Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Lainey64 · February 2009

Tricia - I too get an occasional sore throat from the Taxol. I drink hot tea and that helps.

BonnieK · February 2009

Tricia -- The doc told me there are different types of TEs with different ports and mine just happens to have a big metal one. (The doc did a CT scan yesterday to check.) You are right that there can be skin damage with or without a metal port, but it would likely be worse with one. My radiation oncologist is willing to do the radiation first if necessary, but the preference is to have the PS do the exchange surgery first as long as rads can start within 8 weeks of my last chemo. I hope your fatigue improves soon!

I tried false eyelashes too and decided they are just way too much trouble. My lashes and brows are really thin and there are some empty spots, but that's just how it's going to be for awhile. The brows are pretty easy to cover with wig bangs or fill in with a pencil and powder. The lashes may just go missing for awhile.

Simvog - feel better soon and thanks for keeping that huge list up to date!

Bonnie

Firni · February 2009

There are a lot of different types of expanders. Some have a large port, some small. Some have a port that is attached to a line and not the expander itself and some even have the port outside of the skin! Maybe that's why PS and Rad Oncs like to do different things with everyone.

sdavis · February 2009

Hey all, I know its been a while. I have been very very tired with this tx I am day 10 tx #4 and finally feeling human today. I slept most of last week away. On the good hand that is the only side effect this tx. My fingers are a little more sensative but not so bad I cant type or function. I wasnt constipated at all this time around.I just slept. and slept and slept lol

I hope all are doing okay. Lisa I am so sorry to hear about your sister in law. Your family has already been in my prayer because of you and your sister but now to hear about your sister in law I am so very sad for you.

Sue

Texas357 · February 2009

Simvog, if you have time can you please add my name back to your list?

I've finished the 3 FEC treatments, and I've got 6 of the 9 Taxotere treatments remaining.

#4: 2/24

#5 3/3

#6 3/10

#7 3/24

#8 3/31

#9 4/7

What do your chemo departments do on the last chemo day? Our nurses have the patient ring a bell. Personally, I'd like to open a bottle of champagne but that may be asking a bit much.

sdavis · February 2009

Tex our chemo center doesnt do anything special for the last one except a hug as you leave.

swest · February 2009

Mine said see ya in 3 months. No huggs & no bells! Oh well, I will ring my own bell! Tongue out

lisasayers · February 2009

Thank so much for all of the prayers...they are greatly appreciated. It has been a really long day and I'm exhuasted. My son, who is stationed in the coast guard, and his wife and our grandkids were already planning on coming for a visit this weekend, as we have not met our latest grandson....had to call and tell him to bring his uniform, as he is going to be a pall bearer. Just not the visit we had hoped for!

Our cancer center gives out little golden apple pins on a card that says, "If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, we have this wish for you--By wearing this small apple Good health may follow you. Congratulations on completing your treatments"

Thanks again everybody...

Firni · February 2009

My cancer center doesn't do anything that I know of. I might not know until my last one. I like the apple pin idea.

mmliv · February 2009

Lisa - Praying for your family; fortunately God knows the specifics.

Had first radiation therapy today and truly no big deal. No difference or soreness yet, or any fatigue. Be nice if it stays that way.

mary L

apfuentes · February 2009

My cancer center didn't do anything for my last treatment either. For me, it was all anti-climatic anyway b/c I feel like I've lost my "safety net" now...is that strange to feel that way? Don't get me wrong, I am sooo happy chemo is over, but I feel like "now what?"

lktracey · February 2009

HI all. Have stayed offf for awhile again to get my head together. Well, just like apfuentes, my chemo sister, we are done with chemo!!!!

Day 3 TX#4!!! Feel like crap,but I am a chick who wen through chemo like the rest of you wonderful ladies here and lived to tell about it.

Go back in a few weeks to my Onc. to find out what if any f/u treatment I will get/need.

Went out in style when I accidentally pulled my IV out and christened my end of the chemo suite in lovely blood! Bet they won't forget me!!

Hair started growing back after #2, thought it would go for #3, and yet is still growing. We'll see if the final one gets it all! Eyebrows are good, lashes a little less full, but just started to wear mascara and that seems to work for the special occaisions.

I can't believe how quickly the chemo passed! I also know that alot of you have some long journeys ahead. I will keep each of you in my prayers.

Without this group, my sanitiy would need to be found in some psychologist's office. This is the best "therapy" women with breast cancer could have. Thanks to all for the ideas, support, and permittance for the "whining" and poor pitiful me days!

Blessings to all!

Lauren Tracey

mmliv · February 2009

Thanks Lauren for saying it so well. What a wonderful group for support and suggestions. Advance preparation and knowledge help us all manage; thank you all for sharing.

Mary L

Catrenae · February 2009

My cancer center gives you a certificate, but I'm not sure what it says. One of the ladies was completing her last tx the last time I was there and I saw the nurses give it to her. We also have a bell with a saying that you're suppsed to ring for your last tx.

Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Cat

Firni · February 2009

Apfuentes, I think a lot of people are, in a weird way, afraid to be done with chemo coz then we aren't "doing anything" any more. We don't see our doc all the time and it's scary to be on our own with this. I haven't talked to my onc yet to see what kind of follow up he does. I still have two Tx so I think I'll ask at the next one so I have some time to get used to the plan. What ever it is.

colleen1960 · February 2009

For my last tx I sent edible fruit arrangements to the chemo lab for them all to share. They were so helpful and caring that I wanted to do something special for them. They all came around and thanked me and everyone was there for big hugs at the end. They also said that even though I was done to poke my head in once in a while to say hello, because they love to see how everyone is months later. My TE definitely has metal in it. When I was leaving the hospital after surgery they gave me a special card to use if I was traveling, because I would set off the metal detectors at the airport. And I was so show the card and they could call the Dr. But of course I never went anywhere. I hope everyone is doing well today and Congrats!!! to everyone who is finishing treatments this week.

Hugs,

Colleen

Lainey64 · February 2009

Hi ladies. I don't know if my cancer center does anything for the last one either. I guess I'll find out on March 12th. When I was in there last Friday for my TX they had a full spread of valentine goodies for us to eat. They are always doing something nice. I agree with Lauren, it does seem to be going by pretty fast. I heard in the beginning that it would go quickly but I didn't believe it.

I went to the movies last night with a friend and I felt ok. By the end my legs were starting to hurt a bit and I was ready to get home. It felt good to be out doing something "normal" again. I've turned into such a homebody since all this started. Well, I was always a homebody but even more so now. I am going to go workout at Curves tomorrow. I called yesterday and spoke with the manager and told her to take me off medical hold status. It's time to get back into action!

Apfuentes, I think a lot of women feel the same way. I asked my Oncologist a few weeks ago and he said he will follow up with blood tests every 3 mths. I'm scared, for sure. Unlike the ladies who can follow up with Tamoxifen, I do not have any followup drugs to take. I'm going to rely on exercise and eating right and taking whatever natural supplements I can!

Good luck ladies. Love, Elaine

swest · February 2009

Has anyone asked about what can be done for the night sweats and hot flashes. I am mainly have night sweats but it wakes me up several times a night. Is there anything we can do? I am one who likes to sleep so waking up every two hours is driving me crazy.

Sonia

Texas357 · February 2009

Sonia, since you are ER-/PR- you might be able to use estrogen, which would help with the night sweats and hot flashes. Ask your oncologist. Many of us are ER+/PR+ and just have to put up with the sweating. I think my body is FINALLY adjusting as the sweats aren't as frequent as they once were.

Lainey64 · February 2009

I asked my Oncologist about this when I missed my period and it was clear that it wasn't going to start. I'm not having night sweats but have bad cramps from time to time and also very moody. LIke extreme PMS! I know it's my hormones totally out of whack. So since I'm trip neg I asked my Doctor if I could take something like Estroven or some other estrogen supplement. He said "no". Even though I'm trip neg and my cells aren't estrogen fed, he still doesn't want to risk it because really "they just don't know". So I wasn't cleared to take anything for the menopause symptoms.

Texas357 · February 2009

Bloody nose update: Anyone else on Neupogen? I was just on its website and found that bloody noses are a typical side effect. Not sure if it's also true for Neulasta but I plan to ask my oncologist about adjusting the dosage slightly.

Catrenae · February 2009

Sonia & Lainey -- I'm right there with you. I've been having night sweats, hot flashes during the day and my period is a week late. (And I have NEVER been late. Last month's was on time but very light.) This hasn't been fun for the past couple of weeks. I'll see my onc. next Thursday before my first round of Taxol. Hopefully she'll let me know if I can take something...

Hang in there ladies,

Cat

EleanorJ · February 2009

Not on Neupogen nor Neulasta and I've been having the bloody nose.

TX4: Day 11 - I just realized that I haven't had to call my onc this time around!! WOOHOO!!

Cat - Have you been getting your period through chemo? poor thing, that's the one SE I was hoping for

BonnieK · February 2009

Today was my last chemo -- I'm done! -- woohoo! Next appointment with onc is in a month to talk about the hormone inhibiting therapy. Exchange surgery/port removal will be scheduled for mid-March and radiation will be after that. Onc ordered Flonase for my constantly dripping nose and post nasal drip so I'll let you know how that works. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Time for a nap.

Bonnie

lisasayers · February 2009

I haven't had a period since my second TX....don't miss it! I'm also having the drenching night sweats. Have a few during the day, but nothing like at night! Had one the other night when we were out to dinner...the poor waiter probably thought I was getting excited over him! ROFL

havehope · February 2009

Updated list:

mimiwhite #4 -1-Feb 4xTC Laughing

Grancy11 #3 2 Feb 6xTC

LindaBusEd #-4 3 Feb 6xTAC

mmliv #4 3-Feb 4xTC Laughing

zuffa #4 - 4 Feb 6xTAC

Brenny # 4- 4 Feb 4xTC Laughing

Catrenae #4 5 Feb 4xAC Laughing +12xTaxol

Romiles #3 5 Feb

isasayers #4- 6Feb 4xTC Laughing

bobcat #4- 6Feb TC

sdavis #4 9-Feb 6xTC

cebula #4 9 Feb 6xTC

Majanumba1 #4 9-Feb TCH

horsercn #1 9 Feb (TH) 4xAC Laughing +12 Taxol+Herceptin

Colleen1960 #8 9- Feb CMF

Bold #3 9 Feb 6xTCH

Firni #4 11 Feb 6xTC

ptjen #4 11 feb 4xTC Laughing

DrDecker #3 11 Feb 4xTC

CindaD #4 12-Feb 4xTC Laughing

swest #4 13 Feb 4xTC Laughing

Lainey64 #2T 13 Feb 4xAC Laughing +4xTaxol

simvog #4 16 Feb 4xFAC Laughing +12xTaxol

iktracey #4 17 Feb 4xTC Laughing

apfuentes #4 17 Feb 4xTC Laughing

Mandy1313 #5 17 Feb CMF

bkokie #4 19 Feb 4xTC Laughing

mombos #4 19 Feb 6xTC

busqueen #4 20 Feb 4xAC Laughing +12xTaxol

Grancy11 # 4 23 Feb 6xTC

Texas357 T#4 24 Feb 3xFEC Laughing +9xTaxotere

LindaBusEd #5 24 Feb 6xTAC

zuffa #5- 25 Feb 6xTAC

Catrenae T#1 26Feb 4xAC Laughing +12xTaxol

Romiles #4 26 Feb Laughing

cebula #5 2 March 6xTC

Majanumba1 #5 2 March 6xTCH

Bold #4 2 March 6xTCH

sdavis #5 2 March 6xTC

Texas357 T#5 3 March 3xFEC Laughing +9xTaxotere

DrDecker #4 4 March 4xTC Laughing

Firni #5 4 March 6xTC

simvog T1-T12 13 March-29 May 4xFAC Laughing +12xTaxol

Texas357 T#6 10 March 3xFEC Laughing +9xTaxotere

Lainey64 #4T 12 March 4xAC Laughing +4xTaxol

cebula #6 23 March 6xTC Laughing

Majanumba1 #6 23 March 6xTCH Laughing

Bold #5 23 March 6xTCH

sdavis #6 23 March 6xTC Laughing

Texas357 T#7 24 March 3xFEC Laughing +9xTaxotere

Firni #6 25 March 6xTC Laughing

Texas357 T#8 31 March 3xFEC Laughing +9xTaxotere

Texas357 T#9 4 April 3xFEC Laughing +9xTaxotere

Bold #6 13 April 6xTCH Laughing

Brenny · February 2009

My center didn't do anything for last tx - don't even think they knew.

For those in the group who are going on to radiation - don't forget to sign into the rad thread so we can continue to share there. There is a March thread set up.

But let's do continue to check in here time to time!! Couldn't have done it without this group!!

Catrenae · February 2009

Cebula & Lisasayers -- Yes, I had to deal with my period through the first 3 tx. Lucky me! I was b*tching to my friend that at least that would have been one GOOD S.E. to have!

Simvog-- I start my 12 weekly rounds of Taxol on Feb. 26 if you want to update the list.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Cat

colleen1960 · February 2009

Bonie- Congratulations on finishing up. I hope that you will feel good. You seem to be about the on the same schedule has me. My onc wanted to see me in 1 mths. time and my exchange surgery is 3/26 (approx 6 wks. after chemo). I have not had my period since the day of my 1st surgery. Yes I woke up the morning of surgery and got my period, but that was the last time. I also am having hot flashed and night sweats. For me the ones in the day seem worse then the ones at night. My son was sitting on the couch with me last week and I had a blanket on and I startedt o get a hot flash and I think he thought I was crazy. He is only 10 1/2 so I just said for now it was the medicine from chemo. He was like ok!! I was taking neuopgen everyday for 7 days between treatments. My nose got really bad mid way through the treatments. It still bleeds but not has bad has it had.

Hope everyone has a really nice weekend,

Colleen

BonnieK · February 2009

Thanks, Colleen. I had my Neulasta shot this morning and then went and bought a new wig. It's a Raquel Welch and is a cute, short, razor cute style, blonde with darker highlights. It's a more fun look and more comfortable than my other wig.

The steroids kept me up most of last night, as did the hot flashes and cold chills. I asked the onc about the hot flashes and he said it is the chemo doing its work to get rid of the estrogen. Chemo will be replaced by whatever hormone inhibitor he chooses, so the hot flashes and cold chills are going to be around for quite awhile.

Flonase seems to have helped my nose quite a bit already -- no more constant dripping and the sinus pressure is better. It could also be the steroids, which have also turned my face a nice, bright pink color and made me very hyper and hungry.

Two of our three, fifteen year old cats are sick today with stomach problems. The vet gave me some special food and it seems to be helping a little. If they aren't better by tomorrow, we'll take them to the vet. Having elderly pets is sometimes worrisome and expensive, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Have a nice weekend, everyone.

Bonnie

Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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