Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

plantchild

Hi BellasmomTo

Are you on the Facebook Page? I asked my Dr about Prilosec and Pepcid and he wanted me to just double up on the Omprazole...I have not done this yet as it seems like a HUGE dose (my hubby is on it and he takes 20 mg a day) and I am already at 40 mg a day. I need to call the pharmacist to see what they think. I did pick up some GasX ultra. I am still on steroids until tomorrow so the worst I feel in the stomach is bloating and no appetite. I am really trying to drink water but feel sooo full and gross like my stomach is like jabba the huts! LOL! I did notice being more tired this time ( but can't sleep with the restless legs and steroids) and my legs are heavy feeling and a little swollen. I am lucky I have not had any issues with constipation (and please don't worry about the TMI!) but the diarrhea will set in a few days. But hopefully will only have it 2-3 days and it is controlled with Imodium. Have you had any issues with the Nulasta shot? I am with you on the stomach issues and with everything it is rather depressing to be gaining weight in my case on top of it all! Take Care. How are you doing after this round? and if we have talked on Facebook sorry I am trying to keep everyone straight!

aterry

Yesterday I signed up for Blue Apron. Have any of you used meal planning services?

pmevans50

aterry. I have not, but some of my friends and coworkers have done Blue Apron and love it. Let us know how you like it?

DBear

That is funny, I signed up for blue apron yesterday also. My first delivery should arrive next Friday. It sounds like a good option for healthy meals three nights a week and I don't have to go to the grocery store. I am excited to see how it works out!

Pamela23

Annie--I just finished chemo as well. I am 10 days PFC, still feeling the SEs, fatigue is setting in (that DEEP fatigue) and my taste is still totally gone on top of some aches here and there. Knowing this is the last time helps me get through it! I meet with the radiologist next Wed. Meanwhile, I'm going to physical therapy twice/week to work on my lymphedema. I had nurses who used my arm that had nodes out for blood draws and chemo. They told me it didn't matter which arm. I'm shocked these nurses work on the chemo floor and didn't advice me to keep with 1 arm. Just hoping any damage isn't permanent.

BG46TN

I know some of you have been trying to join the FB group, I'm finding it hard to add people when we are not FB friends...I created this link, hopefully it works!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PinkSorelle/

BellasMomToo

Plantchild: No, I'm not on facebook. I haven't had any issues with the Neulasta shot, but I take Claritin for about 4 days. I assume it helps. Chemo #5 isn't as tiring as #4, but I'm still tired and don't want to do anything so I just stay in bed. Fortunately my husband can work from home so he is able to take care of our two dogs while I rest. This time I've been able to keep ahead of the constipation with "SmoothMove" tea, and the heartburn isn't as bad as before (or the Prilosec is working). I am getting fevers on and off -- that's just how I respond to the chemo.

I was pretty excited to get #5 cause there is only one more left! Which is scheduled for Valentine's day.

I hope you are doing well!

BG46TN

HI everyone! I've been feeling pretty good after my first taxotere....(a week ago last friday) so im on week 2, and I actually feel "normal" I don't even feel as tired as I did in the past...my only issue is my taste buds, nothing tastes good.

I met with my surgeon last friday, she was SO happy to see that she could not feel my lump at all anymore! a 5cm lump totally gone (as long as we can feel for now) We discussed my double mastectomy, most likely about 3-4 weeks after my last chemo, so that should bring me into April at some point. I"m hoping it can be before my spring break at school so I don't have to be out of work as long. The plastic surgeons should be contacting me soon to make an appointment with them, once we do that we can set a surgery date. She did say that she doesn't think I will need radiation, but of course my MO thinks otherwise...so we will discuss this more. I have no lymph nodes involved.....

How is everyone feeling this week? To those of you getting chemo this week....good luck!! you've got this!

Becky

chickensandgoats

BG46TN - Wow! Great news on how your tumor has shrunk! That sounds like fantastic results! Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Just curious - why is the MO suggesting radiation with a DMX? Is it due to your triple negative status or original tumor size? At first mine had said I would need radiation no matter what surgery I went with, but now he says just if I go with the lumpectomy.

BG46TN

Chickens....I"m not sure, I"m going to ask him when I see him at my next chemo appt. I'm "guessing" due to the triple neg....but he has never really given a definite answer, although I haven't pushed for an answer until now.

aterry

BG46TN, I hope your surgeon is able to provide answers to all your questions. It's wonderful that your tumor has shrunk so much. It is reassuring that the approach taken is successful.

Annie16

Pamela, Same here with the fatigue and the lack of taste buds. I start radiation in mid-February so I am hoping to regain some energy before that starts. Still, forward momentum is good! It sure is annoying to not be able to taste food. I told someone that, while I hope I don't have to choose, I think I would choose taste buds over hair. (And, how is it that I can still gain weight while not enjoying food?!)

I do not have any lymphedema issues - although I understand they can crop up at any time. I hope the PT works for you. I am going to ask the surgeon more about monitoring for that in the future. My understanding is that it is easier to deal with if you catch it early.

BG46TN - that's excellent news about your tumor shrinking. One of the downsides of doing surgery first is that you don't really know if the chemo is working. I wonder if it is your genetics report that has them considering radiation?

Bella's mom - what a terrific way to celebrate Valentine's Day! Good luck - not too far off now!

Take care, all!

plantchild

Bellasmom, My last big round (beside the Herceptin every three weeks through November). Is Valentines Day as well!! I will be very happy that day for sure. I am definitely feeling more bone pain from the Taxotere or Nulasta this round. I have had bad back pain and bad breast bone pain today. Very tired as well. But the end is in sight and for that I am grateful. I take claritin as well but for 7 days. I also have issues with dry eyes!

Hope you are well!

BG46TN

I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on Tuesday (I was so surprised to get an appointment so fast!) This guy works very closely with my breast surgeon, so we'll see what he has to say and what he offers for my options....I'm leaning towards just mastectomy, expanders with implants since I really don't want to add another surgery with my stomach skin involved etc etc..

those of you who have had mastectomies already...what kind did you have? how has your recouperation been? any questions I should ask?

Also, one more of my sisters got her genetic testing results...thankfully negative for BARD1 (and all other bc genes) yay!! I"m so happy! I hope the other 2 come back negative too. My twin came back positive not sure if she is going to do anything preventative yet or not.

Beckky

aterry

I had my 5th Taxol yesterday. amw5, I tried the icing during the infusion, with my fingers in an ice bath and an ice pack (ice in a bag that the nurses concocted) wrapped around my toes. When I got home I repeated icing, using an ice bath and alternating my toes (doing one foot at a time and resting the other, same with fingers). I'm doing my first icing for today, right now, with a bowl of ice water under my desk. It seemed to help so thanks amw5 (and others) for encouraging this approach. I'm also rereading posts about icing and looking up ice packs--I already have several in the freezer because DD is a dancer. I should try to adapt those before buying new. ;-) The ACEReusable Cold Compress looked the best, though. Easy to use and not expensive.

My book for this week was "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. I highly recommend it. It is a wonderful book. My MO noticed that I was reading it and she said she's going to get a copy. Last week I read "The Civil Wars of Julia Ward Howe" by Elaine Showalter. It is a biography of the woman who wrote the lyrics for The Battle Hymn of the Republic. It illuminates the role of women in private and social life during the Civil War period. I enjoyed learning the history but it doesn't have broad appeal. I donated it to the book selection that my clinic keeps in the waiting room, I hope someone else likes history.

amw5

aterry - Hi. I'm so glad it's working for you. I had neuropathy for a very short time after my first Taxol treatment, but I nipped it in the bud by icing at home. I will be getting my third Taxol treatment on Tuesday, then one more after that.

Annie16

Love the weekly book recommendations! We do have to keep ourselves entertained through this and that sounds like an interesting book, aterry. I am trying to work my way through Gene (also good) and will add Lab Girl to my list for after that! If you like Civil War fiction, I enjoyed the book, My Name is Mary Sutter - Civil War/Medical/Women's historical fiction - easy read, but a good amount of medical gore so be forewarned.

I had four rounds of Taxotere (Docetaxol) as a part of my TC routine -and had some mild neuropathy symptons the first time that went away quickly. Not much with round2, a little bit with round 3. The neuropathy from round 4 is more extensive and still with me three weeks out. MO felt it would eventually resolve, but its a worry. It isn't painful, but instead somewhat numb (feet and fingertips) and arms and legs feel very heavy. I am glad you are getting some relief!

Pamela23

I had my consult with the radiology oncologist this week. I start the 16th. 5 weeks laying in a superman position to prevent radiation from hitting my chest and all the organs in it, then 1 week on my back targeting the scar. I mention that my scar is on the side of my left breast which may be challenging to target once gravity gets a hold of my breats!!!! LOL! I'm so glad I got to this point but am still trudging through some lingering SEs that takes the fun out of being done. I haven't past the 3 week mark so my head hasn't gotten around the fact I don;t have another infusion next week. Just wish the watery eyes, lymphedema and tastebuds would heal so I can feel normal!

aterry

Annie16, who is the author of Gene?

Coupon

Hi everyone,

Haven't posted here for a while and hope everyone is doing well.

I cannot proceed chemo anymore...

This past treatment was my 4th cycle but it's my 1st time having DOCEtaxel. Overall, I was feeling unwell this past cycle. Ever since I started FEC, I experienced skin rash (blisters) issues all over my scalp, body & leg etc. This cycle was even worse. There were 2 extremely huge blisters around my butt which ended up bursted last week, I had fever as well... And with that huge blisters, I was unable to sit, walk nor stand but lying on bed for couple days, no kidding. It was crazy.

Met with my oncologist this afternoon assessing my upcoming 5th treatment this Wednesday and discussed with him about my ongoing skin/blisters issues during chemo...

Long story short, he said I have to stop further chemo!!! He started he never encountered patients had this allergic reactions... And although I had once cut back steroids & Neulasta, and even on different chemo drugs, the skin rash issue is getting worse each cycle. If I keep on having more treatment, my skin issues will be even worse. He is now referring me to radiation oncologist, and meanwhile, I need to recover from chemo for the time being.

It's kind of hit me off guard. I thought he might postpone my treatment this week. Anyhow, this brings a closure to my chemo. I have mixed feelings now. In a way, I am glad that I don't need to suffer from chemo anymore, on the other hand, I am sad that my body cannot suck up with the toxic for 2 more cycles... Is my body really that weak?!! I doubt myself!

Now, I need to start researching radiation related topic. Good luck everyone and thanks for all your support.

aterry

Coupon, it's good to get an update from you though I'm sorry for the harsh skin/blister problems you've been suffering through. A number of people have reported problems with Taxotere. I wonder how your doctor decided to do Taxotere rather than Taxol which seems to be easier to tolerate? Though my nurse said that when patients have reactions to Taxol it is to the preservative that Taxol is stored in, rather than to Taxol, itself. I wonder if the same preservative is used with Taxotere?

BG46TN

Coupon, Your drs know what they are doing! they will find the best treatment for you! Hoping radiation is easy on you and you get to heal and get stronger!! ((hugs))

Aterry, I am also on Taxotere....(not sure why they chose this over taxol) I've had one so far and no real issues...#2 is Tuesday....*fingers crossed I have the same experience again! LOL

amw5

For those of you that get the Neulasta shot or Neulasta injector and you have medical insurance through your employer, you can get help from Neulasta for the shot. I have Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, and they cover a large portion of the shot, but I still have to pay my part. I reached out to Neulasta, and I found out that I could get that part paid by them. So, I took the time to do the necessary paperwork, and boom. They paid my part of it (and it was a good amount). You can find out more from their website: https://www.neulasta.com/support/ OR you can phone them at 1-844-696-3852 I really hope this helps out someone.

amw5

I did chemotherapy number 7 yesterday. I have one more to go. I'm feeling good, and I'm so thankful.

I had neuropathy symptoms after chemotherapy number 5 (which was my first Taxol treatment). I iced my feet and hands several times a day, and it went away in a few days. I have not had any neuropathy issues since. I still ice my feet and hands every now and then for good measure.

I forgot to post this earlier, after chemotherapy number 4, my medical oncologist sent me in to get my tumor checked (via breast mri), and my tumor had shrunk by more than 50 percent (so it's no longer 4.5 cm). Thank God!

BG46TN

amw5 that is great news about your tumor!! Glad to hear icing helped, I haven't gotten any neuropathy yet but I havef taxotere #2 friday and I plan on icing....so if I ice after i"m home that will work too?

Also great about Neulasta! Mine is all covered, but that is awesome that they help out! you should start a separate post in the chemo board..so others will know about that!

Becky

Pamela23

amw5--That is GREAT news!! Makes it worth feeling lousy knowing it's working, I'm so happy for you!

aterry

amw5, I'm so happy to hear your good news regarding the shrinkage of the tumor and that icing has helped. It's help me, too. It was so smart of you to do the research on the Neulasta payment. Congratulations all around.

amw5

BG46TN - Thx. I only iced at home. It worked for me. I hope it works for anyone else that gets neuropathy. I had it for a few days, and it was so annoying. I'm so glad it's gone.

Pamela23 - Thx.

aterry - Thx.

pmevans50

amw5 - So, so happy for you!! I have to say I had misgivings with icing and am so glad it worked for you! :-)

Coupon - Nothing but good thoughts and prayers for you and your MO that he/she may be able to find a chemo treatment that is kinder to you!! Do not give up. You are a Warrior!!

Hope88

Hey Ladies,

I am about to get my 5th Taxol. I am definitely having neuropathy in my feet now. When I asked my MO, PA, etc. about treatment, they really didn't give me any advice except medication or reducing the amount of Taxol if it gets too bad. I keep asking about icing, and they keep insisting that it doesn't work. Well, I have read on here that it has helped some of you so I am going to try it.

Do you ice during treatment? When icing at home, how long per session and how many days? I seriously don't want this issue to progress to the need for more mediation.

Do any of you have issues with constipation or diaharria? They put me on 325 mg of iron and that has seriously messed me up...sigh.

Amwy5, I am glad to hear your tumor is shrinking!

Coupon, you are still fighting this, don't let this setback get you down.

I am sending positive thoughts to all of you