Starting chemo August 2017 - would love some moral support!

SusanGA

I've been gone a few days dealing with Irma but power is back on and just surrounded by debris. We were so lucky.

I'm so sorry to hear about those of you who are experiencing such a tough time with subsequent cycles. It is challenging when we think we know the ropes and chemo throws a curve ball.

For those that are icing. I did buy the socks at Amazon but unfortunately each pair only came with one set of inserts. I might not have ordered the right ones. Fortunately I bought three sets. I did ice diligently but also did experience some neuropathy but I had some before due to early diabetes. I will say that for the most part it has resolved. I will ice again this Friday with infusion number two.

I lost most of my hair in the last few days and finally buzzed it. I already hate the wigs that I bought but I am stuck with them. I wish I could get one on line because I see cute ones but I can see that getting expensive if there is a no return policy. I am using scarves and they feel good.

Sami your daughter is beautiful and I know she will get through this. I pray her SE's are lessened.You are such a good support.

I am wondering if anyone did better with the Neulasta shot on subsequent treatments. My first one tortured me and I am dreading it again.

PauletteK

Susan - so glad that you are safe, Irma did some real damages. I have ordered only couple icing socks and will try to do some icing on my hand and feet.

Ladies hope all of you do well with the SE

Travel_Girl

KBytheLake- yep i am going for double mx too - 2x's is enough for me - I want the breast tissue gone. Sorry to hear about your friend/cheerleader -hopefully it was caught early and you can cheerlead each other. My MO told me to use the Lorezapam a bit more too this time - I was worried about addiction - she ways it helps with both the stomach and headaches and sleep - so adding bit more back in this time around.

How is your second round going?

sunnyjay

It's been a while since I checked in. I was dealing with a skin irritation in my mastectomy breast that was first thought to be an infection. It took about 3 weeks to clear up so I was given the OK to resume chemo this week. I'll be doing my 3rd round of TC tomorrow.

Willow, when did you start feeling bad after #3? Was it on the same day as infusion? Or the days after? I'm hoping the steroids will keep me up for the first 2 days at least.

I also started a 12 week guided exercise program for cancer patients called "Live strong, Live well". I haven't done anything active since my diagnosis in March so I'm hoping this gets me back on my feet. I believe this is a national program through the YMCA. I found out about it through one od the threads here and googled it. It turned out all of the YMCAs in this area had this program.

Since it's a Tues/Thurs class, I hope that I will feel up to it after tomorrow's infusion. It's only going to be the 2nd day (yesterday was orientation) and we will be doing some fitness assessments to figure out our level of activity.

Hope everyone's doing well. I haven't been keeping up here since I've been dealing with my own issues, but I'll catch up with you all soon!

Willow22

sunnyjay, i had TC #3 on Friday. I have steroids thru the iv as a premed, but none at home before or after chemo. I felt ok Friday, but was more tired and slightly more queasy on saturday despite doing the same meds. Fever of 100.6 sat eve with chills, but did not need to go to ER or start antibiotics since my counts were good before chemo and it was too soon for them to be at a dangerous level. Sunday is a blur... temp 99.6 or so with tylenol, napped most of the day and had to force myself to keep sipping and nibbling. I'm not sure if i had a little bug or if the temp was chemo related (no idea if thats a thing), but temp gone monday and i felt pretty dang good 😆. I think the temp was the culprit....

My MO commented that my counts day before chemo were ok, but low compared to prechemo level and after chemo #1, so i think thats the cumulative effect kicking it. Probably why the fatigue gets a bit worse towards the end of treatment.

Please post what you think of the YMCA progam! Is it the one mentioned on breasycancerfreebies.org? I have that flagged in my notes to check into aftwr i start radiation (i wasnt sure if you had to wait till aftwr all treatment is done).

I'm also going to look into the Team Survivor free fitness classes and hiking/urban walking groups for breast cancer survivers (plus more offerings). I'm in the seattle area = Northwest chapter, and it looms really fun. Getting fit has been on my to do list for a while, and NOW is the time!!!

Good luck with your upcoming session,

Willow

Travel_Girl

Willow I started the same program at my local University Hospital during chemo -- so I don't believe you need to wait. Start now -- they will adjust to your level -- more important to work out -- it helps with fatigue -- you can find articles on this site about it. One of the most effective things against bc fatigue.

PauletteK

Love to find out more about the exercise program after radiation. I doubt I have energy to join any exercise program since I'll be on weekly chemo schedule.

Willow22

thanks for the info travel girl! I'm going to stick with my little community gym for now (I live right next door 😆), and then sign up for the program after my next (and last!!!) chemo session.

Willow

SimplySammi11

Wow! Thank all for the kind words, advice and support. I really do appreciate you gals so.

Heather finished her A/C today and they said her last Neulasta injection tomorrow. We were told she wouldn't need them with Taxol although she'll be doing labs then another day of Taxol with 5 premed s so her chemo days will still be 2hrs. every time.

Heather & I bombarded her oncologist with questions about her progress, what's to come after chemo, and after her surgery. He said unfortunately due to the size of her mass and lymph node involvement radiation is going to be necessary then he said 10 years of hormone treatments but he wasn't sure which he'll go with until after the mass is removed and final pathology report. He was really good with Heather today. I hadn't been thrilled with his beside manner although he's a very good doctor until today when Heather reared up and he hugged her and told her "baby steps sweetheart, we'll get you through this."

I had to look away not to cry myself. He kept patting her as she opened up about her frustration and fears.

All you ladies talking about exercise programs with other going through this is a great idea. I'll see if Heather would to do something along these lines.

We went to the movies after her chemo today to see "IT", wow it was scary and I don't get scared at unrealistic horror movies easy. Although it's not all some made it out to be good wise. Storyline a bit lacking and they left it open to sequels. I had seen the original years ago and that was the end of the clown collection I had just started needless to say

Glad those that had Irma related issues are safe.

Take care all!

PK: Good Luck with your first Taxol infusion Friday. I wish you the best as I do everyone!

Blessings all!

Samm

KByTheLake

Travel Girl--so far round 2 is going well! No diarrhea or nausea yet and food still tastes good so I'm eating anything and everything that sounds good! I've noticed that I'm more tired this time around though. Today I had my Nuelasta injection, spent a couple hours with my knitting group, and then took a 1-1/2 hour nap sitting up!

The lorazepam helped me sleep much better last night so I'm really glad to have it. Last time I had leg pain and restlessness from the Neulasta shot o I'm hopeful that this time will be easier with the lorazepam.

Good news about my friend--her PET scan came back clean!

Sammi--I'm glad to hear Heather's oncologist was so compassionate and helpful! That makes such a huge difference.

PauletteK

Sammi - so happy to hear Heather is feeling better especially emotional. I know this path is hard for all of us and we will get there soon.

K - having a good night sleep it really helps. Good night to all of you.

Kimberbir

Paulette- Did you start out with the AC treatments? I started with the taxol and the 3rd treatment day 4 was tough. I was having alot of side effects from the perjeta (from my first treatment, so my MO tells me) like everyone and then some, my MO decided to eliminate it from my treatment cuz it was causing more harm then good, sure hope that does the trick- I have heard that taxol is easier than AC so hoping you have smooth sailing!

rdeesides- good luck tomorrow, try not to think about it being 3 everyone is different, you can be the gal that has know SE!!

SusanGA

Sammi I am so glad that Heather had a better experience with her Oncologist. I think that good rapport is so helpful.


So glad to hear about all the exercise options. I have been doing physical therapy and plan to do the Y afterwards. I think it helps a lot. I needed to build up my strength in my affect d arm and address some cording from my surgery. She is doing a great job and had me fitted for a lymphedema sleeve yesterday to wear when I go to England in March. I booked that trip to make sure I had a goal. I keep telling myself I gave this cancer mess one year of my life and then I will be done, God willing.


I'm set for #2 tomorrow. I always feel like you are all there with me. I'm going to try and not be such a wimp about icing. I know it can help and I need to stick to it. I'm planning on asking about a sleep aid. This insomnia is not helping.

Good luck to all of you. We will all "ring the bell shortly"

PauletteK

Hi Kim, yes I have AC then taxol. I have total of four DD AC and my bad days were day 4 to day 6 sometime day 7 could be bad also. I didn't have any bone pains during my AC I worried the joint pains from taxol.

Clearpath

SusanGA - i just finished my fourth and last Neulasta. The first was the worst - the rest were much better. Glad you got through Irma - I had two feet of seawater in my first floor after Superstor Sandy (yuck!) and had to rebuild. Sandy, open heart surgery and now cancer - need a break from disasters!

All - Finished AC! and on to Taxol next. I plan to ice hands and feet although I expect it will be uncomfortable. I purchased reusable Flexicold ice packs (normally used for physical therapy) on Amazon to bring with me in a cooler. I'll report back on whether they worked well. I am also doing breast cancer physical therapy and finding it helpful. Thanks for the YMCA program info - will check that out after radiation.

SusanGA

Clearpath thanks so much for sharing your experience with Neulasta. This gives me hope. You have really faced enormous challenges. I hope you get a break as well.

I'm all set for icing tomorrow and taking the meds that will once again turn my insides to cement but I am prepared this time. I'm also going to ask for a sleep med. My insomnia is ridiculous. Today I fell asleep on my recumbent bike. That was a sure sign that I need more sleep.

Good luck to everyone. Prayers for each of you

PauletteK

Susan - good luck to you and me ..... I'm starting my first taxol. Sleep is one of the issue for me, I'm taking Ativan and it is helping some

KByTheLake

I haven't had any significant chemo SEs this time (round 2) but the Nuelasta pain is making up for it! I'm so achey and restless!

And now for something completely different, I'm almost 57 years old and I got my period today! I'm never going to go through menopause. Grrrrrr!!!

Willow22

Kbythelake, I'm right there with you.... 55.5 years old, full period with chemo 1, mini with chemo 2, nothing so far after chemo 3 but feel like its coming. My mom was 62 by fhe time she finally went a year w/o a cycle..... sigh, I really am ready to be done with it!

MakeupLover

hey gals!

Sammi, tell your daughter about my experience with my lump. I'm doing neoadjuvant chemo too. When I started chemo my mass was pretty big. You could see the lump protruding from the side. After the first chemo I got worried it was actually getting bigger. My doctor measured and reassured me it was ok. A few days after my second chemo the lump is significantly smaller. it no longer protrudes! So this is proof the chemo is actually working. Tell her to hang in there! And shes beautiful.

So sorry everyone is having a tough time with chemo 3, I am worried myself now, since I go for my third one this coming Monday.

I've been feeling great these past few days, minus the usual minor side effects. However, I now have a horrible UTI. I called my hospital and the nurse said if I had a general doctor, I do not. She then said she didnt want me to come to the hospital just for a pee test (it's a 30 min drive). So I asked if I could go to those walk in clinics and she said yes. So I did. They prescribed me Macrobid. I have to take it twice daily for 7 days. Saturday is day 3 and I don't see improvement yet. In fact, it hurts a lot more now when I pee and I discovered blood when I wipe and a few trickles in the toilet. I hate it! Anyone get a UTI while on chemo?

I'm gonna try to let the antibiotics kick in, but if this terrible pain and bleeding don't subside I'll call my doctor again or just go to the ER. I don't want to develop a fever.

Much love to all!

PauletteK

Makeup - I remember someone talked about bladder issue and I suggested her to drink cranberry juice yesterday. But UTI is more serious issue, you need to stay in contact with your MO. You might need to be in hospital.

SimplySammi11

makeup: I will definitely tell Heather how well yours is shrinking. Also regarding the 3rd treatment it has been the worst thinking about this far. After that treatment I expected this 4th round to be even worse but fortunately it's not been as bad as the last yet. I was really concerned at how hard the 3rd one hit her energetically. Sorry to hear that you have a UTI they're awful without everything else you're body is going through.

---

Clearpath: Thanks for putting the kind of icing packs from Amazon. Going to look them up. We received the icing socks but afraid we'll need a few more to take with us.

Wow and now I've just drawn a blank of who else I need to respond to. I can't pretend to have chemo brain either, but having my mom and Heather having it I'm blaming that by default (long term exposure) hehe

I am typing from phone so it's hard for me to scroll back and forth. But know I have read ALL your posts and appreciate the input and support.

PK: I do remember you because I was here from the beginning of your thread. Did you have your first Taxol yet? Please keep us posted and good luck.

Heather had ordered her 2 more wigs. She received them yesterday and I'm loving this one (attached) and the color on her. She has always went blonde with hair color but I believe this color suits her better.

Keep on fighting ladies. I think of you all daily and am lifting you up for healing and kicking this BC's ass.

~Sammi~

SimplySammi11

ALL: I saw a brochure for this type of shirt for chemo and wanted to share the link with you all. Hope it's helpful.

http://www.comfychemo.com/long-and-short-sleeve

KByTheLake

Wow, Sammi, Heather is stunning! I love the darker color,

I just ordered a blue wig, myself. I've always wanted blue hair but couldn't bring myself to color my own--so here's my chance!

I'm spending the day in bed. Between 5:00am D, a hint of nausea, and my achey, restless Nuelasta legs, I'm pretty beat today.

PauletteK

Sammi - I had my first taxol it was uneventful, couldn't sleep much last night due to all these steroid slept about 3-4 hours the most. So far I'm doing okay, will know more down on the road.

Heather is so stunning such a beautiful girl and hope she is doing well with minimal SE.

beaufort

I just finished up 4 rounds of FEC (Fluoruracil-5/Epirubicin/Cytoxin) and will start weekly Taxol in 4 days. As my FEC was once every 3 weeks, I'm concerned about the weekly treatments. I'm hoping they will not be as harsh on my body as the FEC......but am a little nervous about how my body will react. I handled FEC pretty well (according to my doc). No sickness - just nausea and extreme fatigue.....especially after the 4th and final treatment. Ready to get these 8 treatments behind me. Would love some feedback on weekly Taxol. Thanks!

SusanGA

Wow. How gorgeous is Heather.i LOVE that wig.

I had my second round yesterday. I'm just sitting here waiting fo my Neulasta to start injecting. I have had the hiccups since last night. This is caused by the "dexamethadone so it should go away soon. I just feel really tired but then again you can't sleep with hiccups.

Makeup I'm so sorry about the UTI. They are so miserable. Did they get the culture and sensitivity back from the urinalysis? They may change your antibiotic based on what the bug is sensitive to. I wish you speedy recovery.

Have a good weekend dear ones

SimplySammi11

K - Thank you! I think blue is awesome. You're going to have to post a pic.

PK - Good to hear it's been uneventful but sorry about the sleep thing. Heather reels and doesn't sleep a lot when not on medication so I'm praying she doesn't have even more trouble with Taxol. She's a little tired today but napping on and off a few minutes at a time.

Thanks Susan! I am partial as I'm the mom but I think she's beautiful.

Hang in there. Will check in soon.

Cherry-sw

Sammi, Heather is beautiful, the wig looks really great on her.

I will have my 5th infusion tomorrow, hopefully it will go well.

SimplySammi11

Cherry: Thank you and hoping your treatment tomorrow goes well too!