Starting Chemo October 2014

BookLady1

Hey, everyone! It looks like we are all slogging through this - still together!

Question - has anyone had problems with anemia and/or received iron infusions along without chemo? This takes Taxol-fatigue to ridiculous extremes. I'm hopeful my red blood counts will finally be up and I get my superpowers back. Weekly taxol #8 out of twelve this week.

Becca - thanks for sharing your comments about where you are/aren't, what you need and don't need, and what "support" means to you. I feel the same. ONE MORE TREATMENT!!! Way to go. Have you been lurking around the rad boards? I have. Trying to learn and not freak out. I'll be shadowing you as you move into rads - enjoy your break in treatment!

Hoping we all have a peaceful weekend, Linda

Becca9800

ilovecoasters!!! don't do that!! Thinking too far ahead is just a downer. The next one! Think only about getting through the next one, Woman!! Aaaannnddd you will eventually be saying "this is it, my last one!" It's a mind over matter thing, you have to coddle your brain by not exposing it to too much hell at once.

nottoday! YAY for you!!! I'm happy for you! Soooo tell me, got your taste buds back yet???

Valentine, agree, the side effects do seem to be getting more intense. BUT WE GOT THIS!!! Bring it on so we can get 'er done! I just want it done.

Ilovecoasters

Linda, I've had anemia issues and the onco has threatened a blood transfusion. I'm trying to make a difference by eating lots of kale, spinach, and red meat. I followed the BRAT diet the entire 8 weeks I was on AC and I really think that's what did me in. Didn't have a single bite of veggie or protein the entire time. I was so violently sick I likely couldn't have kept it down.

Becca, I'm trying. Really I am. I am just so anxious to get back to work, being able to go to a movie, shop, dinner, Disney. I feel like a caged animal in my house. My counts are super low so it's just not worth the risk to go out.

Does anyone know how long the break usually is between ending chemo and starting radiation?

BookLady1

Ilovecoasters - my MO says at this point my diet isn't going to help the anemia - it's the chemo. I'm still trying to make dietary changes, like you. I had a big weight loss, too, and am glad I could afford it. I'll never be able to think about the BRAT diet without turning green. Time off probably varies like everything else! I've got two 1/2 weeks and I am getting out of my cage - I mean home - and going to the beach by myself for a couple of days, at least. Have a good night, Lind

She-Angel

After treatment yesterday slept from 3pm-11pm got up took a shower and went back to sleep till 7am. I couldn't make myself get up which was just weird. I have never felt that, just thankful to be able to rest and be up today.

I know we all have different SE that range from mild to severe but don't let them dishearten you...this too will pass. We have so many who can testify to this.

nottoday

Dear all,

Nearly 4 weeks PFC and taste buds definitely are back! Had 2 cups of decaf tonight and tasted great.

Keep looking for signs of returning hair, but I don't think I see anything yet. Hope my mustache doesn't return, but no doubt it will be the first to resurface.

Hang in there, all who are still going through chemo. The end is in sight and better days are definitely ahead!

Tobycc

Quick hello: thanks to all for staying in touch! I have had 8 rounds now: my Mo really disappointed me yesterday as he was supposed to have contacted Sloan Kettering on whether to add carbomine (sp) to my current CMF and determine how many more: had not done that

Well, onward. Acupuncture is helping. Tonight is steroid flush, clammy, you all know

So thankful for all the good things!!!

Kath

Becca9800

ilovecoasters, you're absolutely right, exposing yourself to bugs would not be the right move. Are you getting Neulasta? You're in Florida, is there a place nearby where a lot of people don't frequent? A deserted stretch of beach? A park? We found an absolutely deserted stretch of the most beautiful beach, the southern most tip of Boca Raton. That's my Happy Place now. Whenever I need to boost my spirits I close my eyes and I am there. Have you considered wearing a mask so you can go out without risking exposures? I can't imagine your doc would veto that. I can take about 5 days down in my chair but the moment I have any spark I have to get out, even if just for a drive in the car. I feel like I'd lose my mind if I didn't get out for even an hour. BTW I was told I would have a month break between my last chemo tx and 1st rad tx.

nottoday! 4 weeks and your buds have come home! THAT is what I am most excited about, my mouth to lose the repulsive tastes and food to taste like it supposed to. I was day dreaming yesterday about what my first meal will be when my buds have come home. Hmmm... thinking shrimp or maybe grouper or maybe fajitas, or pizza or maybe all of them!!!! ,

Sjacobs146

Ilovecoasters, since I was having chemo every 3 weeks, they scheduled my planning appointment for rads 3 weeks after last chemo. Once I get started with rads, it will be 4 weeks post chemo.

Ilovecoasters

I actually went out for a little while yesterday. It was awesome! Lol. My husband took me to Macy's just so I could look for new jeans. I knew I lost 23 pounds since starting chemo and nothing in my closet fit, but I didn't know what that would translate to size wise. I was pretty shocked to see I'm down three full sizes. It felt sooo good to go somewhere other than chemo.

If not having the tastebud issues, at least not yet. Tomorrow is Taxol #4 and I've already finished my AC. After tomorrow just 8 more.

Tomorrow is my makeup class with the ACS. I'm really excited for it. Have you all gone? It's been canceled twice now so I'm hoping third time is the charm.

ml143333

Ilovecoasters - so glad you got out of the house.  It does the mind good!  I hope you get to the Look Good Feel Better class.  I really liked mine and learned a few things from it.  It was just me, two other women and the instructor.  We watched a few videos and then got our makeup on!  I learned how to correctly draw in eyebrows and a few tricks with mascara and eyeliner!  The bag of free make-up is really nice too.

Our instructor also showed us how to tie scarves and how to dress them up with hats.

I hope you have fun!

nottoday

llovecoasters: so glad you got out. Macys is a good destination, IMO!

Becca: go for it - pizzas, fajitas, the works. It is nice to emerge day by day from some of those distressing side effects.

Today I drove a plate of cookies down to the dry ice warehouse, and the wonderful guys who provided dry ice to me for free during cold capping.

The manager said, "Thanks very much, and I hope I never see you again."

I hope so, too.

Ilovecoasters

for those of you that went to the Look well class, did you go bare faced? Should I go without a wig

Becca9800

ilovecoasters! I'm so happy you got out! Three sizes! Dang! An old friend who went thru chemo told me that every woman should carry an extra 25 just in case chemo would ever be needed. She was serious. As to the LGFG classes, you can wear your usual make up and your wig/scarf. You'll get facial cleanser wipes to remove what's on your face and an invitation to remove your wig/scarf if you want. Most of the woman in my class did, they were all bare-headed and beautifully bald.

"I hope I never see you again" ... what a wonderful wish to bestow on you, Stephanie! Not very articulate but boy, the meaning goes VERY deep.

Ilovecoasters

I was so disappointed with the class last night. So sad! It was only me and one other woman. The cosmetologist was half hour late. The makeup colors were inappropriate. Even though we had both requested medium kits, the foundation, powder were both in deep. Eyeshadow was light blue. Lipstick was purple. We all just looked at it and laughed. No conversation about wigs or scarves . The nurse co facilitator had to leave early. It truly was nothing more than being handed the makeup kit and being told the order to put it on, which she read out of the booklet. No offer of help, no demonstration. Completely let down. I had heard such great things. Yuck. Does anyone wear Clarins in the color Ginger?

She-Angel

llovecoasters, I am sorry to hear that your Look Good Feel Better session was a bust. Sounds like they had to get a stand in for the holiday and she didn't know what to do. I have my session tonight at 6 an am still looking forward to it. I have tried for two months to get in and they are always full. I finally called the hotline before Christmas and they said they would get me in the next available one if I could wait until after the holidays. I will let you know how it goes.

I read something this morning that reminded me to count it all good, so whatever happens I will. So far I have seen a beautiful sunrise, hit a deer on the way to work, went for a walk on my fitness break and was extremely winded and have a pile of work on my desk. It's a good day!

ml143333

ilovecoasters - sorry your class was so lame.  Maybe you could sign up for another one since that one was a bust?  If you have any specific questions, please ask me or youtube is always great.  I think the things I learned the most were:  how to draw in eyebrows the correct way and some eyeliner/mascara tips.  My representative focused a great deal on the eyes because they are the window to the soul and are impacted by all of our treatments.

Sheangel - what a wonderful thought for the day!  Sorry about the deer, though.  I try and see all the good in each day because I just feel like my life could be so much worse than it is.  Some people might not like this, and I'm not trying to be offensive, but a former boss used to say all the time "everyday above ground is a good day."  Now that means so much more.

 

ml143333

Guess who is coming to my house on Monday?  Nooks and Crannies cleaning service!  Cleaning for a Reason was able to locate a house cleaning service in the area that has partnered with them to clean the houses of breast cancer patients in active treatment.  They are coming to clean my house!!!!!  Hooray!  I don't have a nasty, dirty house, but it has been more challenging to keep it clean lately.  Cleaning for a Reason offers this free service.  Nooks and Crannies will come out once a month while I am in active treatment, so through April.

Tobycc

GREAT Mandy! I posted about this also: I have it too: have had two so far: just LOVE them. I leave them a tip: but the work they do is priceless

K

speedcat88

Hello All,

Just updating. 6 DOWN AND NONE TO GO!!!!!!! Last chemo round yesterday and again went off without a hitch. Got out in record time,too. Last neulasta shot today and got my Purple heart Award with all the nurses singing and hugging. Very sweet. Worst side effects throughout were the chemo burns, chemo brain, appetite and taste loss, and the fatigue. WBCs were always up and RBCs low, but never too low. 6 month mammo scheduled for the 29th, follow-up with my surgeon on 2/2 and appt. with RO to begin 7 weeks of radiation on 2/4. Keeping the process going. A note, with the icing, sponges, and in the end Blue Ice packs like you use in a cooler worked well. I never had nails turning black, loosening, or falling off. Had just a little tingling and numbness in my toes, no problems with my fingers, but badly peeling heels. My MO said to keep my toes moisturized and it would help with the tingling. Hope this helps someone.

So long All.

nottoday

Hey Speedcat,

Congrats on finishing!!!

Nice to hear you had minimal SEs.

ml143333

Hooray Speedcat!  Congratulations on finishing chemo.  On to Radiation and then you will be all good to go! 

BookLady1

Speedcat- congratulation on saying goodbye to chemo! Thank you for passing on your advice regarding foot care - I'm icing during Taxol, still some numbness and foot peeling - you are a sweetheart for keeping up with us! Done with Taxol 2/16 so I will follow you to radiation. Best of luck, Linda

She-Angel

How about I got off work early on Tuesday to make the Look Good Feel Better class after hitting that deer, the car was drivable but the check engine light came on, so I swung by my house traded cars and kept going. It put me in peek rush hour traffic, and my husbands car did not have as much gas as I thought but I made it to the location with a few minutes to spare. I go in and find out the class was cancelled because the facilitator had the flu and they had been trying to call people all day to reschedule, of course I did not get a call. As I left the gas light came on in the car, it was just too funny. I may try to go again but that was such a let down after I had been looking forward to it, I don't know if I want to wait an entire month again to see what happens, not to mention I need some eyebrow help now. So youtube here I come. I did notice during my infusion session Friday they had the email address for the person setting up the classes so I may send her an email to see if February is full yet.

Becca9800

Aww She-Angel, How disappointing for you, jump all those hurdles and still can't get what you were after.

Speedcat! YAY!!!! You give us all hope that there IS an end to this process.

My last chemo tx is in 2 days. Once I make it thru the following 12 days (until the last of the miserable SEs are past) then I too can call it OVER!!!

ml143333

Well...I couldn't have chemo again this past Friday as my neuteophil count was too low.  So we will try again this Friday.  Of course, Saturday we have 25 people coming over to the house for my son's birthday.  We purposely made it this weekend due to my chemo schedule.  The party is going on as planned.  My mom is coming over early to help me get stuff ready because I generally feel really crappy on Saturdays after chemo.

I know some people get pushed due to their blood counts, but sometimes it make me feel like something is wrong.  My MO said that other than the WBC and being slightly anemic that my blood chemistry is good.  So we'll go with that.

nottoday

Mandy: Hope all goes well on Friday. Glad you have help on Saturday

Becca: Yeah! Last one on Wednesday! Hope knowing it's over makes any se's more bearable. That was the case for me. Just keep pampering yourself and don't push too hard too soon. I got a little overly ambitious on the exercise front just a few days post chemo.

Tobycc

Mandy, hope it all goes well! She, I gotta look up the eyebrow class on Utube also: mine are gone, but still have lashes

Becca ring that bell so I can hear it in Florida!

Leto

I thought AC was easier for me too. Taxol has caused numbness in my fingers and toes and the bottom of my feet are killing me! I've been using a product called "Bottom Butter" on my feet. It's actually for diaper rash but it's super, super thick. My feet get very hot and I feel like I'm walking on blisters but there's nothing visibly wrong. There's a little bit of peeling but it's not real bad. My last taxol treatment is tomorrow. I'm on dose dense every two weeks and the numbness seems to peak about a week after treatment. Oh how I'm dreading tomorrow - actually 7-9 days from tomorrow.

The next few weeks will be Bone Density scan, MRI, appointments with the surgeon and MO. I won't find out if I have to do radiation until after surgery. Has anyone found a topic on this site for surgery? A good one for a newbie like me?

Thanks to everyone for the support on this site - it would have been difficult to get through chemo without you.

Ilovecoasters

Leto,

Congrats on your last treatment! Hoping it goes well. Are you planning on a bilateral or lumpectomy?