Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • charusa
    charusa Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2014

    kimie06, I don't get benedryl because I have a bad reaction to that and any over the counter antihistamines. It causes my heart rate to skyrocket. I got through the AC without it.

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited March 2014

    mikesgirl- same stats as you. How did your dd taxol go? Any suggestions etc!! I'm getting my first of 4 taxol on 3/10. Scared from everything I've read. I was told initially that it would be easier than ac but doesn't look like it from all the posts I've been reading. I'm also tn and only had lumpectomy (L also!) but grade 3. Also will get neulasta with the taxol.

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    Hi Lisaj!! I'm supposed to start Taxol on 3/6. I'm nervous too. I'm hoping it will be easier than AC. I'm doing. 4 doses, one every two weeks. 

    Holli

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited March 2014

    holli-that's this thursday! Good luck! Let me know how it goes. Did they tell you to take glutamine? Mine told me to take 10mg of glutamine powder mixed in fluid 3x/day the day before, day of and day after taxol. Anything else they tell you? Also have rx for prendisone if needed for body aches afterwards. Anyone else take prendisone after taxol? Have a trip planned to San Antonio for vacation (time share exvhange) with my sister and BIL in between 3rd and 4th taxol treatment. MO said it should be fine. Planned it before my diagnosis. Hope ill be able to do stuff.  You're from Texas! whats the weather like in mid april?

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    Lisaj,  don't let yourself get to anxious about Taxol.  Just try and focus on the prize and get through it.  It is totally doable and chances are that you won't have any major side effects.  The fear of the unknown is crippling.  My biggest recommendation to anyone starting Taxol is to ice your hands and feet to avoid neuropathy.  I have done this every time with great results.  I know it sounds awful, but it's not that bad. Just take breaks when it gets too cold.  If it works than it is worth it and you can feel like you had a hand in preventing one of the worst side effects. Just make sure there is a barrier between your skin and the ice like a towel.  Be brave and good luck!

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited March 2014

    mikesgirl, how do you specifically ice your hands and feet. Do you bring 4 ice packs or bags of vegetables or a cooler of ice? The infusions take 3 hrs so it has to last. And wrap fingers and toes or feet? I hate cold feet and my feet are always cold so not sure if I could tolerate it. I asked the nurses about it last ac treatment and they said they haven't had anyone do that but I've heard a lot about it on this board. They said the doctor will manage the sx if it happens?

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    Lisa's, if you go back a few days on this site, I showed my home made ice pack holders and a recipe for home made soft ice packs that stay cold the whole time.  ( page 52 is where the directions are )There's a picture so you shouldn't miss it. Just skim through.  The doctors laugh at me, but they're not the one who has to deal with neuropathy should it happen.  I've done a lot of. Research on this and I'm glad I did.  Why manage side effects if you could just avoid them.  Makes no sense to me.

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2014

    Im home from taxol number 7 one more to go THEN I AM DONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I use ice packs today, they had mittens and booties for me, I took my own too, but I used the hospitals too.  They also cut back my dose a bit because of the neuropathy I already have.  Hoping to keep it at bay. 

    I asked my oncologist yesterday about the nail thing as mine are still great and he claims there are more nail issues with taxotere even though they are sister meds, has anyone lost any of their nails?

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2014

    Lisaj514 - Welcome.  I just had my 3rd Taxol douse dense last Thursday.  I was really stressed too about starting Taxol, especially douse dense.  It is so much easier on my stomach than the AC.  Also, my red blood count is going up, so the anemia is not as bad.  I think that all of us have had some different issues with the Taxol.  Mine tend to be sore legs, joints, etc.  

    Kimmie - One more to go ..... Whoop!  I am right with you.   

    I need energy.... My mind has a list of stuff that I need to get accomplished today.   My body just wants to sit here.  My mind is finished being a chemo patient and is ready to get on with life.  My body just wants to sit here with my feet up.  I do really need to get  to work.  Have a great day ladies.

    Kim

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  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2014

    Kim - I have the same mind/body disconnect!

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2014

    Now that my chemo is finished, I thought I would stop by to say "hi." I've been lurking since November 2013 when my breast surgeon told me to stay off of Dr. Google but that I could visit you guys on breastcancer.org. You cannot imagine how much you guys have helped me through this "ordeal" so far. I've had four cycles of Cytoxan/Taxotere, and thank the good Lord, I've had very few side effects. My main complaint (though relatively minor) is the muscle fatigue which was somewhat cumulative. I will say that exercising has helped that SE. My other complaint is the metallic taste. Can I get an "amen" for the coffee grinds taste? 

    Anyway, thanks again!

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    Lisaj- I love Texas in April. Usually in the mid to upper 80s. I'm not too far from San Antonio. Early to Mid April is when I plant my summer garden here. Hopefully the bluebonnets will still be blooming. I saw a few in Austin the other day but we just had another freeze. At least we got done rain this year. Maybe that will make for lots of them. Anything particular you are going to do in San Antonio?

    I hope I get to start Taxol on Thursday. Me and all three kiddos are sick. Upper respiratory junk. Went in for my blood work today. I'm going to touch base with MO tomorrow. He says I can have it if I've got something viral but not bacterial. I'm hoping it's just a cold. 

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    mikesgirl 

    Can you email me the picture of the ice pack holder? I tried to copy and paste but it wouldn't work. I have a lady who is going to sew some for me. I will PM you my email. 

    Thank you

    Holli

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    one more ice pack question. 

    Would craft felt work as well as fleece? 

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2014

    So happy and jealous of y'all who are almost finished!!  I will be here until Mid May!  16 chemos total- 12 taxol and 4 FAC anyone else doing sweet 16?  Not FAC I think I am the only one doing that, but some of y'all are AC and then taxol (just minus the F- which that F is standing for #%^*er right now to me lol!). 

    My middle daughter, Ellison, asked if I was going to be sick for my bday.  And I said no!  That got me thinking and telling her: I won't be sick for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc!  Basically any holiday I was sick this year, I'll be ok next one!  Wow!  That was a great thing to say and think about!  In less than a year, we get Dx and have all the chemo and if you are having a BMX or MX too!  Amazing really!  We are some tough cookies.  In November, we will all be amazed at far and how different things are. Praying for all of us that different is good!  A fresh start!  Figuring out what and who is important and forgetting the rest!  Hope everyone had a great day!  It is Mardi Gras here- party is over tomorrow lol!  

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited March 2014

    Jodi, there are several of us getting the "sweet 16”. I am right behind you, I started 12/19 with AC  first and into taxol now. This week will be 4/12. May 1 is my happy day, last chemo.  Still have rads to do after that. Good way to look at the future.  I hope we all have many years of holidays to celebrate with family

    Barbara

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited March 2014

    Sweet 16 here also. I will be here for awhile longer also. This week will be 6/12 halfway through Taxol! I will still have 6 weeks of rads and Herceptin will continue until at least Jan. 30th of next year. Can't forget the tamoxifen either.....happy that is a pill. I want my port out as soon as Herceptin is done. I have a love/hate relationship with that thing!

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2014

    Just wanted to let you guys know the only reason I did not join earlier is that I really did not feel I could add anything. There are some smart ladies here! 

    My husband and son have come to accept my obsession with this site. My MO will have to learn to accept it too!

    I should find out on Friday about my surgery date. Tamoxifen after that. And a lot of praying for me and you ladies along the way!!!

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2014

    southernBling- glad you came and posted.  I never thought about people following us without joining.  I mean I read other post sometimes, but never follow it.  Kind of curious if we have others listening to some of our nonsense lol.  We have definitely had some funny topics besides chemo.  We should go back and read the first 5 pages just to see what we were saying and thinking back then!!

    Lord knows lol!!!

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2014

    Jodi, sometimes it was the funny topics that kept me from crying! My husband works nights, I'm on days, and I have a teenaged son who has an iPad or laptop as an extra appendage, so sometimes I just needed an "out". Like I said, it kept me out of Dr. Google's office!!! He is not a good doctor, especially if you ask him about grade 3 or high Ki67!

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  • chicopeach57
    chicopeach57 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    does none understand how the ki67 numbers work?  I don't think I ever found anything that made sense to me.  Or is it not that important?  I'll try to remember to ask my MO, but you know how chemo brain is!

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2014

    ok I could be wrong and I probably am...but I thought a high ki67 meant spreading faster.  More dangerous basically!  I knew someone that had a 98% and they started chemo on her immediately didn't wait for all scan results.  By the way, she was trip negative and has made it past the two year mark that is so important for trip neg!  And she is doing great!  24 years old y'all!!  Scary how many young people are coming out with it.  I thought I was young in late thirties!  I get off subject!  I guess if it was a big big deal they would have explained it to us??  That's my story and hope then lol!

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited March 2014

    Welcome Southern Bling! GL with upcoming surgery.. I am sure the "Got Stink?" conversation was a good one! ROFLMBHO (bald head).  Speaking of, the gross odors have been gone since I finished A/C....that's a good thing. Anyone else look in the mirror and think of the movie "Nothing But Trouble," from back in the day? This character in particular, and yes.....I know I am a bit warped with my humor. Oh yeah....subtract one breast for me!!

    image

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2014

    RobinLK - My port is rather high up, right under my collar bone, so finding cute tops to hide it is a little tricky.  I too want it out, but might wait until my plastic surgeries are finished... if I can.  

    SouthernBling - Nice to hear from you.  What surgery are you having? MX,  lumpectomy, PS? 

    I have never had restless leg syndrome, but I feel like I have it... My legs even ache sitting in bed.  I might have to breakdown and take half a norco or something.... this is ridiculous.

    Kim

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2014

    My Ki67 was 47 from my initial pathology report so you can imagine that my BS, MO, and consulting RO were all concerned about the number. I had already Dr. Googled the Ki67 so I asked my MO if he was concerned about the number being so high. He said it was just one of the factors, and that it sometimes goes along with MY grade 3. Of course, this is the same doctor who said he didn't see any reason to do the Oncotype DX because I NEEDED chemo. Do not stop, do not collect $200, go directly to chemo jail. I did, and I'm somewhat at peace with that one.

    Leaning toward a BMX, but I know that's no cakewalk either. None of it is, huh? Last year at this time, I was heading up my Relay for Life team at my office - pink and purple crap and all. This year, I'm fighting my own battle. Go figure!

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  • J4DC
    J4DC Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2014

    hi, jodi, Barbara, and Robink, sweet 16 for me too. My last day of chemo will be May 2nd. I marked my calendar and counting down, 9 more taxols to go! I am happy to report that my hair seem to start grow back. I saw tiny bit of growth after shower today. It's not very obvious, but I am sure it's there. Can't wait to get rid of my wig! I will have 6 weeks of rad post chemo, at least I won't need to drive too far for that. I am very grateful to have you brave ladies here to vent, compare notes, and offer support. Take care and have a great rest!

    Jenny

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2014

    My Ki67 was 47 from my initial pathology report so you can imagine that my BS, MO, and consulting RO were all concerned about the number. I had already Dr. Googled the Ki67 so I asked my MO if he was concerned about the number being so high. He said it was just one of the factors, and that it sometimes goes along with MY grade 3. Of course, this is the same doctor who said he didn't see any reason to do the Oncotype DX because I NEEDED chemo. Do not stop, do not collect $200, go directly to chemo jail. I did, and I'm somewhat at peace with that one.

    Leaning toward a BMX, but I know that's no cakewalk either. None of it is, huh? Last year at this time, I was heading up my Relay for Life team at my office - pink and purple crap and all. This year, I'm fighting my own battle. Go figure!

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  • SouthernBling
    SouthernBling Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2014

    Sorry about the double post. I'm learning...

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2014

    southernBling- my number was 68 and I was grade 3 too.  I was checked in March physically by doctor and nada- October is when I found the lump and it hurt!  So, it was growing fast and had two friends too. I say one lump for each of my children.  I just had a baby a few months earlier and that seems to push things over the top sometimes.  I just had the perfect storm I guess!  

    J4- countdown!!  AC chemo treatments were they 2 weeks apart?  I was wondering because my FAC is every 20 days and I am finishing up a bit later than some of y'all even if I started before.  Was thinking 3 in 1 chemos need 3 weeks and the 2 in 1 needed 2 weeks maybe.  See that Darn F that I have!  It better be the wonder drug that makes me happy and beautiful during chemo ha ha ha ha!

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  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited March 2014

    Welcome SouthernBling, this forum is a great place to be.  I have to say it has been my greatest support.  I don't know how I would have made it this far without these ladies!

    I also have 16 sessions.  I did 4 AC two weeks apart and now I'm on weekly Taxol.  Taxol 6 this Friday.  April 18th is my last one Woohoo!! Then surgery (lumpectomy), to remove hopefully an area that will turn out to be a pathologic complete response and the sentinol lymphnode.  Then on to 6 weeks of rads.  oh and like Robin I have Herceptin through next January....sigh  Why can't they get Herceptin in pill form?? I can't believe we have to have this port in for over a year!

    I'm also grade 3.  I don't read anything about it, ignorance is bliss.  I just repeat my MO's words about it.  Grade 3 responds really well to chemo.  Which mine has, last check the lil bastard was almost gone!

    My mom says that I don't look like a cancer patient.  She says I look like a pretty alien Shocked I choose to take that as a compliment. 

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