Positive Posts

sloyd66

Positive Posts

sloyd66

Hi everyone, This post is for all those who are doing well on their treatments, giving encouragement to those who are about to start it, or is going through it. Also to encourage those who have finished their treatment, and have something good to look forward to which is Life. I read through a lot of boards, and although there are some positive post, and encouragements on the board, there are also a lot of depressing reads. I know we all will not experience the same symptoms, but sometimes when you're new in this situation you tend to cling to the negative of the treatment, praying oh God I hope that won't be me. So for all those who did well, little to no symptoms let's hear it here. Thanks Ladies....

Milane

Hi ladies

For me AC was not that bad. With my first round I had no effects at all. The second round my appetite was gone the first 3-4 days and my tongue was coated. I lost my hair around day 16 after my first treatment. I never had bone pain, just flu like symptoms from the Neulasta shot. Actually I think that shot is what causes most of the problems. Constipation and nausea were never an issue and I did not notice great fatigue. I guess I would say the 4th round was the worst (indigestion and tongue hurting). The palm of my hands turned a brownish color and my feet soles are dark. (I have a dark skin ).

I have started Taxol/Herceptin on 31 Dec. I guess so far its been ok, but due to the fact that it is weekly I do not have time to bounce back. After my second Taxol my fingertips felt a little numb and I always wake up at night. My last menstruation was after my 4th AC. I guess now I am in chemopause. I have heat flashes, but only on my head. 

This is a small list of pre meds that I had;

AC- Nausea premed- Aloxi ,Emend, Decadron (steroid) and Zantac (for stomach) 

next day- Claritan (for Neulasta)  1bag fluids/magnesium (because I am always low).

I hope you ladies get through your treatment without a lot of side effects! If you have any question do not be scared to ask :-)

Milane

sloyd66

Hi Milane, Sounds like you're doing well... I'm doing radiation now, on my 4th week, so far so good, just starting to get a little fatigue, but nothing I can handle at this time. Breast just started to swell a little, and darken, but still holding up well. So radiation is going well for me, despite of what I've been reading on other post from other women, that made me so nervous. My next treatment will be tamoxinfin, a little nervous taking that for five yrs, as I'm not a pill person, one or two a month for my cycle and that's it.

LizA17

I worked during my treatment. Usually on the third and fourth day after treatment I wasn't running any races but nothing I couldn't tolerate. I was tired the further on I got into treatment, but overall very doable, especially knowing when I got to the finish line I had a chance to beat this beast. I'm thankful there was treatment available for me and thanking the lord big time for herceptin. I know everyone has different SE and intensity. I can only speak for me. I did not have pain after mastectomy nor had to use pain medications at any time after surgery or during treatment. Herceptin was a breeze. I had my last Herceptin the day after Christmas. I'm currently taking Arimidex(anastrazole). Yes, it makes me a little achy but other than that, I think I'm doing pretty good. Love to all!

sloyd66

Hey  LizA17! Always good to hear something positive.... And yes this is what I have to keep telling myself we're all different, although we may have the same dx.

Kicks

I'm 4+ yrs post DX for IBC

I did 4 DD A/C, then 2 weeks later UMX, then 3 weeks later12 weekly Taxol, then a week later 25 rads and Femara/letrozole for almost 4 yrs.  A/C was not bad at all. Surgery was surgery but could have been a lot worse.  Taxol - nasty during but better a week after last one..  Rads easy til day after done when the nasty burns showed up.

Would I rather have not had to deal with IBC - ya betcha!  But I did.and it's in the past.  I'm ALIVE and can do anything I want to so I'd do. Anything I went through during that times if I had to again - in a heart beat.   None of us know what tomorrow brings (or even the next minute).

There are always those who are not 'happy'  unless they be negative/how bad life has treated them and try to take others down.

Monis

So far, I consider myself one of the "lucky" ones.  My IDC was caught very early, and my Oncotype was very low, so did not need any rads or chemo.  Lucky.  My UMX w/TE went smoothly and I did not have any post-surgical complications.  Lucky.  I started taking Tamoxifen 1 month ago and so far haven't noticed any SE's.  Lucky.  I am scheduled for my exchange sgx and reduction/lift on non-cancer side in 1 month.  I am hoping my "lucky" streak will continue.  Aside from all these positive things, I do still experience all the same emotional/psychological issues that I think all BC gals do, and will most probably from this day forward.  But, we deal with it in our own ways.  One of those ways is coming here every day, to BCO!

sloyd66

Hi Monis!You're lucky snd blessed, I hope your lucky streak dont end too!