Calling all TNs

WannaCruize

I don't know if this will work for you Lou, but I iced my fingers and toes while the Taxotere was being infused (actually started 15min prior and ended 15min after). There were some studies that showed some people had less SE from the treatment with the icing. The idea is that it restricts the capillaries in the hands and feet, and lessens the effect on them from the harsh chemicals.

Now, I've only had 1 infusion, but have absolutely no redness, tingling or numbness in my feet and hands. I actually made some pretty cheap ice bags to rotate through, because they cool down a bit, so I switch them part way through. I'll see if I can find the links to the studies, and the Instructables page I used for the ice packs.

Cathytoo

Lou53....think good thoughts and plow ahead with number 6. Will be sending you good strong vibes.❤️

Lou53

Thank you all! Hearing the doc say, "high risk cancer" kind of drove it home for me yesterday. Not like I didn't know, but the way he said it got to me. Have to stay strong and keep up the good fight.

Lookingforward66

Good Morning Ladies & Gents,

Within the hour I will be starting my PET scan.

Anxious but ok. Was promised results by Friday afternoon. Take care all. Just another step in our continuing fight.

Marsha

Cathytoo

Looking forward ... We're all here for you. Hope the scan is 100% clean.

Luvmydobies

Praying for you and thinking good thoughts Marsha! Let us know.

greenae

Sending prayers for a clean scan, Marsha!

Hugs

Arlene

Praline

Good luck Marsha!

Meadow

yes thinking of you Looking (((Marsha)))

jenjenl

marsha, what's going on with you? Thinking of you.

I went to chiro today for a tweak and crack of back and neck. I have a massage scheduled Sunday, its my 37 birthday. Im not going to lie my back is killing me and im totally spooked.

Curlyq1974

jenjen, don't freak. My back is killing me too but I like to attribute it to being more active... finally getting back to being me and doing the things I love, walking, exercising, helping the hubby with some house re-model projects... And I started back to the chiro, which I don't always think is a good thing... jury is still out on that one... but really, don't freak!!

Peabrain

@ Lou - we have the same diagnosis. Hang in there. You're almost done!

bluedog

Susan, congratulations on 5 years, and thanks for posting!!!!!

Cocker_Spaniel

Lou keep going. It's important to chuck everything at this cancer. One more could make all the difference, who knows.

Marsha prayers for an excellent PET scan. We are in your pocket.

Meadow I see on The Voice that Beth Morris has quit due to drug addiction.

Meadow

Cocker, that is so sad!

Lou53

Peabrain - wow, we do have the same! Thank you to you and Cocker for your words of encouragement! Packing my stuff for tomorrow. My daughter made gifts for all of the nurses and my son made a "last chemo" sign for me. Seems like this day would never come

Cathytoo

Lou53....Hold that "Last Chemo" sign high‼️

jenjenl

Yeah the pain started when we were packing to put our house on the market so I just thought it was bc of that. That was 5 weeks ago. I'm trying to not worry and just get through this week (spring break) and make a decision early next week. The chiro appt today has made it hurt even more, hoping the massage will help on Sunday.

Cocker_Spaniel

jenjen muscles sometimes take a while to heal and you probably haven't stopped hauling things about since the first time you noticed it. Has the pain intensified at all. I don't mean to sound rude to you in any way but I noticed some time ago that I had pain in my remaining breast. The more I thought about it the worse the pain got and I convinced myself that cancer was growing in that breast. Finally got up the courage for a mammogram and ultrasound and there was nothing at all. Once I was told that the pain went and I haven't had it since which proved that it was on my mind and it's all I thought about. I so hope that it was moving the boxes and tension on what it might be is the cause. Sorry if I have offended you as this was not my intention just trying to say that our mind plays tricks on us, a lot. Sending big hugs.

Cathytoo

jenjeni...have you tried lying on an ice pack for 20 minutes every 45 minutes. Also, if you can tolerate it, ask your doctor for 6mg Motrin. Not over the counter but an Rx. I have a chronic back condition and have found over the years that massage and seeing a chiropractor make it worse. Also, lie on one side when you sleep and bring your knees up to your chest with a pillow in between your legs. Hope it clears up so you can put your mind at rest.

Cocker_Spaniel

Meadow

Jen, Happy Birthday! And hoping the back improves after the massage on Sunday.

Lou, just so happy for your last chemo!

All recovering from surgery and reconstruction, (you know who you are!) Please update us on how you are doing!

jenjenl

Cocker - my goodness you are not rude (ever)! What was nice was when I first noticed the pain I didn't even think cancer so that is awesome! I think what has me worried is that it's not getting better with a reduction in activity. Some days it's worse and others not as bad but always there. Its in a new spot not the usual post surgery, post chemo, post hysterectomy back pain. I know my hip has degenerative issues so maybe it's just expanding. And I do agree and have been telling myself that i've had scares and they were nothing. For me I am at the point where I say, where is the line to have it looked at. I'm thinking 2 more weeks

Cathy - I will try that, I tend to go to my heating pad...actually to be honest I could possibility have an unhealthy relationship with my heating pad. I have it on my back nightly after work and when i go to bed. I remove it once i feel myself fading. I will try the ice, good suggestion. I agree I think the chiro might have hurt more than it helped. I think I am just trying everything before going to MO.

Cathytoo

Jenjeni...forget the heating pad, especially if you're overusing it. Not good. I've found that the chiropractor kills my back. At times I've gone into muscle spasm which left me almost unable to move at all. You can try taking the Motrin before a hot shower with the water hitting your back. Then get into bed flat on your back with your knees drawn up. Put the ice pack under a towel so it doesn't burn your skin. No more than 20 minutes at a time. Wait 45 minutes before using it again. Don't make your own pack. The drug stores have nice flat gel packs that you can refreeze. You don't want a bumpy home made pack under your back. Personally, I'd skip the massage for now. Try to heal yourself. Don't forget the sleeping position. Also, if you don't have a cervical pillow for your neck, that's something to buy also. I'm speaking from the experience of a lifetime of back problems. Good luck

LoveMyVizsla

I have low back issues too. My sacro-iliac joint is hyper mobile, and when it goes out, it can be unbearable. My physical therapist taught me how to put it back in place by myself. Sometimes it takes a few tries, but usually helps. And yes, ice is your friend.

Trisha-Anne

I'm after some advice wonderful ladies.

I had infusion number 8 of my 12 taxols yesterday and during the saline flush between the pre meds and the taxol my port started to leak. Bummer, big time, but at least it wasn't while the taxol was being administered. I'll have to go in for a line scan to see what's going on, and I'm just waiting for someone to call with the appointment time. The taxol was infused via catheter in the back of my hand (after a couple of abortive attempts).

When I had bc the first time five and a half years ago it was triple positive and I had a port then. After my last herceptin treatment I had the port removed two weeks later with my onc's blessing - he didn't think I'd need it again. But with this bc being triple negative he told me the port would have to stay in at least 2 years.

So - my question is - do I have the port removed completely and just hope for the best, and hope my veins stand up to the remaining 4 treatments, or do I have it replaced while they are there?

Has anyone been told how long their port needs to stay?

Thanks all - I was pretty down last night, but had a good night's sleep last night and now starting plan.

Trish

xoxo

Meadow

Trisha-Anne, wow, I am sorry that happened, and I am glad you are ok. I am sorry about the recurrance too, once is enough, yes? As for my port, I have had it since Aug. 2013, and I will have it for a few more years. I amTriple Negative IBC, my Onc doesn't want to have it out for awhile. It doesn't bother me at all, I forget I have it. Your question is tough...I am curious what others think...I might be tempted to try it without the port...what do you think?

ScotBird

Trisha- Anne, so sorry both about the recurrence and port issue.

I was told I couldn't have a port because I have a blood disorder which caused a DVT some years ago. Onc said that both chemo treatment and port was creating higher risk for me to experience blood clots and another thrombosis so he didn't want to risk it. The veins in my arms have really started to suffer now after 3 FEC treatments and the nurses have started to have difficulty finding good veins to cannulate now.

I wish I could have a port as I hate being jabbed with needles all the time while they try to find veins that work. I've started to dread it. Before Cancer I never minded blood issues at all. If they can get your port working properly again without leaking, I'd personally stick with it having struggled myself without a port! And whatever you do decide, I hope it's not too stressful. Setbacks and decisionscan be so difficult to handle and I'm hoping this one will be quickly resolved for you one way or t'other. Sending cosmic hugs for you. X

LoveMyVizsla

Whoa! That's the first I've heard about needing to keep your port that long! I will be asking my nurse about that one. I've only had mine for 3 months and there is a hole along where the incision was made to install it.

Praline

Scotbird- My MO told me to get a small hand exercise ball ( like a squishy ball) and squeeze it. He said it would help my veins pop up. It seems to help. There was no problem last week.