March 2012 chemo
Comments
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lost - boo on the legs hurting
Kam - yahoo for being done! Hope your SE get better soon. I got the "this will be a piece of cake compared to A/C" talk from both MO and nurses today. I told them I had heard differently.
Indigo - sorry about the brows...I think my lashes are somewhat thinner on A/C but nothing noticeable esp when I pile on the mascara. I just expect to wake up one day with none of either. I have never done any brow makeup so that will be a new experience for me. But
It just occurred to me today that I still have a YEAR of Herceptin that only started today. Sigh...oh well, it's supposed to be a miracle drug so if it works, it's worth it. Has anyone heard anything about caffeine and Herceptin - I saw one study that seemed to say it makes H less effective but can't find anything else. The fact sheet I got said nothing about caffeine but did mention no alcohol. Which really is ok, I found that those glasses of wine I had last week were really not that great and I was so worried about any conflict with my meds, I really didn't enjoy them much. I may take my question over to the Triple Positive board and try to find an answer.
Will just have to see what the week brings. No plans but to try and stay on top of minimal housework like dishes and laundry but have a standing order to call my mom if I get to feeling bad.
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Trail girl - thinking of you tomorrow for number three! Hoping it will be an easy one for you.
Lostinmo - seems as your number two was not as bad??
My number two was last Wed and thankfully much easier than the first one. Numbness and lots of aches but definitely not the terrible pain this time. I just hope next two follow the same pattern.
We're all getting so close to the end!!!! I got excited just making my last appointment (7/6). The chemo end is in sight
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woohoo to all those finishing up and smooth sailing for those who just had treatment!
I have #5 on Thursday and then 1 left - so i am counting the days!
My dad is STILL in the hospital - can't believe 3 weeks, that is crazy! Hoping he will go home in a couple days!
Enjoy the evening ladies!
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onvacation- hope your Dad gets to come home soon! Good luck with #5. counting the days with you.
Kam-I was hoping to maybe get out of at least one shot. LOL But I bet I don't. They will want me ready for surgery. MO said 3-4 weeks after last chemo.
Januaryice- had #2 Friday and felt good all weekend this round. The pain has started to catch up though and I gave in a took a pain pill just now. But it did hold off a day longer! Unless something changes my last one will be on 7/6 also. Can't wait.
Indigo- I'm asking about the bell too. I see it in the waiting room but haven't got to hear it. Too far in the back I think. We did have 2 finishing up Friday when I was there and heard all kinds of cheers, right before my benedryl nap.
For some reason the bell reminds me of the movie Lonesome Dove. The old cook "I'll wack that bell if I want too".
My brain is done, I've had to open this on 2 different pages because I couldn't remember what was on the other page by the time I got to this one.
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Morning all! Congrats to everyone finishing up chemo! I go for #4 Taxol today and that puts me at the halfway mark with my chemo. Taxol is somewhat easier, but I'm getting so much weaker. Which is not good timing since DH kids are coming for a month starting this Saturday. Ages 10,8, and 6. Thank God he's taking time off from work! Wouldn't be so bad, but they don't listen to me and they're very messy. And my counts are getting lower so my germaphobe personality is kicking into high gear again. Going to get ready for my tx have a blessed day all!
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triplem-good luck with #4 today!
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Triplem67 - wow! Sound exhausting for you!!! How many Taxol tx's do you have left? I'm DD 4 and only have 2 more. Can't wait to get this phase behind me!
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lost: Hope the legs get better quickly!
Kam: Yay on finishing up! I'm so looking forward to finishing chemo. Feels like one step closer to normalcy, whatever that is.
Indigo: Sorry about the brows. I go for Taxol #3 Thursday and have noticed my brows and lashes are thinning somewhat. Fortunately, I've always had really thick brows and lashes so it's not very noticeable, at least not yet.
TG and Michelle: Good luck with TX today.
Kim: Hope your dad gets to come home soon. Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way.
kltb: Not sure about caffeine and Herceptin. I'm HER2 negative so will not get Herceptin, although I read on another thread how some technically HER2 negative women have a number high enough that they see benefit from getting it anyway. Gonna talk to my MO Thursday about that. He never told me what my exact HER2 number was, and I want to know that I have done everything I can to eradicate this beast. Also re: alcohol - I had three rum runners in The Peabody lounge Saturday afternoon and YUM! I don't know if it was because I haven't had one in three months or if theirs was just fabulous but I think I could've drank a few more if I wasn't the driver lol! The cocktail waitress asked me if I had a preference as to which rums they used and I was like "oh yeah" - it was FANTASTIC! I'm thinking I foresee a celebratory weekend splurge for a couple of nights at The Peabody at the end of my treatment - YEP!
Was reading on one of the other threads about diet and lifestyle changes, and who has made them and who hasn't. Interesting thread, really, to see everyone's perspective on it. I guess I'm kind of on the fence. I do want to do better, eat healthier, exercise more, but that's not really a result of the cancer. I've always wanted to do that, just didn't seem to have the motivation, so I guess the cancer has just given me a little push. However, I'm not going to give up the things I enjoy either (i.e. the rum runners, cheesecake, etc.) - what's the fun in that? Anyway, I guess I just want to try to work on moderation in all things.
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Morning ladies...still no side effects but since it has been less than 24 hours, I wasn't expecting any yet! My mom and DH both keep asking "how are you feeling" and I am like people, it isn't instantaneous - I don't expect anything til day 3 or so.
lana - I totally feel the same way you do about the diet and lifestyle. I do need to eat better simply because of my weight and family history of heart disease and I need to exercise. Beyond that, I don't see myself making any radical changes. The alcohol issue with Herceptin seems to be an interaction and making it less effective rather than a "don't drink because it causes cancer" issue. Guess I need to ask MO about it all the next time I see her. Oh the rum runners sound delish! I have always been more of a mixed drinks person than a wine/beer person. I am telling you - we have to meet up in Memphis sometime!!!
Michelle - good luck today and oh my that does sound exhausting. Both physically and mentally to deal with. I am glad your DH will be able to take some time off to help.
lost - I haven't heard/seen anyone ring a bell in my center - there was a lady yesterday who finished up her Herceptin after chemo and they were like "okay, well come back and see us"
January - glad things seem to be better this time around!
Kim - hope Dad gets released soon - wow, 3 weeks?
Well, glad I am still feeling okay today as DH is sideline with an ear infection/bad case of swimmer's ear. Luckily he went straight to the dr yesterday and got on an antibiotic. He spent a lot of time in the stirred up ocean with his head underwater looking for seashells so I am not surprised. But he is really feeling rough.
Have a good afternoon everyone.
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January- I'm on weekly Taxol. I have 8 more to go. I'm ready for them tone done.
I agree with the others about diet and lifestyle. I know I can do better, but it's hard when everything taste like crap. Yep, that sounds good, I'm sticking wit that!
Lana - I'm with you! Rumrunners for 2! That sounds so good . I'm sitting in the chemo chair, so would much rather be having a drink. -
Michelle - just had this vision of us all showing up with drinks for everyone for our next TX - lol!
Getting nervous about not having Nuelasta this time - they weren't even going to do labs until my next TX but I would kind of like to know where I stand without it. I actually go back in 2 1/2 weeks just to see MO - she will be out of town in 3 weeks when I get next TX...I think I will ask them to do labs anyway so I can see where I stand about that time. I would like to schedule another (shorter) trip next month and want to make sure that my counts are rebounding ok between TX.
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TrailGirl,
Has anyone - anyone at all - even suggested trying the "Epley Manoeuver" to stop your Vertigo issue???
I experienced a bout of intense dizziness myself about 6 months ago (before chemo) & researched until I found a simple technique I could try myself at home - it took several tries, but it worked completely! A friend had the same problem a while after & it also worked for him. Ask your Doc about it - there is nothing that can hurt you here - it's easy to do.Here's a very quick synopsis to give you a visual, but the 2nd longer method seems to be more effective (& relaxing!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa6t-Bpg494 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QikUTAmeE0MSpecifically for left side dizziness- slightly modified from above - you can do these each 3 times:
http://youtu.be/2L-wjO7Njio
And for the right side (if that's where you're experiencing most of your dizziness):
http://youtu.be/nX1HU-CCg2Y
If you want to get technical, here you go - a full explanation of why this type of vertigo happens:
http://youtu.be/IHfU2cA7eRo(sorry, cannot figure out how to make these links open in a new window under this format)
It confounds me to think all those tests were performed & yet another pharmaceutical was prescribed before trying a simple, harmless method...yikes! Hope you feel relief soon!
Edited to add: there is also the "Liberatory Semont Maneuver" to consider:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2KUrQoZ-sU&feature=youtu.be -
Hi all! The eyebrow thing isn't that bad, really, in the grand scheme of everything. I guess I'd just figured if they didn't fall out when my head hair did, that they wouldn't come out until I started Taxotere. Oh, well. My wigs have longer bangs and pretty much hide my eyebrows anyway, and I'm having fun experimenting with making the best arch.
Michelle, I'm sorry you are feeling weaker. I hope DH is up to spending the lion's share of the time with the kids! I'll count the weeks with you.
Kim/onvacation, sending another burst of purple energy to you and your Dad, so he can get sprung from the hospital soon!
lostinmo, if they don't have their own bell, when I get to my very last treatment in September I am bringing my own!!
kltb04, are you icing your nails? I developed some dark streaks (purplish, look kind of like bruises) on some of my fingernails during A/C, but they don't hurt or anything. Still, that whole idea of the nail beds being sore and nails lifting doesn't appeal to me. I called the MO's office today for a magic mouthwash scrip, and asked how they feel about icing. The nurse I spoke with said that while they don't forbid it, the Taxotere infusion takes a whole hour and you could risk frostbite if you kept your toes and fingers in ice the whole time. I told her I didn't plan to do it that way, that I'm going to make mitts and/or socks like someone else has described, but not have the ice directly on my skin. She said that would probably be fine, but even if I did nothing and my nails loosened they would eventually grow out. I know that's true, but from reading what claireinaz and Iago have said, it can also take a really long time. So at this point I'm still planning to ice. I'd be interested if anyone who ices thinks it helps with the nailbed pain.
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Thanks CAYH, I will check out those links. The ER Doc never even touched me or moved me into different positions. But the infusion nurse also mentioned some manipulations that helped her mom.
Tx was ok...took the Benadryl nap and listened to music. Feeling pretty loopy right now and am ready for a big girls nap. -
Indigo - thanks for the purple burst! Love it!
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Tx 4 went good. It was really busy so didn't get much rest. Definitely still doped up. As far as my nails I have black spots on my thumbs and big toes only. I know, I'm sexy! Lol! I tell DH all the time, bald head, no eyebrows or eyelashes, runny nose all the time, and I walk like an old lady. Come and get you some of this big boy. He laughs every time. Wonder if I should be insulted........
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TG - glad TX went ok. Hope you got that nap in.
Michelle - lol...
Indigo - no, I'm not icing...I guess I just felt like it was one more thing to have to deal with. I may regret it later.
Speaking of nails, has anyone's chemo nurse told them not to paint their nails? Is that precaution just so you can keep up with any changes? I can't deal with not having my toenails painted for flip flops all summer.
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TrailGirl- glad tx went ok, hopefully the SE's stay away this time.
triplem- too funny! Now I have part of some song stuck in my head "I'm too sexy for my.." that's where I lose the words but can still here the beat.
kltb-I've never had labs done in between tx's makes me wonder how low I get. Jealous of the trips.
Indigo- I'd take the biggest bell I could find!
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kltb - I've had my toes painted the entire time, and I keep a clear coat on my nails. Other than a little tenderness at times, they seem to be holding up. I keep them really short, but they are still growing and I have to cut them. My MO never told me not to polish, just to check my nails for marks.
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New to this board, but I am so encouraged by the wonderful support I see here! I'm gearing up for big chemo # 5 of 6 this Friday so I am finally in the home stretch of chemo! Yay!! I started running again to combat some of the tummy bloat I seem to get getting from the yucky steroids.. Boo! First they made my face break out then weight gain.. I sure won't miss taking those once chemo is done.
Having lots of watery eyes and blurry eyes.. And sore fingernails and toe nails. I'm praying they don't fall off. That sounds scary to me!
Well just wanted to say hello.. So grateful to have these boards for info and support! Thank you all! -
12 days PFC!!! Starting to feel better. For some reason I have a burnt and peeling face...feels like sunburn from the inside out...and looks wonderful!!! I have tried every kind of lotion and antihistamine...anybody have any tips?
Nails...mine started lifting from the free edge about a week before last treatment. Some of the have lifted about half way down the nail bed. Onc said they look 'good' and shouldnt fall off but to keep them short and clean. I can barely remember now when I had nice long hair, long healthy nails and nice even skin tone...seems like so long ago! -
Love- glad you starting to feel better. Boo on the burnt peeling face.
Dianefightslikeagirl- welcome and congrats on being almost done!
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kitb04/Indigo- I iced my feet and hands through 3/4 DD Taxols. There is no way of knowing if it helped because the only control on that experiment would be for me to do it again without icing. Fat chance of that!
I did it to try and prevent neuropathy. That didn't work, but my nails are still intact and never hurt. The only thing I notice with my nails is a slight discoloration of the top half (under the nail), which only I can notice, in the sunlight, and barely. I can't even tell you what color....maybe brownish, but very pale. Ironically, I have very thin nails, but they seem sturdier now, though the ends seems to chip easier. Oh, I'm a week out from tx #4.While icing, I wore a pair of thin socks and gloves. I put the ice in ziploc baggies. The nurses provided me with 2 (flimsy and small) dishpans for each of my feet and one for my hands. I would ice, then remove, ice, then remove. My MO said there is no clinical evidence that it does anything, but she did say icing one's mouth during Adriamycin has proven effective (it kept my mouth from getting dry because I skipped it once and noticed the difference) so she encouraged me to try it.
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Indigo: I am in my first cycle of Taxotere as well, and I iced. I ha it directly on my skin/nails but would
just remove them every so often if I felt uncomfortable. I did experience sore nail beds (as if they were bruised) though but only for a few days. And I do have little tiny brown streaks on my nails...so far, manageable..... -
Has anyone had darkening of the fingertips and knuckles? Or am I just truly a freak of nature? Lol! I've had4 taxol now.
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Love74 -good to hear from you! I was going to PM you - but if the Flames get into the playoffs next time and/or go further than the Avs, I'll be a sport and hope they win the Cup for Jarome Iginla.
Are you taking anything else, like tamoxifen? Curious about the "sunburn". I hope it goes away soon.
Thanks everyone for chiming in about icing. I've also heard that vitamin B6 and one or two other minerals (I'll have to look them up again) can help with neuropathy, and I plan to try them, also. -
I'm DONE! My last DD Taxol was yesterday.
Kam 170: Congratulations on finishing. I'm sorry it's going so rough.
I asked my MO about skipping Neulasta after this last treatment ( I had heard that sometimes it's not given, since you don't have to worry about having your counts back up for the next treatment) and she was fine with me skipping it. I am hoping this makes for an easier time. I think a lot of my pain with Taxol has been the combination of it with the Neulasta shot.
Last infusion went well. I slept even though in the chair next to me the lady was having problems; they had about 8 people, including a doctor around her. They took her out on a stretcher and admitted her to the hospital. Have to say though, she didn't look to good when she came in. She was in a wheel chair and already looked out of it. I had so much Benadryl in me, I slept through most of the excitement.
Moffit's infusion center has a bell near the exit to ring when you finish your last treatment. My treatments are so long that the place was almost empty and it's very quiet. I just hit the clanger once on the side of the bell, and OMG it was so loud, and continued to reverberate for about a minute. The staff that was still there cheered for me. It felt great, but i was a little embarrassed by the loudness of the bell.
Speaking of embarrassing...I ran into my ex at a softball game last night. I haven't seen him in 11 years. Of course, he didn't recognize me. I had to tell him my name about three times. Of course, no hair, wearing a stupid hat, and glasses because my eyes are too dry for contacts. Thin eyebrows, hardly any eyelashes, and also 25 pounds heavier than last time he saw me. Yikes. Now his hair is all white and he's lost more of it than last time I saw him, but he still has more hair than I do. I told him about my breast cancer and what I've been going through, and he was very sweet and hugged me.
Good luck to everyone with treatments and SE's. Glad I'm done with this round. My radiation consult is on the 25th.
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fedfan-Congratulations on being done! Nice not having to get the shot. It does take forever to get the Taxol, at least it does for me. 4 hours for the whole thing. So I'm almost alone sometimes by the time I'm done. But I plan on ringing the bell and my DH is going to video it.
Happy Wednesday Everyone!
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Just a point of clarification --not done with chemo. Done with the hard part, though, DD taxol. I'm moving on to 6 weeks of carboplatinum next week.
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Congrats fedfan!! I think it's so awesome how so many are finished with chemo now. I still have 8 weeks. Uugghh!
Lost-that is a great idea with filming you ringing the bell. We don't have a bell where I go, so I guess a picture will have to do. I just can't wait till its over!
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