Starting Chemo March 2015

pboi

Sue...the thyroid nodule was found during a PET scan I had during chemo, the nodule tested positive for papillary thyroid cancer. I had a total thyroidectomy yesterday 2 1/2 weeks pfc. I have just a few days to recover before I start rads on Monday.

I've found on the boards here that there might be some association between breast cancer and thyroid cancer/thyroid problems. But my endocrinologist says they aren't related. So I'm not sure.

It's a lot for me to comprehend too. I appreciate all the support of all the ladies here and am just trying to get through one day at a time.

PB

pboi

Sue...the thyroid nodule was found during a PET scan I had during chemo, the nodule tested positive for papillary thyroid cancer. I had a total thyroidectomy yesterday 2 1/2 weeks pfc. I have just a few days to recover before I start rads on Monday.

I've found on the boards here that there might be some association between breast cancer and thyroid cancer/thyroid problems. But my endocrinologist says they aren't related. So I'm not sure.

It's a lot for me to comprehend too. I appreciate all the support of all the ladies here and am just trying to get through one day at a time.

PB

shaz101

thankyou Specialk and sloth. I will look for a specialist. The PT does know quite a lot as she has regular training with a specialist. She said most of her clients have lymphedema. My arm did go down with the massage and tape. But now its back up agin. I still have the tape on but I've put a compression sleeve on as well. I've been doing self massage but its not helping. Grr.

i just checked the link sloth... Unfortunately there isnt one near me 😧 but i will speak to the breast care nurse about referring me to the lymphedema clinic in adelaide. Its1.5 hours away but probably worth the trip.

Katy... i was colouring in 😕 the day before. I'm assuming that thats what has caused it. Im left handed and i had axillary clearance on that sid. Now it seems to be anything i do. Even usig a mouse.

bekah, im glad youre taking leave. You need to puy your health first.

Congrats Diane on finishing chemo 🎂🎈🎆🎇🎊🎉

shaz101

i don't have any hair growth. How long after the last chemo does it take? Im very happy and jealous of everyone that does have some hair!

molly1976

Mine is just now getting noticeably fuzzy at five weeks. I am on Herceptin, though, which many people say slows growth.

Leighrh

PB.... I do not know about your specific thyroid condition but I had the radioactive iodine to kill my thyroid about 12 yrs ago... I was hyperthyroid.. It was not a big deal at all.  It was a pill I took, then went home, zero side effects!  I did not have kids at the time but  I think you were just suppose to avoid holding babies and such. I stayed home for a few days but slept with Hubs.  I hope it is as easy for you!

eheinrich

Found this interesting:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/02/double-ma...

SueH58

Ladies, I recently picked up some black bean pasta. One serving has 25 grams of protein! You can eat pasta and feel good about it. I'm going to make it with garlic, olive oil and tomatoes from my garden and serve it with grilled turkey and melon. I'll report back with how it tastes.

Jackbirdie

Sue-Whoa! Great protein numbers on the pasta! And fresh tomatoes. Yum.

I'm thinking we will be needing a photo of the plate presentation!

I felt good enough this morning to make a really easy broccoli and cheese quiche for my breakfast (and lunch and dinner probably) it was good, but no 25 grams of protein. Way to go

Carrie37

I am still trying to read through all the posts but thought I would post while in the chair. Eileen, HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY!!!

PB, I am so sorry about your news. Glad the surgery is over for you though.

I am so jealous of the hair growth. I got nada.

My big annoying news is that I am skipping my Taxol today. My MO is not in today so I am nervous but I know the doctor here now has a very good reputation. I am nervous because I first talked to the NP and I feel like she has been trying to lower my dose for weeks now. Today I asked her about my legs. They have been "jelly" for weeks now. This week I noticed they have been weaker feeling and actually waking me up at night. I would call them numb but they are achy and weak. The MO here said that is a bad sign and to be safe we hold the Taxol a week. I don't have to make it up but I will talk to my MO next week about a possible lower dose. As the nurse said; I don't want to end up with permanent neuropathy. Always something.

Italychick

Carrie37, can't they switch to Abraxane? I heard it isn't as bad for neuropathy. But it costs more, so insurance doesn't like to pay for it.

Carrie37

He said they would start the Taxol back up next week as long as my symptoms get better. After today I only have two more to go so I'm not sure they would switch anything now. He said something about the Herceptin and Perjeta being the most important part right now. Makes me wonder why I do the Taxol.

pboi

Thx everyone. I'm feeling a bit better today.

Leighrh- Thx for sharing your experience. It seems like a scary process, especially since I have 3 kids at home that I don't want to expose to any radioactive material. I hope I will have as easy an experience as you did.

PB

molly1976

Carrie, my MO said Herceptin works better when given with chemo than by itself. That's why the Taxol, I think.

Italychick

Carrie37, Abraxane is a member of the Taxol family. I think insurance is just more reluctant to pay for it because it is more expensive. Here is a link to the differences. If I had known this information, I might have insisted on Abraxane instead of Taxotere. Too late now!

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/abraxane...

Abraxane (chemical name: albumin-bound or nab-paclitaxel) is a different form of paclitaxel than Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel). Both medicines are taxanes, a powerful type of chemotherapy medicine that can stop cancer cells from repairing themselves and making new cells.

Taxol uses a solvent to dissolve its main ingredients so the medicine can enter the bloodstream. These solvents can make Taxol harder to tolerate while being given. Usually women take medicine before receiving Taxol to minimize any reactions to the solvents. Abraxane doesn't use a solvent, which can make it easier to tolerate and also means that women don't need to take medicine before receiving it.

Carrie37

Thanks Theresa! I agree...why take the stuff with the solvent?! I also just read on BCO about my Perjeta and it says it is given every three weeks for 18-25 months. I will have four doses after today and then I'm done. How can that even make a difference in my treatment. All so confusing!

Italychick

Carrie37, looks like Perjeta is for 6 cycles for early stage breast cancer. Maybe what you read is for metastatic?

Below is the quote from the manufacturer's website.

• The safety of PERJETA administered for greater than 6 cycles for early breast cancer has not been established.
• There is insufficient evidence to recommend continued use of PERJETA for greater
  than 6 cycles for early breast cancer

SueH58

Hey, Bekah. How are you feeling? How did your boss take the news? I hope all is well.

Trvler

So I guess tingling is the precursor to neuropathy? Having a lot of tingling.

Carrie37

Apparently Allison. Make sure to report the tingling to your MO. They said it can be permanent and I'm not liking that idea.

ksusan

Yes--it would be a good idea to report tingling, pins-and-needles, and hot palms or soles.

Italychick

Tingling is how mine started. I ignored it, but after round 5 it got worse and that's when MO said no more.

SueH58

Never knew the true meaning of the word "fatigue" until I had chemo. Geez I hate this...

Carrie37

My insurance approved my CT scans and the bone scan! Wooo hoo!

Carrie37

Sue, I agreethe fatigue is ridiculous!

rleepac

Just finished Taxol #10 of 12. Talked to the MO today and told him I decided to go out on temp disability. He sort of laughed and said 'it's about time' and then made some comment about me being stubborn. It was all in jest but it just affirmed my decision. Boss took it ok. He has to scramble a little to get coverage for some days but he'll manage.

Still dealing with diarrhea daily but I can manage it by mid-morning with Imodium.

Right now I'm still sleepy from the Benadryl but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Bekah

P.S. - Black bean pasta sounds awesome...waiting for report!

IndyGal35

I have the pins and needles constantly too. It started in the fingertips and now affects the entirety of both hands and feet. Like Theresa, I got cut off early to avoid severe neuropathy.

I'm trying so hard not to stress about surgery on Tuesday. I'm worried about everything from pathology to pain. It does no good, but I can't help it. At least the Ativan takes off the edge.

I'm absolutely exhausted, but I'm hoping to get out this weekend for a fireworks show and some retail therapy with DH. My toes look like bruised dragon claws. LOL! Wonder if it's safe to get a pedi yet....

SueH58

OK, ladies. The black bean pasta was great. I added garlic, olive oil, various seasonings including hot pepper flakes, herbs (i.e. cilantro, parsley, basil). Served it with fresh tomatoes from my garden with oil and vinegar diced on top. It goes a long way!

Italychick

Lee, I am here for you. I have talked to several women who had mastectomies and reconstruction and they are doing fine. One did hers 15 years ago and has been perfect ever since. Enjoy the weekend, and keep us posted next week about how things go.

sueH58 where did you get the pasta? I want to eat the computer screen, it looks so delicious!

Carrie37, best of luck on your scans, and keep us posted!

Did another bike ride today, feel like normal is just around the corner! So beautiful in San Diego today.

mysunshine48

Me too! Looks so good!