Chemo in July 2015
Comments
-
peabrain: hoping you rebound soon!
Suzanne: I can get a print out of my labs on the spot (and they are posted online but that takes a few days). I find it useful to understand what is going on with the numbers because it often correlates to how I feel. And kind of predicts whether next week will be a "go" or not
-
Suzanne I also get a print out that same day. My MO also goes over my counts and shows me my labs when I see her. I get blood drawn right before chemo then see MO.
-
taxol number 3 tomorrow, the second-to-last treatment. I feel like I haven't even recovered from the last one! Looking forward to being that much closer to the end, though.
-
Hi All - I am HOME -- thanks again for the continued well wishes and for sharing your plights with low hemoglobin and transfusions. I was released from hospital late Monday afternoon after they ruled out GI bleed (that test was not fun) .. the GI doc said that bleeding hemorrhoids (1-2 episodes) would not cause hemoglobin to drop 3 points like mine did - probably played a factor along with Chemo - either Taxol or lasting AC effects.. When I left hospital - hemoglobin holding firm at 8.1 and they won't transfuse unless definitely under 7 and they would under 8 if mine does not come back up in a week or so. Still spiking fevers up and down - they think I just have a sinus/cold virus. On antibiotic just in case - I have to say during the day mostly in afternoon - I cannot get warm so cold with layers on .. it is horrible.... My Taxol will be postponed again this week and I go in for assessment on Friday - fingers crossed Hemoglobin starts to go up or at the very least did not drop..
Suzanne - agree with others - my MO practice also has online access for patients where you can view all test results and appointments etc .. I also get a printout everytime I am there.. On chemo days I have a chemo card that the nurse fills in WBC, ANC, Hemoglobin etc on the card along with other vitals and doses of chemo given - nice you can see week over week .. things you may want to ask your MO office if they can start to do for you ..
Peabrain - so love your To-Do list - truth ... my list these last few days .. eat, sleep, bathroom (holding to last possible minute since I don't want to get up), freeze in afternoon.. LOL
Batesburg - "This time next year" has been my Motto since starting Chemo - hope your fevers are getting more manageable .. they do stink ..
Hugs to all not feeling too great this week - we will get thru it
Mary
-
moc524-
So glad to hear you are home. I know having treatment postponed can be a disappointment but it can also be a blessing. I watched a news report that said "patients are not failing treatments, the treatments are failing the patients." Chemotherapy is not a one size fits all regimen. I had my first Taxol this past Monday. The day after I experienced the steroid high and today I am just tired. It is so different from the AC. I credit the break I had in between for the difference in my case. I'm hoping the same for you. We are all troopers and will get through this! Take care.
-
Glad you're home, Mary, and I'll continue sending positive thoughts.
I had transfusion #7 of 8 today, and so far so good. I'm on Dex but no steroid high for me. RBC,, hemoglobin, hematocrit are all slightly up but wbc is down, almost to the bottom of the standard range. Neulasta tomorrow. I hope they don't keep dropping (this was the third week in a row) and delay my last treatment!
-
Good morning to everyone. Had TCH number 5 yesterday. My RBC counts are starting to drop but WBC is staying at low end of normal. I am sure hoping my red counts come up and stay steady! So sorry to hear what others are having to with. Also my echo report came back showing mild dilated left atrium due to herceptin. Hoping this stays minimal! I have several more herceptin infusions to go!
Suzanne I always request a copy of my labs so I can compare them
Pea brain your list is was great but I sincerely hope you feel better soon!
Mdoc524 hoping you will be feeling better soon!!!!
Batesburg hoping you as well better soon!!
Healing and hugs to all!!!!
-
Hello Ladies,
I have been thinking about praying for all.
I am 3 weeks out from last TC now, fever is gone, hair is coming back pure white - interesting (used to be strawberry blonde). Energy returning.
I too did receive a copy of my lab work every time they did a blood draw but I had asked for them.
Love,
Thunder7
-
Congrats on the hair coming back, @thunder! I was blonde with grey coming in before I lost mine, and I expect it to come in white. We'll see.
Did/will anyone get follow up scans of any kind during or after chemo? I know I'll have to see what the docs say, but I'm wondering if it's typical to get another MRI/PET/MUGA, etc to we how you're doing.
-
Dear Twnkltoz, I did not get any scans during Chemo and have my follow up appointment with MO on Oct 21. I will let you know what he says. I got the impression when I first met with him that there is a follow up CT scan a year out. I would imagine it all depends on individual diagnosis.
Thunder7
-
Hi Twnkltoz, my MO ordered them all, an echo and MRI after my 4th TCHP and then a PET after my 5th tx; 10/22 is my 6th and final chemo. Yippee!
-
Hi All - hope everyone doing OK & managing SE's ...
My 2nd Taxol was delayed again this week ... Still running fever everyday & hemoglobin still in the 8 range since leaving hospital so wanted to give me another week to get strength back although Dr concerned I will be one if those with fevers the whole time & don't expect to see hemoglobin come up any higher for the duration - the trick is for it to not drop - they will transfuse if it goes below 8. The fevers really stink - chills at times that you can't control.
Mama26 - glad you got your 1st Taxol & hope all smooth from here for you.
Twnkltoz - hope you get to #8 without delay - I had a PET Scan & MUGA scan before chemo and am also curios what if any scans they will do after.
Gretagirl - hope left atrium issue stays mild for you.
Thunder - great to hear you are doing well since ending. Let me know any tips on managing the fevers. As far as hair - my husband buzzed mine in the beginning and I never lost it all & it has actually grown a little. Dr said probably won't lose any more ... I have dark hair & went gray early in my 20's like my Mom. My dream is that mine will come back not gray & beautiful like Jennifer Aniston hair - HA!
Have a great rest of the weekend
Mary
-
Hello all! Hoping you had a good Sunday, I see it was quiet here so maybe that means people were getting some rest, out doing fun things, or just having a "non cancer" day. I went in for 11/12 taxol this morning and was sent home due to low neutrophils and platelet count. This is the third time (each was the second taxol after carbo, the carbo really drags my numbers down at its nadir which is about two weeks). While my MO assures me that this is not a problem, I do worry that the delays somehow allow this ugly beast to creep around even more treacherously. Has anyone else had multiple delays? I am just thankful that I have not had to be hospitalized like several of you have, I hate hospitals!
-
Happy Monday! I'm hanging tight here, still in treatment purgatory. Docs don't know whether to send me for surgery or more chemo, so apparently they're taking my case to a medical conference and presenting it to get more opinions. At least I know they haven't forgotten me!
Mary: Welcome home! I have a fantastic idea. You cannot get warm and I (thanks chemo hot flashes) cannot get cool. I will come for a movie date at your house and radiate my heat onto you. My burning body will have you warmed up in no time.
Twnkltoz: I had an Echo, PET and MRI halfway through treatment. I think it's pretty standard for MO's to check on your progress. If they aren't planning on doing so I would inquire as to what their thought process is.
Notdoneyet: I had one delay due to my MO being out of town and now, due to my MRI results, I have not had a chemo treatment in 6 weeks. If they decide to do surgery now, I may still have my final 3 treatments after I recover, which will be at least another 6 weeks from now. I was concerned about all this time passing but my MO assures me that these delays are not a concern. I guess what's important is the total amount, but the time in which is is received is not as important?
Thunder7: I think white hair can be really chic! I imagine Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada" -
sorry you were delayed, @notdoneyet!
I felt pretty miserable all weekend. Thankfully, I feel a little better today and was able to get on the computer and do some work. Hopefully I'll bounce back enough to have a couple good days before my final chemo. Anxious to talk to the radiation oncologist Friday and get the scoop on that.
-
Hello All - Happy Monday!
Notdoneyet - I have had now 2 separate delays & this last one was 2 weeks straight..due to hospital stay. Dr is considering reducing Taxol dose by 10% & adding IV of 400mg if ibuprofen during treatment to see if that might block the fevers. They don't want anymore delays although I only had 1 Taxol so far. Hoping to be able to do the 11 in a row.
MissBee - Ha - come on over - today I had the chills so bad - turned heat up in every room. Had on long sleeve T-Shirt with a sweatshirt and a hat & scarf under fleece blanket & still shivering. I do have about an hour each day of hot flashes ... The chills are way worse.
Twnkltoz - hope you feel better - let us know what Radation oncologist says - curious about that too. Good luck.
Mary
-
Hi all. Had my 2nd Taxol this morning. It all went smoothly. I slept throught the entire infusion AND the entire hour and a half drive home, lol.
My white counts dropped by over 1/2 from the first Taxol so that is concerning. My hemoglobin dropped by 1 point
and my platelets dropped by 100. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated also. I'm calling my MO nurse in the morning to
discuss my concerns. I so want to sail through these next 10. Oh well, it is what it is and we have to deal with it as it happens.
Hugs and prayers to all of you!!!!!
-
Hello!
Had my 5th Taxol/Carbo today after a week off and am riding my mild steroid high. The week before I had six Neupogen shots and my counts finally came up.
Went in today expecting that they would be high and I would have a good running start on the next eight treatments. No go! Turns out that neutrophils have a live fast, die young attitude and you have to make more of them constantly, no coasting.
So I had just barely more than 1.1, enough to have today's treatment, but no way to do next week's treatment without more Neupogen.
I am betting that I will miss at least one more week before getting to the end.
On another note, hot flashes - yowza! If these keep going after chemo, I might not want hair.
Question - is everyone with lymph node involvement getting radiation after chemo? Originally I was told my lymph nodes were fine and no radiation required, but now that I am/was Stage II, I wonder if they are going to spring it on me at the end.
Hugs all round!!
-
Mdoc-Glad you are starting to feel better! Hang in there!
Mama26-My labs were out of whack for a few weeks after the AC, epecially my AST and LST liver enzymes. The doctor told me it took a few weeks to get the AC out of your system and lab values to get back to normal.
Peabrain-I had two lymph nodes show up as positive, so I will be having radiation to my axillary area as well.
I'm feeling a little confuses about all of this scan talk. I didn't have any scans when I started chemo and the dr hasn't mentioned any scans when I finish treatment. I've asked a few times, and she said my labs look good. (meaning liver enzymes that have come back down.) I'll ask again on Friday.
My hot flashes are making me crazy...I only get them on my head!!! That makes sleeping a bit of a challenge. Hoping they stop soon! Strangely enough, after chemo on Friday, I couldn't get warm. I was freezing all weekend! No fever, thankfully!
Hoping you all have a great day!
-
Hey everybody. Ive been silent for a while... started taxol last Tuesday and it knocked me out for a 6! Honestly the last session of ac wasn't great either. Ive been couped up in bed for with enough energy to groan about the pain and sores in my mouth. did anyone else notice a furry mouth developing as well? Food tastes awful now
aaaahh the pleasures of life leave me...Ive got BRCA gene testing on Friday, and im so nervous.... if it's positive they're gonna do a double mastectomy. Cant deal with losing both. I know this is really explicit now, but its so important to me...
During the pedicaled tram flap operation, the nipple will be lost completely because its considered internal tissue. No nips, no sex, no sex....well do I resign myself to a life of celibacy? ?? I feel like everyone has these amazing partners while mine up and left. It's not even my fault and I get this horrible life thrust at me, and im trying to make lemonade from lemons, and now theres a possibility im gonna be alone forever.
People in this world are far too shallow to look beyond skin.
Fml
S
-
Tick tock tick tock...waiting and waiting and waiting. I think waiting for news is the worst part of all of this. I lose a little of my sanity each time I hear "Next week" "In a few days" or--the worst--"Soon". Self-medicating by buying shoes. I think that's reasonable, yes?
Peabrain: My radiation oncologist said, due to my age, that I would be having radiation regardless of the type of surgery I have. That was even before they knew there was lymph node involvement. It seems pretty standard with lymph nodes, I think?
gargengirl09: It seems very unusual that you would have no scans at all, especially given your lymph node involvement. Your doctor saying your labs look fine is not an indication of whether your tumor is spreading/shrinking. I would directly ask her how she knows you are doing well if she isn't checking with visual support of progress.
Also, Peabrain and gargengirl09, hot flashes: I have a recommendation for a product that I really really like. I bought a Gel'O Cool Pillow Mat and that sucker has been worth every penny: www.amazon.com/GelO-Cool-Pillow-Mat-11/dp/B00D7TBH...It's magical and somehow stays cool without refrigeration! It's so chilly I don't use it all night, but rather keep it on my night stand. Whenever I have a hot flash I pop it under my head. It's soft enough to sleep on and eventually, when I've cooled down, I take it off again. It draws the heat from your head (or body, wherever you want it) so it doesn't stay cool indefinitely, but as soon as you remove the heat source it chills right back down. Best purchase I've made yet.
Sharazad707: You may have your natural nipples removed, but I know many patients who have had new ones constructed. I don't know if the same sensation will be derived, but if it's important to you it is not something you have to give up on and certainly not the end of your sex life. And while some men can be awfully stupid and shallow, hopefully you will see those of us with partners as proof that NOT all men are shallow. There are some really amazing men out there. If a man doesn't want to be with you because you have no nipples, well then he doesn't sound like such a great person to begin with.
This will never be easy and it's okay to grieve what has been lost; God knows I had my own meltdown a few weeks ago. Remember, though, that we are not in this state forever. Not everything in our lives is within our control but we can always choose how to respond to any situation. Sending you much love. -
Many here have donated . Thank you !........Wandering around and cheerleading again
Donate today, make a difference directly in all our lives. By supporting BCO, we support each other. Thanks and Hugs
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/110/topic/834331?page=1
Link to the mainboard donation page
-
MissBee123: I am sooooo ordering that. Hotflashes are making my nights way too eventful. Thank you!
General nail question: is anyone using nail polish these days? My nails have "valleys" where the nailbed is thinner, which makes me hesitant to paint them or use nailpolish remover. However, they also have white lines marking each chemo treatment and I'd kind of like to not see those. Thoughts?
-
sadly, reconstructed nipples have no sensation.
@sherazad, is regular sex too painful? That will hopefully go away after chemo. With an understanding partner, there are other ways to be intimate, you just have to be willing to be creative and compromise.
Sorry if this is TMI for some, but sex is a huge part of our lives and chemo is hell on it.
-
Sharazhad707, I'm like you about my nipples - they're a big part of my sex life, and I don't want to lose them. I had a lumpectomy, THEN had genetic testing and found out I have a mutation that makes radiation dangerous to me, so when I'm done with chemo they want me to have a mastectomy as well. I'm seriously considering saying no, and sticking with frequent scanning (MRI only for me, to avoid radiation).
I have also heard that women that have lost the nipples as an erogenous zone sometimes develop it elsewhere, with the neck or the ear or some other part becoming sexually responsive - similar to how someone who, say, loses their sight might develop much better hearing as a result. If I can't avoid a mastectomy, I'm damned sure going to work on developing additional erogenous zones!!
inkster, based on recommendations from some folks here, I keep my fingernails and toenails cut very short and I paint them black before each chemo - some say using dark polish helps avoid the lifting and other changes. I have one TCH left and I only have very minor changes so far - banding in the color of my nails. Hopefully that'll be the extent of it.
-
It's been awhile since I've posted anything but I read this blog all the time. Finally I have my last TCH tomorrow. I can't believe that will finally be behind me. It's a great feeling. There will be a lot of celebrating when I feel better.
I go for my ECHO next Tuesday and hopefully that comes back good. November 10th I have my reconstruction surgery. Things are starting to fall into place. I will still be on herceptin for a year. That means I still have to go every 3 weeks. Not looking forward to that.
Keeping you all in my prayers
-
believe it out not, my belly button has become an erogenous zone! Especially for women, is so mental... You can convince yourself anything is erotic if you really want to.
Congrats, @jillyb! Good luck with the last one!
-
JillyB - Congrats - must be so exciting to get thru last one .. cheers for you
MissBee - thanks for the tip - already ordered 2 - one for my husband
Sharazhad707 - you have to do what you feel is best for you is my motto .. and just make sure your DR's are onboard with you ..
Inkster - I used to have Acryllic nails and took them off for Chemo and have only been using Sally Hansen Hard As Nails clear nail polish and so far all good.. I have not used color nail polish due to low hemoglobin and the skin under your nails turns white when you straighten your fingers if your hemoglobin is low .. so everyday I check that hoping for no white .. I do paint my toes ..
All I had double mastectomy - no skin or nipple sparing so everything gone. I have Tissue Expanders in now that are filled waiting to have the exchange surgery for implants when chemo and radiation is over. I will tell you there is no feeling at all over the entire fake boobs .. it feels really weird when you touch - nothing erotic I can assure you. My husband has been wonderful as we have not even tried to do anything since from surgery I started chemo and felt like crap from the get go.. so I cannot share how the sex is without nipples but I can only imagine how weird it will be .. I don't want to scare anyone into not having mastectomy - I made my decision based on personal choice .. have to do what is right for you ..
Exciting news to share .. not sure if any of you have seen or heard of breastcancer.org's Rock the Ribbon Charity Event held every year in October in Philadelphia. Every year they select 3 Ambassador's to honor at the event and I was chosen as one of the ambassador's. The event is tomorrow night - very excited and a little nervous - hoping I can make it thru the evening as 8pm has been my bedtime lately .. here I the link if you want to check it out .. http://www.rockforbreastcancer.org/
Will share pics .. then I go Friday hopefully to finally have my 2nd Taxol .. fingers crossed nothing delays that again this week ..
Mary
-
wow! Congrats, Mary!
-
congrats Mary!!!
Thanks for all the responses to my question about blood counts. I had my last chemo today, and have gone this long without them, so figured I'd stay the course. Next up is an MRI next week to see how well chemo worked. From day 1, my tumors have not been palpable, so this will be the first glimpse at its success.
Bilateral is scheduled for mid December, and I do need radiation (as of now, they tell me)- due to lymph node and the size/location of my tumors. (I think someone asked about who needs rads).
I have one more day of steroid induced "okay-ness", then a weekend of misery, then I feel like chemo will really be over as other side effects haven't been too bad. And good news, my eyebrows and eyelashes have pretty much stayed put! I can deal with the hair loss on my head, but really didn't want to lose the eyebrows/lashes.
And nose hair! Holy moly, I can't wait for that to return.
Hot flashes are for the birds. Will definitely look into that pillow (as I strip off layers while typing this). Miserable.
Xoxo to all!!
So happy to be done with chemo and can't wait till we're all at that stage
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team