October 2011 Chemo group

julsjewels11

Luvrving:Sorry to a pest but just one more question. I am going to start the health meds today at lunch and just want to check that the L-Glutamine you took 1 of was only the 750mg size- just want to make sure your dosage wasn't higher. I can't figure out why they say take 8-unless they just want to sell more!  Thanks again, Juls

julsjewels11

What great posts to read this morning! It's great hear that so may are feeling better-and even normal-lets us know there's light at the end of the tunnell and it WILL get better. I too, am happy to report having a good day. I had my first Taxol yesterday -and perts1 you were right- it was fine. I had no reaction and the whole time from pre med to complete infusion was about 3.5 hours-my drip was set for 3 hours. So, I have had the first of 4.I have the steroid buzz today and get my Neulasta tomorrow(and no steroids) so may crash but I am not having the impending nausea today that I had with the A/C. I was always on the verge of it and needed to nibble all the time. I even think things taste better and my mouth doesn't taste as foul- all in all, really good stuff today! I hope it continues. Did some shopping this morning- nice to be out in the fresh air with a few snow flakes in the air to make it feel Christmasy.

Hoping for a good day for everyone and good luck to those having tx's this week- hoping for few se's.    Warm Hugs, Juls

LuvRVing

Juls - my L-Glutamine is 500 mg. Yes, the bottle says to take it 1 to 4 times a day.  I took just one a day.  I think I got this regime from someone else who used it and didn't get neuropathy.  But the reality is that we are all different and what works for one person may or may not work for someone else.  Plus, not everyone gets neuropathy.  Hard to know where I fall...maybe I would have gotten it, or maybe I wouldn't.  In any case, I didn't care...either it worked or I wasn't going to get it.  Both are acceptable outcomes!

Here's a link to the clinical trial that influenced my decision:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00775645

I guess in looking at this more closely, I probably should have stayed on it until I reached 26 weeks.  So maybe I was one of the lucky ones who was not destined to get it. 

Hugs,

Michelle

TAPPY

Thursday is the last a/c treatment for me then on to the Taxol.

I am trying not to dwell on it and look at it like I am 1/2 the way there.

 I felt so good today I worked all day today.  The meds for the upper resp are starting to work, so that is a big help.

But I am sure it will be back to part time next week.  I hope everyone in treatment does well this week...and we all are SE free !!!

Oh I went and got fitted for my new bra and boobs...and I like the look.

And Blue Cross is going to review my file as I have reached my out of pocket max this year and they need to pay off some bills that did not get paid at 100%.  (I will have to do someting nice for our Benefits mgr who helped me with this)

 For what it is worth green tea (hot) works better for me for nausa than ginger tea (I find that Ginger is hard on the inside of my mouth.

stjude10

It's so good to be hearing from everyone again! I hope that means all is well, or atleast better.

I am up extra early today as the acid reflux is preventing some good sleep. If that's the worst so far after tx3, I'll take it. I also got my monitor for my blood sugar, and it's still running very high. Meet w/PCP next week and we'll need to adjust my meds for that.

And yes Tappy, look at it as half way done. I know I'm counting them down. After every tx I tell my nurse to check it off the list and I only have x amount left.

Here's to a good day for all!

WIMusicMaker

Happy December!

fredntan I hope all went well yesterday and that there are people nearby that you can lean on if you need to!

cfdr I was so happy to read you felt the fog lift. Feeling normal is SO wonderful!!

Tappy I hope tx goes well for you today and YEAH for the last A/C!

I am hesitant to write this but I had a really good day yesterday. I kept the nausea at bay, went for a decent length walk, and was able to get a little done around the house. I know this feeling can change at any minute but I will take every moment I feel okay. I keep repeating to myself "I am going to be fine" and so far it is working. I need to make it through the weekend because that is when I always need to visit the ER. I am hoping for NO ER visit this time!!!!! 

I hope all of you are in good spirits and feeling fine!

julsjewels11

Good Mornig All: Hope today is turning out to be a "good one"!

Luvrving- thanks again for the info. I shall follow your routine- if it helps good- I'm with you on "helping the odds".

To those starting Taxol- my experience is that so far it is easier than the A/C or "red Devil" as we call it ( now I know why!). I don't feel so nauseated or "out of it" or "off" and seem to have less emotional fits. It's early in the scheme of things- just a few dayss post 1st tx. but I am hopeful that this is a trend and that I can deal with any aches and pains if and when they develop. Things change daily don't they so it's just managing what's thrown at us... Look at us though- more than half way through Ya Hoo! I have an appointment with the radiologist next so that's where I go after chemo. Hope everyone else tolerates the Taxol better.

Fran- how you coping on your own- any help showing up?- thinking of you.

AbqTiger-Looks like they give you the ice gloves if you have docetaxol. I am on paclitaxol- don't know what the difference is but they say the nail issue is not as critical with mine so I am just taking the supplements that are supposed to help with it. So many variations it's hard to keep up on them isn't it?I have GiIi trouble too, and have never had before all this chemo- it really is a pain-literally-isn't it? I drink white tea and it is quite easy on the stomach and rice puddings!

Take care all,   Hugs Juls

perts1

Took tx3 on Tuesday (that's my halfway mark) and have felt like they threw me under a train - wow, wasn't expecting to have any problems.  That acid reflux, bone ache, etc. - you all already know - was awful as well as being up all night.  Tea, prilosec & tums will get me through this.  A couple of you said you had problems after #3 and I can't find out who said it.  If you had the same reaction how long did it last?  I'm such a whiner!

Lady-di

Tappy.. Good luck today and yes to being half way done!! I also agree that green tea has been easy on my stomach.



Lori.. Hope you can get in a nap. I have had some really early mornings too.



WIM.. Hope you continue feeling better and you have a good weekend. Hopefully the worst is behind you!!



Juls... So glad to hear that taxol has been easier on you then the AC so far.



Perts.. I think I became more tired, emotional and crabby after the 3rd but it lasted the usual time I was down. About 5 or 6 days then I started to improve.



The 4 th was yesterday for me and I actually feel pretty good and I don't think I felt the usual chemo fog last night that I usually feel.

Let's hope December is a great month for all!!

perts1

I am also wondering about TallM (Malinda) because she hasn't posted lately.  It is worrisome when someone who usually makes posts just stops.  

DIA123 I usually start feeling good about the 8th to 10th day.  This one just really zapped me, though.   But here we are:  the bald & the brave!

Lady-di

I was also wondering about Malinda today. Hope she is just very busy and is feeling good. Maybe playing her piano!!



Perts... I'm on AC so that could be the difference but start taxol next tx.

fredntan

Lori-Did you get blood sugar monitor or Continous glucose monitor? my dd has type 1 DM, and I hate it when she is on steroids-sends her numbers through the roof. luckily she has avoided them for years. Good luck with your sugars.

my girls are also home and are more than capable of taking care of me and hte house. they are 19 and 15. my sister lives down road/

I think I'm coming out of the chemo ick. layed in bed all day. very sleepy 

AbqTiger

Hi all,

I'm so happy for everyone that is feeling better! I hope my pattern after two txs continue: 1 1/2 weeks of yucky and 1 1/2 weeks of feeling pretty good (dare I say normal) except for the hair thing. I did go to a Nia dance class in my skull cap and survived- even had fun.



Juls I'm glad The taxol is better than ac. Having not done ac, I can't imagine how feeling worse would be. Re: taxol and taxotere I know they are cousins in the drug world,, but didn't know there was a diff in the rate of neuropathy.



I too hope Malinda is ok.



-lisa

TAPPY

Malinda we are thinking of you.

Ac treatment when well...the norm nausea is setting in, so meds and green tea, light meals.

I refuse to say I am doing well because every time I say that I end up having a crash.

I am going to a Look Good Feel Good class on Monday so I DO hope I can make that.

Ok Taxio Ladies - give me the tips

Does Claritn help ?  When do you take it ?

Do I still need to chew on ice when taking it ?

I also have to take the steriod pills the day before(5) and they day off (5) - do you take them all at once ?

Doct said to take Aleve for the joint pain, is this something you all do ? 

stjude10

fredntan, I am manually checking my sugars 3xday. so far so good. Now that I'm checking, it seems as tho I'm eating better. Also trying to get on the treadmill everyday (too cold here for outdoor walking). So far, feeling pretty good after tx on Tues. (it was no.3). glad you have help too!

Not happy with chance of cholesterol going up on Taxol. It's already climbing and getting pretty high. Oh well, just another hurdle to jump. Good thing I ran track in high school!

AbqTiger, wow, a dance class! That sounds like so much fun!!

Tappy, congrats on being done w/the red devil...I'm right behind you!

Hoping all is well w/Malinda also. You're all in my thoughts. Always.

auntienance

Tappy, I do take alleve for the joint pain, although I haven't had much of that with the claritin. I take it twice a day for allergies, but I think others take it once a day on the day of their neulasta shot and for several days after. Generic works fine (loratadine.)

Gearing up for #4 and final t/c on Monday. Can you say E-X-C-I-T-E-D??!!!

julsjewels11

Malinda-thinking of you too!

I had first Taxol on Tuesday and today I am having joint pain and aches. I was told to take Tylenol Extra strength alternating with Ibuprofen but they gave me Tylenol 3 too if I need it. ( That just causes constipation though so I am resisting that one) I was told that the Claritin is beneficial if you have pain from the Neulasta ( which I haven't to this point) but I don't know if this pain is from the Neulasta or the Taxol- go figure. I guess I'll just have to sort it out- new side effects to manage. They say that this drug is more predictable in the timing of the se's- anybody find that? I am happy that the nausea is all but gone. Taste buds stilll awful but I can deal with that.

Hope everyone is having few se's and an okay day- we're getting there ladies!

julsjewels11

Auntinance-great that you're almost finished. Hope you feel "normal"really fast. I think we all just want to get our lives ( and maybe our hair!) back. Have a great day, Juls

WIMusicMaker

I so like hearing from everyone! Good luck managing the new side effects! Just think we are all using our problem solving skills to figure out how to cope with all this medicine!

I am still doing okay but more sluggish today. I went for a very short walk and each step was difficult. I am keeping the nausea to a minimum and am thankful for each minute I feel okay.

Today I am going to finish the book by Jaycee Dugard "a stolen life". It is heartbreaking to read, but very interesting. I have a lot of tv time planned too.

Best wishes, hang in there ladies. Thanks for being here. 

julsjewels11

Hi again:

As far as these aches and pains go...those who have been on Taxol- were the worst days,4,5,6, and then get better and was his a consistent pattern with each tx?. Just trying to figure out what to expect.

perts1

Hi all.  Tappy, I take 1/2 steroid morning and afternoon (1 pill) the day before and day after tx.  They give me steroids with the tx.  And I also have ice during tx and my lemon ginger drink.  I take a Claritin with 2 Aleve on the morning after tx when they give me the Neulasta shot.  Then another Claritin with the 2 Aleve that evening and then repeat every day for 5 days - or until you don't have the bone & joint aches. I think we're all just on trial and error - if it works we stick with it.

 Some of this reminds me of, "Onward Christian Soldiers"!  We do sound like soldiers from the troops of the "Bald & the Brave"!   (Sorry, it just tickles me so much)

LoriKristine

Hi! I had my first Taxol dose Tuesday and so far heartburn is the only side effect that I have. It has been so nice to have a break in the nausea! This is also the first week I have gone "naked" with my bald head. I'm just tired of dealing with the hats and scarves. My family and co-workers are just gonna have to deal with it. Lord knows I'm still trying to. Thank you ladies for posting- this is my secret hiding place when I feel low- you all always make me feel better.

LuvRVing

Juls - days 4 and 5 were the worst for me - joint pains and fatigue. 

LoriKristine - good for you!  Great attitude about going naked! 

auntienance

stjude - bummer about the cholesterol.  Don't know about the Taxol, but it can go along with the diabetes, in addition to high blood pressure.  I had thyroid issues too (not uncommon) -- all part of that metabolic syndrome thing.  I'm having the same problem with the cholesterol.  In spite of losing 50 pounds this past year, and greatly improving my ability to resist  my beloved carbs, my PCP just put me on a stronger cholesterol med.  Can't win for losin'    

WIMusicMaker

Good Morning. It is a rainy day in Wisconsin. I am too far south to get the snow they are predicting for up north!

I have made it through another night and feel okay. I think I may have figured out what is causing my heavy chest, breathless feeling. I think it might be Zofran! I noticed I started to feel the chest pull during my premeds on Tuesday and every time shortly after I took one the past few days, I would get that same feeling. I am calling the doc on Monday and see if I could be right. 

My plans are few. I can feel the fatigue. I will try hard to stay awake to watch the Badger/Michigan State game tonight. Go Badgers!

Have a great day everyone. I hope you can keep your side effects at a minimum. I do enjoy reading about how you are feeling and how you are coping with this journey we share together.  

julsjewels11

LoriKristine: Glad you are good on the taxol so far. Yesterday I started with the joint pain and aches but am keeping it at bay with alternating tylenol Extra and Ibuprofen every 2 hours. Apparently this could be a 3 day occurance each tx but I am glad to not have the nausea! My heartburn isn't too bad but I'm being careful about it. I just go bald around the house and out if in the car-just not comfy with hats and scarves or the wig! Maybe we'll get used to this "Bald and Brave"!

Luvrving-me too- yesterday and today (tx Tuesday) pretty achy and joint pains but doing okay. If it's only a couple of days I can manage! Nice to chat with someone who has all this experience and has gone ahead- thanks!Are you feeling at all "normal"yet? I wonder how long it will take us all to get back on track....all different I guess.

Seems we all have to find what balance of drugs works best- I think it's a "crap shoot" of trial and error but the suggestions to try are invaluable and help a lot.

Have a good weekend everyone. Hugs Juls

fredntan

I have to admit I've been feeling kind of blue today. DH coming home tues or wed. yeah to that! just been so lonely. the "kids" are home. that helps.

I'm going to the work holiday party tonight! I just realized earlier today that it was today. This will be the first party that I go to that I don't have a little too much to drink. my drinking days are over. I really miss everyone from work. havn't seen most of them since before sx. 

Hope everyone's day is gong well.

LuvRVing

Juls - I was feeling pretty good two weeks after finishing Taxol, and have been feeling quite good since then.  But I started rads on Wednesday, so we'll see how long that "good" lasts...lol.  I'm really very high energy so I may be OK or slow down to what most people would think is normal.  I've heard it takes about a year to really get all your energy back.  And rock that bald whenever you can, it feels very empowering.  I took off my wig when I finished chemo and haven't worn it since.  I will put on a hat if I am going to be out in the cold.  Otherwise, I'm going out like this which is 9 weeks PFC.

fredntan

I'm gettting so tired of drinking water. mostly doing flavored lemon/lime waters. what else is everyone doing? drinking some tomatoe juice now.

the holiday part was great. gave everyone a great big hug-normally I havn't been doing hugs. I think I looked great. they had lot of great food-but my appetite hasn't come back yet. so I ate a little. my passion for chocolate is gone too. they had all kinds of sweets-I hardly touched them.

has anyone else's appetite gone away? mine usually starts coming back on graduallly a few days after chemo. I've been craving fast food/takeout more. The kids and I are going out to our fav. vegetarian placetonight.. they have this lemon tahini sauce that is just so good. the food is so good there.

TAPPY

I cant even think of food for the first week after chemo.

I just feel sick and like my taste buds are dead.   I think I slept for 20 hours yesterday..,,today I can feel my self climb out of it...and slowly feeling better.

I do crave veggies when I get my taste back...I guess it is my body telling me what I need.