Starting Chemo July 2013

aaoaao

Angela, some people can never let a grudge go.  I hate to say this but my mother, who normally is a loving person, has a hatred for my stepfather since they separated.  It started long before the actual separation into different homes.  Even though she was the one to leave, she blames him for EVERYTHING that went wrong.  He's now the evil, manipulative, money stealing beast.  Yes, he did things wrong in their relationship but she did too.  I love her but she is irrational when it comes to him.  They've been apart for 10 years now and had no children together but she still tries to find out what he is doing and judges it.  She says she doesn't care anymore what he does but obviously that isn't true.  She actually finds joy when things aren't going good with him.  I refuse to discuss him with her but she asks her home aide helper for info and she knows his home aide and gets info from there.  I wish she could just let it go.  Sounds like your husband's ex is the same way.  There isn't anything you can do to change it.  Some people never give up the hatred.  She might even like you being sick, sad to say but maybe true.

If your stepson is to be around you, just make sure he isn't showing ANY symptoms of being sick.  Maybe he or you could wear a mask when your counts are low.  These aren't ideal solutions but cancer never is ideal.

ForMyGranddaughter

Hello,

I'm part of the August 2013 group but stopped by to say hello and give love + support. 

Interesting in how different Onc are; my doc to me to stop taking Complex Vitamin B, said it may interfere with chemo.

TwoHobbies

Angela I think you answered it when you said she is bitter. She's not thinking of you. That could' be from being unaware or selfish or maybe even revengeful. I probably would be in the same boat if my stepson was still school age.

TwoHobbies

FormygrNddaughter there is some concern that antioxidants might negate chemo. I was told to only take calcium and vitamin D.

LanaM

Evening all! Met with my onc today. He thinks my leg rash is because of low WBC and pants rubbing. He wasn't too worried & I had to laugh when he said "do you have to wear pants?" Guess I'll have to try dresses/skirts for a bit - for a minute was picturing myself running around with no pants! LOL Friday is my last red devil & my half way point for chemo - yay! Then starts paclitaxel. Got my prescription for dex - guess I'll get to see more of what everyone has been talking about re the steroids! Onc gave me prescription for ambien in addition to my lorazepam. He's also weening me off my diltiazam (high blood pressure med) cuz it's not good with T, and I questioned the possible connection with BC. Starting me on one that's not a channel blocker. I asked about radiation after chemo - said we'll meet with rad onco after chemo but likely rads every day (except weekends) for 6 weeks or so - sees like a lot of radiation to me! Also asked about flu shot - said it would be good to get but to wait until I'm done with chemo. Wouldn't hurt but wouldn't be as effective. Positive thoughts!!! Lana

RealityCheck

Hi Ladies,

I have a very embarassing question and am hoping I'm not the only one who may have this. I am only 47 years old. I have never had an issue with incontinence except when having bronchitis once a year and get to coughing so hard I pee my pants. I know from having a child you have to work on Kegel muscles, which I did and still do to this day. Today however, I was at the grocery store with my husband. I didn't feel that feeling when you have to go, but I felt a lot of pressure in my abdomen, next thing I knew I was soaking wet and very embarassed. I have treatment #3 tomorrow morning and will ask my MO about this. I am scared, I'm not ready to wear depends and hope when treatments end this goes away too. Thank you to any and all that can help. Hugzzz and Best Wishes to all.

Cherri3

Hi, my name is Cheryl. I am from Singapore I started chemo in July too. I was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer, 2 lymph nodes positive. Did a lumpectomy, axillary clearance and removed 25 lymph nodes (including the 2 affected ones).  I was given 4 rounds of AC which I have just completed last week!  I completed them within 2 months, each time I carried the medicine home for 72 hours.  I am 38 years old, my oncologist thinks I am young...so my AC was every 2 weeks instead of the usual 3 weeks.

I was given 3 booster jabs to increase my white blood cells after every AC.  Next Monday, I am starting my weekly chemo.  12 weekly taxol.  I have a single lumen, CVC non-tunneled installed   I dislike it, I cannot shower and cannot sweat too much.

I am glad to join this forum... I have slight depression and knowing that there are many others going through the same...and will pull through together with me.

soriya123

Welcome Cherri, I am 39 years old. I have TCH 6 roud, with herceptin 1 yr. I had completed 3 round so far. Today is my 3rd TCH,will get my WBC shot tomorrow, feeling nausea n loosing appetite already :-(



I also have my up and down, especially I have 2 young kids. We are human its normal to have these feelings, even though we tried so hard to be strong n stay positive, but some of those darkness days will appear sometime.



We will get thru this!



Realitycheck, let us kno what your onc has to say. Maybe that one of the SE. I wish I have an answer for you. (Hugs)

Cherri3

Hi Soriya

Thank you for your reply. I have a baby gal, coming 11 months. With the port installed, I cannot carry her. It has been frustrating. I can only watch her cry.

I am counting down to my 12 weekly taxol. I have very bad heart palpitations this week.

I can comprehend on the nauseous and loss of appetite.  It will be over soon...lets be strong!  I have a big ulcer today and makes it hard to swallow.

Hugs...Cheryl

Nocompromises2013

Hi Ladies

Anyone had swollen lymph nodes in their opposite arm pit?

day 8 postround 3 i have developed 2 little swollen nodes in left armpit - any suggestions? slightly tender... nothing too sore

Sue 

lark

Angela- my 11 year old son started school this week and I'm worried too. I'm taking him and my daughter for their flu shots next week to try to ward that off. I've talked to both of them about being extra careful about washing their hands, but I know they're going to forget. Not sure what else to do other than give them vitamins and wash my own hands a lot. I have so little energy after that last AC and its been a full week. I know my counts must be at an all time low. Sorry you have to deal with the cold hearted attitude of the stepmom. Some people have surprised me with how compassionate they've been. Unfortunately there are those few who have such issues of their own they don't have a heart for anyone else. Hopefully, the time your stepson spends with you will teach him a new level of compassion that he wouldn't get without experiencing this with you. I just hope you get the support that you need through your husband and other people in your life. Hugs to you.

Mellie289

Finally caught up on reading posts, but didn't get a chance to post until now.

I'm so sorry for you ladies suffering from hemorrhoids. I have mild ones and have had some very brief sharp pains since starting the chemo, but I can't imagine that being constant. It would be debilitating!

Lynn - how are you doing? I hope your surgery went smoothly and you're mending well.

RealityCheck - I have suffered a little incontinence occasionally in the past from coughing or sneezing while having a really full bladder. I've found that is a little worse now since starting chemo. I haven't had an embarassing incident like you (sorry that happened to you), but I've felt like I've been close a couple times. I'm making sure I don't wait too long to empty my bladder! It doesn't help that I have been drinking so much to hydrate before chemo and to fend off constipation afterward.

Sue -  I haven't felt swollen lymph nodes myself (maybe that's ahead for me since I've only done two rounds of TC) but the first thing that would pop into my head is that I possibly have an infection since day 8 should be the nadir period. I hope it's nothing serious.

Welcome to our group, Cheryl! I'm glad you found us before you started your weekly taxol. I hope it will be easier on you than the AC has been. Sorry you can't pick up your baby girl.

momx2

Hello all, hope you're all doing well as well as can be expected .

Just had my last AC TX , in 2 wks I start Taxol and Herceptin wweeky .Wish me luck , I'm scared

RRealitycheck I've noticed that for 2 days after tx I have to run no control

Angela you're a great stepmother . I cant believe his mom has no concern for her son . Sorry you have to deal with such a miserable person .

Sue maybe you have an infection , I would call Onc just to be safe .

Hugs to all, wishing you all health

Mellie289

zimmy - looks like we are on the same chemo. I guess nosebleeds is one of those SEs that MOs seem to think isn't caused by chemo. What else could it be? I've had them now in my two cycles between days 10-12. Day 13 is back to normal. If it's not chemo, I don't know how mine could be so on-schedule. I hope I'm not going thave the same thing in my next 4 cycles. I'm going to try moisturizing with saline in preparation and maybe make an appointment with an ENT to have a look.

angelanature

Hi Everyone,thanks so much for your support,love,and advice. He was so sweet when he came home hugging me and telling me how good i looked. Not bad for an 11yr boy. Sue,that's alittle strange about your lymph nodes,i would call to have it looked at before the holiday weekend,everythings happens on a sunday or a holiday weekend.I'm scared to start Taxol too momx2,it's the unknown i think.Welcome Cherly,get some magic mouthwash for your mouth sores,it's lidocaine/benadryl combo really helps.Rambo hope ur doing well,thinking of u lots.Angela

Hannariggs

Hi All, 

    I too am on the taxing taxol train.  I start Sept 4.  Will have to take along my little friend ativan for the first infusion.  At least with AC I had two weeks in between treatments.  One sick week and the other feeling semi normal. I worry about recovery time between the taxol treatments. Even though they SAY taxol is easier,  it brings its own side effects to the party.  Not only am I bald, but now I will lose eye lashes, eyebrows and dont forget the weight gain from the steroids!  I feel like a damn bowling ball!  Don't worry though they will give us pain killers for the neuropothy.  But will need an drug intervention when this is all over with.  Ok, enough ranting.  I actually plan on taking the infusion with smile on my face and cracking jokes (shhhh dont tell I will be freaking on the inside).  Its all we can do, what choice do we have?

Reality-I too have had a problem with incontinence(so now a slippery bowling ball).  It hasnt been too bad, but when I have to go, I have to go NOW!  I have pushed small children down to get to the bathroom in time(only kidding).  I am hoping it will change after the taxol, but who knows?

Cherri-Welcome to the group!  Sorry you have to be here, but all of the women here are the toughest you will ever meet.  We are all here to help and support each other.  Who else can fully understand what we are going though but others who feel the same?  Hang in there.....we will all make it.

Have a great holiday weekend and try to enjoy even the little things....tick tock tick tock we are nearing that finishline....keep the faith.....

RealityCheck

Hi Ladies,

Hope everyone is feeling a little better today! Hugzz to you! I had my third treatment today and asked MO about the incontinence thing. He said most likely my bladder was weak at the moment and to just hang in there til treatments are over and see what happens. I do hope it's from the treatments and not going to be permanent. My RBCs were down a little and I have anemia, hence the sore legs when walking and being tired. Normal. I will be eating lots of dark green leafy veggies and eating more iron enriched foods to help combat this SE.

Mellie, like you I had been drinking lots of water before treatment and I will again for a few days after as well. I did not know my bladder was full. I had no warning, no bladder push as they call it. I did have a little pressure on my abdomen and the next thing I knew WHOOSH! I have taken precautions now so it doesn't surprise me or embarass me again.  LOL Hannariggs on pushing the kids down,( I know you didn't push them down for real, but sometimes you just need to go to the bathroom) at least you knew you had to go!

angelanature

Hi All,Hannariggs i'm getting my first taxol on the fourth too,they switched me because of the holiday. We"re in this together,girl.Hugs Angela

lark

Mellie and zimmy- I haven't had nosebleeds but I was just remembering the doctors advice when my daughter had frequent nosebleeds last year. In addition to the saline spray, he said to use a qtip to apply vasoline to the inside of your nose. It moisturizes and seals the lining. It did seem to help my daughter. Good luck.

LanaM

Last "red devil" (AC) today - yay!!! Then 4 tx of T, then 6 wks or so of rads. I'm a little nervous about last red devil for some reason, and nervous about starting T and all the steroids! I think there were a couple people a little ahead of me and a few right around my schedule - any words of wisdom? Lana

JWoo

Lana- good luck! With the T the only real issues I have had are: an allergic reasction to the preservatives- make sure that they wait the full 30-45 after they give you the benedyl before administering, and as soon as you feel anything weird- scream about it. I ice my hands during treatment as I have hand-foot syndrome, and a bit of neuropathy and find that it does help. I still work at my comouter 9 hours a day typing, but keeping ice packs in my lap to keep my hands from swelling really helps. I found I have a lot more energy (steroids for sure), but the terrible metallic feeling/taste is gone (hooray for food that tastes like food,) and aside from having to keep my irritation in check (steroids again) now and then, I think it is okay.  Just remember to drink even MORE water. I know- just the thought of it is hard, but it helps.

Best of health to you!

LanaM

Said goodbye to the Red Devil today!! Almost got postponed - first I had another clot in my port (4th time), the found out I have a UTI - nurse said there was a possibility of postponing, but she called my Onco & he gave the OK & prescribed an antibiotic. My best friend went with me today but they were so busy/crowded she couldn't sit with me. Feel fine, a little tired. We had lunch & went to the mish to get some great mums - nice big full ones for $7! Going out for fish tonight with my twin sister & her husband tonight. My hubby & I will probably go bumming tomorrow & sun we have 2 events to go to - I hope I'm feeling good Sunday! Wishing everyone a very happy Labor Day weekend - enjoy the 3 day weekend! P.S. could someone please send some rain our way!

LanaM

I forgot to ask - my chemo was today & normally I would have my neulasta shot on Monday (3 days later) - because of Labor Day im not getting my shot until Tuesday (4 days after) - nurse asked my onco & he said it was fine - what do u guys think?

aaoaao

Lana I hope you're getting rain..lol..we in Northern Illinois are getting one heck of a rain storm here right now.  Downpour, thunder, lightning, and high winds galore.  I'm going to go hide right now. 

Nocompromises2013

Hi Lana

They should give neulasta 24hrs later. They make u wait till after weekend cos it suits them. Extea day wont hurt but leaves you more vulnerable for 2-3 days

According to manufacturers info Just make sure it is not less than 14 days till your next infusion

Hannariggs

Angela-my taxol got switched to the 5th due to my onco being out of town.  Which means I go back to my normal schedule the next week so only 6 days in between. Grrrrrrr you will have to keep me posted how it goes. 

2bluestars

Hi Everyone!

Doing the happy dance with Lana.  Got my last red devil today.  So far feeling pretty normal.  I'm really scared about taking the taxol too.  I kept hearing how hard the red devil/cyoxatan (sp?) is/was, and how easy the taxol will be, but really I haven't had any problems other then a little tired and the one time contispation problem after the first infustion.  So I'm kinda scared all hell's gonna break loose on the taxol.  

My MO said not to worry.  SE's should be less and since the first four weren't so bad.....  He'll be watching for signs of neurapathy closely and at the first sign will lower the taxol dose.  He will not be adding any new premeds, or taking any away, which seemed kind of odd since taxol has a rep for causing allergic reactions.  My premeds are emend, aloxi and decradon.  That's it.  No extra steriods to take at home, no benedryl.  I'm glad for that.

My first taxol will be 9/13...Friday the the 13th...oh boy!  That can't be a good sign!  :-)

Hope everyone is doing well and has a great weekend!

momx2

Hello to all !

Lana , 2bluestars congrats on completion of red devil . I too had my last dose of AC Thursday . 2bluestars I start Taxol with Herceptin on the 12th , no premeds for me either just IV prior to infusion then accupuncture post infusion . Hopefully it will be uneventful and we'll all be fine.

To all have a great Labor Day weekend !

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to all

angelanature

Hi All,congrats Lana,momx2,and twobluestars,yeah!Goodbye red devil!I with you all,worried about what the T will bring.I spent the day at the er yesterday with left sided face pain and numbness to my bottom lip,I and my onco thought i had shingles to the mouth,but after scanning me they determined I have a severe sinus infection and mouth sores,I'm happier about that diagnosis.My stepson was wonderful(more patient than my husband)for 6hrs in a cubicle in the er.Lana,everyone's right Neulasta should be 24hrs after chemo,I'd be pissed!On a different note though,how you r able to do all these fun things after chemo is amazing,i'm so impressed i can barely get of the couch for a week,good for you girl.Have a great weekend everyone, healthy with minimal discomfort.Thinking of u especially Rambo. Angela

LanaM

Jwoo thanks for advice. Sue now u have me worried because it will only be 10 days between neulasta shot & 1st T on yes fri the 13th! 2bluestars & momx2 we' re on similar schedules & will have to keep each other posted. I'm hereby willing (positive thinking) that none of us will have the bone pain SE! I got a couple new meds -,previously had Emend, acyclovir, ranitidine, SMS/tmp, and lorazepam. They've me Emend, dex and zofran @ infusion only. In addition to those, Now for T I also have dex to take night before and morning of, ambien, a new high blood pressure med, and amoxicillin for a lovely UTI! I have one more question - I've been "rocking the bald" for last 2 weeks - at home, at work, everywhere - I'm just more comfortable. I have a convention coming up that our company is involved in - couple hundred people, mostly our clients & some vendors. Would it be "unprofessional" to go bald? Should I try to wear my wig or scarfs? Would I make my boss or co-workers uncomfortable? Or am I crazy worrying about what others think ? Just do what makes me comfortable? I am a VP at work so I think about these things a little more. Good health to all - enjoy the weekend!