Starting Chemo in July 2009
Comments
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PS73 - Sorry you have been feeling so bad. It doesn't seem fair that any of us are here, but I suspect God is testing us and there are lessons for us to learn. I also believe we will come through this, and in the end be stronger and better than before. Try to stay positive and hang in there! Things will get better! In regard to a port, I do not have one and have been doing OK.
Shelclaire - My side effects have also thankfully been manageable. My only real concern has been neuropathy (numbness in fingers and toes). Despite having hot flashes after my first treatment, my period (darn it) came right on time and was its usual self. I read that how much you have side effects is not at all related to the effectiveness of the treatment. Everyone just reacts differently.
Best wishes everyone!
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Hello Triple J's,
Hope all are doing as best they can through this trying time in our lives. Since my last (4th AC) Monday, my SEs were slight fatigue on Sat and Sun so took a 3 hr nap both days, some sleeplessness (woke up early a couple days) and food didn't taste bad, but didn't taste at all. Overall AC wasn't as bad as I thought, but I'm glad I'm done.
I'm a little anxious about this next round which is Taxol every 2 weeks. I heard Claritin the day before, day of and next 4 days helps with bone pain. I also plan to take L Glutamine and load up on vitamin water full of vitamin B. It's very strange, I never shaved my head and hair is growing back around my hairline - very strange so I plan to ask my Onc this Friday.
PS73 - My heart goes out to you and I hope things get better soon. You are a trooper and I admire your spunk, fight and attitude!
Wishing all no or minimal SEs.
Prayers and hugs to all!
Connie
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Good morning ladies. First time poster, long time lurker. Before I ask my question I have to clear up one issue, I am not the breast cancer patient, my wife is. I have been reading these discussion bords since my wife was diagnosed with Stage 2A lobular breast cancer in March. After her diagnosis she has had a lumpectomy 2cm with an ancillary dissection (16 nodes removed one positive with cancer cells). She also had a 2nd surgery to make sure that her margings were good. She is currently going through her Chemo treatment that started in early July. She is getting 6 treatments of Cytoxan and Taxotere spaced 3 weeks apart followed by 6 weeks of radiation. This week my wife will be getting her 3rd treatment and thank God she has been doing very good so far. I have to thank you ladies for the GREAT!!!! tips, tricks and the remedies that you have posted that I and my wife attribute to her doing so well so far with her Chemo. The question we have is she is geting all these pimples on the top of her head that really hurt. We have tried Clearasil, baby powder, vasiline, and bacitracin so far with limited results. She does wear a wig during the day as my wife works in Human Resources and meets with many many people. I have tried to get her to just wear a scarf during the day at work but she is a little to vain to just wear the scarf. Under the wig she has tried a nylon skull cap and Headline It. Once my wife gets home from work she either wears just a cotton scarf or nothing on her head. Has anyone gotten these type pimples on the top of their head and what did you do for relief. Thanks from a Dazzed & Confused husband and bless all of you that are going through this.
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PS73 - So sorry to hear you're having clotting problems with your port - it must be scary to go through. All of this is hard enough as it is, we don't need complications like that on top of it all.
I'm having only 4 rounds of T/C every 3 weeks, so I don't have a port. I had my 3rd tx yesterday. The nurse used a vein on the side of my arm about 2 inches from my wrist the first 2 times and it was fine. Yesterday she switched to a vein about 2/3 of the way up the inside of my arm from my wrist toward the crook of my elbow. I have a little bruising from that, but it didn't hurt, so I think it is fine. I think there are all sorts of veins they can use that we have no idea are there and I saw on one of your previous posts that you are young, so I'm guessing it is likely you've got a bunch of good veins they can use. They might just switch around from time to time to give ones they've already used a break for a while as my nurse did yesterday.
I hope your condition stabilizes right away and that you are feeling better soon!
((((((((HUGS))))))))
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PS73, I do not have a port, had the 4 AC and tomorrow I start the Taxol & Herceptin. They can only use my right arm (surg was left mastectomy & nodes) and so far so good, arm hasn't bothered me, only once my hand was sore & black and blue cause they tried to use a vein there and couldn't.
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PS73.....Hang in there sweetie....I feel so bad for you right now. Cancer does suck and there is just NOTHING good about it. So be pissed off and I hope and pray that you are feeling better with each post!
Dazed....How sweet of you to be posting for your wife, I am sure she is a very lucky woman to have you and your amazing support. Sorry I can't hep with the pimple thing, Haven't had that issue!
Have a wonderful day...Minimal SE...Happy thoughts!!!
Linda
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Dazed and Confused - I haven't had that problem myself so far, but I've read that many other women have - sounds like it might be folliculitis. I've read that a couple people used a cotton ball to apply 3% hydrogen peroxide and it felt good and worked quickly.
I've read other ladies have washed their heads with an antibacterial soap like Dial and then applied an antibiotic cream like Neosporin. They recommend against an ointment because it's greasy. Some have used 1% clindamycin solution - might need a prescription for that. Those are a few things that I found.
For more info, you might try a search on these boards on folliculitis, but some of the posts are from people with folliculitis in their armpits and are about concerns about lymphedema - these wouldn't apply to your wife's situation, so you might want to skip those.
Glad to hear that she is doing so well. Hope her scalp clears up soon.
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PS73 I hope you are feeling better now. I am another one who does not have a port. I have had 3 rounds of chemo so far and they have used veins in my right hand (non cancer side). I need to do another 3 rounds so I am hoping that they can either continue to use my hand or move up to my arm. I have not had a problem with my hand, just a slight bruise that soon fades and a bit of an achy feeling in my arm a few days later. The nurse told me to use Ibuleve, ibuprofen gel, on my arm if this happened.
Dazed-and-Confused I had a few pimples on my head and I tried a tip that I saw on another thread. This is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide. I moistened a cotton ball with a bit of water, added the hydrogen peroxide and dabbed this on the pimples. It seemed to work for me, either that or they went on their own. My pimples appeared after I had been wearing my wig more than usual, I try to leave my head bare as much as possible; difficult if you are working I know.
PauldingMom good for you for agreeing to speak at your daughter's college! I look forward to hearing how it goes.
Hang in there all you Triple J's, we will all get through this.
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Hey everyone, I am one of the portless ones. I did not get a port because they thought that i would only do 4. Found a node so 8 but no port. The did have to stick me 3 times then we found a good vein in the arm and we have used that the last two times and it works fine. Anyone having hot flashes??? I am getting them today and yesterday. Some of them are pretty intense. Never had them before, what to do about them. On the head thing, I go around the house with nothing on. Got in a car the other day and drove to see my husband and forgot to take a hat, who cares. I just wear a cap when going to town. My family takes me bald. The grandkids think is is funny to rub my bald head and laugh. Chemo #5 tomorrow. On the downward slope. yeah. Hugs and Strength to everyone Dianne
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DAZEDAND CONFUSED....Yes....I had and still have bumps on my head. I wash with an antibacterial soap and at first tried an antibacterial cream. Didn't make them disappear, however. After someone here recommended hydrogen peroxide I have discontinued the cream. The peroxide has helped immensely to dry them up but there are still some hanging on. I just made an appointment with a dermatologist to get his opinion as well. I have just finished chemo and want to get the full scoop before my hair starts growing back. Mine are very itchy as well which has been driving me crazy. I try to wash the headgear frequently and change my pillowcase often in case that is part of the problem. Will let you know next week what doctor has to say. Patti
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You guys are so supportive, thank you. I feel better already from all of you wonderful ladies (and men)! ..thanks for the port info, Im more at ease knowing that its do-able.
Regarding the scalp - my surgeons mother, a BC survivor, put a list together of things that will aid the SEs from chemo (I posted it on the More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo). She used Rosemary Oil with grape oil for the scalp. I have no idea if it worked but thought I would post it here in case.
Be strong lovely people.
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step58 - I too had bad hot flashes after my first treatment (but not after the second, go figure). Here is the summary of suggestions I got from the Triple J's for dealing with hot flashes:
- put an ice cube on your wrist
- put a cool towel or pack on the back of your neck
- close yourself up in the coolest room in the house
Hope these help!
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Thank you for the tip on the hydrogen peroxide. We never thought of that and we will give it a try. Again I really do not know how we would have gone through this without all the great information in these discussion groups.
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Pauldingmom - I think your topics are great - also benefits of mamograms - my first cancer was found only through the mammogram
SallyMae - had not thought about looking for hats at the Dollar Store - thanks for the "heads up" - no pun intended.
PS73 - thinking about you and hoping for brighter days ahead. I spent 3 weeks in sheer agony because my nurse after treatment 2 told me that after treatment 3 I would not want to come back. Hang in there! We're all here for you. Catching up on the postings - just saw your last one and happy that you are feeling better! I know that it's hard, but try to save your energy for getting better.
I got upset at work today and thought people can be so STUPID - One of the women I work with actually emailed the boss because she did not like the say I designed an internal form. I was so angry that she did not communicate with me. She has such tunnel vision - can't see any way but her way. I got home and got over it quickly after talking with DMF (dear man friend). She will not get to me. As I told another colleague - I have better, more important things that my energy must be spent on! This disease will make all of us "not sweat the small stuff - and as we all know it's all small stuff - when faced with the battles that we are facing.
Connie - was TX #4 about the same as 3 for you. It took me a little longer to get over #3 Something weird during the A infusion - about 20 minutes into infusion, I began to feel nauseus - they brought me lunch, but I could not eat it.
Welcome dazed & confused - I was on the June discussion group also - and we were blessed by the presence of one dear husband! It was nice to hear his perspective. Ask anything - believe me no subject is off limits with our group!
Pam
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Hello TJs. I haven't posted in a few days but I read everything every day and think of you all.
Today had not been a good day. I own and operate an academic year preschool and it's time to get ready for the new school year. For the first time ever, I asked for help getting school all cleaned up and this morning was our first work day with several parents and teachers coming to help. Part way through the morning, I feel dizzy and think I'd better sit down. Next thing I know I'm lying on the floor with a parent asking if I'm ok!!!! I banged my head on a table - must be a hard head as I can't feel a bump, but must have twisted my foot as I went down as it quite painful. I felt terrible having this happen in fromt of parents. I have been doing so well and need parents to know all will be well at school even though I dealing with bc. So frustrating.
Just had to moan a bit. Hopefully this was my bad day which seems to happen about a week out form tx and they will all see a different me on Thursday for our next work day.
Thanks for listening everyone.
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Hi Gill, Sorry about for what happened to you. Did you faint? or Did you fall down because you were dizzy? . I know when we start feeling better we want to do everything. Try to take it easy maybe it was too hot.
Ill be thinking about you.
<<<<HUGS>>>>
Sheila -
Gilly- You do have an assistant helping you in class, correct? Sounds like you just over did it. Listen to your body, if you're tired STOP. It's our minds telling us we can do it all, when actually our bodies may be pooped out! So sorry this happened to you.
I need to research Radiation now that it's coming up. Anyone want to start a "Starting Radiation in Sept." group?
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Hi girls, PS73 I opted not to have a port on the suggestion of my doctor. I have had two treatments now and no problems so far. The girls in the chemo room are so used to putting them in, you hardly know when they do it. So far the have used the back of my hand. No bruising or anything. I too have had few side effects, only about 5 days of feeling lousy, body aches, nausia, scoots etc.
Poulding mom, you can bet I'll have the camera rolling. Wouldn't miss this for anything!!!
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PauldingMom - That is so cool that you will be speaking at your daughter's college. Speaking in front of a large audience, along with skydiving, are on my bucket list....LOL! I don't know why, I'm really not a shy person, but I have always been easily intimidated by authority figures and large groups focused directly on me. Anyway, like you, cancer has given me a different outlook on life, and I'm a lot braver.
Self-examination and prevention are great topics. I had a normal mammogram eight months before I felt a lump in my left breast, so self-examination is very, very important! I would advise anyone with a family history of breast cancer not to rely solely on a mammogram. Perhaps a yearly ultrasound or MRI in addition to a mammogram.
Good luck, and take care!
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Dazed and Confused
It's great to see you here! And Kudos to all those husbands out there who are so involved in the care and treatment of their women. I don't know what I would do without my husband. He has been so supportive and helpful in every way. He even takes me for my chemo and sits around and joins in the conversations until I make him leave...LOL! Of course, that's the way it should be but some men just can't handle it, and that is a real shame.
I still have my hair, but I have tiny sores on my head. My husband gets them, too, and says it's from sweating. I will try the antibacterial soap. I don't know why I didn't think of it before because I have been using Dial antibacterial soap for bathing. You're right, it's probably because your wife wears wigs for too many hours at a time? Make sure the wig allows for circulation, and try wearing a cotton cap or liner that breathes.
Good luck, and take care!
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Hi to all!! Just wanted to check in. I have not been up to reading the posts. My count was down again with rouind 3 of AC so I have had a shot Mon., Tues, Wed. hope its up tomorrow. This stuff if really kicking me in the #** anyone esle with low counts with AC?
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I'm in between treatments (one more to go in Sept.), but I personally think it's more than okay to be pissed, upset, depressed, whatever (especially after all you had to go through PS73)! My last treatment I cried a lot during days 5-6 after and initially couldn't understand why - I'd been positive all along - thankful it was found on mammo, that I didn't need as harsh a chemo, that I had great docs who helped manage it, etc. Then it hit me - if they kill off our normal red blood cells to levels below normal and our white cells also and pump us full of not only the chemo, but drugs to counteract the chemo - it figures that our bodies would be doing all they can do just to deal with the physical effects. How can we possibly expect ourselves to be A-OK and our sunny fighting selves throughout the whole process? I think it's only healthy that there are days here and there (especially when we're really physically challenged by the treatments) that our spirits break down and have had enough overload. Probably healthy to let it out whether it's by having a meltdown or a flood of tears! Although I love everyone's inspiring posts - I'm glad there are days when everyone's honest and tells it like it is - because in truth some days are just what they are! Thanks.
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Kathy16-I'm crying as I re-read your post of an hour ago. You are so right!! And even though I've known all along what you have just put into words, the way you put it makes me feel so much better!! This 3rd round of TC just kicked my butt, days 4-6 were horrible & I had gigantic melt-downs in front of my 14 yr old. I found an entry on her Facebook that day "Want to help, don't know how." Just killed me!! I've been trying to stay so strong & positive. I need to remember that this junk isn't just killing the cancer!
I know there are some earlier posts re: this topic but not up to scrolling through. Yesterday, noticed on both hands, extremely red, slightly puffy skin on top of my hands, next to thumbs, index & middle finger (R hand) and next to thumb & index finger on left. Not pimply, or blistery, but certainly puffy & sensitive to warm/hot water, doing dishes, bathing, etc. Almost like a really bad sunburn. And the skin feels "tough". Any ideas? The redness is very red and it's nothing I've ever had before. Thanks for any input.
Joni2
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I've read that taxotere can affect skin on hands, etc. I did a quick search and found this:
Effect on skin http://www.oncolink.org/treatment/article.cfm?c=2&s=10&id=124
Docetaxel can cause skin rashes, redness and swelling followed by peeling. This usually occurs on the hands and feet.
What to do: Contact your doctor or nurse if you develop a skin rash, redness, swelling or dry/peeling skin. Your doctor may prescribe skin creams or ointments. -
Hello Ladies, Had my 3rd TCH today, half way through chemo today. YIPEE. I had a harder time finding a vein but we got it in there. I have no port, dn't want one and I will show this cancer crap I am tough enough to beat you down. I also got to take less Decadron as it was making eat like a horse and never sleep. I also think it made my stomach burn so only one a day for three days instead of two. Anyone else TCH and no steroid or decrease. Ok the period thing. My onc said depending on how close your body was to menopause is how strong or often you will get your period. Apparently mine thinks I am a teenage. Lasted 7 days and still a bit. Today I did not shave my legs so that is good, it did not grow and the peach fuzz coming in is gray so I think I got the wrong hair growth order.. Anyone wanna change. I have never died my hair but I am about to spray paint my scalp. Alright girls. Stay Strong, FAITH OVER FEAR. Say it , feel it believe it.
Hugs and Blessings
Kara
Oh the head bumps I get those on my nose and hat line and they bleed just when i pop them. Bought ACNE CLEAR and almost all gone, rarely come back.
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Gil - so sorry to hear of your fall - take care of yourself. I agree with Pauldingmom - listen to your body.
Pauldingmom - I've went through radiation in 06. Believe me - it nothing compared to this. You will breeze through it.
SusanFL - I read about your good mamogram. I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist Feb. 18, of this year - he examined my breasts as he always does (I had DCIS in 06). Everything was fine. When I had my yearly physical April 24, the dr. found a lump - which she promptly said she was sure was a cyst. Fortunately with my history, I immediately had it checked out. And, what a good thing because it turned out to be an aggressive, rapid growing cancer.
Edie - glad to hear from you. Hope things are better! I have bloodwork tomorrow and it's time for it to be down. How's your stomach this time?
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Kathy, as for crying I am with you. I have melt downs daily and actually I feel like its my bodies stress release...cuz I feel much better and have no idea sometimes why I am having a melt down. I feel so bad due to my counts being so low for the second time my crying spells come more often but are short lived so I just cry, feel the release and can hardly wait for the last chemo and think about whether I need the 4th AC.. where is it in stone its better to have 4 than 3?? When you feel so bad you think about everythingggggggggggg Oh I need to hush I have felt like crap and not a good time to post. HUGS TO ALL!!!!
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Hey everyone, Had #5 today. I am now 5/8 doen. Yeah Startes docetaxol/taxotere. Feeling better this evening than with the A/C. That stuff just kicked my butt. It is done. I am going to watch the SE's of this new drug. Josybee has is going with you today. She had #5 today also. Hopes Dianne
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well I read all the posts for the last several days,last week, I worked my first full week, It really felt good to be productive again and I didn't forget how to be a nurse.
Today I had my 3rd of 4 of T/C and a little nauseated, I had half a dose of Decadron (same as treatment #2 hope I don't regret.
I forgot to get my drivers license before I shaved my head, I normally wear hats and scarfs b/c I can't put on my wig without having hot flashes down to my toes, they would not let me wear a hat or scarf so I wore my wig with a scarf around it, my picture is of my face beet red and the wig slipping off, good for another 10 years!!!!
God bless you all, Lori
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Lorijo, That cracked me up. My daughter says "can't you "lose" your license & get it replaced?" Might be worth the $30 bucks in a few more months
Joni2
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