Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

VLH

Yup, doing the dishes and pickng up doggy poo felt like a huge privilege and accomplishment during the post-AC days when I barely had the strength to point the remote toward the TV. Nothing like a wee bit of cancer to make us appreciate things.

The Costco bobble aside, I feel lucky that the Taxol is generally much easier than the AC. I'm not sure how much fatigue is attributable to the drug vs. treatment dragging on so long, but I'm pleased either way. Does Canadian Tire stuff other than tires? I'm envisioning you with a tire over each shoulder as you took your tumble.

Connie, will you have six total treatments. The delays stink, but that would mean you're at the half way point, right?

Fighting, how is the fluid retention today?

Lyn

kshorten

They wanted me to keep my port in "just in case" but that's not how I live my life, once the radiation is done I will have completed everything they told me to do to keep the cancer from coming back and I believe that it won't come back. That being said I told them I wanted it out so I could move on......

Abracadabra

kshorten - I would feel the same way as you! I think we have to follow our instincts for things like this, and if your gut says to ditch the port, go for it. You will feel lighter.

Lyn - Ha! Canadian Tire does not just sell tires (they sell lots of automotive stuff, but also everything from outdoor sports gear, kitchen stuff, lighting, etc.). If I had been carrying tires, perhaps I would have had a softer landing! (Or rolled away ).

Connie1230

VLH, unfortunately, I have to have 12 of the taxol/carboplatin infusions. I have #4 tomorrow (Monday) and my last one is scheduled for March 13. Then there's a 2-3 week lag before I start 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. I should finish that mid to late May.

Other than getting so very sick for almost a month a week after AC, that treatment was more side effect free than the taxol/carboplatin has been and it was never completely determined what caused that illness. I'm still taking Claritin but have some muscle aches for a few days.....not debilitating but certainly noticeable.. I have diarrhea and horrible stomach cramps for a few days. I really have lost more of my taste buds and have problems eating because nothing tastes good except cold fruit. I am definitely more exhausted.

That being said, even with not being able to have chemo the entire month of Dec., out of a total of 16 treatments between the two types of treatments, tomorrow will be #8 so I'm halfway there and the 2nd half will go faster because it will be 8 straight weeks. It's been 3 1/2 months since I started in October and 2 months left.

Luwusu

I am in the direct middle of a three week hiatus from chemo. It has been 11 days since my last (#12) Taxol (plus Herceptin and Perjeta) and 10 days before begin A/C. My husband and I fly to Miami tomorrow morning for a cruise and visit with family there. I am sooo looking forward to being somewhere where nobody knows me, I can enjoy the warmth of the subtropics, sip drinks with umbrellas, and not worry about whether I should wear my wig or not.

I was hoping that my side effects would have dissipated by now (wishful thinking with no basis). My skin condition is much less bothersome now, but my skin, which is normally pretty light, is kind of purple and still rashy. Let's just say that I fellow cruise passengers won't be vying for the lounge chair next to me. I still can't taste food, and I'm sick of that, but go into every meal with the anticipation that I will for some reason. My nose is still a job and a half to deal with. But things are better than they were and I know I should be happy about that.

The 34 year old daughter of a very good friend of mine was just diagnosed with BC. I am so angry and sad. And feel there's surprisingly little I can do to help.

I have 8 wks for the A/C, then a month off, then surgery (probably lumpectomy), then a month off, then radiation. That will take until end of June or longer. It just seems so far away. I know this isn't the most uplifting of posts, and that I have this nice vacation beginning tomorrow, so I am going to get it together and try to be a bit more up.

To those of you finishing up, good for you! You've fought the fight and should be so proud and happy. For those of you close to finishing, that day will be here before you know it. To those of you who feel, like me, that you're plodding along to a finish line in the not-too-soon future, I'm glad I'm not alone.

Nancie

VLH

Connie, we've both been plagued with delays. :-( I'll be doing #8 of 16 tomorrow as well, but may do the shorter "Canadian" protocol for radiation.

Nancie, the vacation sounds wonderful. I hope that the taste buds come back to life in the to enjoy the bounty aboard the ship. Directing your friend's daughter here could be a big help. I know I've benefited from reading the notes of those going through treatment before me. Do tell her that people tend to share more about challenges and not check in if they're feeling well. The shopping list for chemo was more extensive than what I got from chemo class.

As I look at my bruised arm, I'm feeling apprehensive about my chemo tomorrow because of my uncooperative port. It angers me that I would have to pay to have the port redone (new insurance year). Can you imagine buying a new car that needs the battery jumped every other time you try to drive it and that sometimes won't run at all, then bring told you have to pay full price if you want a new one? >:-(

Lyn

deemendoza

Hope everyone is doing well.. Glad to read how so many of us are rounding up with chemo and moving on to the next phase. I have 1 one Taxol Jan 26 @ 8am but who's counting??? lol I hope my facility budgeted for a new bell because I plan on ring it till it falls off the wall

glad to announce that my brain cyst is called an arachnoid cyst which is congenital I was born with it and I have NOTHING to worry about... he said of all the things you need or should worry about this should be on the bottom of your list. The he affirmed that the cyst is not the cause of my headaches but wants me to see a neurologist after treatment is over if the headaches continue... they are thinking my headaches are medicine related.

Why is that, that we are completely ok until something new is found and then we have all sorts of pain and discomfort etc. but the moment we are told and reassured that it's nothing to worry about all those symptoms mysteriously disappear?

FightingTheFight

kshorten - I don't blame you for wanting that port out asap. I think I'll feel the same way about not keeping it in just in case. B/c I can't fathom needing to go through this rollercoaster again.

VLH - I'm sorry to hear your port isn't working like it should still. And the thought of paying for a whole new one does sound unfair, when it's not your fault it doesn't work now. Hopefully they can get something figured out.

Connie1230 - I too have lost most of my taste buds. Eating is such a basic pleasure and part of socializing that it's been one of the harder SE's to cope with. My sense of smell has also been somewhat affected, but I can still smell pretty well and it's hard to be able to smell flavors I can't taste. Like if I can do one, I should be able to do the other.

Dee - That's great news to hear about your cyst! I'm really glad that it turned out not to be something serious. And the mind is powerful. I'm not surprised you started feeling relief when you knew nothing serious was going on.

Whistlestop

Afternoon ladies....

Friday the 13th went with the ringing of the bell and yes deemendoza I agree I had it swinging. Wondered if it was going to come off the wall. Glad for the news on your cyst - less to worry over. After the bell enjoyed lunch at the bayfront, a sleepover with my daughter and granddaughter and then a front row seat at an intimate Michael Martin Murphy concert to celebrate....from Friday thru Sunday. So ready for the return of my lost energy as Taxol leaves my system. Finding my self napping after my walks.

Now countdown to surgeon visit next week & outcome of the BRACA. Surgery likely 1st to mid Feb. Luwusu really appreciate the cruise getaway. Have a much anticipated cruise with boyfriend end of Feb perfect to rest and recoup, especially since one was cancelled the week chemo started. BTW Nancie are you noticing an increase in energy yet, since it been a bit since your last treatment Taxol? ( You maybe on board your ship....look forward to hearing some high seas tales )

Keep up the spirits ladies....we have come a long way and we have got this. Warriors and Thrivers !

Terry ( aka whistlestop )

KLNiss

Hi Ladies - I haven't had much to report lately. I am at Taxol/Carbo 7 of 12 this Friday. I have question about lumpectomy vs mastectomy. I am having chemo first, then surgery then radiation. What information did you women use to help you in your decision about what type of surgery to have?

Abracadabra - I'm sorry to hear about Max. It makes me very sad to think about you going through all of this and then having to let him go. I have been giving my guys extra pets and love. Thinking of you - xxoo

Connie1230 - how is the taxol/carbo treating you? For me is it mostly fatigue and muscle pain. I have been icing and so far so good with numbness. Heart rate is up as is my BP - but that could also be the chemically induced menopause for me.

Congratulations to all who are finished or nearing the finish line!! My center does not have a bell but we have bubbles!! I will be looking forward to that.

Hugs to all - Kathy

Connie1230

KLNiss, today has been a really good day for me and every good day is a blessing. I have also been icing and so far, so good....no neuropathy. However, when I went yesterday, both my red and white blood counts had dropped significantly. She said this was to be expected BUT they are very close to me needing a transfusion. If they drop more next week, I believe she will order one and I expect that may mean no chemo so a delay of another week. I didn't ask because I didn't want to to hear it. I'm on a very close timetable to get through this and radiation and be able to go to my oldest grandsons high school graduation in Ohio. If I heard delays, i was going to burst into tears and I knew it. I had already burst into tears once when she nixed my son coming to visit today because he had to go on antibiotics for an infection and my blood counts make me very susceptible to catching it. She told me to expect more fatigue due to those blood counts too but i felt great today. I have had a few days of muscle pain the last 2 weeks and she told me to walk as much as possible and that would help. So I'm supposed to be more fatigued but walk a ton. Yeah, ok, if you say so. I did walk a lot today but I felt good. We'll see what tomorrow brings,

I want to comment on some of your posts but will have to come back and do that as I've got to get off now

Whistlestop

Added note and request Wednesday a.m. .....

After bell ringing last Friday, I now find some "funk" hanging around these last days...Monday and Tuesday. Did walk Monday only to come back to nap for 30 - 45 mins. and bummed more with my lack of productivity.

Anyone who's finished, can you enlighten on energy return after Taxol completion ?

Terry ( aka whistlestop )

FightingTheFight

Terry - Just wanted to say that I finished last Thursday and am also looking forward, very much, to my energy returning. I just want to jump forward in time.

Whistlestop

FightingTheFight...Looks like we finished back to back. ... I can visualize ( as in fast forward ) what the energy return looks feel and tastes like , while working in the "now" and taking steps to get bits and pieces completed. I look forward to your updates.Wanted to participate in local sister march to Woman's March on Washington , yet, being realistic after viewing the map,I know I do not have the stamina to complete it in the timeframe. May go participate in the festivities @ City Hall. Here's to Thriving , even if its a smaller step at a time.

Hallelujah.....so grateful I will have 5 to 7 hrs of my own time tomorrow in lieu of travel and infusion....

wow, may need to treat myself to something.

Terry ( aka Whistlestop )

VLH

Gosh, Connie, I so hope you won't face further delays. I want to visit my 84 year old mother in Arizona before it's hotter than Hades, and the doctor wants me to wait at least 3 weeks after completing chemo before flying. We've both been plagued by delay after delay and gals have stuff to do, darn it! :-(

Fingers crossed that those of you who have completed your treatment will enjoy a return to normal energy levels quickly and show the way for those of us a little farther behind in the process.

Ohmigosh, I've been so ravenous this week! It's nice to not deal with the nausea of the AC treatment, but having lost 100 pounds, this voracious appetite is not welcome! =8-0.

Lyn

FightingTheFight

Terry - We do seem to be on the same schedule and will have to keep each other updated for sure. For the past few years I've always done the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 5k (my grandmother passed from BC). And doing last year's race is what actually motivated me to get the lump I found checked out (so just a few weeks after the race I got my diagnosis). One of the major milestones I look forward to this year is doing that race again in the Fall. This time as a "survivor" and in celebration of my energy coming back (and in honor of times like now when walking is a barely moving shuffle, where I'm basically just dragging my feet along).

And because of when I started treatment, at that time I should be finishing up my year of Herceptin and really putting things behind me. It gives me something tangible to look forward to, and let's me frame my current struggles as something that will just add to my testimony/story.

Ella22

Hi everyone! I've missed all the posts!

Barb- I'm so sorry to hear about Max.... I know what its like to have a best friend gone! They give such unconditional love! I was suppose to start radiation on the 26 th but now have to put on hold because my 6 month mammogram came back with a few suspect spots..... now have to do another biopsy and the waiting begins!!!! Life is a fight

FightingTheFight

Anyone been having problems with their gag reflex? For the past few days especially, my throat has been feeling funny and I constantly feel this sensation like I'm about to start gagging.

VLH

Oh, Ella, how scary! I hope that you get favorable results.

FightingtheFight, by any chance, are you having allergy issues? My dripping nose has been "enhanced" by bloodiness for days and my throat irritated by drainage. That reminded me that allergy "crud" will sometimes sit at a point in my throat that it creates a gagging sensation. (Sorry, gang, I know that's terribly gross!) I would definitely report the symptom to the doctor.

Lyn

Ella22

Lyn- I had the same allergy like issues. Seemed to come the 3rd week after chemo and last about a week.

I'm having second thoughts on whether I should have had a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. I almost think I didn't ask the right questions. I was told that my survival rate was the same. I should have asked how often do you find new cells and have to have surgery again. I pray that I'm worrying for no reason. I just don't understand why I went thru chemo just to find a new cancer in a different location then original. Biopsy's hurt too! IDK I'm going to try to stay busy for the next few weeks. Hugs

Julesbabe55

Ella - hope the biopsy comes out ok. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Lyn - I too have been plagued with the same "allergy" issue lately. Spoke to the nurse last week - she said they see a lot of it around this time due to all the dryness because of winter. So the hubby bought me a humidifier to sleep with at night - seems to help a bit though my nose seems to be awfully dry which I don't get.

Watched a lot of the woman's march yesterday - so inspiring. Would have loved to have been in D.C. but of course didn't want to take any chances so sat this one out even though a few friends went. Next time for sure!

Had a burst of energy today & decided to make a full blown Italian meal. Not sure what prompted it - chalking it up to a craving.

Julianne

VLH

Yum, Italian! Sounds good, Julianne.

Interesting on the shared allergy symptoms.

Ella, as I consider radiation, I've been having second thoughts about going the lumpectomy route myself. I felt pressured to make a decision because getting second opinions took so much time. Ironically, one reason I chose lumpectomy was worry about tissue expander infection and my seroma infection delayed my chemo by a month so... I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this uncertainty and another biopsy.

I'm getting neuropathy in my fingers today, gang. Boo! I've had a tiny bit in one hand, but it was fleeting and this isn't. (Tuesday will be Taxol #5.) I've been taking Vitamin B6, but admit that I've not taken the glutamine powder until today. How much are y'all taking (assuming your doctor recommended it)? My chemo class instructions say 10 grams 3 times daily for 3 days after chemo, then that amount once daily. The powder container shows only 2 grams as a supplement. That makes 30 grams seem like so much!

Lyn

Connie1230

Ella22, my surgeon was emphatic about my having a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. She also said survival rate was the same but the other reason was that having reconstruction would mean numerous other surgeries that she felt were unnecessary. I have a dil that's a nurse who has won award after award that came down from VA to go with us and she had a lot of questions that the surgeon answered to her satisfaction. I understand that you're extremely concerned and with good reason. But I'd try to put that out of my mind. The chances are good that even with more questions, you'd have made the same decision if the dr. fel strongly enough about it.

Ella22

Julianne- thanks for the positive thoughts! I love Italian foods!

Lyn- I too didn't want all the extra surgerys and risks of infection. I'm just wondering if this is going to be the new normal. I didn't have the same chemo as you but I did get neuropathy in the tips of my finger! I took only B6 as recommended by my MO but I really did'nt see any relief.

Connie- Your words make me feel better!

Hugs and prayer

VLH

An even bigger factor for me was that I live alone so having both arms impacted at the same time would have been very challenging. (I would have done bilateral because of the size of my bosun and their sad condition after a 100 pound weight loss.)

My nose / lips are numb, too. Chemo related??? :-(

Lyn

FightingTheFight

VLH - That explanation about nasal drainage and gagging makes a lot of sense. I think it might have been the contributing factor. My nose hasn't been runny today (for the first time in awhile) and I'm not feeling that sensation. Thanks for sharing your experience. It always feels better not to be the only person who experienced something weird.

VLH

If the problem re-emerges, Fighting, saline spray and a warm beverage can sometimes ease the icky sensation. Hey, we weirdos have to stick together!

Lyn

KLNiss

Hi guys - MO is recommending a transfusion due to anemia. Fatigue, pale, shortness of breath for a few weeks now. Anyone have a similar experience? 5 more treatments to go, then lumpectomy and radiation.

xo - Kathy

VLH

I've had mild anemia since before I started chemo and ended up in the ER with shortness of breath and accelerated heart rate after my 3rd AC, Kathy. Luckily, my anemia has not been severe enough to warrant a transfusion as is true for you. Fatigue and muscle weakness has been constant during chemo, but I've had Fibromyalgia since 1989 so that's not surprising.

You're so close to completing your chemo! I hope a transfusion helps build you up so you can go into your surgery and radiation feeling as strong as possible.

Lyn, Getting Taxol #5 Out of the Way Today

deemendoza

hello ladies... anyone else have sensative teeth from taxol?