March 2012 chemo

kltb04

I am just so stressed for you . Is that just the nature of the system there. I know it is a great system but I dont want to see you fall between the cracks. Just know you have a ton of people thinking of you.

onvacation

KCB - sorry you are having so my issues - that isn't any fun - big hugs!

MichelleMassey

Kcb - sorry you're dealing with this. I've never heard of someone getting a second shot but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened. Sending hugs your way!

slak

KCB - I don't know about a second shot either...may not be safe to do.  I'm concerned about the communication between docs...my husband is a doc and I know things fall through the cracks too often because of how busy and overworked they can be, and I'm sure your MO would want to know what has happened.  If I were you, I would call my MO during the day tomorrow and let the office know what is happening.  That way your MO can reach out to the docs at the hospital.  Stay strong.  We are all thinking of you!

KCB

Thanks all. Every positive wish helps. I have spent alot of time being sure to explain my situation, and my last consult with a doc here he seemed acutely aware of the concern about WBC. so I am nervous overnight tonight but know that tomorrow if my bloodwork in the am shows anything dangerous that something will be done. For sure we will be in speedy communication with MO tomorrow. Thankyoubfor keeping me in your thoughts.

galena_79

Tx3 complete, just got home.

The port access was fine this time. Just one needle!  It worked, but was really sluggish, with both pushing in fluids and drawing out.  Same problem as the last two times.  But this time they realised that the end of the catheter must be sitting against the vessel wall.

So, to get bloods I had to stand up, move my arm around, hold my breath, and cough.  Repeat.  It was slow-going, but we got there in the end.

Unfortunately I got a call a couple hours later saying that my blood clotted really quickly, so the lab couldn't use it.  I had to go back to Oncology and repeat the process over again. Sigh.

Eventually the results came back. Everything was fine, so I popped a couple Ondansetrons and an Aprepitant, and headed into the day ward.

The infusion went smoothly. I got some wicked sinus pain toward the end, and now I have a headache. Otherwise I feel... all over manky. But not strongly nauseous or fatigued... yet. (Keeping my fingers crossed.)

I'm about to head to the couch to veg out for a while. Might attempt a tiny dinner if I start feeling hungry. But I foresee an early night tonight!

Januaryice

KCB - my thoughts and prayers are with you. You seem like a very strong lady and I know that you will get though this.

MichelleMassey

Galena - are they going to do anything about your port? Did they not do X-rays after the surgery to check for placement? That seems ridiculous that you have to go through that every time you get chemo. Have enough stuff going on. Glad you got tx 3 down and hopefully you have minimal SEs this round.



I got tx 2 scratched off the list yesterday. Feeling. Pretty good. Up on and off during the night and sweaty! Go back today to get the pump removed and neulesta shot. Think im going to make my brother stop at Starbucks for a decaf mocha latte. Gotta enjoy some simple pleasures! Have a great day all!

Sissydi

TC 3 done now! Came home and felt like crap immediately....watched tv, couldn't sleep because of the decadron, so took an Ativan last night, and slept pretty good! Wow, the decadron was really slamming me with hot flashes; one right after another! Maybe this is the beginning of chemo pause? Anyhow, I'm just happy there's drugs to help counteract some of this stuff.



Anybody losing weight, or keeping stable with it? My first week after TC, I don't eat much, lose some, then as soon as that appetite comes back, pow! I'm a scarfing machine! So I've remained stable every time they check weights. I'm just wondering what the norm is.

Sissydi

Galena, our experience on third tx is very similar!

Myleftboob

galena

I hope this time around is easier on you SE wise.  You've had your fill girl.

Sissydi

I'm kind of the same with the weight thing.  I swing up about 6ish pounds the first week after TX likely from the steroids and my wanting carbs all the time.  Then my system seems to get flushed out (pun intented) my diarreah (sorry if TMI).  So right now I'm exactly where I started weight wise before TX. It would be nice to be a few pounds down but I'm grateful not to have gained really

MichelleMassey

My weight was doing the same thing until I got the mouth sore. That dropped 8 lbs quick. We will see what it does now that it's gone. Especially next week when I go through the phase of eating everything in sight! I never had much of a sweet tooth until I started chemo.

kltb04

My weight went down 8 lbs in the week after tx because I had no appetite and no taste. By the time that I my blood work done for week #3 I had gained 7 of that 8 back.



Discovered that the Compazine the dr told me to take knocks me out as much as the phenagran. I had to go back to bed after I got up this morning. Just got my Nuelasta. Damn that thing burns going in. I thought I was more prepared this time. Waiting to see BS for follow up appt and then back home to bed or the couch at least.

journey4life

Hi Marchers!

Katy, I am so sorry about your surgery. I'm sending healing vibes and strength your way.

Alice - thanks, I'm glad you like the new me! So many were changing their user names that I thought I would too. This one seemed more expressive that lisajcj.

kltb - what's the latest on your rib pain? Is it on the same side as your BC? My mom (who is 2 years out from dx) is experiencing significant pain in her rib area on the same side as her lumpectomy. We just spent the last 2 days having tests run on her to determine what was causing the pain. About the only thing they didn't rule out was metastatic BC. What is a "rib panel?" Maybe that's something we should look into.

I'm gearing up for A/C tx #3 tomorrow - after this one, I'll only have one more yay! Then on to taxol...

Thanks for the suggestions for dry/cotton mouth. I have Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste but both are awkward to use when I'm away from home. Spray or gum would be ideal and much more portable. The other suggestions are good ones too and I'll try them. I've also found that Biotene toothpaste is mild and better to use when my tongue and mouth have been so sore.

I hope everyone has more good days than not-so-good days! We CAN and WILL do this

MichelleMassey

I know how you feel. This one is kicking my butt. Going in for my neulesta shot then grabbing lunch and coming home to bed.

tellie_savalis

Hello Marchers!

KCB- I am so sorry to hear your news.  I will be thinking of you.

My 2nd TAC has been MUCH easier than the first round.  Far less fatigue.  No real nausea, I actually forgot to take the Zofran as scheduled and had no problems.  The Naulasta (sp) shot did kick in on friday (3 days after shot) and run through Saturday.  I woke up Friday from a dream in which I had been thrown from a moving van, to feel exactly as if that had happened.  The nurse had told me that extending my steriods might help and I believe it did.  I really only had strong body aches in the morning, before I took the steroid.  Diahrea seems to be a problem on days 6-7 but can be controlled with Imodium AD.  I have also found that the amount of TUMS I eat is wonderful for my nails. 

My good thing for the day- Chocolate still tastes pretty good and this year my kids will share!  Normally they are little hoardings but this year they are volunteering (mostly) to give me some candy.

P.S.  Is anyone else getting weird almost menstrual cramps?  wondering if it is the menopause thing kicking in.

onvacation

No menstrual cramps but for some reason feeling bloated!  I'm 2 days from my next treatment and I can't figure out what I'm eating that is bloating me!  I added some greek yogurt and blueberries last couple days to up my protein for treatment, but that has never bloated me before.  Guess I need to chug more water!

Hope everyone is having a good day with minimal SE! 

CAYH

Oh KCB - positive & healing vibes to you!  You've got so very much to deal with on top of everything else, talk about a roller coaster!  I really hope you mend from your surgery well & are able to speak with your oncology team to get some answers SOON.

(gentle hug) for you...hope you can get some rest.

CAYH

I've had so few SE since this first tx, I was wondering if this chemo was doing it's thing...

Not wondering anymore 'cause EXACTLY like those before me had described, my scalp today on day 12 was feeling that "too tight" ponytail effect so I washed my hair.  The scalp massage felt so good, but already I can easily pull out many strands - yup, it's happening right on cue...

Looking forward to my new "do" & having some fun with scarves - hoping my head isn't too weird looking - here we go...

Myleftboob

CAYH

I've been pretty lucky in the SE department as well and I really feel for others that arent.  I met a lady at the Wellness Centre for exercise class today and she's having a hell of a time, but she was there doing what she could!  I told her about this board, but she says she's not into anything online.  I am so thankful for all you ladies (and men) here.  If I had nothing to refer to, I'd be so lost. 

kltb04

Cannot stay awake. Haven't taken anything stronger than Tylenol since this morning and I literally cannot keep my eyes open.



MO office called. Rib X-rays at 8:15. So nervous. I don't know why I am. She told me she was basically doing it for my peace of mine (and perhaps as a bit of insurance to herself since I as the patient brought up a symptom?) I mean I have had a PET/CT that would have shown uptake in the area. An x'ray is actually kind of ass backwards because anything that would show up on there would be further investigated with other scans. Can you tell I am trying to talk myself down here?

onvacation

Kitb04 - fingers crossed for you tomorrow!  Glad you are making them do something - this is your body and you know something is off!  You are your best advocate!  

onvacation

Ok think I figured out my bloating, only other new thing I tried this week were these Spry mints I picked up at WholeFoods - I think there is xylitol in it.  Must not agree with me.  Well I am glad I figured it out - anyone else have issues with xylitol?

GeorgiaMom

KCB- I'm so sorry you're having to go through so much. I've been praying hard for you. I hope your doctors are working together. I know how hard it is to keep explaining your situation to everyone. When I broke my arm I felt like I was being high maintenance when I explained my situation to every person who walked through the door but you can't be too careful and you have to be your own advocate! I hope your WBC count comes up a bunch. No one should have to endure 2 Neulasta shots. Hang in there and keep your sense of humor - that will pull you through anything!



Kltb04- I hope all goes well with your rib x-ray. I'm glad your dr recognizes that you need peace of mind. I'm sorry that you have to wait for it. Waiting is the hardest part of cancer - for me anyway.



I'm 1 week away from treatment 3 and feeling good. Buzzed my hair two weeks ago but still have lots of hair (or stubble) hanging on. Wondering if it will ever completely fall out. It looks awful but I don't want to completely shave it- it feels like a head start on regrowth. Does anyone else still have a lot of patches after two treatments?



My positive for the day is that I get my cast off today, No more showers with a "cast condom". I will have a removable splint for a few weeks but I'll take it!



I hope everyone has a great day with little or no SE's!



Jeanne

Myleftboob

Georgiamom

I didn't completly razer shave either.  The stubble has grown somewhat too but not everywhere.  I really though TX#3 would have taken that out but nope. I've actually tugged on a couple of peices and they didn't come out either.  I know though if I didn't buzz it I would have only really had hair in the centre LOL!  Like an aging man still sporting a mullett.  YAY to getting the cast off.

kltb04

Good luck today with your scan xxx

onvacation

I can't comment on xylitol but good on ya for picking up on that!

ladyfighter

Hi! Hope everyone had a nice Easter, Mine was yuck slept in my Mom's room while everyone go merry ways in other room. Woke up and ate with them just little because the sight and the scent of the food made me no appetite at all! BEcause i Had my AC TX 2 last Thursday, its figured bad days. Today i am starting to feel little better and almost to back to myself. hopefully!

I am so lucky (knock on the wood) with very little minimal of SE, only I have is no appettite, tiredness, not feeling like talking or doing anything from 2nd day after TX's till about 5th or 6th day.

I take anti nausea 4X on the day of TX and 4 days after and didnt need them again until next TX's. Only lost 4 pounds all together. On bad days i hardly eat, probably cracker, water, iced tea, cheese that all. but on my good days, boy! I eat like they are good to eat! so that helped maintain my weight of 4 pounds less. i woud have gone more pounds if wasnt for good eating on good days. right?

 Onvacation, I had issue with xylitol in past, it gets me bloated and easily "farted" (yikes is it okay to say that word??? lol) so i stopped using it. i was trying to switch that from splendid but after i started chemo, splendid tasted awful, so i stopped using it, i use sugar in the raw but doesnt matter because since chemo, coffee doesnt taste good anymore so i hardly use it

kitb04, hope your xray came out clear! crossed fingers!

KCB, i am so sorry, i hope all will be okay soon! giving you hugs!

Myleftboob! when i read about you vomit and all that, I say that is not same myleftboob! but glad it was the virus! Hope you feeling better now!

Guess what? I had my hair shaved off last night! to the bald but some patches. I had very very short haircut last Friday after it sheds, but two days ago, it was still shedding, all over my face, eyes, foods, floors, I said nooo, that is it! I told my son and his gf to shave for me last night, and did! I cried a little but wiped my tears. I laughed cause my DH used vacuum to clean me up

I had to have neuopogen 7 days in a row instead of 5 cause my WBC was low but not dangerously low but low enough to get my MO wanting to do 7 days so today i am going for my 4th injection. I had my TX2 last Thursday April 5th.

I saw my MO last Thursday before my TX, he was happy how I am, I was so upbeat and very energic. I asked him about L-gluatine, and B6 as I read in this board, he said go ahead. So i bought it yesterday, but reading the bottle, i am not sure?? Because I am taking Effexor XR 150mg faithfully for 7 years (i think that helped my minimal SE, dont you think? i would be wrong?) that shouldnt mix with L-gluatine? (spelling?) anyone?

I have follow up appt with my BS tomorrow, to check my breasts and my port, is it necessary to see BS as often as MO?? no? dont want to waste my time and money (self-pay). What do you think?

I hope everyone is having great day and less of SE! I will upload photo of my before and after hair thing for you guys to see!

Hugs to all XOXOXO 

ladyfighter

ladyfighter

ladyfighter

did anyone able to see my photos above? it didnt on my part? what did I do wrong? Gonna get ready for my neuopogen injection. Have a good day!

nfranklin

No could not see pictures. Have a blessed day.