Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

KAJDerby

paxton - No words to express how very happy I am for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  So so so Happy!!!!!!!

stlcardsfan

pagowens:

I couldn't stop laughing about the Chemo farts! I personally call them Chemo Gas!

They seem to be never ending for me. My poor hubby, between and the dog (she farts too) I don't know which is worse. 

28 days and I am done with CHEMO!!. The count down has begun! 

1marmalade1

bubbalu:  Funny you should mention the sons & daughters thing.  My 25 yr. old daughter lives in our basement apt - I see her in passing a few times a day - she NEVER asks how I feel, or how treatment is going - nothing.  My 19yr. old son, however (who still lives at home)  asks me EVERY DAY how I feel, if there's anything I need or has to be done.  Hubby works long hours, and Sonny Boy watches tv with me or we chat about his full-time job, or his upcoming 2 yrs. going to college.  In this case, I'd take a boy any day!

I know you've heard of others experiencing lots of SE's with the Tax, but we all go through this differently.  As I said before, I hope you are as lucky as I was, and I've heard from others going through this same treatment that their time was not too bad, either.  My fingers are crossed for you!

(I still have to have surgery - I did chemo first - still hovering on the bi- or uni at this point - man, I wish something in my mind would give in to one or the other!)

All the best!

VegasDiva

Paxton I was so happy to hear your good news!  Now please, NO MORE NEGATIVE TALK!!!

Welcome to you ladies who joined us late.  Sorry you are here, but this has been a great place to share feelings.  Great group of women.

I went yesterday for my 2nd radiation simulation.  It is so fascinating how all this is done.  Right now I am covered in magic marker and tape.  I was told not to wash it off before todays visit.  I start my 33 radiation tx today!

nkrun: We haven't heard from you in awhile.  Hope all is well.

I will check back later after I have my radiation tx.

georgiabirdgirl

Pagowens -oh the night sweats!  I have them off and on all night long. It amazes me how much my body can heat up in such a short time.  I have hot flashes throughout the day, but they don't seem as bad.  That, along with periodic pain and fatigue are really the worst symptoms I have from Taxol.  I'm not counting the black fingernails, because they were starting before Taxol.  I do think my hair is growing back though.  There's some stubble on my legs and head that wasn't there before.  I can't wait until I have something up there.  I've been having dreams lately of shocking people with my bald head. 

Vegas Diva- good luck with your radiation.  I am curious to hear how it goes for you and what SEs come with it. I've read varying reports, and still have my fingers crossed that I might not need them, but I won't know for awhile.

Marmalade- my son is only 6 and my daughter is 3 and I can already see the difference.  My son is always curling up on me and trying to make me feel better.  It could be their ages, but it sounds like it might be related to their gender too.  As for the decision between bilat and unilateral, I wish you luck and peace with making your decision.  I know that I was really on the fence about a lot of things relating to my surgery until I sat down with my husband and had a frank talk about all the choices and potential complications.  Then, I asked my oncologist, breast surgeon, cardiologist, and plastic surgeon what they would recommend or choose if it was them, their wife or daughter.  Most of them didn't give me a straight answer, but they did express some opionions.  That helped me decide.  Good Luck.

Paxton- I know that you have a lot to consider in terms of your future and your family.  I believe that It's important to be realistic and hopeful at the same time.  That can be so hard, because with all the knocks you've had so far, it must seem inevitable that you'll get more.  And you may. All I know is that we can't control the future, but we can do everything we can to try to influence it.  So, today I prepare for the worst but always hope for the best.  I have to believe that this disease and it's challenges have something to offer me.  I'd love to wish this all away and go back to where I was before.  But, there's something that has changed in terms of my perspective on life that I don't want to lose.  Take care of yourself and I hope that you're finally recovering from the pneumoia/bronchitis. 

Spring has sprung down here and it's doing wonders for my psyche!  I hope you all get to enjoy a beautiful spring-y weekend with few SEs.

gramoflexus

vegasdiva,  how long after your last chemo did you start radiation . I hav e one more Taxol April 14th and was curious . Another thing I'm curious is it seems a lot of women on this site had or is having chemo before removing the lump . Why is that ? I had a mastectomey then chemo , Is there an advantage to have one over the other ? Has anyone experiencing face peeling . I'm constanty applying mositurizer during the day . very flaky looking .

This is quiet the journey ughhhhhhhh Love to all

paxton

We went out for supper and to see Hot Tub Time Machine last night.  It was really nice to just forget about everything.  My mom is flying in from FL today to help out while I'm having surgery.  She hasn't seen the baby since he was born the end of July so I'm excited for her to see him.  He's 8 months now.  And my brother's family is coming to the farm to spend the Easter weekend.  Should be fun.

youngmomof3

just wanted to share some good news with you. Today was my 4th chemo and although it seemed to take longer than usual I was more ralxaed and slpet a little. The good news is that my genetics stesting came back and it shows that I do not have the brca gene mutation:) I cannot tell you what a relief that is for me. i have been worried sick about the impact it could have on my mom, sister, nieces as well as my own children. My prayers have been answered. Met with the onc today and he measured my lump which is still at 2cm. still unsure of it is scar tissue from the biopsy, dcis that has grown together or just dead skin. he said at this point the best wat to know exacty what is it will be when i have my bilat-mast in a few months and everything will be biopsied. i am praying for a good weekend and that on Easter sunday I am well enough to hang with the family who are all coming over here and making dinner. gotta go my chemo fingers are really terrible today:) enjoy the beautiful weather wherever you are.

1marmalade1

Well, girls, from all appearances, it seems my last Chemo treatment (2 A/C, 4 Taxotere/Herceptin) was yesterday.  Onc will confirm this in 2 weeks, or add on 2 more for good measure!  However, it looks like I am done with it and on to Herceptin for the rest of the year.  Will be meeting with surgeon in 3 weeks to discuss options for surgery.  I didn't know whether to celebrate yesterday or not.  But today I attacked a large piece of tiramisu right after my Neulasta shot and pretended anyways!  lol

georgiabirdgirl

LOVING all the good news!

Marmalade- Tiramisu sounds like a great way to celebrate the end of chemo.  I'm going to have to start planning how to celebrate my last treatment.  Congratulations

youngmomof3- That is truly wonderful news that your brac negative.  I know that when I got my genetics test results back it was a huge relief, so I'm happy that you have that off your mind now.  Enjoy your weekend.

paxton- I've secretly been wanting to go see that movie because I grew up having a HUGE crush on John Cusack in the 80s.  It's not at all the kind of movie I'd normally pay to go see, but it sounds like the perfect kind of light hearted escape.  I'm glad you had a chance to get out and feel somewhat normal.  It sounds like your weekend is shaping up to be a lot of fun.  Enjoy!

VegasDiva

I'm so glad lots of folks seem to be getting good news now. Hopefully everyone will be able to enjoy a Happy Passover and Joyous Easter.  Here in NJ the weather is finally glorious after our deluge of rain.  I have the windows open and I am enjoying some fresh air and sunshine.

gramoflexus I started radiation 4 weeks to the day from when I finished chemo.  My first meeting with the oncologist was the day after my 2nd chemo. My 1st simulation was a week after my 3rd chemo.

When I get to the hospital I go right inside to the womens changing room and strip from the waist up and put on a gown.  Then you wait in a little womens waiting room.  They came and got me in about 1 min.  I have to take the wig off when we get into the radiation room.   Just before you go in they pull up your picture on the computer and you have to verify that it is you and they ask your name, DOB, and what part of they body they are treating.

I get inside and lay down in my body cast and the tech is having me move down, then up, then down.  I told her, "this doesn't feel right".  The other tech comes over and asks what cast she pulled.  Sure enough it was the wrong one.  They when I laid down in the correct one, what a difference.  Hope they didn't give me her treatment!

I came home and slathered the girls with Aquaphor.  My instructions are only to wash with Dove Unscented soap.  No deodorant, can only use cornstarch or some crystal thing from Whole Foods.  Since I don't have a Whole Foods near me, I opted for the Argo.  I can't put any other type of lotion other than Aquaphor on my skin.  I had to stop taking all my vitamins except the ones for my Hair, Nails & Skin.  I even had to stop taking a health drink I use everyday.  They said it had too many antioxidants in it.    I think the antioxidants work against the radiation.

They also want me to wait 3 - 4 weeks before I begin taking the Arimidex.  If I get any side effects they want to know if they are coming from the radiation or the Arimidex and if I start them both at the same time they wouldn't be able to differentiate.

I also got 3 additional tatoos today.  A total of 6 for this procedure.  They are so tiny you really really really have to look to find them. 

Well, I am off to make a test batch of sweet potato casserole.  I have a new recipe I want to try, but don't want to wait until Easter and then have it be a disaster.

dgirl24

Thanks everyone for welcoming me.

Yesterday I was out for a consult with a radiologist.  He couldn't seem to give me any stats on the benefit of me recieving rads on my breast.  I had a mast with reconsturction- and I was hoping for no rads.  I had 1 node with micro mets and they said no rads there - but my tumor was dermal- up against and into my skin.  It was not coming out or my skin and the skin seems healthy but it was attached.  He said I was a rare case and there are no studies of this.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  He suggests radiation to just my breast area.

Also - 2nd questions- Is radiation different at different facilities?  This doctor is at Sloan in NY which is 3+ hours away.  I heard I have a 50% chance of the breast not being very good so does it make difference where I go?  Then I read gramoflex and get real nervous- where I live they scare me- is that bad of me?    I love Sloan- but my family is not loving the idea of me going there for rads.  How do I know the right thing to do?  Please tell me what you would do?  I know what the cancerfree people want me to do- now I'm looking for some input from people with real insight.lol 

pagowens- What are you looking forward to this holiday?

1marmaladel- How are you feeling today?   Yeah on the last - I may have to celebrate with ya- except I'd go for a piece of chocolate cake!!  Way to go- and on to the next!  You're kicking butt.  Yeah!     

gramoflexus- Sweet Potatoe Cass- YUMMMMMMM- does it have brown sugar on top! 

I too feel like everyone goes on to their life and I'm stuck with this ball and chain.  They give me advice on how to lose weight, eat, feel and where to get radiation and then they are off.  All my life I did for everyone else and I guess this is what happens.   Oh well I find it challenging because now I feel the need to re-invent myself and well I'm gonna FINALLY do something for myself.

I'm gonna do my own thing and they're going to deal with!  LOL  In the end I know they will get over my temporary selfishness because I will be better. 

Thank you so much Issymom and all you guys for making me feel good.

    

gramoflexus

Hi dgirl . I just finished reading your post and feel so bad that whatever I might had said made you nervous , not sure what that might have been and if you tell me I might be able to clarify something . I try to be very positive on this site and sometimes I just have question for me personally , best of the day to everyone

lean037

I finished my 4 rounds of AC and now I am day 3 post first round of Taxotere. I must say that this drug is making me very very tired and sluggish. I have been really anxious about starting Taxotere as I don't know what SE it will give me. So far, the fatigue is very bad especially trying to work four hours each day and having two little ones. I hope it will get better soon.  

agbmom

dgirl41 

Is radiation different at different facilities?

Absolutely. You want to have radiation at a facility with a separate breast radiation center and you want to see a breast radiation oncologist who oversees your treatment there.  Sloane fits that bill. Not sure about your local hopsital. I know I would not have breast radiation at my local hospital, and though the drive will present a whole host of problems for you, better to have the best.  With that said, I have several friends who had breast radiation at my local hospital and raved about it. Of course, they're raving about the staff and how well they were treated. There's no way to know if they received the best actual radiation.

There are many journal articles out there about radiation after mastectomy. It is a controversial area of oncology.  Typically, radiation is not needed after mastectomy unless the risk for a local recurrent is  high. (chemo combats both local and systemic recurrencer).  Risk factors vary, but grade 3 and young age are two of them.  I was told my long term (15 years) survival benefit increased by 3% with radiation after mastectomy, which I did not find compelling. However, the broad range for local recurrence ranged from 5-15% - for a women with my pathology.  

 Noteworthy is that radiation with tissue expanders (for  implants) presents a serious problem for 1/3 to 1/2 of the women involved.  If the implants ultimately fail on account of the radiation causing the implant to become encapsulated, you have to remove the inplant and either go with a new reconstruction using your own tissue, or forego reconstruction altogether.  It's a very difficult decision.

bubbalu

1marmalade1:  About the son/daughter thing.  I had 3 boys and that's exactly how they were too WHEN they were younger, even up to about 20.  I love boys! Even my grandson over my granddaughter is much more attentive and affectionate.  My one son we even called 'bunch of love'.  They are now in their late 40's, perhaps that's the difference.  I know that if I needed them they would be here in a heartbeat but maybe just a call now and then would offer support and be nice.  Maybe they think mom is a tough cookie!

I had my first taxotere yesterday and am still on the steroid high.  Got a bag of Benadyl to ward off any possible allergic reaction, will the second treatment too then it's not a problem.  Hasn't kicked in yet with any SE's.  I asked my onc about Glutamine and Vit. B6 for neuropathy and get this - he said - neuropathy is rare with taxotere, more so with taxol.  He said taxotere is their best tolerated chemo drug!!!! The onc nurse suggested tea tree oil brushed on my fingernails and toenail twice a day for the darkening etc.

Someone asked about chemo before surgery?  Both my surgeon and my oncologist recommended this treatment for me because of the latest study on women with my particular cancer and my age (70) as my best chance for a complete recovery.  That study came out of NCarolina. 

Blessed Easter to all..............

pagowens

Hi dgirl,

Geez, you've asked tough questions.  I don't have the answers but I do know to get a "second opinion" re the radiologist.  I had surgery first (lumpectomy), then the chemo and then will have the required radiation (because of the lumpectomy).  Quite frankly, I'm a "throw everything you got at me" type of patient.  So, I figure even a percentage or two of extra benefit is worth the effort.

I also have the "experts" 1.5 hours away one way in Philadelphia.  I went to see them initially and even that oncologist felt to do daily radiation with such long distance driving was "impracticle" and that most of this stuff is fairly routine - he knew my  breast surgeon, proposed oncologist and breast radiologist group and said they were "good" at what they do (of course, I'm sure he believed he was better).  Now, you have a more rare case than me - I'm run of the mill Invasive ductile carcinoma.  So, because I was NOT rare I felt the local folks could do a good job - they see a lot of my types.  And, they have been great to date.  If I had a more rare case -- I'd travel.  A good friend (nurse) once said to me - you want to see the folks that deal with what you've got more frequently - they just see more and know more about it.  For you, that's probably Sloan. That's the most advice I can give - just some common sense stuff.

For this weekend, I'm going to garden a bit, host an Easter Egg Hunt Sat afternoon for my 3-1/2 yr old grandson and his two 4 year old neighborhood friends, go to Church and my husband and I have a solo date for Easter dinner at The Washington Inn in Cape May.  And, I'm enjoying sunshine!   Glorious!  Thanks for asking.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,

Pat

dgirl24

abgbmom

THANK YOU SO MUCH!  That was a load of help.  I am concerned about the implant going bad and in the beginning my plastic dr told me he would do the implant as opposed to the "using my own tissue" b/c we didn't know if I was going to need rads.  He did tell me the chances of things going bad- but he said if that was the case he would be able to most likely do the other procedure.

Yes- I do feel I want radiation- because of the aggressive nature of my tumor, my age and my skin envovlement.  I really want to go to Sloan b/c I feel a bit more at ease in my mind there.  Everyone else just wants this whole thing to be over, but it's just not that simple. 

Thank you again- that helped a lot!

dgirl24

gramoflexus 

Ok -now I feel bad.  I realize now that I was reading VegasDiva- comment about her experience at radiation and the mix up with the mold!  I am in process of figuring out a facility to have my radiation and I'm super nervous of not going to my 1st choice facility b/c it's far away.  And then she spoke of her mold mix up!!  Nothing said was negative- I'm just in that state of mind.

So I'm sorry for the mix up!!!

Have a great day!

wren22

I am happy to be sharing good news today too!  Had a follow up CT scan and bone scan on Wednesday and both were negative!  Yeah!!!  They were both negative before I started chemo, but there is always the worry.  So I meet with my onc next week to discuss the hysterectomy, but basically I am DONE!!!  Now just waiting for the hair to grow back, get some energy back and move on!

We just got finished dyeing our Easter eggs and it is an unbelievable 83 degrees here in northeastern Ohio today.  Think I will celebrate and enjoy this beautiful, sunshiny day.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend too!

Blarney1828

I started chemo in January went thru 4 cycles of AC and survived although it was difficult and had to be transfused. I statrted taxol 3 weeks ago. It has caused me horrendous neck and back pain as well as legs, etc. I have a very bad cervical spine and was actually supposed to have surgery when the breast cancer intervened. In addition, my platelets are high and I fear a blood clot. My oncologist seems increasingly incapable of hearing me or thinking about anything but the cancer and a potential recurrence. I would like to know if others have experienced severe pain on taxol, if another drug can be substituted and how to get the oncologist to be more concerned about my general well-being and the quality of my life now and later. I fear these side effects won't go away after the taxol. I am supposed to have it for another 9 weeks and do not know how I could stand it, yet can't get him to realize that I need more than lectures!

VegasDiva

dgirl24  Sorry I didn't mean to make you nervous with my radiation escapades.  Everything went smooth as silk today.  I think 3+ hrs a day to drive for radiation would be impractical.  You will need to go for aprox 35 visits, M - F.  Unless you really live in a rural area I think BC treatment is so common these days any good facility could handle it.  Just my 2 cents.

I'm sure MSK has their fair share of mix ups too.

Blarney1828

Your Dr let you take ibuprofen? Cause mine will not let me take any antiinflammatory

Issymom

Blarney - Sorry you having so much pain with Taxol.  I am taking dense dose Taxol (4 treatments) and do have fairly significant pain for about 4 days.  Fortunately, I have a relatively good week in-between treatments.  My pain is in my hips, knees, front of my leg, and upper arms (fortunately not my back).  During the day it is very annoying but I can distract myself.  At night sleep was an issue.  I remembered that I had some Oxycontin left over from my bi-lat.  I took 2 and was able to sleep.  During the day, I only took Tylenol. 

Some women take Taxotere instead of Taxol.  There are conflicting opinions as which one is better or worse.  I think you need to be brutally honest with your onc.  Tell her that you don't think you can handle 9 more.  I think sometimes they don't really hear how bad it is for us!  Be totally honest and don't hold back!  Good luck.

bubbalu

For what it's worth I think it would be easier if when we refer to our chemo drug we used Taxol or Taxotere.  That way those of us on each would better understand what SE others are experiencing more accurately.  Just a suggestion.

Tamatar

Hi Everyone,

 Had Taxol (1st one of 4 Dose Dense) last Thursday.  I had severe leg pain on Saturday and Sunday, but now it is easing up.  i am able to take advil and my onc gave me some flexoril muscle relaxer.  I really just feel like my legs are SUPER Heavy...no real pain, just an effort to move.  I did really well on the A/C, but this one seems to be hitting me harder.  But...it doesn't help that I have had a cold since January that has turned into a sinus infection.  i'm on an antibiotic...but I'm pretty sure I have to wait it out...the coughing and nose blowing is the worst!

Enough of the bad...I want to wish everyone a safe and SE free Easter and Passover.  Remember to share your days with those that you enjoy not the people that seem annoyed.

Tammy

dgirl24

Pagowens

Thanks for the advice!  I will get a second opinion closer, but I am working on maybe staying at Sloan- if I can work out some sort of living arrangement.  Crossing my fingers and saying my prayers that what is meant for me happens!

I'm so jealous of your Easter plans!  I'm in a rut.  Still trying to adjust to this new life.  How do you do it........You don't have to answer that.  My time will come and I'll figure it out.  I know.

3 year olds are great - Enjoy that Easter egg Hunt!

Thanks again!

  

      

youngmomof3

Hello ladies,

Had my 4th chemo yesterday and today was a pretty good day. Drove myself for my Neulasta shot, finished picking up things for the Easter baskets, took the baby for a walk and played outside with the kids for a little while. By about 3:00 though I was done and DH had to come in and take over for me. Rested for a few hours and went to the neighborhood egg hunt. I'm feeling tired but am glad I got to do some normal stuff today. Received great news yesterday, I am not a carrier of the BRCA gene mutation:) Felt an incredible sense of relief. My onc told me the genetics counselor was coming with some "good news" he said he couldn't help himself but that he had to tell me b/c he was happy for me and that I should pretend he didn't tell me b/c he didn't want to ruin her good news. Needless to say they could have told me it all day long. I am happy to be more than halfway done with chemo and am praying that this round doesn't kick me on my butt quite as bad as the last one.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday week and that you are surrounded by your loved ones. And now I am off to steal a peep from my little ones easter basket. yum!!!

Issymom

Hi All-

I am wishing all of you a Happy Easter or Passover.  I am getting ready to go to a "service of darkness" at our church today.  My son has 3 friends over (17yo) and we are taking them as well.  They are playing XBox but didn't complain at the diversion.  My family is all gone this weekend so we will having Easter with just the 4 of us.  I'd love a party but maybe a celebration of the end of chemo.

Seems like this week has been a good BRCA week for many.  I am so glad that you don't have to deal with that on top of Breast Cancer. 

 Lorrie

1marmalade1

Bubbalu:  How are you holding up?  You're through your first few days on Taxotere - are you warding off SE's OK?