Chemo in July 2015

Twnkltoz

How about this for a fun conversation:

What do you want to do when you're done with chemo?

I want to go dancing (probably Argentine Tango although I do several styles) and eat some sushi, rare steak, and drink wine! I don't know how much time I'll have between my immune system bouncing back and surgery, but I plan to make the most of it!

Jbandkb1

I'm planning on a vacation with my family. It's long over due even before cancer and even more so now. Going to make it happen no matter what

mdoc524

As of now if no more delays my chemo will end the week before Christmas - I am just so hoping I am up for all Christmas family celebrations & to make it special for my boys as this is I think will be the last year they still believe! 🎄🎄❄️

JillyB

My husband is taking me to St. John next year! I cannot wait to relax in the islands.

I'm on my 4th TCH Wednesday. Been on antibiotics two weeks in a row for low counts. Hopefully my numbers are up with week or I'll get neulasta before my treatment. I'm hoping for better se this time. The last one kicked my butt on days 4-5.

If all goes well my last chemo is scheduled for October 21st. This is also the weekend of the Making Strides walk in my area. I had a group of people walking with me but because that is my worst day after chemo, I won't be able to walk I'm so bummed.

Then its reconstruction on November 10th. Here's to keeping everything on schedule.

inkster

As soon as I have enough hair to go hatless, I'm going to Vegas, baby, yeah! Girls' weekend with lots of cocktails by the pool.

I also figured out a way to spend a month in Kauai (working remotely, but still). Insurance has to agree to cover chemo after all and I have to get a big bonus in order to swing it, but it's a fun daydream and distraction.

gargengirl09

Inkster-Great news about your insurance covering the chemo! I nearly fainted when I saw what they charge the insurance company for one chemo session! Makes me really appreciate my insurance! Great ideas for vacation! I just want to spend time on a beach. Just sitting, soaking in the sun and endless open space. I think being inside so much with the chemo just makes me want to get out and enjoy wide open spaces.

JillyB-Sounds like a perfect vacation!

Mdoc-I'll still be doing radiation at Christmas. I'm hoping I have enough energy to make is special. My daughter is 8 and am in the same boat about still believing.

Second Taxol and Herceptin went well. Feeling ok, just tired. I'll take feeling really tired over feeling nauseous any day!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and is feeling great!

Batesburg

Anyone else experiencing this: My heart rate is a tad high when I am sitting or laying down (84-86 bpm) but then when I get up my heart starts pounding in my head and chest and it goes up to over 110 bpm easily and then I get exhausted easily and go back to sit down/lay down. My HGB was 8.4 last Friday and they seem reluctant to want to treat me with blood and then even suggested I get tested for pulmonary embolism????!!!!

So tired of the high heart rate and feeling tired. Sorry for the complaining.

Twnkltoz

@Batesburg, I hope you don't have one, but I have a friend with pulmonary embolisms and she has that problem. If your doc recommends testing for it, please do!

As for me, I just cannot shake the fatigue this time. Usually a week or so after treatment I'm OK, but this time it won't go away. I go in for my first Taxol tomorrow, and I hope I fare better!

Peabrain

We took the weekend to visit a friend who has been fighting an auto immune disease for years and is down to the last few weeks

@Batesburg - that is from your anemic blood counts. My heart rate goes up to 116 or 130 on those days. Feels awful but it is your heart trying to get more oxygen.

@Twnkltoz - the fatigue is also from the low blood counts.

@adarkadept/Erica - I just now got notification from the disability that I am approved and they sent out the first check. It worked out to a little under half my regular salary. Since I left work in June, there should be a hefty check out there for all the back pay. Next month my insurance will change to COBRA so we'll see how much that eats up.

I am planning a trip to Cozumel for January with maybe some side trips on the mainland, if DH can get a few extra days off work. Then back to work in February.

.

Peabrain

We took the weekend to visit a friend who has been fighting an auto immune disease for years and is down to the last few weeks. Her body started out rejecting her lungs, but now it is rejecting all of the organs a little at a time. It was a hard time for me to travel, but I am very glad we went and had a chance to spend some good time and say goodbye. As sick as I am now, I take deep comfort knowing that I will get better and move on. The difference between the two situations ran like an undercurrent the entire weekend, everybody aware, but only peripherally spoken of. I think I'm still sorting out all the different feelings.

@Batesburg - that is from your anemic blood counts. My heart rate goes up to 116 or 130 on those days. Feels awful but it is your heart trying to get more oxygen.

@Twnkltoz - the fatigue is also from the low blood counts.

@adarkadept/Erica - I just now got notification from the disability that I am approved and they sent out the first check. It worked out to a little under half my regular salary. Since I left work in June, there should be a hefty check out there for all the back pay. Next month my insurance will change to COBRA so we'll see how much that eats up.

Here's the fun part- we are planning a trip to Cozumel for January with maybe some side trips on the mainland, if DH can get a few extra days off work. Then back to work in February.

Batesburg

@Peabrain- how is your carbo/taxol treatment going?

Good for you in traveling and visiting a sick friend- yes, we HAVE to have our sights set on the "end game" of getting past this chemo induced feeling of "unwell" and remember there is a light at the end of this long tunnel- called healing!!!

My common sense tells me this is the HGB for sure- each week it goes down a bit more and each week I have a harder time with energy and tachycardia. My MO won't treat unless extremely uncomfortable/symptomatic above 8.0 or in the 7s no matter what, is my understanding. I won't be surprised if I'm under 8 this week- bitter sweet to get blood but if it helps with this overall feeling of exhaustion and weighing heavy on my heart with all its "over beating", I'll take it. What does your MO say about low HGB? When do they give RBCs?

Twnkltoz

@Peabrain ah...I guess that makes sense, since my RBC, hematocrit and hemoglobin were all a bit low this last time. I've been trying to keep my protein up and eat foods with iron.

MissBee123

Hi all,

I got some bad news today and am feeling a bit bummed. Back when I was first diagnosed, my oncologist sent me for a PET scan. My scan was clear except for a suspicious nodule on my thyroid. 2 biopsies and 10 weeks later it turns out I also carry a DNA genetic mutation for thyroid cancer. What that means is they can't say for sure whether it is officially thyroid cancer or not, but there is an 80% likelihood that even if the nodule isn't cancerous now, it will become so later (much like DCIS). The thyroid doctor said his recommendation is to remove at least the right side of my thyroid where the nodule is contained, and then it is up to me whether or not to remove the other half. If I don't remove it and they biopsy the nodule to discover it is cancerous, I'll have to have it out anyway. If the nodule is not cancerous, I will still have to monitor the other half of my thyroid for the rest of my life, knowing that at any point in time it could begin to develop a tumor. Thyroid cancer is not treatable with chemotherapy; the only option is surgery.

I see my oncologist tomorrow and we will discuss it further, but it looks like I'm going to be having a thyroidectomy very soon. Not a great day today and now I'm more stressed than ever and have to decide whether I want half or all of my thyroid out.

Nothing is ever easy, is it?

Twnkltoz

sorry, missbee. :-\

Jbandkb1

So sorry missbee123

Gretagirl

Hello everyone. I feel yucky! This third treatment is not going well. I can not get rid of this nausea!!! Almost one week and it's still in full gear! Mouth tastes horrible an I can't get a balance between constipation or diarrhea! More tired,this time but that's not as bad as this nausea!

Cheesequake

MissBee, "nothing is ever easy" is right. I'm so sorry you're dealing with more difficult questions and decisions, they seem to be all that's offered to us sometimes.

Has anyone had full on stomach cramps from TCH? I had round 3 on Aug 28, and 8 days later I woke up with stomach cramps doubling me over every 10-15 minutes. I took an acid controller AND a Zofran AND medical marijuana, and by afternoon the cramps stopped and haven't come back. Hoping I won't need anything more than that in future - I have Ativan too, but the list of potential SEs is too lengthy for me...

mdoc524

MissBee - can't imagine how you are feeling - hugs for you ❤️

Peabrain - sorry about your friend - hugs for you too ❤️

Gretagirl - my 3rd AC is crushing me too with nausea - I have laid off the anti- nausea meds to help the constipation & trying to manage it - not easy! Part of me thinks it is chemo combined with allergies as I think they are kicking in full swing - congestion increasing the nausea - it is the worst when stomach empty & don't feel like eating - can't taste anything & sooo bloated from constipation!

Hang in there all

Mary

Bliss58

Inkster, so glad to hear your insurance situation is fixed and your chemo is covered!

Peabrain, so sorry to hear about your friend; big hugs for you.

MissBee, and so sorry to hear of this turn of events for you and more decisions to make; big hugs for you.

Mdoc, Gretagirl and Cheesequake, also very sorry to hear you're having a hard time with SEs; hugs for you all, too.

Hang in there! We'll get through this together.

Sharazhad707

Hi Everyone!

I'm the newbie to this group, only because I found this website so late!! This place is amazing, and so inspirational! I discovered it when I was suffering from folliculitis after my second infusion of chemotherapy. Ive been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in June and started chemotherapy on the 22nd of July, and I've had three infusions so far, and 5 more to go. Ugh! The thought of it makes me nauseated!

Anyway I look forward to interacting with all ye wonderful ladies throughout my treatment.

XX
S

Suzanne1971

welcome Sharaz! Sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. Lots of great women here!

Miss bee- I'm so sorry! No one wants bad news on top of bad news. Hope you and your docs can find the best solution for you.

Chemo is certainly unpredictable, no? I just got home from round 4 (someone posted earlier- we are on identical days, rounds and treatments). Each round has been different from the previous, but I can pretty much count on being down HARD on day 4. Little side effects are popping up- twitches! Everywhere! Eye, thumb, rib. So weird. And let's not discuss the tastebuds. Bleh.

But I'm so grateful that everything else has been treatable with OTC meds or the compazine. Fingers crossed it stays that way!

And look at this fun meme I found!

melinda531

Hi All,

MissBee -- I'm so sorry to hear the bad news you received today. But you're strong and getting through this already difficult challenge which means you are going to do just fine with this newest one as well.....I don't "know" you but anyone going through what we are all experiencing is super strong and can beat anything thrown at them!!!! Hugs and strength to you!

Gretagirl -- sorry you're having a rough round.....hoping you turn the corner soon!

Cheesequake -- I had bad stomach cramps with my first round (which ended up turning into colitis!) and then ones that weren't quite as bad the second round. My oncologist prescribed something for me to take when these occur - can only take 3 times a day but they truly help.....talk to your doc and see if there's something they can give you. I also learned that some stool softeners cause stomach cramping in the event that you're taking those for SEs.

So my liver count went down enough for me to stay on track for round 4 of TCH tomorrow! Happy to be staying on the plan but sad to get treatment tomorrow. I enjoy feeling good for the 2nd and 3rd week and always get a little depressed the week of treatment knowing I won't be 100% for the next week or so. AND that I won't be tasting anything for the next 8-9 days.....sometimes that is really the worst part!!!

Hope everyone's doing well and enjoyed the long holiday weekend....I actually had a party on Labor Day! Figured as long as I was feeling good, I might as well take advantage of it!

Twnkltoz

hugs to all! I had my first of four Taxol and saw my genetic counselor today. Lots of updates today so I hope it's OK if I just link to my blog... http://jenniferfightscancer.blogspot.com/2015/09/news-from-genetic-counselor.html

Gretagirl

Cheesequake YES I know what you mean my stomach is really hurting this time! I have a hiatal hernia or ulster or something and I think that's what has been causing so much issue this time!

Mdoc524 I agree feel the same!

MissBee sorry to hear about what you are going through.

Suzanne thanks and I love the picture!

Melinda Bjsmiller thanks

I did talk to MO yesterday and tools him about the nausea so he called in a patch to try can't remember. The name but picking up today.

Have great day everyone

6feetover

Jennifer: I added your (lovely) blog to my Blogspot reading list!

MissBee: fingers, toes, and everything else I can cross all crossed for you!

anyone else who's on the Taxol/Carbo path: I just finished Round 2 of my 12 scheduled rounds yesterday. During the infusion, I experienced horrible pelvic cramping that I can only liken to strong menstrual cramps (uterine); I was actually spotting during the infusion! The lovely nurses immediately got me an Ativan, which did eventually help the cramps to subside. Has anyone else experienced this? The first T/C infusion caused cramping as well, but more along the lines of "OMG, I think I need to get to the restroom NOW" (when I *did* get to the restroom, it was a false alarm–nothing materialized, so to speak). Sorry for the TMI, but this is really unpleasant, and now I'm dreading next week's session...

Jbandkb1

Twnkltoz just read you blog post. Glad it's nothing genetic. Mine isn't genetic either so I guess who knows why we got cancer. We are on the same chemo regime. Just had my last AC on Tuesday then onto 4 rounds of taxol. Hopefully you have minimal SE or none at all. Im concerned about the nerve pain and neuropathy. Hope you don't have any. Hope you feel good this week.

Twnkltoz

so far, I still feel like I did on Tuesday, before infusion. Pretty happy about that!

I get ativan routinely as part of my pre-meds.

Mamiya

adarkadaptedi, I had the exact same reaction during taxol #2, and then the same kinds of pains persisted for a couple of days but then never happened again (I have had 7 taxol total now, three of which were with carboplatin). I mentioned it to my team and they seemed totally unconcerned.

Peabrain

Hello everyone! Big hugs all round!

I am enjoying the rare few days in the cycle when I sorta feel like myself. Bought a new swim suit and goggles yesterday and over to the Y today to join. After that I just have to find the energy to slosh around in the slow lane.

Saw the MO yesterday and it turns out that he's not going to give me Taxotere after all, but will be on Taxol (along with the Carboplatin, which has always been part of the plan). My 12 weekly treatments start on Monday.

My blood counts were good, just a little anemic. So I'm good to get on a plane this weekend.

@Batesberg: I am not sure how anemic you have to get before they step in with a transfusion but I think it is in the 7 or 8 range. At some point, too low leads to something serious, heart problems? I got down to a 3 with fibroid tumors and had to have IV iron and then a transfusion before I could have a hysterectomy

Sharazhad707

Today has been completely mental. I don't think I've completely come to terms with what I have, and I'm trying to live as normally as possible. Although it gets really frustrating when I can't even go out to buy my own makeup or watch live bands or see theatre like I used to. Yesterday I was fine, I even stepped out into town for a while, today I couldn't even make to the kitchen.
I'm going to see a psychologist to help process everything because at somepoint today I called a friend asking if they knew of a hitman who could finish off what cancer started. .... scary.. He obviously didn't entertain my bullsh** and quite eloquently told me to F.O :P

I didn't realise how much cancer can mess with your head.... Apart from all the irritating side effects, which I can manage with medication and rest and sleep; I really hate how I find myself staring at morbidity and I feel like my wings are clipped... Is it just me??