May 2010 Chemo
Comments
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Patricia: Thanks for the information on the book. I think I might have to check into getting that book. I am a very poor eater, I always have been. Our busy schedule makes it very difficult for me to make meals. I have to figure out a way to change that. I am also a very picky eater. I have changed some of my poor eating habits, I drink water now and not diet coke. I the past it was diet coke and no water. I have also cut down on my beer intake. (Well maybe not this weekend, we'll be celebrating the end of my chemo, my husband's birthday, and our 17th wedding anniversary).
Sacphotomom: I hope you got through your treatment and the dizziness is gone. I will have to have someone take a picture of me with my bald head and put in on none. My head isn't completly bald I left the hairs on that have not fallen out yet. I figure if they are strong enough to with stand this toxic drug who am I to shave them off. It helps to give me streghth too.
Well I am anxious for tomorrow, but we are trying to get everything ready for vacation so it is helping to take my mind off the treatment. I work for awhile then I rest and put my feet up so they don't get real swollen so the packing isn't coming along as fast as I'd like. But that is ok since I will be able to put my feet up and relax for 8days come Friday!!(well as much as you can relax with 2 12 year olds and 2 15 year olds.
Have a great night everyone and thank you for being my new friends and sisters!!!
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Barb - For your swelling, elevate your legs whenever you can and drink water and eat celery - it's a natural diuretic. Congrats on your 17th anniversary! YAY!! I love beer too... but have not had one bit of alcohol since starting chemo. I so often feel "hang-over-ish" that I cannot imagine adding alcohol to it. But, as chemo goes on, I have been adding more diet coke to my diet
. I hope your vacation is AWESOME... we will miss you!! Drim - With radiation, are you going to request that they not use perm tattoos? If so, let me know how that goes... I want to go that route, but not sure what resistance it will be met with.
Jen - That's awesome!! I love your theme and your attitude! Sorry about the IV, and hope you do not develop lymphedema - no fun! I can't believe the school year is just around the corner. We went and got school supplies for Ryan (starting 3rd grade too) yesterday... they just put them out, and it's best to go early before they sell out and you end up having to go to 5 stores to get everything!! Got everything for about $20. Awesome! Congrats, again!!
Daiva - My husband found an article on the benefits of asparagus on cancer... compelling article, when taken twice a day... I'm trying but not a fan of asparagus.. if anyone has suggestions for making it more palatable, please share!!
I hope you had an awesome day in NYC! IrishTess - Praying for you starting Taxol. If you tolerate it well, your future infusions should be quick. Mine today, with herceptin, was 2 1/2 hours chair to door.
NJbhwgirl - ((HUGS)) I know its hard thinking of your baby joining the Army, but it sounds like he is responsible and knows what he wants. I'm biased, having been in the military and still in the AF Reserve, but serving is just something that is in you - and he will get GREAT benefits for college, not to mention the comradare (sp?). I know it will be hard while he is gone... and they probably will not let him contact you much while he is in training.. that is the hardest part! What is his specialty/job? I hope your breathing gets better!
Sacphotomom - sorry, I can't speak to the taxotere question.
Day - I thought of you today when I was watching Dr. Oz and he spoke of some herbs and natural remedies. Wish I had your knowledge!
Patricia - Great book! GL with Taxol! I can't remember, are you weekly? The steroid high/crash, and GI are my biggest complaints... overall not too bad... you can do this!! Lots o' water to get the stuff they mix the taxol in out of your system!
Once again, I've made a marathon post (what's new, right?). My treatment today was uneventful - I brought cookies for everyone, and we ate at 5 Guys Burgers & Fries when we were done! Love them! And, my MRI of my head and neck (specifically a hot spot on my hyoid bone) was NEGATIVE! I'm so relieved! Labs were good - a little low on the WBC, RBC, but nothing awful. Everyone moving on to taxol, at least you shouldn't have to do neulesta! Woot!
((((HUGS)))) to everyone! Love you guys!
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Oh yes, I forgot to say - my blood counts were normal at the 10 day after the tx test. Guess Neulasta really does work!
Patricia - I'm originally from Romania, i came to the US in 1999.
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I'm hanging in: had another tx on Tues. I've been spending more time deep breathing and less time worrying which has definately helped. BF is doing a great job taking care of the baby so things are less stressful. I've just decided to let everybody else do things around here unless I feel up to a little here and there. Things will work out however they will.
Looks like BF's mom and aunt and my sister-in-law are going to try and do childcare when bf goes back to work next month. I live in the boon docks with very limited resources and really need more than someone a few hours a day. I often feel like fainting when I stand so I don't feel safe tackling him on my own. This chemo combo has had a fatigue all its' own compared to others I've had.
There aren't any live support groups in my area which is why I rely on this place. But I do have a lady from the social services that comes twice a week to clean for an hour which helps out a lot.
Congrats on those finishing up and good luck to those moving to the next series.
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Paxton have you tried to call the American Cancer Society...they called here the other day and asked me if I need anything...help around the house or shopping..you should call them...you never know what there is out there to help you ....so glad your BFs relatives are stepping in to help you...I think about you all the time and just know your in my prayers!
The drip finally took 2 hours 15min.....Next time it will be dripped for 3 hours...I almost got a way with no Nuelasta shots...but after the nurse called the doc she suggested that I take them because my WB tanks a lot....so now back tomorrow to get the shot....whooopeee!
About radiation.... reading the radiation forums are very interesting. I enjoyed reading about the start and learned a lot..good reading.. it has taken some of the scare I have away, even though its still 3 months away.
OMG I just walked into the TV room and found my husband watching "So you think you can Dance"..it made me cry...then I found out it was a danced about supporting your mom....wow Another crying spell.....
I can't believe how good I feel...steroids? no stomach ache, I did try ice eating and my mouth feels good tonight...Well lets see how tomorrow goes...
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Paxton: I'm glad you are letting others help you. That's what you need to do. I'm also glad you BF is doing such a great job taking care of the baby. I'm glad you are going to get some help from his family once he goes back to work.
DAy: CONGRATS on the good blood work!!!!!!!
I know that must be a relief for you. Leanna: I am so glad that your MRI was negative!!!!! You must be so happy. I think you need to have a little beer to celebrate! As far as the Diet Coke. People were on me for years to stop drinking it. They would say it's poison and then I read an article that said because of the asparitam (sp, artificial sugar) it has been linked to breast cancer. I did ask the doctor and nutritionalist if this is true and they told me you would have to drink so much of it. Needless to say I gave Diet Coke up. I use to drink about 8 sodas a day. Now I have switched to regular Coke(with the taste buds not 100% it doesn't taste too bad) and don't even drink one a day. I don't have any room with all the water I have been drinking. Thanks for the tip on celery. I will have to try that tomorrow.
Well I better get to bed. I have my treatment at 9:00. Has anyone felt a little nervous as you went into your last treatment? I have been feeling nervous because since I am getting the treatments the cancer can't grow, but what happens once they stop. I know it probably sounds silly. I have also been far more teary and watching the ESPY awards tonight and the piece they did on Coach Carl about his throat cancer didn't help the tears. I am taking donuts and fruit tomorrow for the nurses hope they enjoy it.
Well I'm hoping to post one last time tomorrow before we leave for the beach. If I dont get a chance I hope everyone has a great SE free week and those having treatments good luck and if you are finishing Congrats!!!
BArb
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Off to the chemo lounge - hoping to dodge some chemo pellets this week. Will have a chance to catch up on all your posts over the next few days, between my naps :-) After today, 4 down and 2 to go. I'm catching a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Thanks for the comments girls! I figured since so many of you had posted the baldie look, I'd take a pic without the scarf. Actually, with the heat, I've been baring it more often than I expected, including in public! It actually feels pretty liberating!
njbhwgirl: I agree with Barb - count me in if you're up to it! I'm in the same boat re no vitamins, supplements, etc (that seems to be the Sloan Kettering protocol). I think it's because there's no regulation on those items, and quality and ingredients can vary greatly.
Yesterday, I spent some time gathering clothing ~ mainly tops ~ I can't wear anymore (too low cut) to bring to my sisters. I couldn't believe how upsetting this small task was ~ I mean, I understand why, I just didn't expect to be so sad. Then today, I read about your son ~ that's really something to cry about. I'll pray that he keeps out of harm's way.
Patricia: Good luck with your 1st Taxol tx. I'm right behind you ~ mine is on Fri.
All: Have a great weekend.
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Hi ladies,
I've been off for 1 day and fell so far behind!!! WARNING - this will be a long post & I hope I dont forget anyone... First of all good luck to all having treatment today & tomorrow and Congratulations to all of you who are DONE!!!
NJB - So far I've had the same reaction to Taxol as you, (more on that later) I was up ALL night from all the crazy steroids and I'm not tired at all! I think I'll ask for a sleeping pill next time too. I am all in for a Fall get-together in LBI, I'd love to meet you all. I'm soooo sorry you'll be missing your son, I can't even imagine your heartache. I'll keep both of you in my prayers. You should be very proud to know you've obviously raised a special young man. Leanna - I hope you are just as "LUCKY" as me with the AC! So happy your MRI was Negative, what a relief! My blood counts were a little low too but nothing terrible. My doc has me doing one more neulasta after my 2nd Taxol treatment - thought that was weird but I didn't really have a hard time with the shot so it's not really a big deal to me. Also, my husband LOVES 5 Guys burgers LOL he talks about them all the time! The closest one to us is about 45 minutes away so he goes on his way to work, I've never been but he is always trying to get me to go. I'm not a huge red meat fan so I see no need to drive 45 minutes for a burger...Redbarb/Drim - My calves and ankles have been swelling but I attributed it to the humidity. My Dr. actually acknowledged it today w/o me mentioning it - they always feel my legs and ankles when I go in. Redbarb, enjoy your weekend & your beer and have a great vacation! Packjen - Aloha Chemo!!! Great pictures, congratulations. X-raygirl - I love a flavored martini but can't drink the regular ones, I hate olives. The best martini I've ever had was a chocolate espresso martini from the 'Blue Martini' in Tampa, FL. If any of you are ever in the area I highly recommend it!! I actually think it's a chain. I love wine too so I think we could be very good friends LOL. I sent you a PM regarding the timtam site. How was NYC? How exciting for Leah! Irishtess - great new pic! Patricia - thanks for the cookbook recommendation, I'll def. look it up. Paxton - So glad you're getting some help, your BF sounds like a keeper!
Ok, so my 1st Taxol yesterday wasn't the greatest. First of all I was there from 11:00 till 6:00!!!! About 10 minutes into the drip I had a bad reaction - chest and lower back pain, bright red face and I couldn't breath. The nurses were great, 5 of them rushed over and stopped the drip then they put me on oxygen and gave me more steroids. Waited 1/2 hour checked my vitals and restarted and I was fine. No guarantees if it will or will not happen again next time so we'll see.
Ok, all done - sorry for the super long post!
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Summer : Yikes...wow sorry for the reaction you had. I know the drip takes forever doesn't it. Feel like your there all day. Hopefully next time will be better. Hoping I can get sleeping pill when I go next week. My biggest complaint other than the dizziness is huge shortness of breath. Please someone tell me this goes away?????
Yes I am certain on a fall trip to the beach.. all are invited. Cosmos and martinis for all. Great fish place not far from my house.. we could walk there. Although you may have to wheelchair me there(lol)
Leanna: yeah for good MRI. HIs job is MP (that is why I am freaking out!!) I went to see the his superior to see if he could change. I lost one man in my life I am not prepared to lose another.
thanks everyone for your kind words about my son.. I will be counting the days for him to return.... having goodbye party for him Sunday. family and friends all helping. I am so praying for a good none SE weekend for all of us
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NJB -
I will bring the vodka to the beach! I love seafood - can we get a DWI for drunken pushing of a wheelchair? LOL
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Summer - scary reaction... glad they were on top of it. I don't think you can get a DWI for that.... prob just a PUI... Pushing Under the Influence...
NJB - No, not a great job. Enjoy your party on Sunday! (I know).
IrishTess - Love the pic
Hoping I can sleep tonight... didn't do so well last night; was up until 3... boo
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Wow, I can't believe how much I've missed coming on here for the past week! My DH and I had a great relaxing time away for supper and a movie last weekend. We stayed in a nice hotel and ran into an old friend who manages it - our room dropped in price by more than 50%! It was great to go to the city for something other than my treatments. We saw Knight and Day. It wasn't the best, but I really enjoyed being in the theatre, and the popcorn even more! Before the movie we relaxed, sipped on our rum and coke, and enjoyed reading the new books we picked up in our favourite book store! I forgot what life was like BC and even more, before a 2 year old! We even managed to go to our favourite Irish pub for a pint before the weekend was out.
Leanna - just wanted to say, I love the picture! It makes your smile that much more beautiful.
Day - I'm very interested in all of the herbalism talk. I wish that I was allowed to take some of those things! My cancer centre is also very anti-vitamins and supplements. I'm not even allowed to drink green tea. Their theory is that if it boosts your immune system, it would actually interfere with the chemo.
Paxton - Your last post sounded so much more positive! I'm very glad that you've found some help! Saskatchewan is just too far away for me to do anything but send lots of love and positive thoughts.
Wow, there is just too much to comment on! Congrats to those of you who have finished your treatments. I'm three months away as of tomorrow and I can't wait.
RedBarb - I also found my feet and ankles swelling up. I thought it was because I had been on my feet in the kitchen all day. My son and I were busy baking and I guess I went a little over board. I also get a bit dizzy sometimes, but I'm guessing that it is because AC is hard on your heart. Maybe it has to work that much harder? I also am getting fed up with the mouth peeling thing. I felt something in my mouth on Saturday, and wasn't thinking when I pulled it out...it was a long piece of "skin" from the inside of my cheek. Disgusting. My DH was pretty grossed out - can't blame him. I also get insomnia - especially during the first week - I'm lucky if I get five hours a night if any. Funny though, I still don't think there anything as bad as some people get...
I hear so many of you talking about Taxol and Taxotere - are they the same drug?? I'm starting Taxotere after my next round - and I'm hoping for less side effects (I HATE puking.)
Hugs,
Jenn
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LabraryJenn..I too get those strings and they they are gross. I started my Taxotere yesterday so far no bad reactions..just a little light head during the infusion but they stopped the drip and them started again looks like it will take 2 hours to get the drip without SE's....stomach feels really good no gut rot...they told me that you usually don't get Nuelasta with Taxotere..but I had to have the shot because of my WB count tanking last time...I am hoping that it is back to normal so I don't have to have it any more. I was at a grey area as far as getting the shot..so they decided to give it to me..Taxol and Taxotere are not the same drug...the Onc told me there were more SEs with Taxol...more injection reactions also..but I really don't know what the difference is ...or why one over the other...Your weekend sounded fabulous..I'm glad you were able to forget about things for a while...
One more thing I too have been told not to have green tea.. when I go back for my blood test on weds the nurse told me she will give me a copy of a paper of which herbs effect chemo.. and which ones I can use..
Summer What a scary reaction you had.... I am always amazed at how fast the nurse get to you but glad they do!
Dang It was 102 at 7:00pm today more fun tomorrow.....I'm going to talk my DH to going to see Shrek..spend time in the movie theater...oh popcorn ...yum!
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Wow - can't believe how long it has been since I posted. It's been a busy time, with getting ready for mom to visit, her visiting, then recovering from her visit! At least it got my house clean!!!
Sacphotomom - I had started a weightloss program just before diagnosis too. That's been put on the back burner but I have not really gained or lost anything during treatment. I am basically eating normally but am not drinking alcohol much, which probably helps. I am actually looking forward to getting done with treatment and back on the weight loss path!
My las tx is Tuesday - for some reason, I am REALLY dreading this one. Maybe because I don;t feel like I have recovered from the last. But I want it OVER!
GolferFirl - this will be my 3rd 3-day walk. Obviously, this year will be different since I will be a survivor and all. DH is crewing. We are doing the Washington DC walk Oct 8 - 10.
Leanna - So glad your hubby got a job!
Redbarb - I get an annoying dry cough that starts a couple of days after tx and lasts about a week. Doc isn't worried about, so neither am I. But it is annoying. Oh yeah, and I am using a coppertone kids sunscreen (SPF 50) with zinc oxide in it. Seems to work.
Jen - Wow! And I was pooped just keeping up with my mother! Congrats on finishing chemo (and to all the rest of you out there who have finished.)
njbhwgirl - I really don;t think the people at work get it. They see me here working and seem to think I am doing "fine". NOT! And now that chemo is winding down, the boss keeps saying he's glad I'll be back to working like I did before. Apparently he has no clue how long it is going to take me to recover from all of this crap. Oh well. So I sleep 13 hours a night and have virtually no time for myself.
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So I'm finally resurfacing from my last chemo. The side effects were minimal but I feel so spacy - like I'm not able to concentrate at all. I try to read the posts and my mind just wanders. I sometimes wonder if it's the steroids.
Packjen- Congrats on being done and thanks so much for posting those pictures. They brought a smile to my face!
Redbarb- YAY!!! VACATION!! Have an absolute blast....and then the two of us it seems need to start improving our eating. I am terrible - always eating frozen foods, pizza and bagels (can you tell I'm from NYC). I need to get my hands on Cancer Fighting Kitchen as well!!
Leanna- I have not officially congratulated you on your DH's job!! Thank goodness. Also, about rads, I'm not sure if I have the fight left in me to start arguing about the tattoos. My mom had BC a few years ago (LCIS) and she had rads and the tattoos so maybe I'll just give in and get them.
Summer - so sorry about the Taxol reaction. Hopefully they do better next time.
x-raygirl- NYC with your daughter!!! I hope you were able to enjoy yourself for the day. Were you able to take in anything or were you just too busy with the headshots.
Patricia and Irishtess - hoping Taxol went well!!! Irishtess, I should be starting rads mid-August but still working out insurance issues so I don't have anything really lined up yet. YIKES!
njbhwgirl - God bless you and your son. I can't imagine what this feels like but your son is a true hero. Now about Cape May - I am there!!!!
fotopet - good luck with your final treatment. Don't be nervous - all good thought!!! You will be so happy to be done!!
Wanted to let you know that I went to LGFB class yesterday. They gave us so much great stuff and the make-up woman did great with her demonstrations. I really did feel pretty walking out of there. However, I wish we had the opportunity to meet one another. They never went around the room and there were only about 8 of us. I'm off to follow up with the insurance people about my rad treatments. Have a great day!!!
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Hi All, Sorry, I've been out of it this week. Like Drim, just feeling a little spacey since my last treatment last Friday. The good news is, I got my port out! Yay! I was surprised they would do it so quickly after my last treatment, but my onc said it was ok so out it came yesterday. For those of you who have ports, the removal was no big deal at all. They did it under local, so I drove myself. The only thing I felt was the shot to numb the area, and that was not much. The port was out in less than 5 minutes, but the sutures took about 20 mins. My doc said its because he was using plastic surgery sutures and technique so the scar would be minimal. Not even feeling sore today. Still debating the start of rads, but so far looking like 7/21 planning with 7/26 start.
Leanna- great pic and great news on the MRI! Yay!
LibraryJenn- so glad you enjoed your weekend out.
fotopet- I wish I was walking this year, but for me it would be Aug 13th and I just wasn't sure I could do it since that's in the middle of rads and really, I wasn't sure how chemo would go. But I know I will miss being part of that this year. I will definitely go to cheer the walkers. Hope your last treatment goes well!
njb, summer, drim, etc - I'd love to drink vodka on the beach with all of you! Or anything else your drinking for that matter...
I know I am missing many of you, sorry, I did read all the posts, but I am just not sharp these days. I went to the grocery sore last night and forgot what I went for. Came back with totally different stuff and nothing I had planned. Sheesh! It's all I can do to focus at work these days.
Good luck to those finishing and hang in there to those with more to go. We can do this! GG
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Jenn- that sounds like an awesome time! You really reminded me that we need to do something.... me and my husband. It just occurred to me that we only turn in our babysitting "chits" for cancer stuff... chemo, appointments, bad days.... we need to use some of them and just take some couple time. Sounds like it was awesome - so happy for you!!
Sacphotomom - You too...
Hope you had a good time!! Fotopet - I'm with you on people not getting it. One of my GFs brought dinner yesterday... and we were chatting and catching up... and she was telling me about her father-in-law who had some type of cancer in his foot... and then she said "so, they think you will have chemo, and then you will be fine?" Ummmmm, really?? How do you answer that?? Luckily, my 4 year old interrupted us and I never really had to answer it... I don't know what I was going to say!
Drim - so glad you had a good LGFB class!!!
GG - YAY for getting that port out! And, I'm so with you on the grocery store type stuff.... I have paper and pens everywhere around the house, becuase if I don't write it down right when I think of it, it's gone.... and I use to be so sharp!!
4 year old party tomorrow!!! YAY
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Shucks ~ I lost my last post yesterday morning. I tried to get to all of you before heading out to the chemo lounge and I've been too spaced out having been hit by a huge chemo pellet, that i can't muster up the energy or concentration to read all your posts. I now officially have kankles - and the imprint of my thumb stays there for a while when pressed. Lovely!. I slept most of Fri. and couldn't muster enough energy to do much of anything. My onc wants me to get my BRACA test to see if I have the BC gene - might need to go the partial hysterectomy route (oopherectomy). Anyone else doing this. Lobular carcinomas are known to be sneaky and from what I hear, recurrence rate is higher. That stinks! My DH gave me my Neulasta shot yesterday and I'm dreading the next few days. The pains hit me on Sunday morning and last a good few days. At least it's 4 down, 2 to go - I see a tiny light at the end of the tunnel.
Re: Cape May ~ count me in! Sounds like something fun to look forward to. Thanks Leanna!
Summer ~ sorry about your misfortune. Hope that's the last time! Will say a special prayer that will never happen again.
Drim ~ mostly headshots, dinner, bit of shopping and home. I love the city!!!
Patricia ~ i LOVE the Kanta meditation - got the Louise Hay one too. Thanks for the suggestions.
Leanna ~ hope the party is a blast!
Irishtess ~ great pic!
Hugs to ALL of you. Back to the couch - I'm petered out.
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x-raygirl,
I hear you on the ILC thing. I would have felt much better if in the cocktail of cancers that was in my breast there wasn't ILC too. The only thing that makes me feel a little bit easier is the relatively low Ki-67 (18) and the fact that the IDC was cribriform (which is much "milder" in terms of recurrence).
Anyway, I have been pretty active in the last few days except for yesterday. Yesterday I had horrendous gum pains on my lower jaw. So-said gums looked just normal, no swelling, no redness, no nothing - so I blame it on the chemo. It got so bad that I had to take a Percocet - after which everything went back to normal, even after the Percocet "expired". Anyway, I am seeing my PCP on Monday, I thought it safer to get an appointment with her. They could have seen me yesterday, but I was all by myself and I do not drive after taking Percocet. Without it I wouldn't have been able to drive as the pain was too much and my eyes were tearing up.
I am glad to see what a great time some of you had, and I envy you. I can't really go outside much, except for an hour in the morning (and that all covered in Off due to hords of mosquitoes in this area) because it is extremely hot in Oklahoma again. And with the hot flashes I have...
By the way, it seems my hot flashes are getting worse, in intensity, not duration. They are pretty short-lived, only about a minute or so, and if I get myself in an "air breeze" - either in front of a fan, or in front of the A/C - they subside immediately. I am thinking that maybe the chemo will throw me into menopause for good. Wouldn't that be something? No more worries about having an ooph or not (my intention is to have one down the road, as my grand-mother died of metastatized uterine/ovarian cancer).
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Hey, everyone. It's so good to hear all your posts. Glad to hear so many are joining me in the "finished" camp.
I've had chest pain all the time since tx #4, so I'm back on steroids--prednisone this time. I think, out of everything (besides the chemo itself), the steroids were my least favorite thing. Doc knew I was NOT happy to be back on them. Another chest CT next week in hopes of figuring out what's going on in there.
I'm finally starting to get the feeling of being done. I didn't really have it after tx #4, because I was looking "forward" to all the SEs. But now (except for the chest thing) the SEs are waning, and I'm, very slowly, starting to feel "normal" again.
My hair hasn't grown though! Not one millimeter! I wonder when it'll begin to grow again. Does anyone know?
Hugs to all,
Jen
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JennyB ~ when was your last tx? I can't imagine the hair growing back too soon since the meds are in the system for a while. I'll be interested in knowing when it does - be sure to keep us all posted. Chest pain... that sounds scary! Hope it resolves SOON!
Day~ what's Ki-67 mean? I also had DCIS along with the ILC. Your gum/jaw pain wasn't from Neulasta was it? I get jaw pain along with the long bone and joint pain. Yuck! Re: menopause, my onc. told me that you have to wait 2 yrs. after chemo to say it's true menopause vs. the average woman is said to be in true menopause after 1 yr. of no periods. If my BRCA comes back positive, I'm going for the ooph too. Btw, I have been drinking the nettles and dandelion teas and I can hardly believe how much the swelling went down in my ankles since yesterday. I can actually see my ankle bones. Keep the tips coming, girl!
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Jenny - I'm really pulling for you and hoping that soon you will have this all behind you. If I'm counting correctly, this Wednesday will make 3 weeks past your last treatment. From what I've heard, you may start seeing hair at about 3-4 weeks past last treatment so hopefully soon.
East coast crew (and anyone else) - it sounds like we have a starting point for our gathering. X-raygirl - I live in Midtown west and work in Times Square. Would be nice to meet up with you if you have to be in Manhattan again.
Did I mention I got my period again? I may have. It's really light like it was the last time so that means I'm expecting it to get really heavy again next week. I hope not but it just seems like a pattern. I know my RBC count went down a little from that but not too bad so I suppose I can handle it. I used to get really bad nosebleeds all the time and it never made me light headed so maybe I'm used to blood loss. Still - not fun at all.
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Daiva - That sounds like a good trip! I'm with you... my chemo pellets started today... dang it... and I lost my last post also and had to come back a few hours later after I had the patience and recreate the wheel! I always say I'm going to type my responses elsewhere for the inevitable times that we lost the internet... but then I never do!
Also.... maybe nothing... but when is your next Echo or MUGA scan? Your kankles, along with your fatigue concern me that it may be your heart. Be sure to talk to your onc specifically about these symptoms together, and also any shortness of breath you may have, k? Elevate your legs when you can... and consider getting some TED stockings from the pharmacy... they keep the swelling down and help keep your legs more comfortable. (and... just read your last post that your swelling is getting better... ))~~. I have had the BRACA test (it was negative), so I'm not sure... but I have a feeling even though I was diagnosed with IDC, that some of my BC is ILC... I think it will come back in my pathology after surgery... but my BS and Onc were actually both surprised when pathology came back IDC, as the characteristics of my BC are that of ILC... long hardened mass, came out of no where... even on MRI it shows 7 cm by 3 cm.
Day - what is a Ki-67 and how did you get that? I hope your gums are feeling better soon! No fun. I hear you on going outside... I seem to "rash" up if I am out in the heat for any appreciable amount of time, and just don't feel well.
Jen - Thinking of you and hoping your CP goes away and you have a clear CT!!! Glad your SE are lightening up, and you can finally feel like chemo is behind you!
Drim - my periods just keep coming and going... little bit, gone, little bit more, gone... my poor body doesn't know what is going on!
Nolan's party was fun yesterday - he loves his new hot wheel - big wheel... and most of us are old enough to remember, fondly, Big Wheels!!! Loved mine!! (ok, maybe just those of us with brothers??).
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Ki-67 is a tumor marker if you want, it's an antigen that shows how fast your cancer's cells are dividing/growing, thus showing how aggressive the tumor is, and also is a factor considered in the prediction of possible recurrence and the neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment given.
Here, they explain it better than me:
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/tumormarkers/f/ki67.htm
http://meeting.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/16_suppl/678
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9291434
Mine was 18, which is on the upper limit of the "low". You should find yours on the pathology report.
x-raygirl, I am glad it helps. These plants are amazing, isn't it? And I know how scary the swelling of the ankles can be, I told you it brought me pronto to the edocrinologist's office, as I thought I was getting myxedema from my thyroid! And it feels so good to see your ankle bones again after walking around with "cankles"!
I had a lot of people visiting last evening (as my cbc came back good on Monday and I am 14 days out of the 3rd tx I thought I can visit with people) and they stayed over quite late so I'm pretty tired this morning.
The jaw pain was gone the second day - I have no idea if it was the Neulasta (10 days after the shot?!?) or the chemo itself or something else. Right now the only things I'm plagued about are the allergies - even with ClaritinI still have the sniffles, not that bad but they are still there, and the hot flashes. The hot flashes are not long but seem to get more intense. Probably I'm going menopausal.
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Leanna - happy birthday to your son! I hope he had a great time! I absolutely remember Big Wheels! I loved mine and I don't even have a brother (I have a sister). I still love that your kids are named Nolan and Ryan! Do people usually put that together when you introduce your kids? I guess they'd have to be baseball fans.
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Hi May Warriors! I got through my first taxol with no reactions. Yeah! This is the third day out and I am getting achy muscles. I still walked, but it was difficult. My Sweet BF was here for last few days since the treatment and we did a lot of fun things, including seeing the movie Inception. It is a bit long and complicated, but we enjoyed it. We also ate out a few times, which I have not felt like doing in a long time. So far my gastro-intestinal irritations from the A/c are almost gone (except for the chemo pellets). Thank God! I can take the achy flu feeling, I hope. My onc said day 3-5 are the days for this. Still I go weekly now, so it will probably be about half the time feeling good. I can handle that. It is so great to read all the posts and get caught up with everyone. Irishtess, how was your taxol? Summer - Your taxol reaction sounded so scary. I hope this is the one and only negative reaction for you. X-ray girl, glad you liked Kanta. Wishing everyone a good week. I can't believe I will be back for chemo on Thursday. This weekly schedule will be a big change. But yeah, my onc said he was very pleased with the way I had tolerated the every two week A/C and I have graduated to seeing him once a month!
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Hey ~ my DH is out of town and I'm day 4 post chemo tx and have a fever! I guess call the onc, eh? I feel like crap and even crappier that my son is being ignored. Anyone else have fevers? My feet are also cramping and the chemo brain is at it's height! Oy vay!!! This too shall pass!
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Last night was one of the worst I have had since I started chemo....the first being the very first AC not knowing the SEs and then having bad Nuelasta pain....Last night I had such horrible pain... unfortunately I had let it go to long ,very strong pains in legs and back.. up to my neck.....ended up on Norco ..you would think that after all this time I would know to keep up the pain pills for the time after nuelasta.......but I WAS FEELING SO GOOD! I was tired not as tired as on AC still able to do some running around with my DH as a driver ...........fooled me! This morning back on just Advil...
Lesson Learned!
x-raygirl I have been told to call for any fever over 100... Hope there is no other infection...
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PS LIBRARYJEN...one thing about Taxotere ..I have had no stomach problems at since weds infusion....no gut rot! no feeling nauseas at all!
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