Chemo June 2010
Comments
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Hi Ladies:
You are all doing so well- congrats on everyone who is done with chemo! I am six weeks post-chemo and having lumpectomy on this Thursday - hoping it all goes well. Then I start rads. Chey and Danielle - I still have numbness in my toes and the Neuronton didn't help. My onc nurse said to try vitamin B6 - has anyone heard about that? IThe numbness is not terrible, and I'm glad to hear that it may subside over time. Hugs to all.
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I am taking Biotin for hair and nails and B12 for neuropathy along with my standard vitamins.
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Hi All-
Chey- I forgot about the fact that I am one of the few on the boards with a matched set of boobs. LOL. The RO suggested that radiation may make one foob tighter, higher, smaller and lumpier than the non radiated one. I laughed when she said that because my real boobs had never been even or the same size. So, I just figured radiation side effects would make me look more "normal".
As far as the neuropathy goes I still have mine. It is worse in the evening because I spend alot of time on my feet during the day. But, it IS gradually getting better. I did the dose dense Taxol 4 times over two months. The neuropathy gardually got worse through out my Taxol and it peaked during my first week back at work which was about a month after my last Taxol. For me it is a tingling sensation with some numbness. I haven't tripped or dropped things because of it. I don;t know what I would do if my onc gave me an option to drop a treatment. I guess I would still go ahead unless I was really really sick. I really want to blast this cancer out of my body. It seems there is always some weird decision that needs to be made when you have cancer.
baby- could you have a sinus infection or ear infection? Are you eating enough? Call a doctor to get checked out.
Someone mentioned a skin rash on radiation side of their chest. I am on week 6 of a rash on my face. It is itchy and is gradually getting better. My GP thought is was allergies. I do have alot of pollen allergies. If it gets worse I will go to a dermatologist. But, right now I am just treating it like another indignity of cancer.
Latte- re BO The thing I notice is my head smells bad. I think it's because of the extra sweating from hot flashes coupled with no hair to buffer the smell. My armpits are sweatier. I am using deoderant that the rads people recomended. It doesn't really work. Also my breath smells.
Anybody wanna' come visit me? Don't I just sound gorgeous and sweet smelling!
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latte- I asked my BS if there were any non aluminum deoderants that work. she said flat out "no, but if you invent one, you will be a millionaire!" Another thing to put on my "to do" list! Here is what I found:
-Tom's of Maine 12 hour long lasting deoderant...works sort of for about 8 hours.
-just found new Tom's long lasting 24 hour Calendula deoderant. This one actually works for me. Of course I seem to be bathing all the time, washing off cream before rads etc...
-a lot of the ladies talk about Crystal deoderant working well, but I don't know what it is.
Another 2 hour delay getting my rads today. I sure am catching up on my reading!
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I have noticed that I am starting to smell burnt. I guess that is appropriate because I have had 25 rads and my cancer side looks like a 3rd degree burn. I must say that there is not enough Biafine or Aquafor in the world to soothe this bad chest.
About the BO, I have been using baking soda and I think it does help some. I am going to order some of the Tom's of Maine but I do not have high hopes that it will work. We have a shop here that carries something they recommend for breast cancer patients. I will check on that and post back with the info.
Good luck to all that are still going through treatment.
Also, I had a radiation rash like contact dermatitis during rads tx that cortisone did wonders for it. I don't know if that could be what you have but it is caused by the response to rads and your clothes rubbing and creating a rash that itches like crazy. Whatever you do----don't scratch!!!! It will make it much worse and the skin will break down because it is still compromised. I put cortisone cream on first and then put Aquafor over the top of that to seal it. It took about a week to totally clear up, but always ask your Dr about anything that is going on.
Chey I know it is hard to know what to do but follow your instinct and that usually works well.
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Hi Ladies! So I called my onc. she doesn't think it's the Tamoxifen, she asked if it could be shingles as it's only on 1 side! Saw my PCP, she says doesn't look like shingles, doesn't look like drug reaction. I have steroid cream to put on it and will take Claratin in the day and benedryl at bedtime. At least I'll sleep well :-) I'm wondering if it's the radiation rash gin2ca describes. I know there are delayed reactions to rads sometimes. Anyway, I have a reprieve from Tamoxifen until the rash is gone.
Julia
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Binney - thanks for the advice about the sleeve. I did not get mine yet and with the responses I got on here, I will wait to get my sleeve. I can't wait to go the the Lymphedema therapy. My arm is really hurting and the swelling continues. It's not huge yet, but it's getting chubby.
Chey - You know I only did 9 out of the 12 Taxol tx. My MO said that the Cytoxin I took with my first A/C tx, was equal to 3 Taxol txs. I developed neuropathy in both feet the night of my 9th tx. They alternate between burning and tingling (sometimes both) and the bottoms of my feet are numb. It has been 8 weeks since my last Taxol tx and I can tell my feet are gradually getting better. The bottoms are still numb but I can tell the feeling is coming back in spots. The burning and tingling happen only rarely now. So, I've said all this to say if you choose not to have your last Taxol tx you shouldn't feel as though you were short changing yourself. You've completed A/C which is extremely tough on cancer and you've completed 11 Taxol txs. And I want to encourage you that the neuropathy will get better but may take time.
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Hello Ladies!!!
Had my 3rd AC last Monday and then had my blood checked this Monday...AC every 2 weeks... onc nurse said that my immune system is nothing...and not only that the neutrophils are not there, not sure if I have this right, when they called to check on me it scared me... Has anyone had this happen to them and still finish the freakin Red Devil? I have ONE more treatment left, but the way I feel not sure if I can do this. The only time I leave my house is to go to have chemo or blood work done I am GOING CRAZY!!!!! The only person I see is DH and after 31 yrs love him but hey I need to see other people face to face.. I get on here and you all are a world of help and encouragement I am not sure I can finish this... How have you done it???? I want to blast this evil out of me its just the way I feel afterwards...This has only been since I have started the AC that my counts are low or nonexistence...I try to stay postive but sometimes you know you hit that low and I am tired of being tired... this is not who I am. I can always find the good side in everything but not now, not at this time...did you all feel this way or is it just me.
Please help.... I need someone to set me straight....
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Chey- want to call you today but was having a pitty party here in Tennessee and I was the only one here:) I say go with your heart on the last TX.....This is you and I think you have done great... Buttttt we want finish on the same day if you don't take it.. :-)
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Chey- wanted to call you today but was having a pitty party here in Tennessee and I was the only one here:) I say go with your heart on the last TX.....This is you and I think you have done great... Buttttt we want finish on the same day if you don't take it.. :-)
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Sherry, some ideas for coping while you wait for lymphedema therapy here:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_with_Lymphedema.htm#while%20waiting
It'll be good!
Gentle hugs,
Binney -
sandiddstn - have you been getting neulasta or neupogen shots after each AC tx? my counts would never have made it through AC without the neulasta help. if your counts are low, but you are desparate to get out and see others, then maybe you could wear a mask? just try to get through these last two weeks - you'll be so happy once you're finished and you know that you did everything you could to beat this thing!
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sandiddstn: Yes, I went through those feelings. I am a strong person and was continually told by everyone how strong I was and what was wrong with me "You are doing so well." Believe me, I cried a lot and didn't feel like me at all either. I still worked and had to put up a good act there. It was so difficult and now that I am finished it seems like it went by so fast. It's so hard to just take it day by day but that is basically what you have to do. I wasn't sure I could finish it either. Hang in there and just remember it's not forever, eventually you will be through with the treatments. Good luck and I hope your counts get better.
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Hello there and God Bless all...
Latte- yes I get the neulasta shot, it makes me ache all over and I guess it does its job cause my count is up when I go for next tx. But here it is Wednesday and I still don't the energy to do anything. Like I said before I am tired of being tired.....I guess I am in a low spot now because I will turn 50 tomorrow... and I have no hair, no boobs, nails look gross from taxol, tired all the time. I am a mess... I keep telling myself that all of you all went thru it, I can too.... Did you all worry if it was hurting your heart or anything else??? Just want to voice my concerns and then maybe I can get past it...
Danielle- your right, everyone says "OH you look good, you don't look like you have cancer other then the hair loss, or you are sooo strong you can do this" I want to scream!!!! One day last week all I did was cry.. could not stop...called DH at work,crying just because he moved something in the panty... I am going crazy!!! I hope it is because of my b-day and turning 50 hoping next week will be better... my counts have been up when I go for chemo it is just afterwards they go down.. and my platelets are at the lowest they have ever been also...Man when can I be me again...
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sandiddstn--Hang in there girl. AC is he**! Its ok to be emotional--just let the tears come. I was bummed before starting radiation, because it means another 6.5 weeks of treatment. It seems like it will never end! Then I have herceptin infusions for 9 more months, and probably another surgery (cuz having only one size DD boob ain't working for me!!). I so want to be done with this all that I could scream some days!
Sorry! Now I started ranting! But I just wanted you to know you are NOT alone! We'll get through this!!!
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Sandiddstn - you just need to get through this last tx - i started feeling so much better a couple of weeks after my last AC (even though i started taxol after it) - i couldn't believe the difference in how i flet. you will feel it soon too :-)
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Sandidstn
I also had very low blood counts throughout the "red Devil' in fact I had to have a transfusion once and had a bit of a delay a few times. My two week treatment went extended to three weeks. But I got through it and feel so much better now with the Taxol. Still tired all the time but blood counts are all good andhave had no treatment delays.
Hang in there - it is kicking cancers butt!!!
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Sandi, very true, you know what, you can ask every woman here and they will tell you i totally fell apart thru AC, everyday someone was on here reassuring me i would get thru it! I think it was T who said she did not have the energy to stand fer 3 minutes to boil water for her tea! you can do this!!!!! we are almost there!!! Monday!!! whew hooooo, then two weeks to recover! try to sleep it off with that Ativan, i slept 20 hours after my last one.. ill call ya tonite, it gets much better!! i promise
love you, chey
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Sand - I don't really have much advice for you because I was only able to take one A/C tx. But I feel for you and understand what you're going through. TMarina is right - have a good cry, get mad, hit something! I could never have imagined how rough the road through treatment would be. I think my husband is getting tired of me saying, "I just want to be me again." But it's true. I'd give anything to be the old Sherry again. And yet, I have to make it through another day with no hair, an itchy wig, knees and a hip that are in constant pain, can't sleep, extreme fatigue and ultra white skin! ! !. Having a place like this where I can be honest with my feelings and know others understand helps. Ativan helps too, LOL! The few times where I've felt like if I let go, I would plunge to the lowest emotional depths, I would take half an Ativan and it helped alot. Hang in the Sand. It WILL get better.
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Met with RO yesterday. Interesting visit - learned lots of things I didn't know before. Like the radiation will aggravate my lymphedema. I am to have 33 treatments. Last five are boosts. Tomorrow I go to be marked. OUCH! (I'm anticipating the tattooing!) So, I guess it's really happening. Are those of you who have already started radiation posting on the radiation thread? I just want to be sure I do the politically correct thing!
Binny - thank you for the lymphedema links. I keep learning stuff each day about my chubby arm.
I'm still having a dilly of a debate in my head over whether or not to have a bmx. I just wish someone would tell me what to do. I go to bed one night with a firm decision in my head and feeling good about it. Then the next day I vascillate and decide the other way and go to bed feeling good about that decision. Then today I can't decide either way and I feel like I'm going to go crazy. All the while I keep walking through the doors getting ready to start radiation knowing that any reconstruction I may have later could possible be compromised.
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Well, the diziness has subsided a bit. The nurse checked my blood pressure the other day and i was fine. But, I wan't feeling the diziness when she checked my BP. I think it is caused by low blood pressure. Now I just have pressure in my sinuses. I will definately tell my onc. next week. I am going to ask for a head MRI. to be on the safe side.
Sherry - What have you been told about radiation and recon? I was told that any tissue expanders or implants will get screwed up from rads. But, also that the skin won't stretch right after it's been radiated... so, what do you do first? rads or TEs/implants? I think it makes more sense to stretch the skin/muscle before rads.
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Sand - I had the Red Devil and it was the WORST! I remember being tired and miserable every minute. I watched bad TV and thank God they give me sleeping pills, which I recommend highly, because when I was tired I got really weepy. I recommend that you continue, but you'll have to decide. I'm glad that I did everything I could to beat the cancer. The Taxol is much easier. Best wishes in whatever you decide!
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Toni, good luck with surgery tomorrow. We will be thinking of you.
Sandi, we can all identify with your feelings. Sometimes the only thing that helped was the lorazepam, a whole one. Keep posting your feelings, it is safe here.
Sherry, I've done 13 /30 rads so far. Trust me, it is nothing after what we went thru in chemo. My arm started swelling last week so I used all of Binney's suggestions and it has not got worse. I did get a referal to the lymphedema clinic but apparently it takes months for an assessment and it's 2 1/2 hr drive from home. I will be patient. Most of us are posting on the rads board but also staying here until the last of our group have finnished treatment. We need to continue to support everybody here.
Love and Hugs, Mimi
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Sherry I am in rads but posting here. I consider this board my home. I have 6 more rads left. I can hardly believe I have come this far! We have all made it through so so much. Go us!
NannaBaby- Glad you are following through on dizziness.
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Hi All - final Taxol today!!!!! Woohoo!!! I got a little emotional because I am really going to miss those wonderful oncology nurses. They were so good to me. I took each of them a cancer awareness bracelet I had made for them. Each one came by and I got a chance to thank them personally.
As for the neuropathy - I too had some of it for the last few weeks. I found that massaging my hands helped a lot. Walking was the best relief I found for the feet. When it got bad in the feet I put on sneakers and walked for about 10 -15 minutes either on the treadmill or outside. It helped a lot. I slept with socks on my feet to keep them from getting cold andt hat also helped. I did have trouble with the finger nails at the end. Actually had to cut them all the way back because the nail beds got so sore. They are looking bad but I am applying tree tea oil constantly and hoping they make it.
I am so glad to be done with the chemo. I never thought I would see the end of that road. Woohoo!!!! I have my a bone density test and MUGA next Monday. An EKG on Wed and they deflate my expanders as well. I go for my simulation the week of Thanksgiving and then I can start my radiation. Progress!!
Hugs to everyone.
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grney5600...HOORAY!!!! No more chemo! You did it! The radiation is tedious but, for me, it hasn't been nearly as troublesome or punishing as chemo was. I'll be done with rads tx tomorrow...can't wait!
We are all moving on. Progress, gals. Progress!
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I went to the hospital today and got a head CT. Everything is normal. The doctor thinks it's mirgaines. I've had migraines in the past, but nothing with diziness! It's crazy! I was told I shouldn't be driving. Great. I am sooo fed up with chemo! Making my life hell. Just one more next week!!! I can't wait!
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grney, Yay!!!! omgosh, you did it too!!! lol wow, we are all almost there!! i find out tomorrow if i do my last Taxol on Monday, im ok either way... I just thought id never get here. i dont have to do rads so i will be starting my other mastectomy and my tissue expanders will be put in, hmmm, does it ever end? lol ONC says i dont have to come back for 3 months? is that normal? thats kinda scary to me, ill let you all know on what they say tomorrow,
love you'Chey
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grneyd--CONGRATS!!!!!! No more chemo! woo-hoo!
Yay Bon--last rads!! How is your skin holding up? What's next for you?
Nannababy--glad you have only one more! Hang in there!
Chey-->last year when I finished chemo I didn't have to go back for 4 months--seemed way too long to me too!
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grneyed- Whoo hoo! time to get off that crazy chemo bucking bronco! Congratulations!
Bon- I can't believe you are done with rads! Oh what a celebration! I finished #13 of 33 today. They do seem to be flying by!
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