April 2010 starting chemo

arubajan05

Hi All!

I am 10 days PFC YAY!!!  (So caltex, give me a smiley face  ) I did it!  The fatigue is hanging on much longer than the last couple treatments and I too have the restless leg thing.  My onc. actually prescribed some medication for that (it is typical restless leg med) and I dont' take it every night but when it is especially bothering me and I cant' get too sleep.  Some nights I fall asleep literally on my tummy with my legs bent at the knees and up over my back. Crazy, I know.. but it is the only way they will STOP moving!  I also have crummy eye watering and twitching.  Does anyone know when this will stop?! 

I am sick of the bald thing too (like several of you commented).  I have been doing the scarf with a big hat thing if I am going to be outside somewhere (like the beach or pool) It is SO much more comfy than the wig.  But I don't typically go out without any hair.

I still have quite a few strands of hair that have grown about 2 - 21/2 inches long since I shaved my head back in April with a number 2.   Should I shave those before my other hair comes in? On a different thread they have said it starts growing about 8 weeks PFC... is that right?

Thanks so much all of you!   HUGS TO ALL!

Emme

Hi All...

When I got out of the shower this morning and looked in the mirror...the inner half of my eyebrows had fallen out...this made me so upset...i finished my last chemo 3 weeks ago!  I cried.  i honestly think i have just had enough.  i don't often cry..but this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Just so tired of this

Char2010

Jan - My eyelids started twitching after round 3 and continued at least two weeks after round 4 (June 18).  After round 4 my eyes started watering - really bad - sometimes had water just "leaking" out and running down my face - stopped a couple of days ago.

 Emme - My eyebrows are very thin and have continued thinning out after round 4 - same with the lashes.  I am ready for hair as well - nothing much happening so far.

DancerMel28

Hi Jan - the fatigue has hit me a bit harder this final round - only really been last two days that I've felt like doing anything and I tire so easily after doing not much.  The dry eyes are really driving me crazy - the eye drops don't seem to be makign as much of an impact at the moment. Hoping they fix themselves really soon. I was also wondering about the hair thing - I only shaved to a #2 back in May when i began to lose my hair and i still have these wiry little bits hanging on for dear life. Was thinking of shaving it completely for a fresh start (also would feel more comfortable with people seeing me completely bald as compared to these weird sticky up bits!) but I've been too scared to shave them off completely in case nothing comes back (seems silly I know but still.....)

Emme - it's so hard - just when we think we're getting on top of things and the SEs new things happen or things continue on that we thought were done with. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Emme

Thanks for the words of encouragement!  I am feeling so much better today.  I had a fill.  I'm up to 800 cc....two more to go!  I feel like I can see the light.  Thank goodness.

Dancer-  I have a few straggler hairs that I thought about shaving too.  I just keep looking at them.  if I look long enough my hair will grow back in...lol

Emily

JenC

Emily - so glad you are feeling better.  Hoping I will see that light soon myself:) 

I have not shaved my head completely.  Had it cut down to about 1/4 inch and then most of that fell out but with all the delays in AC it has started growing back (still about 1/4 inch just more but still pretty bald:).  I am sure once I start T on the 29th it will fall back out but I keep looking to see if the hairs are getting longer...

toughmom38

DancerMel- I also have hairs that are about 2" inches long that have grown from when I cut it to 1/2" back in April (I'm so happy they've grown!) and just last night I was considering trimming them down because they are so light and thin.  But like you, I just couldn't do it, because what if they don't come back?  I agree it's silly, but since I'm wearing a hat anyway and no one sees it but me...I'll just leave it alone for a little longer... I know eventually I'll have some hairs 1" and some 3" but I'll even it up after I can no longer see my scalp!

I have eyelid twitching ALL the time.  The watering has lessened a little, it was at it's worst between #1 and #3.

I can't believe that after Thursday of next week I will be able to say "I'm done!" with chemo.  I didn't think I would ever be able to live through it.  I definitely didn't believe I could do another one after #5.  That was the worst I ever want to feel and I'm not looking forward to the 10 days after #6.  I don't know how it can be worse than the last one, but I can live through it knowing I (hopefully!) will never have to do it again.

Everyone have a good week!  Congratulations to everyone finishing (or finished) with chemo.  Happy hair growing!!!!

Jennifer

DancerMel28

So thought I was travelling really well (apart form the tiredness) after this final chemo but today I just feel like a twitchy-nose bleeding freak!  My eyes are so dry and they just keep twitching - I can't concentrate on anything, the nose bleeds have started again (20 mins this morning - ick!) Plus when my nose is not bleeding I have a twitch at the side of my nose.  I just want to do normal stuff - but the eyes are keepign me awake so I'm getting more tired!!

Grrr - sorry just had to vent! Off to put more eye drops in........

marcy4

Glad to hear so many of you are in the final stages.  I had the first treatment of my final 12 weeks today and it went fine.  I had Herceptin, Taxol and Cycotan.  I know it is an odd mix by it is what it is. I was there for a total of 71/2 hours, but without a reaction I thought it was great.  I am on a very odd schedule for the next 12 weeks,,,some weeks one drug, and others 2, maybe 3.  By the end I have one week off with no visit to the Chemo Room and am looking forward to that.  This afternoon and evening I have felt great, came home and did house work most of the remainder of the day.  Tomorrow I need to go to a soccer game about an hour away and hope I feel able to do it.  Anyway,  I must admit that I am envious of those of you who are finished, but I know that each one of us deals with this differently, but all know that the end will eventually get here.  The positive things is that my Chemo nurses are wonderful and visiting them each week is something to look forward. Also my SEs so far have been very minimal so my life has been basically normal through treatments and I am very thankful for that.

all2tired

I had my 2nd of 6 rounds of TCH last week.  This one seemed to be worse the the first.  I had nose bleeds with teh 1st round and again with the 2nd.  Started having pain in my stomach and then today my stools were white.  Anybody have a clue what is going on and should I call the dr about the stools?

kad22

DancerMel - sorry to hear about your SEs and how bothersome they are! That really sucks!

I had my 2nd Taxol treatment this week and it went well - so far I feel good - little SEs but nothing big - which is great! Only 10 more to go!

Happy fo those that are done or are close to being done - it means we can do this and are conquering this battle in our lives!

Question - those with TEs in do you wear a bra? How do you figure out the size? I am doing being filled and want to start wearing a bra but don't how to pick one out - might have to Victoria Secrets and have them measure me. Hmmm.... Underwires or no? I can't wait to have my surgery to get my implants and be done with this all!

Also - lost all my eyelases and most of my eyebrows - which really sucks! Hopefully they grow back fast! ;-)

Take care all hopefully no SEs this week!

JenC

Kad22 - regarding a Bra.  My Plastic Surgion said that underwires are fine so long as your insicion is not underneath the breast along the line where the underwire would go.  He also said that you should be fitted for a good bra.

SGJ05

Kad22, I am done being filled and have been wearing bras for a while now:) I believe all of the bras I have are all underwire. Since I will not be having surgery until at least December, I just went to Kohl's and bought a few bras to get me through. Once I do the exchange, I am going to go to Victoria Secret's to get fitted:)

DancerMel--Sorry about to hear about your side effects--I hope they go away soon!!

Well, tomorrow is my last chemo!!! I am excited to be done, but a little scared about the side effects that may be in store for me. My last chemo was awful and the side effects about did me in--Hopefully this last one will be better!! Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement, sorry I didn't thank you all sooner, life just seems to get busy when you feel good:)

Good Luck to all that are undergoing treatment this week:)

marcy4

Kad22

I have lost more eyebrows and body hair since being on the Taxol as well.  I still have enough brow and lashes to manage, but hey definitely are thinning. I have had 4 treatments of weekly Taxol so far. 

shygal

Hello Ladies,  I thought I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and was supposed to start Radiation this past Monday.  Unfortunately, they found 2 new findings from my MRI that both need biopsies.  One in the right breast (which already had the lumpectomy) and one in my left breast.  I have a stereotactic biopsy tomorrow for the left breast and then I'll be going for an MRI-guided biopsy on the right hopefully soon.  I guess this means that I might be back to square one  Since I know that some of you have had mastectomies.....how did you decide on that course of action?  Was it your Dr who recommended it or did you just think that it's not worth the worry of a potential recurrence or going through all the scans/tests and mammograms each year.  Would appreciate your thoughts.  Thanks.

SGJ05

Shygal, I am so sorry to hear you have to go through add'l biopsies(Hugs) I am praying that they come back benign!!!!! I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy because I had 2 confirmed (ultrasound guided biopsy and MRI guided biopsy) areas of cancer in the right breast, a third questionable spot in the right breast (almost had a stereotactic biopsy) and a questionable spot in my left breast that they were unable to biopsy due to the position. I figured even if the other areas were not cancer, I did not want to go through biopsy after biopsy and I knew that was inevitable due to the fact I had fibrocystic breasts. I made the decision myself but did talk it over with my surgeon--she agreed with me and even if she hadn't I felt it was the right decision for me:) Good Luck, I know it is a difficult decision to make!

toughmom38

Shygal, I am so sorry to hear you have to start over with biopsies!  I had a bilateral mastectomy because I had to have two biopsies in the left breast. The ultrasound biopsy that was malignant (my 1.7 cm tumor) and the other was a stereotactic biopsy that found calcifications that were still pre-cancerous but headed towards cancerous.  My right breast had no cancer but my general surgeon told me that it wasn't a matter of "if" it came back in the right one but "when".  After I heard that I immediately decided to have both removed because I knew there was no way I was doing this again.  I was not a candidate for a lumpectomy b/c the two areas biopsied were too far apart to be able to cut them out and not have a noticeable crater in my breast.  I absolutely do not regret having them both removed and never doubted my decision.  I know it's tough to think of losing them both, but modern medicine is wonderful and they can do amazing things with reconstruction!  Good luck!!!

Jennifer

marcy4

Shygal,

I am so sorry about your news.  Here I was feeling sorry for myself still having so much treatment left to go!   I am hoping you get good news from the biospies and do not have to start all over again. I too had a lumpectomy and hope I made the right choice.  Wishing you all the best and praying for you to have good test results.  We all know waiting is the hardest part.

Emme

Shygal- saying exra prayers for you here.  Im so sorry your having to go thru this again. 

(((hugs)))

Emme

JenC

Shygal - I had a lumpectomy before the mastectomy of the left breast.  My doctor suggested it because there were still in situ cells.  There was nothing in the right one so they said why remove a perfectly good one.  I guess all surgeons are different and it is dependant on the circumstances as to what the course of treatment is.  So sorry that you have to go through this.  Hope everything turns out ok and that there is nothing to worry about.  My thoughts are with you. 

Jen

saralmom

Shygal - thinking of you and praying that your biopsies are nothing to worry about.  So sorry that you are going through this.  I worry all the time about whether I did the right thing having a lumpectomy and not being more aggressive with surgery.

kad22

Shygal - OMGosh - what lousy news. My prayers go out to you. Positive thoughts that everything will be fine and no starting over from the beginning. ((((HUGS))))

I went with the bi-lateral masectomy because of a couple reasons - 1) I have the BRCA1 gene so a higher chance of it reaccuring in my other breast. 2) My onc. suggested it. 3) both my mom and her twin had breast cancer and passed away from cancer 4) I don't want to go through with it anymore!!

So with that being said and still being somewhat young at 37 I decided to take them both off and get the implants!

However with everyone's suggestions of bras I just can't get them to fit right! I am too large around and then the cup size won't fit! What to do?? Under my arms the TE sticks out but then the cup sags in the middle? hmmmm....

dutchgirl6

Shygal, I am so sorry that you have to go through this again, so soon.  You are in my thoughts and I hope that all goes well with your biopsies.  Unfortunately, I can't comment on the mastectomy question (I had a lumpectomy), but I am sure that whatever decision you come to will be the best one for you.

caltex_catlady

shygal, I'm sorry to hear that you're having a setback. I'm hoping for the best possible results for you.

I had a double mx in February. The original cancer found was on the left side, but it was found to be lobular (ILC), which is sneaky and hard to find on mammograms. In fact, I'd had a mammo just a couple of weeks before the lump was found and was given the all-clear. Lobular is the kind that both my mother (OK now) and sister (died two years ago) had. The onc and surgeon discussed all the options with me: lumpectomy, single mx, double mx, but left the decision to me. I think they both would have naturally leaned toward the least intrusive method but said they'd be comfortable with whatever I decided. I never really thought much about doing the lumpectomy. I wanted to be more sure. Maybe because my mom had already been through a mastectomy I was more used to the idea.

I asked for an MRI to help me decide between a single and a double. It turned up the cancer we knew about on the left and a couple of different suspicious areas on the right that would have to be biopsied at the very least. I decided to do the bilateral mx to take care of it all. That was partly based on having ILC, which tends to show up later on the other side and, like I said, is very sneaky and hard to diagnose, compared to IDC. It was also based on just not wanting to go through all this again, as I felt I probably would have to. I tend to be a worrier, so it would always be in the back of my mind.

The final pathology report from the mx showed that the areas on the right weren't cancerous but did show hyperplasia, so while it technically was "healthy" tissue because it wasn't cancer (yet), I haven't once regretted the decision to remove it. I just felt it would be only a matter of time for me. Not everyone has the same family history, though, and most people have IDC, which is findable much earlier and more easily. It's all a very personal decision based on your family history, age, tendency to worry, etc., as well as your actual diagnosis.

Once you know more from your biopsies, you can make a better decision. We'll be here for you, whatever you decide.

Karen

sumby

Hi ladies, it's been a while I came on this forum...

Pls has anybody had Taxotere and what was the reaction to it? My first regimen was EC * 4 and I finished the last one two weeks ago with minimal side effects. I'm starting taxotere next week and I'm completely freaked out cos of the scary side effects I've been reading so would like personal experiences.

Also, been using the scalp cooling which has been really great for my hair but I'm just completely tired of freezing my head for 3hours every 3weeks...confused whether I should just stop and let the hair fall up and grow up back : (  

dutchgirl6

Sumby, I had my first Taxotere two weeks ago, I will be having my second (of three) next Tuesday.  I had minimal side effects, no nausea and just a little fatigue.  The worst was on the weekend after my infusion, when I had bone and muscle pain.  It was very uncomfortable, to say the least.  I took extra strength Tylenol during the day, and Tylenol3 with codeine at night.  My mistake was waiting until I had the pain to take anything, next time I will start on the Friday night to nip in in the bud.  Last week I had some tingling in my feet, and a twitchy eyelid, but those seem to have subsided.  I didn't have any allergic reaction at the time of the infusion, although some of the ladies on this board did, and they can give you a better idea of how that went.  I hope that my last two treatments go as easily as my previous ones, so I am crossing my fingers.  I sometimes wonder if the chemo is really working, since I have had a relatively easy time of it, all things considered.  But, my hair is gone, and the SEs that I do have are enough to convince me that those drugs are doing something.  The scariest thought for me is that my hair won't grow back for a long time, if ever, as some women have found, but I realize that is a very uncommon SE, and that most of the people who had T do get their hair back

I hope this helped, at least in a small way.  Good luck.

sumby

Thanks so much Dutchgirl...you won't believe how much your reply means to me. Guess I'm just so tired of the whole chemo process, I'm having 8 cycles and I'm just half way through and I'm really not in the mood to deal with any new side effects as the first regimen was pretty easy and yeah! sometimes I feel I'm not having enough SEs to justify the effectiveness of the drugs but I believe and have faith that it is doing what it's supposed to do.

My breast care nurse called today and said I would need to take steroids on the day before the treatment, the day of the treatment and the day after....did u also have to do that?

Thanks again... 

Julia123

Kad22: I have TE's and though I went out and bought a bra, I just don't like the way it fits without a fully defined nipple area, so I've been wearing those camisole shelf bra things. I could stuff it, I know, but it just seems like too much trouble. Also, went for my rads consult recently and they highly recommend you wear very comfortable bras, particularly those like the soft shelf bras, so glad I already have some!

Shygal: I am so sorry you have to have another biopsy! *big hug* Please let us know how it goes! I was originally diagnosed with Stage 0 DCIS, but I have a strong family history, and literally my very first thought was "I want them GONE". The deal I made with my surgeon was that if my BRCA gene test came back positive (and I was just sure it would), I'd have bilateral, otherwise I'd do lumpectomy. Well, lo and behold, it came back negative - but the gene counselor told me that they believe they've only identified 2/3rds of the heredity links, and that she thought a bilateral was still a good idea. 

 Now that I've had my surgery, and turned out to actually be Stage 3a with 8 positive lymph nodes, I'm EXTREMELY glad I got rid of both those puppies! My oncologist has also said it's a much better option if a woman is okay with the idea of it and all, simply because you no longer have to go through the mammogram process - and he says after you've had cancer, they watch every tiny speck of anything and send you for more mammos/biopsies/etc. at the drop of a hat, so you save yourself all that stress, at least. They'll test us every 3 mos and/or every 6 months in other ways, of course, but at least it's one less type/round of testing to go through. 

Also, a friend of mine had to have two lumpectomies, and it ended up slightly deforming her affected breast. So, another thought for me was simply that I could have a better chance of even boobs! On the other hand, I now have to have one more surgery to switch out TE's for implants, which with a lumpectomy you might be done with surgeries.

Good luck in whatever you decide, and remembering you in my prayers as you await biopsy results (no offense if you aren't a believer!).

SGJ05

Finished my last chemo. today with no reaction-YAY!! I even got a lil certificate signed by all the nurses!! Now I wait for the side effects to hit, but am relieved that this is the last time I have to do this, then on to Rads, Herceptin, and Tamoxifan!!!

Good Luck to all the ladies having treatments this week and next--may you be side effect free (Hugs)!

dutchgirl6

Sumby, yes, I did have to take a steroid, Dexamethasone, for three days, just like you were told.  It helps to reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction to the T, as well as the likelihood of nausea, although that is apparently not as much of an issue as it was for the cycles of FEC (I had three of those, also with relatively minimal SEs).  I was warned that the steroids would make me hyper energetic, and I thought "Great, maybe the vaccuuming will get done" but I didn't have that side effect.  DH did the vaccumming, lol.  What did happen was that my face, throat and upper chest area turned pink, my DD said that it was like I was sunburned.  That went away by the next week.   Will you be getting Neupogen or Neulasta shots?  I am self injecting Neupogen, on days 5 through 8.  The actual needle isn't bad, but the serum stings as it goes in.  Just a little heads up on that.

SGJ05, You did it!!!!  Congratulations, and best of luck on the next stage of your journey.  You go right ahead and frame that certificate.