for all you first timers, please please take changing your diet and lifestyle more seriously.  My onc just sort of said the old cliche, "you need to eat less and exercise more."  But I think if I'd have really seen like they show in Anticancer how important it really is, I would have done something.  I'm trying now, but its very likely too late for me to be cured.  But whatever time I can add is worth it.

gramoflexus

Paxton, Your message moved me when you said "its very likely too late for me to be cured " Those are hard words to write , we all on this journey need to take one day at a time . I'm also in the position where I need to shed 50 pounds and implement more exercise . I told myself once I get though the chemo I will focus on that life style change .

Bubbalu/ Friscomom, I'm still on the fence as to what I will do after Chemo in regards to getting another opinion about having scans . I know that I will have to have radiation so I'm not sure if that doc will recommend any further testing  .All I know is I need time to get my body back to feeling normal . Sometimes I wonder things that I feel is it the Chemo or something else going on . Mind does crazy things .

Issymom. Hows the taxol , for me it was worse than AC I'm usually down about a week . One blessing is I have not experienced the neuropathy that many speak about . (really not sure what tht is) nails are black near the cuticle eyes are watering less but my face is so dry . I go to bed lubed in vit E oil .

Nkrun, beware of those words walk in the park , after my doc told me that and I had several Taxol treatments I told him His park is scary . I want a park with flowers his park has pot holes . everyone is different as we all know and I hope your "walk in the park " is prettier than mind .

Well Wed is 3 treatment of Taxol then ONE MORE . I can do it yes i can My doc gave me some good advice . don't try to carry tommorrows burdens today the burdens might never come .

Best wishes to all

Love Linda

VegasDiva

paxton  I just hate to hear you say things like "it's too late for me"  Attitiude can play such a big role in recovery.  Try to stay positive.  Focus on that beautiful baby of yours and bringing joy into both your lives.  Laugh often.

Like some of you other ladies I too need to lose weight, exercise more, change my diet, yadda yadda yadda.  When I feel good I start out with the best of intentions.  I say I am going to walk and do yoga and eat better.  And I do for awhile.  Then one day I don't feel well, or it is raining outside and I can't walk or I don't feel like cooking and Poof!  The whole plan goes up in smoke until I get motivated again. 

I really like the recipes of Christina Pirello.  I found this article interesting.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pirello/cure-they-dont-want-no-st_b_305013.html

I am going to adopt a new kitty this afternoon.  My friend Cathy runs a cat rescue and she has a beautiful 6 yr old, front declawed, Maine Coon boy she is giving me.  I can't wait to go get him.

Hope everyone has a great SE free weekend.