Ohio Chemo Sisters

Eileenohio

Hi Kelly,   I am doing well thank you. So far I have had minimal side effects.  Hope my good fortune continues. You are right this has been a beautiful day,I picked up some winter debris in the yard,sweeped the gargage and sat outside for a little while. There are days Kelly that I am still in denial that I have BC. This treatment journey is soo long.  I will be on herceptin until 2013. Hard for me to comprehend how long I will be in treatment I see no end in sight and that is depressing.

Glad that you are feeling better.  Tomorrow is suppose to be better then today.Try to get out and enjoy the sunshine.     Love  Eileen 

sewingnut

Eileen,

 You will be surprised how fast this next year flies by. In the beginning we are living day by day coping with all the side effects and counting down till the end of hard chemo. Herceptin every 3 weeks will seem like a vacation. Then the hair will come fast and wild =;0)

Twinmom77

Hello Ohio ladies! Just found this thread and I hope you don't mind me joining in late...I'm in Akron. I was actually a 2 1/2 year survivor and then I got a new occurence in the other breast in December.  That damn pesky cancer!!  So I just had a BMX 6 wks ago and I'm in the middle of recon with the lovely TE's.  Had a bout with cellulitis (not sure it's over actually), and I still have one drain in...grrrrr.  No chemo or rads for me this time around, just Tamoxifen.

I didn't get a chance to read all the posts so I'm not sure where everyone is at in their tx, but for those in the middle of everything - the road seems impossibly long but you'll get there. It goes faster than you think, although not fast enough when you're in the midst of it, lol. Especially a year of Herceptin. I remember being so darn sick of that drug by about the 13th tx, but it must have worked because I was HER2- this time. Life does return to normal and you eventually start to feel wonderful again. 

Funny that a couple of you are coders...I was in the coding program at Stark State but had to quit for now.  I'm hoping I can find a med office job soon here and continue the program next Jan.  Anyway, nice to meet you all!

Kelloggs

Twinmom - Welcome to our thread!  I'm in Canton so not very far from you.  I have my last TCH on 3/22 and will continue Herceptin until December.  Will also have rads and Tamoxifen for 5 years.  I am sorry to hear about your recurrence but it's good you don't have to endure chemo again!

Eileen - glad you are still doing well...that is awesome.  Yes, it's a long road.  I know the feeling as I am on the same plan as you, just got started a little earlier.  I will definitely enjoy this weather...I'm hoping it stays for a while!

sewingnut - I think I am most looking forward to getting my hair back.  It really sucks being bald!

sewingnut

My hair is so funny. I havent colored it, don't know if I want to. Top is straight, back left is curly and back right is wavy. Now if only my eyebrows would fill in.....   Going to be a beautiful day here in Cleveland =:0)

munnybunni

just got back from the endocrine dr at summa in akron...they are putting me on another drug to replace the avandia that was taken off the market.

does anyone else have diabetes that had treatments of a/c....i go to MO tomorrow at akron general and didnt know if there was something i should be asking regard to the diabetes and A/C tx

Twinmom77

Kellogg - congrats on your last TCH next week! That's gotta feel good...one more phase out of the way!

munnybunni - sorry, I don't know anything about diabetes and a/c so I'm no help, but how was the appt?

I'm off to the BS because I'm apparently having a reaction to the abx I've been on for 3 weeks (due to cellulitis, don't know if I mentioned that here). Can barely move my head and I walk like a zombie from crazy lower back pain. I'm certain it's the Bactrim...my sister had this same reaction a few years ago. I just want a week with no complications!!! Lol.

Enjoy the weather all!

Kelloggs

Twinmom - that sucks!  I hope you get some relief from your BS today.  I am pretty excited to be done with the bad stuff even though I am not looking forward to getting it next week.  I will still have Herceptin every 3 weeks until December, but I'm cool with that!  Next phase is rads and Tamoxifen...bring it on!

I hope everyone enjoys a warm Ohio weekend!

Eileenohio

Hi Kelly,   so happy that you only have ONE more to go. Praying that you  will do well with minimal side effects. Being done with chemo is fantastic. Now your hair will begin to grow-Yipee!!  I will have #3 at the end of March---Ughh I will only be 1/2 way done..

Another beautiful day in Northeast Ohio ( Solon) we are expecting 70 degree weather all week. How great is that?  Enjoy your weekend and look forward to your LAST CHEMO..

Hugs  Eileen

munnybunni

i start my chemo on March 22 ....A/C 4 rounds ...anxiety is really building up....have read so many posts on so many forums....digesting so much of it...thinking about how i will do..

i have been really snappy with my DH in fact he went outside to get some space from me...hate feeling this way...

Jaytee

Its understandable munnybunni----you have so much on your mind right now.  My onc nurse emphasized to me that not everybody gets every side effect and that was certainly true.  Don't focus too much on the fear of the side effects, although that is hard not to do.  One day at a time, one treatment at a time....will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Eileenohio

Munnybunni, I completely understand your fear. I don't think anyone was more terrified of chemo and the side effects then I was. I am a 73yr old widow,I live alone with no family close by. I went to a chemo class that is required at my cancer center. Believe me that class  intensified my fear to the point that I was not going to do the chemo. I was more terrified of the the side effects then I was of the cancer coming back.  I had a long talk with my MO,we finally agreed that I should at least try chemo and if I could not tolerate I could quit..I have had 2 treatments out of 6  and so far I have had minimal side effects. A little constipation alternating with some diarrhea but that is it. I feel great so far.. Please do not let the fear and anxiety get to you. I pray that your side effects will be little to none..      

Hugs Eileen                                            

munnybunni

eileenohio....i see that you are from solon.....i live in akron and go to akron general medical center

those chemo classes sure gave me alot of info...as they are also required by AGMC

may i ask what type of chemo you are having...mine will be 4 treatments of A/C ...and then 5 yrs of tamoxifen

i hope that you at least have some friends and/or church family that can help you throughout this...i am 67 yrs old and have my stepdad and my hubbie...my stepdad does the best he can...but he doesnt quite get it...all this chemo stuff....i think he wants to forget i have cancer...since he watched my sister go through this

thinking of you....

munnybunni

Eileenohio

Munnybunni,  I am HER2 positive so I will have 6 TCH treatments,followed by radiation therapy and one year of herceptin.  It is a long road for me. I hope my old body can tolerate all this treatment,as I said before so far so good..I am just going to take it one day at a time. I do have support from my two sisters,however they live over a hour away. They never let me go to treatment by myself and are available to stay with me if I get intolerable side effects. They have been terrific.

My last chemo will be at the end of May,then hopefully my hair will begin to grow. So far the hair loss has been the hardest for me to deal with.   

Jaytee

You have some wonderful sisters, Eileen! 

munnybunni

eileenohio...thanks for your info..i hope all goes well for u and nice to have your sisters help you.

i started a topic on A/C but not alot of activity on it...from what i understand i get a treatment...then go to MO on 10th day and get blood drawn...then on 22 nd day i go back and start next treatment until i get the fourth one.  will probably know more after that

thanks

leslie612

Munnybunni,  my chemo nurses had me bring popsicles to my A/C treatments to help prevent mouth sores.  I sucked on them during the administration of the Adriamycin -- took 2 popsicles each tx -- and never had a problem with sores.  You might want to check with your infusion center to see if you can do that.  It's a lot tastier than sucking on ice cubes.  My SEs weren't too bad -- as so many have said, not fun but doable.  Praying that you will have peace on the 22nd and minimal SEs.  I see that you are going to Akron Gen.  My granddaughter was born there!

For those of you who are close to the end of chemo, I will be 8 wks PFC on Monday and have about 1/8" of hair!  It's not growing as fast as I'd like but as least it's growing. 

munnybunni

leslie612...thanks for your info....i stopped by the chemo area last thursday when i had the MO appt and asked if i could bring popsicles..thought I would take like a 8 or 12 pack and if others wanted them they could have them...they told me ...sure bring them in and they could put in freezer and others would be thankful for it.  So..i plan on taking some thursday

I normally go to Akron City Hospital/Summa  but my BS they hooked me up with is with AGMC...she could do Summa...but...I went to AGMC instead.  My internal med dr who is Summa said whomever I am confortable with ....and he said MO all use about the same protocol for chemo.

I really do appreciate you telling me how it is doable....since I am pretty much a 67 year old wimp...I just need to buck up at this point..appreciate your prayers.

I have read where others have A/C plus other rounds of chemo cocktails and am hoping the A/C is all I get if it does the deal.  I am a little leary of the Tamoxifen...after reading all the SE of it...seems like it all has SE's

does your grandkids still live here in the area???

leslie612

Hi munnybunni,  Yes, my grandkids still live in the Akron/Canton area -- I live in the Columbus area so it's about a 2 hr drive for me.  My DGD is 4 and my DGS just turned 1.  They make me forget what a crummy year this has been!

A little more chemo advice -- stay on top of your nausea -- I didn't take my anti-nausea meds soon enough after the first tx and had a hard time getting it under control.  The second tx I took it regularly and didn't have a major problem. I also found that eating something every few hours, even if it was only a couple of bites helped. I did lose my appetite so my DD would call me during the day to make sure I was eating something. Use plastic silverware if you get that funky metallic taste.  Probably the most important thing I learned was to listen to my body and rest when I was tired even it was only 10 AM!  

How many tx will you have?   

  

Lumpynme

leslie612: hair!! whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

sorry- i'm ready for mine to grow back but i still have one more AC on the 26th....so i have to live through you!!!!!!!!!!

munnybunni

i will have four TX of A/C

thanks for the info on eating something every few hours...i presently eat three meals and three snacks a day...being a diabetic.  and, i will keep that in mind on the anti nausea meds.

it is just my husband and i and my stepdad .(who lives next door) we have no children...i was a dud spud so far as being able to have kids.  But i really enjoy my only greatneice...she is 5. 

Lumpynme

eileen...i have to jump in and say that i am so glad that you seem more at peace now that you are actually having tx..for awhile there; i was very worried about you from many of your posts..YES! this is frightening and it stinks -however, you sound so much better!

hugs!

munnybunni-i have AC- i saw your post then it disappeared so i couldn't reply- i have had 3 of my 4 so far-mine are every two weeks- considered DD or dose dense...i have my vitals taken and meet with my MO and then they mix up my drugs- when they call me back to the infusion room they start with some anti nausea stuff- i get Alloxi and Emend as well as ativan all thru my PICC line ( i didn't want a port) ; when they send the Adriamyacin in they have to use the syringe- that is when i suck on the popsicle- then they put the drip bag of cytoxan, run a flush and i go home- i take  a claritin that nite and then every nite for a total of 7 - have my neulasta shot the morning after my AC and wait! on the monday after chemo- a week later- i have to go in for a PICC flush so that my line stays clean- no biggie....

starting the day after chemo; i take two decadron pills  (steroids) a day and i have compazine for nausea as well as ativan for anxiety/nausea and i have percoset- i asked for them when i had an absolutely horrendous amt of back pain after my first neulasta..i have not had to take any of the percosets-

oh-so then when it's time for my next tx they do draw blood to check my WBC and RBC--i eat peanut butter on a bagle and that helps the RBC! 

i've basically been very minimally effected by SE's so i consider myself lucky--  i force myself to walk my dog twice a day for her poo rituals and i am basically a sedentary person so i push to walk in the stores etc- tho there are days when i need to have that cart so my legs don't get too rubbery- 1st tx was the worst on that but i think it was "flu" season and everyone was weaker!

i have no motivation to do anything tho and this tx i find myslef sleeping even more easily than before--chemo is cumulative...i just figure-it's working!!!!!!

hope this helps a bit? you knowwe are each different -i wish you minimal SE's as well...and some peace of mind as you venture thru this- just remember you are not alone! i'm a 58 year old wimp so we are in this together!!! it's scary and it sucks -however- it IS doable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

munnybunni

lumpynme...i am a 67 year old wimp...as i call myself...and am thankful that i found this website and the posts.

i took my ipad with me to MO and recorded what all she said...4 TX  3 weeks apart...and when i asked about neulasta ..she said only if WBC is low....as i have read diff people talking about the SE's

I myself am a pretty much sedentary person...I still work part time...thankfully some of it can be from home...as i work for a company in michigan...but live here in ohio where the other office is...and only have to go in once a week or so.  I am going to try to walk a bit when i start this, and i have always been a big water drinker....and as of late...powerade zero drinker...so am hoping that will help.

am taking popsicles in my chemo bag that i have made up and leaving the balance there for others when i am done with my tx and then will do the same the following week.  i had read some lady talking about how peanut butter helped her with some SE's as well as what you said.

thanks for all your info

karen

Twinmom77

I am so glad to see that there's so many of you able to help eachother out with the chemo aspect. Although I did the TCH and Herceptin, I really don't remember a lot of the details so I am fairly useless.  So see ladies, this does all eventually fade to a distant memory!

munny - some advice about the Tamoxifen...Don't read the threads on here about it!!!  I'm serious, just don't, don't, don't do it! Lol  I refused Tam the first time because I had some miserable side effects within the first 6 days and then quit it after 9 days. I had read all the threads about it and I was so scared of the side effects and so certain that I would get them. I think I actually ended up manifesting those side effects.  This time around, the Tam is my only option for tx so I every time I take a pill, I tell myself how good it is for me and how much I love taking it and how it's going to save my life.  It's corny, but hey, I'm 6 wks in and have had no problems.  And I stear clear of the Tam threads!

As for me, I'm headed back to surgery tomorrow.  I developed an infection in the left side just yesterday and my PS wants to have a look around and see if he can save my TE's. I'm so discouraged and so sick of feeling sick. My dad and step mom had to come over and clean for me today and now they're going to be stuck taking care of my boys for the good part of the week...I'm just so tired of being a burdon to people and not being able to do things on my own. Or get out and enjoy this beautiful weather.  Sorry to be such a downer.  I'm usually very optimistic but I've deemed today "Wallow in self pity day". Tomorrow I will pick myself up and dust myself off and carry on.

kdking

Hello everybody! Hope you all are enjoying the lovely weather! I had a somewhat discouraging week. I had been having some heart issues after my last few Taxol and Herceptin tx. Every evening my heart would just start racing like crazy. So when I went in for my 11th tx..I was told no more chemo. I should be happy right?? So I had an echo the same day and found out that my heart function has decreased since my last one in Jan. so now they tell me.....no more Herceptin! That really scares me. We are going to wait six weeks and do another echo then. And we will see about starting the Herceptin back up then. I've only had 10 weekly tx and have until November to go with the Herceptin. Has anyone else experienced this?

Jaytee

Hi Kdking............ I finished my chemo at the end of Jan last year, and just finished herceptin in Dec.  I had some heart issues also.  After my 4 weeks of A/C chemo given over 2 months my muga score had dropped.  I shoud have written it down and dont remember exactly but I think I dropped from 65 to maybe around 52.  I was supposed to start herceptin with my 12 weeks of taxol, but my onc put that on hold and had me see a cardiologist.  I ended up being prescribed a beta blocker and an ace inhibitor (lisinopril), She waited a couple of months and had me get another muga scan,the number had improved and we started with the herceptin on week 8 of the taxol.   One other time my muga score dropped again----I did not experience symptoms like a racing heart though.  The onc decided that it would be stopped if the muga number went any lower.  I did tell her that I wanted to keep going if possible.  I wanted to get that whole year of herceptin.  My tumor was 5 cm and there was a small spot on the chest wall.  I was scared not to finish.   Luckily I was able to complete my year.

Now that I am done with herceptin,  I'm determined to pursue a healthier lifestyle and hopefully get off of the other meds.  A lot of ladies on the herceptin threads have had their muga scores go back up after treatment is completed. That is very encouraging to me.  The last echo I had was in Dec right after I finished.  I will see the cardiologist again in early June and will probably have another one at that time.   In the meantime, I have started walking and have worked myself up to walking 2-3 miles a day.   I don't get short of breath and don't have any pain.  That is a good sign. 

Did your onc have you see anyone about the heart issues? or have you  talked about them with your regular GP?    Hope that your numbers go back up and that you will stop experiencing that racing feeling in your heart.   It is enough to have to worry about the bc!    Take care......judy 

kdking

Thanks Judy! That is very encouraging to hear you went through the same thing and were able to finish your Herceptin. That what scares me the most...not being able to finish it.



My onc doesn't have me seeing a cardiologist yet..but he is conferring with one and he is the one who suggested taking a break. My family is plagued with heart problems ( my dad died when he was 45) so I'm hoping this isn't a precursor to something more serious....you are right bc is enough!

Thank you! Kerrie

Jaytee

Good luck Kerrie!   I remember the day I went to the cardiologist appt...I wont tell you what my blood pressure was!  I tend to get the 'white coat hypertension' anyway and the thought of having to see a specialist was almost too much for me. At the next appt, they had me take a stress test.  First time for that, it wasnt too bad.  Its better to know than to not know and you don't want to mess around with your heart.  Sounds like your onc has your best interest in mind.  I will be praying for you too!

leslie612

Lumpyme,  Consider my hair, your hair for the time being.  I have a neighbor who is 10 months ahead of me in dx & tx and I love looking at her hair -- I have really needed to know that it does grow back!  I hope my regrowth can encourage you.

sewingnut

TonLee, 

How's the node situation?