Starting Chemo April 2009

This is my first time posting here..just finished with 4 AC's and feeling so happy about that!  Halfway done.  Now my question is about the Taxol...The nurses at the clinic make it sound like I will need to take the whole day off from work because I will be sleeping the whole time due the benadryl and other drugs.  They also talked about allergic reactions to taxol and that scared me too!!  Has anyone been through this and have some GOOD NEWS?  I haven't been tired at all through my first 4 treatments and don't want to start now!

Yes..dose dense...The doctor said that this was better because it's supposed to work better and we get done alot quicker..which is fine with me.. I would go every week if I could.  I asked the nurses about the claritin/aleve for taxol and for also that hated Nuelasta shot and they had never heard of it before...I'm going to ask them again today when I go for the dumb shot.

Thanks for the advice on the first Taxol infusion..I may as well just plan on taking a day off even though I don't like it.   Benadryl normally makes me wired rather than sleepy.....

Dawn, so nice to have someone to talk to!  You look very young..I am 49 but with my "new hair" I have been getting carded at Wal-mart...funny stuff!    My onc said I will still have to have the neulasta shots even with the Taxol...Oh well, after the radiation is over he is going to cut me loose for 6 months...no bone scans or MRI's or anything....I will be running out of there so fast!...It is something to look forward too...and time does go fast.  I do everything they say because I know it is the best for me..even though I complain about it..I even started walking (even after chemo) because I find it makes me feel better physically and mentally..Do you have kids?  I have 2, a girl that will be 21 and a boy that is 18...they will both be at college this fall so my husband and I will have the empy next syndrome...another change...what a year!

Titan & Denrulzbc - When I had my first neulasta shot I had bone pain so awful I was in the hosp.  The second time I took one Claritin on chemo day, and one for the next two days (neulasta the day after chemo) So, taken like Emend for 3 days. I had absolutely NO PAIN this time, I'm amazed!!  I'm on AC now, my onc. wants me to retry T after the AC, I'm scared because of the rxn I had the second round of TCH.  Much Love, Jessica

Thanks Dawn!  I reacted to the Taxotere, they tried to run it slower and with a wopping dose of Solu-Medrol, but I reacted again, so they think I have a true allergy to it.  I'm doing better on the AC there is a lot of nausea though, my second AC is on Tues. I will have 4 total AC's.   They give lots of benedryl with the taxanes, so expect to be sleepy, and they do take longer than AC.  Keep me posted on how you do!  Jessica

I thought I'd check in to see how everyone is doing.

 I had my second Taxol on Weds and yesterday I felt great! I overdid it with end of year stuff for the kids, and am exhausted today, but will go and take a nap in a bit. I'm slightly achey from the Taxol, but nothing that can't be ignored!  My appetite is funny, not the usual hunger, I think because I'm not on steroids, which is a relief!

 I'm hoping to have a relaxing weekend and rest up for more end of school year responsibilities and then having the kids home from school!

Hope everyone is doing okay.

 Pam

In the Homestretch!!!

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Chemo #4 went really well yesterday. As crowded and packed as it was at Chemo #3, yesterday was just the opposite. Hardly anyone there. I did check-in with one of the newbies who's on the same schedule (and chemo cocktail) with me, and she reported that she did relatively well post her first chemo! I was happy to hear that and to see her back at Chemo #2, more relaxed and ready to get through all 6! She and I will miss each other for the next chemo round (it was orginally scheduled for July 3rd, but that's the day everyone is recognizing the Holiday, including the Outpatient Chemo Center) so I'm rescheduled for the 2nd and she's coming in on the 6th. But we will see each other again on the 24th of July which will mark the halfway point for her and the END OF CHEMO for ME!!! Graduation Day!

I've gained 4 pounds so now I'm back to my pre-chemo weight. I think I've been losing/gaining the same 5 pounds of water weight this whole time and the nurses agree. *pffft*

It is heartwarming and wholly reassuring that my docs and nurses are so happy with my response to chemo and the fact that I haven't gained/lost dramatic amounts of weight. They tell me to keep doing what I'm doing and to try NOT to lose weight right now, eat what my body wants and will tolerate and add light exercise as I can.

Like I said the last time, my fatigue levels are increasing as I get more chemo, but I am pushing through that too. Many people have commented that I have not slowed down noticeably. But to slow down would drive me crazy. I've managed to cope with my slightly erratic sleep patterns due to steroids and "chemo-pause" without sleeping pills (OTC or prescription) and it is my intention to keep it that way. I don't want to be dependent on them.

My numbers look good, dropping, as expected, but not into the "danger zone." My prayer request for the next three weeks is that my HCT (hematocrit) doesn't get below 24, because then I would need a blood transfusion and it would delay chemo. My HCT numbers for last 4 chemo sessions have been 35.6, 32.6, 31.2, and 31.1. My oncologist doesn't seem to think with only 2 chemo's left that my droppage rate will get me into the danger zone, but that is still my fervent prayer request! We'll all PRAY and send positive vibes/energy, and I'll keep enjoying great steaks every so often...and yes, even beets. *blech* I'm still borderline anemic, but I went into chemo that way. Because the onc won't permit me to take any supplements or vitamins while on chemo, I think it's amazing and a testament to the power of prayer that my numbers are still hovering in the acceptable zones. So I thank you and petition your continued prayers!

As summer approaches, I'm happy to report that after my last chemo, I will be traveling to St. Ignace, one of my favorite places on the planet, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! We will fly into Detroit and then drive 5 hours directly north and cross Mackinac Bridge into St. Ignace. We normally go in November, but I'm happy to be able to go when the weather will be WARM!

Then I will have the T6 (ta-ta-to-the-ta-ta's) Party either the Friday or Saturday before my mastectomy (8/21 or 8/22). More details about this as the time nears! I'm so excited!

For those confused about the purpose of the T6 Party, it's not so much about losing my breasts, it about celebrating LIFE! Joyously thanking God and my supporters/angels here on Earth for helping me through the journey thus far, and affiriming collective positive attitudes as I continue to reach for survival!

The T6 party will include music and dancing, awesome food, prayer, reflection, entertainment, and inspiring remarks from cancer survivors, friends, clergy/pastors in attendance, and anyone on my ChemoSabe Crew who wants to say something. And I just might have a few things to say! LOL!!!

And did I mention gift bags for every attendee, door prizes, and a silent auction to raise money for comfort & care items for the Outpatient Chemo Center I go to? The nurses there do SUCH an amazing job, and there are some things I want to be able to provide to make the experience there (already marvelous) even better!

So the question of the week is, what are YOU looking forward to in the next few months? Share your Summer Joy with me!

Alaina

Good to read that so many of you are doing well and looking forward - beyond chemo. I have my 4th and last TC on Tuesday, June 16 so I am also hoping my blood levels will be ok. I am looking forward to the end. But as many of you know, I went through this 4 years ago and thought, back then, that I would never have to do this again. But since I had mx this time, I hope that this will indeed be a new beginning. Rads start on July 6. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Alaina- So good to hear from you. I was concerned that things were not going well when I had not seen any postings from you for a while. So glad that everything is going so well. The home stretch is definitely worth celebrating!! I have 2 more treatments. #5 is due 6/25 and #6 and the last will be 7/16. I am counting down and will also be celebrating the end of chemo. My husband and I may go to Deep Creek Lake for a weekend in August when the treatments are over and my energy level is coming back.  

Helen- So sorry that this is the 2nd time that you had to go through this journey. Congrats on the 16th being your last chemo treatment. Hope that the radiation treatments go well and that you are on the road to a new cancer free beginning. God Bless- Paula 

Hi All,

I haven't posted in a reeeally looong time....Just had my TC#3, with a reduced dose as I had bad neuropathy from the second treatment.  It is much better now, taking extra vit B complex and L-Glutanmine & L-Carnitine.  I have been going to the gym, until this past week, four days a week.  But I, like many of you have retained weight that seems to come and go depending on the week.  The reduced dose made a huge difference though, and the leg and knee swelling wasn't as pronounced.  I haven't had periods since the second treatment but I still have ovulation pains, which I feel add insult to injury!

Have tried a few recipes to curb the awful Taxotere flavour: cucumbers with natural yogurt, dill, olive oil, lemon and a pinch of sea salt; kale chopped and "massaged" with some sea salt until it gets soft, with almonds, 1 green apple (chopped), lemon juice and olive oil.  I also drink almond milk and coconut water.  I didn't know until recently that lemon is alkaline during digestion, so it helps with the heartburn too, along with Pepsid AC and aloe vera juice...Just wanted to share some of these with you...

Since yesterday I have been waking up with what I thought were flea bites on my bald head and elbows, but reading the forums I see that it could be hives from the chemo...every treatment a new set of SE, never a dull moment!!

Enjoy the rest of Sunday!!

P. 

Lena,

Good to hear from you.  Don't worry, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, at least not for me.  I haven't voiced the feelings you have, but lately, I've been feeling the same way - I look at myself with no hair, mangled boob, fat, thin colorless brows and now my beautiful eyelashes falling out, 2 months post last chemo, and I think, what a sexless blob I have become.  I feel bad for my husband, who has been wonderful these last 5 months, but it has to be hard on him, not only because I am no longer thinking about sex anymore, and more than that, who would want to look at me?  I'm almost done with radiation, and it is cumulative - I am tired, I hurt and am swollen.  I want myself back!!

You are not alone.

Lena:  I agree with everything you wrote.  I would like to say your not alone...I believe each and everyone of us are feeling or have felt exactly how you feel.  My thinking is we can't always be upbeat and at times we feel like if we don't vent how we feel we will absolutely burst.  My dear lady do know your not alone.  Many miles separate all of us but we are in this together.  We are the only ones who truly understands loosing what we felt was our womanhood and that includes our boob(s), hair, weight gain, no energy and the list goes on.  As far as sex the hardest thing I had to do is tell hubby I had no sex drive.  Hubby never asked nor pushed but I felt I had to tell him the truth.  He told me that since I was sick it hadn't entered his mind.  We focused on my getting past the SEs and nothing more.  Lena when I had my surgery I can't count the times I would say I felt like a freak.  I got past that.  Then chemo came and the hair went also and the weight poured on.  I waddle when I walk thanks to severe swollen feet.  My legs are no longer younger looking.  Bottom line at 55 I no longer take my Premarin, I feel like a old lady.  But you know as with many of not all of us I had a hard time with everything.  I would cry and scream at a drop of a pin.  I had to be put on anti-depression medicine.  I even fought that.  I felt damn more drugs.  But now having been on it for a while I not only don't feel drugged, I can think clearer (do have chemo brain however).  I am not telling you do run out and get a depression drug, but my dear lady it has helped me greatly.  Life isn't all sunshine and prayers.  Since I am taking this drug I am better able to find good things.  Yup I do complain about the pain in the feet and hands.  But I look for those little hairs on my head that are growing.  I am working on finding one positive thing a day.  So Lena, do know your not alone and please stay here with us.  I am not until all of this BC stuff a person to ever let anyone know my inner feelings or thoughts...however here I feel the trust, love and true understanding of others and that has truly helped me through this rugged journey.  I am done with my chemo as of June 3rd.  I hung in there even though I wanted to quit and just give up.  I also feel the old me is gone...but I am trying to slowly put a positive equation into the mix and have a better me.  I look back and I don't think I really cared for the old Nadine, so I hope over time the new one will be more forgiving, and stronger.

Everyone:

Looking at the wide range of costs for the same shots/treatments it really is a racket.  I would think the drugs are manufactured by primarily the same companies.  Makes a person wonder what is seriously wrong.  They have us over a barrel, we need the drugs so with good or bad insurance they know someone is going to pay up.  I know people who have no insurance at all and because of pride won't ask for a free mammogram.  And to top it if you can't get help then your screwed.  I know everyone wants to see the most current tax returns if you ask for help and for most last year was a good year....before cut hours and for many loosing their jobs.  When folks are asking for help consideration needs to be taken that last year is done and gone...this year isn't looking so wonderful for most folks.

Nadine

Wow...everyone is bitchy today!  Must be Monday....I feel exactly the same way as you all do!  I am half done with treatments..4 taxols to go but for some reason I just want to QUIT!   I hate the Neulasta shot and how it makes me feel!  I'm just sitting here crying right now just because I'm tired of TREATMENTS!  I absolutely hate that word...plus my freaking wig hurts...plus even though the doctor said that after 4 taxols and radiation I will be cut loose for 6 months for some reason I really don't believe him!

Hello ladies... I'm so glad many of you feel the way I do, I feel like I don't know my body anymore.  Talk about sexless... I'm going to have a bilat mastectomy and a total hysterectomy in the fall after chemo's done.  Will I even be a girl anymore? I'm 34, and divorced... outlook does not look good for dating in the future!

Titan:  I had terrible bone pain with Neulasta, then with my last treatment I took Clairitin (OTC allergy med) 1 tab the day before chemo, chemo day and the the day after chemo, and had NO PAIN!!  Clairitin is a H2 receptor blocker, and it amazingly worked, no pain and blood counts were good!  I will surely be taking it again, next chemo is tomorrow!  Much Love to all!  Jessica

Thanks Dawn and Jessica!  I was just having a bad moment...and you guys are both so positive... Yes..I still have to have the shot...but I am going to work on the doctor to try to get out of it.. !!  Maybe if I whine enough????

Yes..Dawn..I did receive your message but I'm too stupid to reply to it..I'll try again...