Starting Chemo in December 2013

J4DC

RHGSR, I too found 3rd and 4th AC with more fatigue, and take longer to recover. The SE is about the same as my 2nd round and my 1st treatment was the worst. Overall, I thought it was manageable so far. 

Barbara, thanks for your notes on steroid for taxol. It seems like everybody's premed is a little different. I was told to take steroid in pills and have iv. Pepcid and Benadryl before taxol. The nurse told me it will take about 2hours each treatment instead of 5 hours. It will be interesting. 

Regarding to supplement, my MO didn't recommend any. She told me to get nutrients from food instead of supplement. She did recommend ice hands and feet for neuropathy. It seems like everybody in my treatment center is doing it. 

More freezing rain coming to DC. stay warm everybody! 

count_it_all_joy

Wiped out tonight.  Yesterday felt like I'd gotten thru TAC3 pretty well, then all day today I have been so short of breath and literally panting with the slightest exertion. It takes me several minutes sitting still for my breathing to get back to normal.  I had some of this last time, but I thought it was the staph infection, and it went away while I was in the hospital.  MO sent me for another chest CT, looking for blood clot in the lungs.  It was normal so I got to come home.  Really happy to be in my own bed, but wondering what these drugs are doing to me, and whether it is lasting.  Anyone else having breathing issues?

jackieak

j4DC, my MO visit today sounds exactly like yours.  She said only take one zofran before I go, no steroids for it is in my IV with Benadryl and Pepcid, and nothing the follow days.  Since I'm weekly she said it only takes about two hours tops.  She did say blood work they will watch liver enzymes much more.  She too told me eat food with the L glutamine in it instead of the powder.

Count I had the shortness of breathe on no 4 AC and heart racing and palpating, it was awful, I could barely get upstairs for a few days.  It's very scary, mine were only a few episodes, and it concerns me about heart damage eventually.  I asked today if I would get a heart test soon, she said not till I'm done with Taxol.  My last AC was my hardest, I told Dr if I had to do one more I wouldn't.

Blood work tomorrow before I fly to Vegas Thursday for a long weekend, hoping it is all ok and no interruptions for my trip.

ADJ

count it all joy 

What! I am on weekly Abraxane and also went to the er to have a. Ct , chest X-Ray, EKG, left thigh ultrasound, I have too much shortness of breath and swelling where I had my last thigh pinning. No clots or obstructive lesions praise God.  We'll see if I get chemo approved for this am.

Anita

DJJ

Count, I had shortness of breath with every round of AC, for the first few days.  I walked my dogs really really slow. 

My last round (4) of AC was the worst for me.  Nausea and fatigue and heart burn.   

Still feeling normal on Taxol.  I have some body aches and mild heartburn and my tongue feels a bit burned.  Haven't lost my taste yet but my appetite is down a bit.  It's funny all I wanted was bubbly flavored water on AV and with Taxol the bubbles burn.  The only steroids I get for Taxol are IV during infusion.  Round 2 on Friday, 74 days until last Taxol.  Not that I'm counting

I get a heart test on Thursday.  Because I am on Herceptin I have to have a test every 3 months. 

Mikesgirl17

Neskir..Enjoy the bread:) Count it all, Sorry you are feeling that way.  It sounds awful.  I only experienced shortness of breath a couple time with a/c. RHGSR My round 3 and 4 a/c had less se, but more fatigue and heartburn.  Kimmie, how are you feeling today?  Jackleak, enjoy Vegas!  Okay, yesterday was a long day.  I was so wired and exhausted at the same time.  I got up at 4:00 a.m. and went to to bed at 9:30.  Slept until 6:30.  I so needed the sleep.  All those steroids really messed me up.  I couldn't shut myself down.  I feel okay today.  Tongue feels a little burnt.  Slight headache.  Very puffy face from the steroids.  Eyes are puffy, sensitive and weepy.  I find this to be the worst se right now.  They never stop running.  I have chafe marks on the outside of my eyes.  Only slight nausea with Taxol.  No need to take anything.  Went for my Neulasta shot yesterday.  Suppose to be feeling pain later today from Taxol.  I'll keep you informed.  Snow day here in Maine:)

Leealice

Mary, I have some shortness of breath. I'll walk from one room to another and be panting. A friend of mine had it much worse. She would have to stop halfway up her stairs and rest. She is 2 months out from chemo and still having some shortness of breath. She just had an echo and all looked ok

I only woke up 1 time last night! The benedryl and melatonin must have helped. I really think a good night's sleep goes a long way in healing our bodies

Spoomsister

Good morning ladies!  I don't post often, but I read everything on here.    I completed my dose dense AC treatments a couple weeks ago and had my first Taxol last Tuesday.  I couldn't believe how great I felt the next morning!  I was bragging to all my friends and family, and I was the most upbeat and positive that I have been since I started chemo.  Part of that was because I was able to skip the Neulasta this time with my WBC count being high enough, so I assumed I wouldn't have to deal with that awful bone pain.  Then, about 24 hours after the infusion I started getting achy in my spine and shoulders.  Within 48 hours I was in SO much pain, I wanted to cry.  It hurt everywhere in my bones, and was about a 7 on a 1-10 scale.  The severe pain lasted about 48 hours total, then it was manageable.  I take Claritan everyday, but it didn't seem to help this time.  Anyone else experiencing this with the Taxol, or is it just me?  P.S.  If someone wants to send a recipe on how to make special banana bread or brownies, I would be really appreciative.  I know you have to prepare it a certain way to have the benefits, but I don't know how to do it. 

Mikesgirl17

Spoonmister, you actually just substitute the butter in the recipe with special butter:)

oranje_mama

For those with mouth/taste issues, thought I'd pass this along . . . Peach Nectar.  Tastes divine to me when nothing else does. 

Mikesgirl17

I make a smoothie with spinach, milk, frozen blueberries, frozen mixed fruit and vanilla slim fast.  When nothing else tastes good, this is soothing and packed with vitamins.  Drinking one right now.

ADJ

Ok, after my er visit yesterday, I am now in the chair for chemo plus blood today.  That should fix me(lol).  Oh, and also lasix.

Carol99

mikes girl,that smoothie sounds yummy!  And low in calories, which I need!  I think I've put on about 5 lbs, everything is tight:(.  My nurse said my eyes were teary because I'm losing lashes which protect the eyes.  

Spoomister, I can send a PM, I have a book & you can make special butter or flour.  I have to wait until I can do it discreetly to read up on it, teenager at home-snow day.

Carol

Carol99

I have shortness of breath too, my stamina has really dropped.  I was walking with a friend at work, could barely keep up!  It will feel good to feel good, can't wait.

I get pain around my chest,upper rib area.  It's kind of throbbing at times.  I think it may be from the Nuelasta?

kimie06

gals... had the first round of taxol yesterday like I said and today has been great been out running errands most of the day.  lets hope it continues.   3 more to go..... then 6 weeks of radiation mon-friday and I have to drive an hour each way for that, yuck !! but has to be done.  Im seeing a light I think finally at the end of this dark tunnel.  hugs my friends

chicopeach57

Felt  crappy last  night, could not get  warm, chills, fever of 101. Went to MO today, all the counts are low. If they get any lower on Friday I have to get blood. If they stay the same no chemo, if they go up enough I get it. I'm staying  on the couch, trying to eat and drink enough. I didn't think they were that low. If the fever spikes again have to take a Z pack.  I don't want to get blood!  

Patti

Crazywabbit

Patti, was this your last AC round, hope your temp stays down and counts bounce up. Did you get neulasta?  Wishing you a good night. 

Barbara

chicopeach57

Barbara, it was my last, told the NP that if I had to do 5 I would decline. I got the neulasta but it was on Mondays after infusion on Friday. We tried to change that but it never worked out for the scheduling. In hind site we probably should have.  

Patti

beths1

Hi Ladies,

I have been reading all your posts and trying to get as much information as possible.  Thanks for sharing.

I have been struggling with a bad rash from AC #2 and #3.  Have felt crappy since # 3.  Went for number 4 yesterday and doctor made the decision to skip it because rash is still nasty.  I was so thrilled to skip the treatment as I had been dreading it ...Starting Taxol on Tuesday....weekly for 12 weeks.  I am very worried about allergic reaction.  Sounds like most are tolerating it well.  Got to remain positive.  

I am to take 5 steroids the night before and 5 steroid pills the morning of as premeds. Can't imagine how wired it must make you feel. 

Spoomsister:  sorry to hear about the muscle soreness...that sounds awful.  I didn't know that this was a SE.  Are others experiencing that as well?  Are people still taking the claritin prior to treatment?

Kimie06 and Mikesgirl17:  Keep us posted on how you are feeling.  I was told that eyelashes and eyebrows will go during Taxol.....ugh as if I didn't look bad enough already!

You are all amazing!

Beths1

count_it_all_joy

Feeling discouraged tonight.  Pretty much relegated to sitting down and letting people move around me, b/c I'm tired of 5 minutes of activity and 10 minutes panting to recover from it.  If I just sit, I feel perfectly normal.  Chest CT was normal yesterday, MO ordered an echocardiogram for tomorrow morning.  I am only 3 into 6 of these TAC's, I am having a hard time imagining what the next 3 recoveries would look like.  I get my blood counts in the morning too, and kind of just expecting that everything will be low.      Looking kind of smudgy under the eyes for the first time.  Adds to that chemo look!

Wondering when they decide to order a blood transfusion - the idea of getting some healthy person's blood running through my veins sounds rather nice!

On the up side - I was breathing so hard when I arrived to get my blood draw this morning, they must have moved me right to the top of the list and they had me in and out before the whole rest of the room!

Patti - you sound like you feel horrible, but said you really don't want a transfusion.  Can I be nosey and ask why?  Have you  been this route before?

chicopeach57

just the thought of someone else's blood, and I have given blood so many times, my Boo is like in the gallon club. I should not feel this way, just wish my body would rebound!  You sound more miserable than Me. I was actually surprised at how low they were, worked Monday and Tuesday, but a lot was going on yesterday. Feel better now than last week. Who knows with this crazy crap that is both killing us and going to save us. 

Good luck to us all.

J4DC

count-it-all-joy, I am sorry to hear that you are feeling down. Feeling tired seems to be a new normal for us undergoing therapy. Try to have as much as rest as you can. I hope you are feeling better tomorrow. Many hugs sending your way. 

Beth1, looks like we are on the same steroid regimen before taxol. Sound like it is going to be a sleepless night, probably I can get some cleaning done, finally. 

kjfromca

Hello Ladies - 

My arm started swelling near the IV site of my first round of chemo.  Had to have an ultrasound today and found out that I have a superficial blood clot in that area.  Luckily, I can treat it with Ibuprofen and a heating pad.  I am up late tonight, as I fell asleep early this evening.  

Jackieak - You are hopefully heading out on your mini vacation... Have a great time.  Remember, whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.  

Beths1 - Hopefully, those steroid pills will help your rash.  I was stressed too going into my first Taxol round.  They should give you more meds before the Taxol to prevent an allergic reaction.  The chemo will probably be administered slowly just in case.  I was there for about 5 hours.  I am hoping that my thinning brows and eyelashes will hold out.  I keep telling myself that at least I got to keep them through half of the chemo....still doesn't make me happy.

Kimmie06 - Glad you are feeling well.

Patti and Count it all - Wishing you both good reports from your doctors.

KIm

Jodi040812

sleepless night here too!  I have taxol #8 FrIday. Steroids are out of my system now, but still can't sleep.  Hot flashes make me crazy lately.  Tomorrow, driving to Houston and staying in the hotel.  Definitely taking the ambiem.  I just can't at home because my 14 month old wakes up in the night still.  

Went to therapist today about lymphedema.  I start therapy officially next Tuesday.  I will get the sleeve too.  Caught it early, so no damage done.  I was excited that we are going to work on motion.  My shoulder hurts so much and she said it is because it is stuck.  It doesn't have full motion back, so limited to fully stretching out.  How wonderful it would be to sleep without shoulder pain again!  

Best of luck for the rest of this week!  Hoping little to no SE's for you all!!

Jodi040812

kjfromca- we must have been typing at the same time!!  Sending positive thoughts to you right now!  Hope your arm is better soon!

OneTexasDay

well ladies.,... TX #4 of 6 is today. Trying to psyche myself up. I will be so happy when all of this crap is behind me!   Weather is horrible again, cold fronts have been on 3 week cycles just like my chemos. 

Actually woke my DH to ask him what he'd do  if I pitched a fit and refused to get out of bed today. He was very sweet about it but I don't think he realizes just how much I have been secretly considering refusing to go. 

I really shouldn't be complaining. I have had minimal SEs so far and I am on the backside of the 6 already. But I JUST DON'T WANT TO!!!!! (as I stomp my feet!)

Who else has a TX today?

Mikesgirl17

I feel pretty awful today.  I went to bed at 7:15 last night and got up at 5:30 .  I tossed and turned all night.  I have a headache, I'm a little naseous, and I'm starting to get pain in my knees.  Honestly, it feels like the flu.  It could be.  It's going around.  Pretty sure it's Taxol though.  

RobinLK

I had pain from the Taxol and Herceptin, similar to the Neulasta pain, not as severe. Feels flu-like. I took Claritin even though it did not work with the Neulasta, I also took a Percocet and was able to move around without the pain. It lasted about 2 days. 

Heading in for round 2 now. Stomping right along with you OneTexasDay!! I just want to be done, and I have to keep going until the end of next January with the Herceptin. Tamoxifen doesn't even start yet and will be 5 to 10 years. Ugh.....can't forget the 6 weeks of rads coming up either...

kjfromca

Jodi - It is amazing how much mobility you will get from going to the therapist.  Glad to hear that you caught the lymphedema early.  They should have you do a routine where you are gently massaging the areas around your lymph nodes to help with drainage.  If not, PM me and I will look through my binder and scan the info. to you.  

One Texas Day - Weather crappy, mood crappy, chemo crappy.... I understand.  Keep pushing forward, we are all getting to the end of these TXs.  Take care.

Mikesgirl - I had pain in my knees too.  Riding the steroid roller coaster doesn't help.  Days 3-5 were the roughest for me.  I ended up changing my pain meds a little which helped.  Can  you take Hydrocodone/tylenol (I took it day 4)?   I am now on 400 mg of ibuprofen 2x a day for the superficial blood clot in my arm.  I think that these drugs help more with muscle aches better than just taking tylenol.  I hope you feel better soon.

Kim

kjfromca

RobinLK - We must of been posting at the same time.  Hoping you have an easy time with your TX today and an easy time with the SE's.  Will you be on the Herceptin during rads?  I have to wait about a month between chemo and rads.  Just wondering.  Take care

Kim