Starting chemo November 2012
Comments
-
soteria, hearing that Sneaky's hg is low and now you saying you are exhausted and both of you on A/C makes me think back to December when I was at the end of my 4 A/C's. My hg went into the tank and even though I knew it was going lower, it was not until I got out of breath going upstairs and got my bloodwork back that day that it was clear that low hg was the culprit. Get yours checked! Two units of blood and I have never looked back.
-
Soteria - I was completely bedridden Days 3-5. All I did was occasionally shuffle like a hunchback to the washroom and the kitchen on those days when it was absolutely necessary. I had to stay hunched over to keep my head at heart level - when I raised it above this I got so lightheaded that I had to lie down or sit on the floor. I wasn't bedridden Days 6-10, but I was completely wiped out... had to sit down while cooking meals or washing dishes, would be so fatigued that I would lie on the kitchen floor (couldn't make it to couch), and didn't have the energy to walk my daughter to school (this is a 15 minute return trip). It'll sound weird, but I still did my daily morning jog after Day 5 despite the huge fatigue (it would be close to all I would do in the day). In hindsight, I realize those jogs were way harder because of my low Hg. Even now, on Day 13 I need to lay down for a bit in the day. I can still get out there and do stuff, but not for as long as usual.
I'm on the dose-dense protocol and take Neupogen on Days 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 so we may not be able to compare schedules. I figured my Hb was lower this time around because of the fatigue, but I wasn't expecting the drastic nose-dive it took. Pre-chemo I was at 135 g/L, during the first 3 rounds of AC I ranged between 101-107 g/L, and then I suddenly dropped to 80 g/L. That's at the end of my 2-week cycle, I can only imagine how low it was when I was bedridden! I don't know what to attribute my loss in Hb to, except that perhaps I didn't take my supplemental iron as often as I normally do. I was so nauseated this time around that I couldn't stomach it the first week (I take an herbal liquid version of it because it's better absorbed and my gut tolerates it better than pills). If you're on a 3-week cycle and still have another week left and this amount of fatigue is different for you then I would advise calling in to see if they want to do bloodwork. My MO wants to see if I can rebound naturally (and with upping my supplemental iron intake), but if I notice an increase in shortness of breath or lightheadedness then I'll need the transfusion. I'm getting better every day though, so I think I'll be fine considering my chemo isn't happening until next week now. Hope it turns out okay for you.
-
I wouldn't have been surprised if my haemoglobin had been lower yesterday as my legs feel like jelly when walking, kind of like when I've walked up too many stairs, got out of breath and they're not getting enough oxygen. that's normal for me since my mantle radiation years ago but I don't usually feel like that just walking. But my levels were perfectly normal again.
I worry that although this experience has been horrible, that my body is handling it TOO well and that it won't be doing its job. I'm back to the constant worrying and googling all sorts and I'm just angry that I had to get this sneaky evil disease. Until surgery, knowing I was going into it with clear nodes I thought the chances of me ever getting a recurrence were tiny. I am starting to wish I'd not read anything about BC then I'd be living in ignorance/bliss. I've not even started my hormone therapy yet but am so worried that it's only given for 5 years, by that time they might possibly be recommending it for 10 but that's not long enough for me! I'll still only be 42!
Sorry if I'm depressing everyone, I just had to let it out and know you girls will understand. Months ago a woman at work who had BC treatment 4 years ago told me that BC is one of the 'good ones to get'. From what I understand now, it's one of the most unpredictable, and I can't deal with that. Besides, the docs told me the same about Hodgkin's lymphoma and look where that got me! Yeh, it looks like I've been 'cured' of that but that's not so great if I die of BC instead because of the treatment I had.
Chemo #5 tomorrow. Let's kill the bastard...
-
My hg has steadily dropped since I started chemo. It's low now and they expect it to drop some more. Reading all of your comments makes me wonder how the next two treatments are going to go.
Remember that letter my doctor wrote about me working from home only until further notice due to suffering from numerous side effects? Well it worked on my boss for about a week and now she's asking me when I'll be back in the office, emailing me non stop and assigning more stuff. She even expects me to answer the phone and log back in after hours. I would look for another job but I still to have my ovaries out and radiation. As another BC survivor said"some people really are missing a sensitivity chip".
-
Soteria...found that fatigue was really big after AC #3...just finished 4....and nurses told me it was because of low nutrophils and i should get more rest as they dont really want me to do the neutropren? shots because of the bone pain....so guess what im doing ....resting and reading/tv for the next 5-8 days...until the 10 day mark has passed..rest rest and more rest...at least im done the AC's and on to the TT part next month..decided to get port put in too
-
Pands~Thanks for the input. I'm really interested to hear how you do in a few days after #4.
I'm 62 years old. I've had weight loss surgery, sinus surgery, C-Section, a knee replacement and mastectomy. None of that was as hard as AC 3 for me.
Michelle~Honey, if your SEs seem to be easy at times, don't for one second entertain the idea that chemo isn't working. We're all different, and so is our tolerance. What bothers some of us may be a Piece of Cake for others.
I've had absolutely no nausea or mouth sores, but the fatigue is almost unbearable.
Other than the pre-meds given at tx, and the scheduled decadron for 3 days after, I've never taken an anti-nausea pill, but my chemo is working.
Blessings
Paula -
I just had #5 of 6 TC treatments this week. I'm almost done! But I've discovered a weird new side effect - my eyelids have started twitching, and now my eyebrows are getting in on the act. Anyone else having weird muscle spasms and twitches in their face, or is it just me?
-
Amethyst ~ YES! It started happening to me after round 2. I never see anyone else post about it and I thought it might just be fatigue, but I guess not. I just finished round 4 on Friday and it does not seem to be happening very often anymore.
-
Amethyst - Me, too. Eyelids started twitching after round 4. It's very annoying especially while working on spreadsheets or driving. After this round, I've begun to think abnormal is normal!
Where's my 5Luvbugs?????? -
txjunebug - what an idiot boss. Some people need to just spend a day in our shoes. Not only in terms of feeling the physical effects but also psychological. I dread going back to work because basically I don't think I give a sh*t about it! Hoping that will change once I get back into the swing of it.
Pands -enjoy resting. I find it really frustrating. I rest because I don't have energy, but then I get so fed up and bored. Can't win. Plus all the resting makes it even harder for me to sleep properly/at the right time.
thanks Paula. My rational self tells me what you did, but another part worries. I was sharing this with a nurse yesterday and she said that after so much and also a round of such intensive chemo in the past is maybe what makes me feel this is RELATIVELY "easy" (I'd never call it easy!). She could be right I suppose. My onc said that I might struggle more with the final 2 cycles and also that I might feel worse after I finish. Psychologically, I expect to but don't see how I would physically feel worse, especially as I'm usually okay by week 3 of each cycle.
And I've had really twitchy toes!! Random!
-
Oh Michelle, I could have written your post word for word. People keep asking me if my cancer will go into remission, what the prognosis is, and I just want to scream at them. I think I shared that I told my daughter that no one told me I was going anywhere, and when I was notified of any different I would let her know. The unpredictable nature of all this, especially being young is overwhelming so much sometimes I feel like I could crack. I have grown to hate all things pink, and I actually am emailing my local hospital for using a young mother promoting their free mammagrams when they won't provide them for women under 40. I know too many of us who are way under 40 living and breathing this daily.
None of us at any age should have to live with this sneaky bastard in our shadows.
-
I know I don't post often just wanted to vent my not so DH told me not to be doom and gloom u are only stage one and then backed it up with saying u r not the only one with breast cancer u know. I wanted to reply men get breast cancer too u know be careful what u wish for!!!!
-
Welcome back Dakota! How insensitive of him! I'm 'only' stage 2 but am still shit scared and having to go through crap. Just because it could be worse doesn't make it easy.
And although I'm not glad you feel the same, I am glad you can understand me politicomama.
-
Dakota my hubs got BRCA tested last week.... tells your dh to go get felt up by half the medical community
-
Amethyst - me too! Eyelid twitching started after #2, and unlike most other SEs, has not let up toward the end of each cycle. Drives me nuts! I also have the "taxotears" and stuffy/runny nose that just won't quit. I've also had some wicked muscle cramps in my legs & feet, but have always been prone to them so I can't necessarily blame the chemo (but I will anyway, LOL). Hope all this goes away for good now that I've had my LAST chemo! :-)
The hair thing is so strange.... lost most but not all from head, still have a bit of stubble, feels weird! Still have eyebrows, most of eyelashes, thank goodness. And the hair on my arms doesn't even look any thinner. Why would that hang on? Most of leg hair gone, everywhere else gone, it's sure nice not to have to shave legs & armpits anymore. It will be interesting to see how it all grows back.
-
With regard to other hair, it doesn't grow as quickly as head hair. If you think about it, it stops at a certain length so isn't constantly growing whereas head hair keeps on growing, at least to a longer length than most of us choose to let it. I recently read that pets who have chemo don't lose their fur either. Same principle as above.
-
Boy, am I glad to know I'm not the only one with the eye twitches! At least now I know I'm not going to go mad alone!
Jennie, I've also had the watery eyes, though my nose has behaved itself mostly. I think the muscle pain and fatigue are probably worse than anything else. I can't believe how exhausted I am tonight just from getting dinner in the oven! And I'll agree that the hair thing is definitely weird, though it has been nice to not have to shave since November. My husband always tells me that I look sexy bald, though, so I'm just going with it.
I cannot wait to be done with this, and get my life back. Most of the time, I do okay, but today has been a real struggle to not become discouraged. We got a bill yesterday from the orthodontist, and I honestly can't remember back to January as to whether I took my daughter or not (apparently, we missed it). My brain is gone, my energy is gone, my house is a mess, dinner is late... again... It's so hard to know what I've always been capable of, and readjust my personal expectations every single morning.
I think what's worse is knowing that the fatigue continues through the radiation, which will be for 7 weeks, taking me right up to Memorial Day, and not knowing how long it's going to take to get my energy back.
Okay, that's my personal pity party. I think I'm better now for saying that.
-
As far as I can tell, 5LuvBugs hasn't posted since the 26th. Has anyone heard from her? Hopefully she's just celebrating the end of chemo, or catching up with her grandkids. I know she had to keep some distance while her WBC was compromised.
Tricia, we need to hear from you, Big Sister!
Blessings
Paula -
I'm a few days behind in reading things and can't cover everything I want. Just wanted to take a few minutes to make a few comments.
Dakota - Pretty sure we all think doom and gloom thoughts at times. Thinking positive is great, but it's hard to forget that recurrences do happen, even to those with low stage/grade. Vent away, sister.
Michelle - Totally hear you on wishing you were still blissfully ignorant.
txjunebug - Your boss is a jerk. I hope you better things come your way.
I'm at my mountain ReTreat now... activities start tomorrow and I can't wait to get started. We are getting spoiled rotten at this thing. So much to tell you about later. I really hope you all get to be showered with generosity and treated like a queen like this at some point in your recovery. You all deserve it!
-
The Taxotears side effect is very annoying!!! Impossible to wear contacts with this constant tearing. My nose has joined the party too!
Michelle & Politicomomma - I can relate to your concerns. When they say they got all the cancer, how do you know that the chemo is working? It's hard to not worry.
Welcome back Dakota! As emotional as I am lately, I think I would have thrown something at DH.
I laid out all my side effects to the boss and I mean all the side effects from head to toe!! Even the really gross bowel ones. You want to know what's going on then here. Here's all the little not so nice side effects of chemo. Now back off!! I just shouldn't have to go thru this over and over again. Next push will result in a chat with our HR dept. I am after all protected by the ADA.
-
txjunebug - well done! What was your boss's reaction? Hope it made them realise what we have to endure daily.
Had TC #5 yesterday and I'm whacked. Had a nap this afternoon and just got up at 9pm. May not sleep so well tonight but I just needed to my bed. I usually get a couple of days before chemo hits me but I guess at this point the effects are building up.
Bones have started aching slightly before my Neulasta which suggests it's been the Taxotere causing it. Explains why loratadine doesn't help, but neither do pain meds much. Taste buds off already. It's what bothers me most.
Well, at least all my ailments might keep me off Google for a while!
Best wishes to all.
Michelle. X
-
This cycle has knocked me to the ground! Im SO tired!!! But I keep telling myself....this is it!! Had DD take pictures of me bald today and actually put them out there on facebook....somehow it made me feel strong! And my theme song through this is "Stronger!"
Hope you are all doing well -
Congrats Keetmom! Knowing its your final treatment will cause those SEs to subside real soon. Love the new gorgeous pic!!!
-
Michelle, im with you, #5 is kicking my butt! But i never had the 'good' week i expected after 4, gained 6 lb in swollen legs and all other SEs worse. (Leg massage helped, legs up, less salt) Dr said that psychologically i was getting used to the regimen just as the cumulative effects are hitting so i need to rest more instead if working a ton then falling over for days. Trying.... But did have pizza in advance of taste bud failure...
I emailed Tricia, no word yet hopefully resting up and saving eyes with soft Kleenex.
Congrats Keetmom! Is it harder to deal with SE's, can u pace yourself?
Sneaky, i still cant believe you are away at an active retreat! You go girl!
Oh! Anyone hear about citrus interfering with chemo? I heard a nurse tell a man that but forgot to ask if its true for us or after the first few days when my doc said no fruit - but im off so much due to digestive SEs anyway...an orange would taste good... Before the taste buds go. Xx -
We're nearly there, sickofpink! I just got up at 6pm after sleeping all night and day. I'm ready to go back but reckon I should eat something first at least. No idea what though as nothing will taste right.
-
I've started my dexamethason today. Tomorrow I go for chemo#5. A friend asked me how I'm feeling. I told her that it feels like I'm on automatic pilot. I just do what I have to do and wait for it to pas.
Do you think I'll be able to celebrate carnaval next weekend? I'd love it, but I think Taxotere is going to hit me hard by then :-(
-
Junebug, I hope your boss got the message. How insensitive can they be?
I can't concentrate long enough to read an article in a magazine, let alone work. And I've become very clumsy lately. Everything is falling, I didn't have that before. The nails are hurting too.
-
sickofpink, in chemoteach grapefruits is what we were told to stay away from.
so happy for you sneaky!
-
Elena - your SEs are neuropathy (clumsiness, fingers, toes numb/achy) and nails hurting. This is a taxotere symptom and you will want to follow up with your onc.
Sneaky - hope you are enjoying that ski resort and spa. Rip it up!!
Sickofpink / Michelle - hope your SEs get better with rest. I also thought you were supposed to eat lots of fruits and veggies. Cuties are the only thing I eat because they taste normal.
Txjunebug - shameful you don't have a supportive boss. Mine says he's supportive, wants no details, but doesn't give me much slack either. Glad you are standing your ground and know your rights!! -
I've not taken my dexamethasone properly this time. I forgot to take my second dose on chemo day, then yesterday I only took my am dose. Doing fine without. carrying on with tapering off though to avoid the depression.
Fruit and veg - the lonely thing I eat is carrots. I would say I'm fussy but that makes it sound too trivial. I have serious issues with new foods and am afraid more of texture than taste. I feel I should get some sort of help as I want to try and be healthier but not sure how seriously any GP woud take me.
A friend from work is annoying me. She is quite dim at the best of times but keeps asking me the same dumb questions. "Is the chemo working?" I've tried to explain things but I don't have the patience anymore so am just ignoring her texts. I told her last cycle about my bone aches and said what causes them. She's just asked why my bones ache again. I give up.
stomach a bit crampy so have just taken stool softener to get things moving. Off to bed now. Night all.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team