Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

I  received my first dose of Taxol today.  First  they drew my labs from the port as usual and then I saw the Doc which is also routine.  I do not have to do Neulasta with the Taxol since it does not destroy the blood cells like A/C.   'HURRAY!!!!!!'  

I also found out that we get the sniffles with chemo because the little hairs inside our noses have fallen out and are no longer there to filter and protect our nares so we compensate by sniffling to handle the drainage, etc.

First thing different was that rather than being placed in the room with recliners, I was placed in a room with a bed and a recliner.  A respiratory therapist was there in the room on stand by in case of a reaction.  A nurse was also there.  I was told that I had top lie down on the bed in case I had a reaction.  There was a box of emergency meds by the bed.  They told me that sometimes one reacts and when it happens it is swift.  Respiratory arrest is one of the reactions that can happen but there are many. 

First I was given a test dose of Taxol.  It took about 10 minutes to infuse.  My vital signs were taken before and after the infusion.  After about 30 minutes of observation.  I was allowed to go sit in the recliner and the rest of my Taxol was ordered.   When it arrived the actual infusion took 1 hour.

I was told that this observation procedure and test dose is only for the first time.  After today I can just come and get my labs. see the doc, and sit in a regular recliner for my 1 hour infusion.

Well, this is my report.  Thankfully this was uneventful with no serious reactions.  However, I was told that very few people  complain of nausea and vomiting on Taxol.  I did experience it about 30 minutes after completing the infusion but only one time.  I do not feel nauseous now.  I feel ok.   I was also warned that I may lose my eyelashes and brows temporarily even after completing this course.

I did take the nurses a cake today.  I baked some cupcakes then lined them up to form a large BC ribbon.  I used lots of deadent pink icing to  cover and hold them together.  When it was finised it was about 16"  by  8" .  The staff just luved it.  Now I should have taken a photo to share with you..........Is it chemo brain that I seem to think of these things after the fact?

Have a blessed weekend!

Mom took the news better than expected. She is most concerned about my bald head, and kept trying to "fix" my wig, like she would run her fingers through my hair. I wore a freshly-washed wig, a pretty hat and all my "Look Good, Feel Better" makeup, so I did appear normal, even though I felt exhausted. After our talk, shopping and lunch out, we both needed naps. Since Mom has dementia, she may need to be told every time we see each other. I will keep it on a "ned to know" basis.

NOW, I need to tell her that Tom and I are talking marriage. that should be a happier talk, as she really likes Tom. I think it is because he has worked in skilled nursing and talks to her like a person, not a patient while at the same time being careful to keep her safe.

I still have sore gums, and now a sore throat and headache. Today will definitely be a rest day.

Bette 

Started chemo Aug 19.  Was diag June 26, my 37th b-day, Stage IV.  I am determined that I WILL have many more, many better b-days!  Lots of complications getting to the chemo.  Two blood transfusions, hysterectomy (which required a 2nd surgery same day to stop hemorage that started while in recovery).  I was severely anemic and didn't realize how sick I really was, so the chemo actually doesn't knock me down too bad.  I have Herceptin/Taxotere/Cytoxan/Epirubicin every 3 weeks, with Benedryl & a steroid pre, Neulasta post.  Some nausea first 24 hrs, pain from the Neulasta for a few days, hair loss since day 14.  I do get some mouth and nose sores about 1wk after, taste buds changing daily.  And to top it all off, my beautiful baby (7 year old dacshund) Duchess was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 24th, but her treatment will be a whole lot cheaper, quicker and easier than mine.  Overall, my body and my mind are taking this very well!  I wish the best to everyone battling this, and if I could give away some of the "feel good" and my strength, I would!

dlb823... Thanks for the welcome and for the prayers!  Yes dx is Stage IV.  I had been dx with fibroicycstic breast disease when I was about 25, revisited the mammogram, ultrasound, worrying at about 30.  Dr. told me he didn't want to do anything with it (no biopsy, nothing more).  Stated that biopsy and removal of the cycsts lead to more prob later with regrowth, scar tissue, etc.  Got a second opinion and was told same thing.  With the added comment "You're going to have this problem for the rest of your life, you need to understand that."  Two very well known and respected doctors in this area!  The lump in my breast has been there since age 25, I went through a divorce 5 yrs ago, weight changes, and didn't pay attention to the changes in the lump.  In mid May I had a painful lump under my arm, that's when it was "suspicious" to me. I already had annual exam scheduled for June 2, so I waited till then.  About a week after finding it, I had a friend that lost the battle only 3-1/2 wks after dx, she was very advanced Stage IV.  So the panic was there before I even got to the Dr.  Anyway, I'm not sure how many nodes are affected, at least 5, there are both axillary and sentinel swollen.  I also have three lesions on my liver.  The good news is that the tumor is shrinking!  After only two treatments, ultrasound showed the largest one to have reduced by about 50%.  It was over 4cm, is now approx 2cm.  I have another muga this week, hopefully still good.  And another PET CT early November.  Keeping my hopes up!  And will keep all of you in my prayers also! 

Hi everyone,  i am sorry that I hve not posted this week to you. I have been taking down all decorations from the wedding, washing all the linens and cleaning up the dishes. Finally just about finished. Returning all the supplies we borrowed this week . anyhow

Roya: Did you get the book yet, Beating cancer with nutrition?

Bette: So happy you were able to tell you Mom. Her dimentia may be a blessing in disguise. You know how much we would worry about our children if it was one of them!! If she keeps forgetting perhaps it is because the Lord has made this mechanism for her to not be in as much pain.So happy for you and Tom. Can't wait to see those wedding pic's someday soon!!!

Chelli:  Want to welcome you to this site. I hope you can find comfort as I have. Sometimes when someone has gone through it before you have it makes it a little easier. We will be praying for you and want you to know that you will be supported here as we all continue our own journey's together

Deanna; I PM'd you my address- Just learned how to do that!!

Misty: I have the same type of cancer that you have. You have been such an inspiration to me. I have the same treatment of chemo except I have it 6 times. Thank you for all the posts and I am so happy that you are ending you chemo

Tomorrow is my halfway point #3 I am actually looking forward to sitting down and relaxing!! So far the SE's have been minimal and I am hoping that the same will be tomorrow. You never know but the Lord is with me wherever I go.  I have been eating well and even though I do get pain from the neulasta I can handle a couple of days. Still do not know how I am going to celebrate yet but I will let you know.

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow and you're all pushing forward.  Hugs to everyone and know you are all being prayed for.

Hey Bette, I met my husband online ten years and two kids ago.

Well, I  slept pretty much 24 hours a day for four days after tx.  I think my onc gave me something for the diarrhea in my IV.  But, trust me ladies, it ain't nice to go from two months of diarrhea to solid movements.  Is there a nice way to say that?  :-))

 I need a nap.  A warm dinner and a warm nap.  It's the time of the week when I feel chills and cough a lot and get a sore throat.  It's all done every time by the time I go in for treatment.  So I never mention it.

bettelou68 - I can relate to the worrying that he would run from all of it.  My hubby and I just got married in July, and I was impressed that he would marry me knowing how grim the prognosis was.  He does not allow me to think of it that way anymore, it's all positive and I so appreciate him for that.  It was a very small wedding, spur of the moment, but I was happy with it as is.  I had the hysterectomy 2 weeks after the wedding, so we didn't get to, umm, act like newlyweds for long!  We're going to Costa Rica for our honeymoon, but that has to wait about a year.  Instead, friends took us to New Orleans in between the hysterctomy and the chemo for a "getaway".  We have known each other for about 12 years and had been together for almost 2 when I got the dx, but I still worried that he would not want to take this on.  But he did, and I love him even more for it!  It really helps the spirits to know that you have someone so wonderful and loving to lean on!  Good luck with the bday cake... it should keep well!

Hi, all... Roya, so sorry about your nails.  I hope they won't get any worse.  Did you ice them  during your tx's?   Maybe that's just recommended for Taxotere; not sure.  But you might want to ask about it for the Taxol.   None of us needs these drugs circulating in our fingertips.  I have several blu-ish nails, but I used ice for the first time w/tx #3, and will again w/#4  this week, and hope it will limit the damage.

Joyce...  Can you believe it's #4 for us on Wed.?!  Let's just pray that no SE's worsen. In addition to the blue nails, I'm dealing with about a 6 lbs. weight gain (really annoying!); and severe joint discomfort in my left hand.  My DH says it's because I'm on the computer more these days, but, whatever it is, it's not amusing.  I can't even bend my left thumb without much difficulty and pain.  Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

If you haven't PM'd me your name & address, it's not too late. I am already working on an addendum, so please get your info' to me if you overlooked it earlier.  If you aren't sure how to PM, just click on any member's photo, and on the page it takes you to there's a link to send that member a PM (Private Message).    

Who else besides Joyce, Alibug, Lashon, Bette and me is up this week?  Maybe Gail (DesertRider)?  Anyone else?      Deanna

Hello All,

 Another bald beauty here, I started in August as well.  AC X4.  I tend to get too absorbed on these boards so I come when stuff gets too overwhelming, like now.  But I may bounce out after a few weeks if it gets too overwhelming.  I am scheduled for my last AC tomorrow.  #3 was soo bad and I am really scared.  Still not throwing up, but horrible heartburn.  My mouth was so sore I was in excrutiating pain from thursday until today.  Deanna--I have really bad joint pain in my right knee.  I guess it's from the chemo cause I was in bed for almost a week and then it just started hurting, so I know I didn't injure it.  The Dr. said she didn't know why.  Any way I just wanted to know if there are any ideas for what to eat when you have mouth sores, cuz it hurts to even talk.  I was thinking something cold but no spice or salt and not liquid cus the thought of using a straw is too painful.  The magic mouthwash is really gross and doesn't work that well. anyway I am now rambling.  Help!!

Tennille 

hotsyta - ask about changing the formula for the magic mouthwash, mine doesn't taste spectacular, but it's better than the sores, and it keeps mouth numb for about 20 min.  it's a compound, so they can adjust the amount of ingredients if needed.  there's also a newer mouthwash out there, my onco gave me samples, it's called "prevention", it does not numb, but it cleared up the sores in two days, and it's watery like regular mouthwash, not thick like the magic mouthwash.  good luck to you and i hope things get better for you soon!

Hey ladies

I'm half way through!!  Had my last FEC treatment on Friday.  It went well, so far minimal nausea, a little tired.  As for mouthwash, so far I've been using Biotene but I thought there was one that was a combination of Benadry and Maalox, lovely as that sounds. So, now my next 3 are Taxotere.  Not looking forward to that.  Who here has had Taxotere?  Have your SE's been bad?  My onc said that those that do ok with FEC "usually" do ok with Taxotere, but the local ladies I've talked to seem to have had pretty bad SE's.  I will try to think positive but after reading Roya's description of her first treatment, it sounds even scarier!  I don't know if they do that here but I have noticed a couple of little rooms with beds in them in our chemo treatment area.  Any suggestions on how to be prepared?  I was told to ask for a rx for something for pain, will have ice packs on hands and feet and have been using hardener and nail polish on my nails.  Oh well, I'll try to enjoy the next couple of weeks!  It's Thanksgiving here this weekend but we're skipping the big family dinner.  I bought a little turkey for myself and hubby and may have my mom over for dinner.  My sister and gang leave for Disney World this weekend (the trip we were supposed to go on) - wahhhhhhh~!!!!!!

 Ok, enough of my whining, all the best to all of you!  

Hi ladies. well i know i have been missing for a while but i have been in the hospital since friday. it was to be just an over night thing but that didnt work. my wbc was up really high. but i got to come home today. my chemo got puched back which means my end time is pushed back. i am just so happy to be home!!!

I go for MUGA tomorrow morning to check on heart.  They wanted to wait till at least 3 tx.  I now have the very serious chemo metal mouth, it only started yesterday. The magic mouthwash is a compounded script, took me a week to get the bottle.  I have the script somewhere.  Give me few and I'll get you the formula.  If I can't find, I have labs tomorrow and can get the combo. 

Chelli, I have seen this word before....but what is a MUGA?

OMG, I took A/C and didn't get a MUGA first!!!!  I know tha A/C can damage the heart.  Now, if there is damage, I won't be able to prove that it was from the A/C.  I will ask my dr about that with my very next visit!

Yes, Bette, the Taxol will bring on a whole new set of S/E's but I must admit, they don't seem quite as bad as wht I experienced with A/C.  I only had N/V once right after recieving the Taxol.  Now I am having some neuopathy in the form of slight numbing of the fingertips and pain in the joints of my legs when I walk. 

Lashon, hope that you are feeling much better.

Dfont, congrats on being halfway finished!  Time will go by so quickly from here on.  It will be over before you know it.

Stacey, sooooooo glad that your tumor has shrunk so much!  That is wonderful!!!!!

With regards to the chemo, I hadn't realized how much my taste buds have changed until one of my kids complained that dinner was too spicy.  Since starting chemo, my taste buds seem to have a metalic sense and I am sot tasting as well.  In an effort to serve up delicious meals to my family, I didn't realize that I was overcompensating my lack of taste by over seasoning their food!  That situation has quickly been remedied!

Deanna, thanks for the list.  I still have 2 little cracks on each corner of my mouth and they sting if I eat the wrong things.  This is a left over S/E from the A/C.

Misty, hope your labs continue to improve!

Welcome Hotsyta, Glad you found us!