Starting Chemo Feb 2010?

leta17

Lindee - Oh my, that is scary and the same thing happened to one of the women in the January thred, Friscomom, also had a lump appear, but it was not cancer.  So hang in there!

For some reason I am dreading #5 more than the others, I think because so many stop at 4 and I am so ready to be DONE with it, as we all are:)  Heading to bed early before the dex kicks in, hoping for at least 7 hours of sleep, tomorrow I'll be WIDE eyed and moving a mile a minute!

Be well!

Anonymous

Lindee - don't panic yet! It really could be nothing. Or, something not so serious. Hopefully you'll feel better after you see the breast surgeon.

writer

Lindee, that's so scary, but take heart that it could very well be something minor.

As for my side effects traveling, just the minor ones, like metal mouth/dulled taste and itchy head (hair both falling out and growing), plus some new side effects that appear to have been "special" after the 3rd round of Avastin I'm on for the BETH trial, so most of you wouldn't have this unpleasant issue (hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, discomfort/itching). But I was able to keep it fairly minor with meds.

I had been warned by many about weakness, tiredness, etc., and that's what I worried about, but I had all my normal energy and could easily do all the walking tours and exploring and everything-- in fact, I could have done much more, but I was traveling with my 75-year-old mom (who came along to help in the assumption that I would be weak/tired), and she's moving slower and needed her rest time!

So I was thrilled. And my digestive system held up well. I oversalt and most food is bland, but I found that in the second half of a cycle, a crisp glass of chardonnay tastes yummy, as does anything citrusy, and I managed to put away a Mystic, CT lobster with gusto! And came home without gaining any weight, which was surprising.

Now I'm slowing down, having had tx #4 yesterday and Neulasta today. Will be resting more, eating my grown-up baby food and not drinking chardonnay in the coming week, but after having such a fun break I don't mind. 

me2u

Hi Lindee, agree with the rest. It's probably a bad scare and keep us posted. My prayers to you.

mebrown

Lindee I am in agreement with the other ladies about it being a bad scare. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.

I had my 4th tx Tuesday and the doc insisted that I take Emend. I have been so dizzy. Thank goodness today is the last day. I will not take it next time. My other meds nausea did just fine without the dizziness. I bent over to feed the cats this morning and almost passed out. Other than that I'm just fatigued.

I hope others have very little to no SEs. 

riley702

My WBCs are 3.98 and I keep asking if I should have a Neulasta shot, but they keep saying no because my neutrophils are fine. Should I be worried? I'm staying home as much as possible.

grdnslve

lindee--agree with the others--think positive..it could be nothing.  but we all understand how scary it is...and how hard to be positve.  you are in our prayers.

riley--you are paying them to worry..so try to trust them.  they do go by the neutrophil count, and as long as they are watching your labs & you are communicating how you are feeling, try to focus on positive things...like healing.

 took a tai chi class this week..didn't realize how bad i was at breathing.  trying to enjoy my last few good days before next treatment.  weather is suppose to get nice so maybe we can go somewhere..day trip...wouldn't that be nice.

take care all--good thoughts, good wishes &  good luck.

writer

Is anyone snoring a lot? I've never been a snorer, but suddenly I am. My husband moved into our college girl's empty room last night because I was making a ruckus, and last week when I was traveling with my other daughter it bothered her, too. I'm not congested and have never been a snorer. Anyone else having this problem? Any ideas for helping it?

I know it's good that I'm sleeping.... I wake up a lot but generally get back to sleep pretty well. Except for making noise. 

ginadmc

Lindee -  I really hope this new development is just a bad scare...not that anyone needs that at this point in their treatment. It's hard enough to keep your spirits up throughout this ordeal but to have to worry about something else, it's just not fair. Keeping you in my prayers. Gina

Writer - Yes, I've been snoring, too! I've moved into our spare bedroom, at least for the days right after treatment. Since I'm up every 2 hours or so, I feel like I'm not keeping my husband awake so I don't mind sleeping in another room.

My vent this week is in addition to being super busy at work (Tax Week) , I was feeling crappy from last AC and then I broke a tooth on a piece of cheese popcorn, which I never eat but sounded good and something I could actually taste. Can a girl get a break??

faithfulc

Lindee, oh my gosh...crossing my fingers for you.

Writer, good to see you back.  I have also booked a vacation between my chemo's finish and radiation.  Might as well enjoy life.  Will my port set off the alarm at the airport?  Wondering...

Leta, hoping for a smooth #5 for you.

burley

Well, got myself up early and to my chemo treatment yesterday (supposed to be #4 and final A/C) and they wouldn't do it---WBC was .2- whoops.  I felt fine!  They said they wouldn't do it if it was below 1.  So why did I have to pay my copay and get all settled in before they told me that?  Can't they call me if my count is low so I don't have to drive the 35 minutes there?  I wasn't very happy.  Especially considering I seriously cannot sleep at night...so in the morning I got up to turn my alarm off and apparently blacked out...fell forward about 5 feet landing on the other side of my eliptical machine between it and the wall.  I'm bruised up and down one entire leg/hip, and a large bruise across my back and tailbone.  Nice...very sore today, and it's hard to walk on my one ankle.

Treatment rescheduled for next Thursday, and bloodwork the day before.  Lets hope my count is up!  I don't want this crap to go on forever...

writer

Oh, Burley, you poor thing! They should have called you! To add true physical injury to insult is too much. I hope you can recover this weekend.

Faithful, apparently the port does not set off security. I had no trouble in my travels. I guess it's all plastic.

lindee629

Hey all!  Thanks for the encouraging words and prayers--they must've helped because I went for my Ultrasound yesterday and all they kept asking me was when was my last menstrual period (Feb??) and do I suffer from fibrocystic breast disease. Well, I guess I did, but nothing felt like the weird lump in my left breast now...but the US tech didn't seem alarmed, and then the radiologist came in to also check me out and he told me that the lump didn't looks suspicious. They are not sure what it is and I should follow up with my doctor (I plan to!) but they pretty much came right out and told me it isn't cancer--and ya'll know that the ones doing the scans and xrays and stuff NEVER tell you anything so I guess he was pretty certain.  Then I felt like such an idiot because then I couldn't stop crying, I was crying all over the both of them, yeeesshh....Previously I only have cried twice since I've started this journey--when I first diagnosed (day after Thanksgiving when they handed me my mammo/US reports and told me to follow up wth my doctor, and of course I read my reports--that's how I found out I have BC, I knew before my doctor did --and I sat in my car and cried), and then the day before my lumpectomy, I cried then because I didn't want to have surgery and go thru all of this.  And now yesterday when I got the good news that it looks like I don't have another tumor growing. I just lost it. Whew!! So I DO see my surgeon on Wednesday, but I am going with a much more positive attitude now. The lump is definitely still there, and the radiologist described it as "nodular" but I guess it doesn't have the characteristics of anything really bad. Whatever it is, if it isn't another cancerous tumor then I can handle it.  So NOW I can be excited about finishing Taxol #2 a few days ago.....bone pain not as severe, just tired, achy, food tasting funny, constipated, etc...the usual. A little more numbness in my fingers and toes this time around, I couldn't feel my feet last night while walking and fell into the wall of the bathroom, d'uh... felt like such a klutz.  But all in all, not doing bad, just so relieved....I really have myself geared up for finishing this chemo journey after 2 more rounds...the thought that I may have something else going on and may have needed more surgery or more chemo was awful Just looking forward to ending this and then heading off for radiation therapy. Yippee.

Burley, thankfully you weren't more severely injured....how are your platelets? If your white count is messed up due to chemo, your platelets may be also, which would cause you to bruise much more easily. That sucks that you couldn't have your treatment too--I know how disheartening it can be when you just want to get this over with--and then when you consider you've used the pre-meds, paid your co-pay, drove there, etc. Its just so unfair. (not that ANY of this is fair to any one of us!!!)  I guess I should be thankful my onc wants me to continue with the Neulasta shots even thought my white count is so high. 

Well girls, time for a pain pill as my low back pain is starting to kick in now......thanks again for all the positive thoughts and prayers, you are all truly wonderful!  Wishing you all a SE lessened weekend. Another week down!

me2u

hi lindee, so happy to hear from your updates! glad all's clear

am feeling abit frustrated cos ds (dear son) decided to throw a tantrum and not go for his swimming lesson....in fact, he has been throwing tantrum almost every other day. Its a challenge coaching him. and dh (dear hubby) has not been talking much to me since my journey started. i understand initially that men will shut themselves in cave and remain in silent however it has been for about 3 months. dun know whats wrong? if i attempt to talk, its usually a one-word reply or no reply...sigh. sorry for the vent.

my last and 4th AC scheduled on thurs, hope my blood count is ok to go cos the last round, it got postponed to 2 days later due to low white blood count. so burley, i can understand your frustration.

mofend

Hi, all - Lindee - that's great news!  I know you must be so incredibly relieved.  Haven't posted in a while - busy trying to put together this art show, which I now think I'm certifiably nuts for doing during chemo, but it is rewarding - or, it will be, when it's over!  Had fourth taxotere, carbo, and herceptin on Wednesday - feel like crap now.  Just overall achy and tired.  Nothing over the top.  My husband actually left for a business trip for three days, which actually means we must be getting back to normal somewhat.  He hasn't traveled since my diagnosis in November, so I see that as a good sign - and, also, gives him a break from the drama of all this stuff.  Two more treatments to go and then on to rads beginning in June/July - are we going to support each other through the rads, too???  Hope so - you have all been so helpful and supportive through this.  Take care and hugs - Mo

Ezscriiibe

Hi, everyone, I've read back a few pages and don't think I can address everyone's posts individually, but so happy for Jeannie that she's on the Back Side! (Here in Kentucky, home of Churchill Downs, the Back Side refers to the Back Side of the track where all the activity and fun happens, so woo hoo for you!).

I also feel bad for Burley! I'm heading to my #4 (and last) chemo this week and would be uber-pissed if they pushed it back! SOOOOOO wanting this to be over!

So sorry to see that others have joined us, but very happy they found us!j

Writer, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago, so I sleep with a sort of oxygen mask thing at night. It's awesome! I never snore anymore and I wake up refreshed and energized! Well, as much as someone going through chemo can be "refreshed and energized."

You may want to ask your doctor for a sleep study. My sleep apnea is age-related (the muscles in the back of your throat can relax with age and when you sleep can obstruct your air passage), but my husband's sleep apnea is actually neurologically based. His "brain" actually "forgets" to breath for several seconds roughly 15 or 20 times a minute. This can lead to stroke or a heart attack as the body reacts with tremendous stress during those periods of oxygen deprivation. It's well worth getting a sleep study done to ensure that everything is working okay.

leta17

lindee - so good to hear, what a relief, I am sure!!!

Well #5 last Thursday went well, exceot Friday night was my worst night sleep yet, but made up for it Saturday and Sunday night, so I am feeling good again today!!  Now I am counting it down only 1 more, May 6th!! 

burley

I seriously cannot sleep at night...last night I took my usual sleeping pill at 11pm, then a Xanax around 2am, then a Benadryl at 3am.  I think I finally fell asleep just before 4.  I am absolutely exhausted.  And no steroids for me to blame it on!

Do you think the continuous lack of sleep has anything to do with my white blood cell count?

mofend

Hi, Burley - I don't know if the white blood cell count has anything to do with it, but you're kind of freaking me out by taking so many different pills - it's not my business, I know, but don't know if that's a good idea - just be careful, okay???  The pill that worked for me when I couldn't sleep was Atavan (Lorazepam), which is really an anti anxiety pill, but it does the trick.  It is habit forming so I only take it on very  infrequent occassions.  Call your doc and tell them what's going on - you shouldn't have to be dealing with this - bumps and bruises, and everything else.  I'm just concerned for you and don't want you to have anything else that becomes a problem.  Take care and I hope you get some sleep - Mo

mebrown

Have any of you had dizzy spells? It has been a week since my last treatment and I am still dizzy. This just started for me this last treatment.

leta17

mebrown - I would call about the dizzy spells...I definitely have memory issues and concentration issues for the first week after a treatment but it gets better.

burley - yes please watch the medication...Even after steroids where off, I don't sleep like I used to, so it has to be related to the chemo drugs...am thinking that it will pass like all the rest of this:)

Iamstronger

Lindee-so glad to hear your wonderful news!!

I had my 4th treatment on Monday.  Holy Cow-yesterday was the worst day I have ever had.  On the bring of throwing up ALL DAY.  Normally i really hydrate up on the day before the chemo and this time I kind of dropped the ball.  Wondering if that played a role.  Honestly, up unitl yesterday chemo has been not too bad for me.  But whoa, yesterday made up for it.  This am, I am feeling better, so hopefully yesterdays ugliness will remain just that-yesterdays!  Yeah, that I am 2/3rd of the way done.  

Hope everyone is feeling good and having little or better yet, no side effects.  

 

mofend

Hey, vmarie - sorry to hear about your awful day.  That must have been miserable.  Hope you continue on the upswing now.  My fourth was last week and I felt crappy for two days (flu like achiness and run down, but no throwing up).  It makes me nervous for rounds five and six because the time of feeling bad doubled from the third and I just hope that's not the case for the next rounds.  Oh, well, at least we know it does end.  Keep drinking and feel all better soon!  Take care - Mo

kshep

My round 4 was by far the worst one!  I am relieved that is was the last AC tx for me.  Hydration is important, but the cumulative effects, sleep disruptions and even being mentally worn out all play a role too.  Mo, I will think about you and hope that the next two go smoothly, don't let these conversations get inside your head too much and try to keep a positive attitude about 5 and 6. The mental game for this disease is the challenge and to me really affects how I feel physically.

 I am excited to say that I went out yesterday and mowed the yard!  I was so happy to be outside, and to get tired because I did something! Last summer if you told me I would be happy to mow I wouldn't believe you!!- Of course I am sure I looked weird with my big hat, long sleeved shirt and jeans...

Ado

Hello, I haven't posted on this site since February when I joined. I am in the UK and have now done three out of six of the treatments. I will then go onto Herceptin for 12 months. I am on injections for a low blood count . My hair has gone and eyebrows are on the way. I am on day 7 so the nausea and sickness has gone. I am very emotional especially when a new side effect rears its head such as severe cramps in my right lower abdomen which were excrutiating at 1am this morning. Anyone any ideas on how to deal with them? What not to eat?

 I stopped posting in February as I felt maybe I should stick to the UK site, but am glad I logged on today. We really are all in the same boat aren't we wherever we are. Lindee I also have the pelvic pain you refer to at the moment.

faithfulc

Ado, good to see your post again.  Hope your SE are minor and going away fast.

I've had sleep issues too.  For the past couple of weeks I woke up right around 2:30 am every night.  Don't know why.  I was able to go back to sleep, but don't like the interruption.

Round 4 was smooth for me except I had my first throw up a couple days after chemo - just once in the morning but it didn't feel good.  Bounced back quickly and had breakfast - sort of like the morning sickness when one minute I was so sick and the next I was eating like nothing happened.  Weird.

Two more to go.  Next Wednesday is my #5.  I'm so looking forward to the vacation at the end of May in between chem ending and rads starting.

To the sisters with ports - what are you planning to do with it?  How soon will you take it out?  (My surgeon wants to do a 3-month follow up with me.  Any of you doing this too?  I wonder what is there to follow up on.)

retrievermom

So sorry to hear about the nausea and other SEs.  The mental/physical really do a number on us.  When we're so down physically, it wreaks havoc on our emotions, too.  I'm one who hasn't slept well in years, but now I've got things like recurrence and triple negative and radiation to think about--oh, joy.  Even tho I am negative, my doc wanted me off HRT, so that has increased the hot spells at night. 

The respite between chemo and rads is good.  Went out to lunch with a work colleague yesterday, and food tasted as it should.  Trying to get some moderate exercise in, too.  I'm not looking forward to the daily grind of radiation and what its effects may be, but want to get it done, too.

burley

faithfulc-not sure about the port.  I want it out as soon as possible, but I'm not sure what type of time frame the surgeon has in mind.  Plus I need to have my tissue expanders exchanged for implants, which will probably end up being around the same time.  All of this, and not until September or October!  Am I the gal with the longest chemo schedule, or what?  As of right now, I should be done the 3rd week of August or so...unless any more treatments get pushed back because of low WBC count.

Had bloodwork again today, and hopefully I'll be able to get my treatment tomorrow.  Not looking forward to it after hearing all the problems with Tx #4's!  Ugh.   Fingers crossed I feel well enough to attend my niece's birthday party on Saturday. 

grdnslve

faithfulc---port is coming out asap after all this is done.  we are planning to go to arizona in the late fall, so don't want the maintenance to keep it in-going in for flushes every 6 weeks.  besides, it is uncomfortable. 

burley-guess i am a close 2nd to you for treatment.  won't be done until the end of july.  that is assuming i stay on schedule.  starting radiation and taxol in 3 weeks. 

take care all..

burley

Yea, white blood cell count up to a whopping 1 from .2.  Sitting here getting my chemo-final AC, then it's on to Taxotere in 3 weeks.  The treatment room is packed today-everyone has someone with them, and some people have 2 people with them.  Problem is, they take up all the chairs for the patients!  I think I'm the only person here by themselves.

Can't wait to get out of here and get some Subway!  I've been craving it for days...hopefully it has some flavor.  I am so sick of everything being bland!