Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited October 2009

    pdaw, couldn't bring myself to go to the site, but sent prayers for Amber and family.

    No sore throat here, but do have a feeling like a giant vitamin pill stuck in my throat from time to time. Told onc. about it and he said it was normal.  

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited October 2009

    Pauldingmom - I have that sensation too!  I read the other day on the Anyone on just taxotere and cytoxan thread that someone else had that symptom too.  I thought it was just me.  My last tx was on 9/14 so I thought it was too long ago to be from chemo, but perhaps it is a lingering SE?  I had a weird reaction the week after tx #3 where I had random itching and rashing, and at the same time had that "brick in the throat" feeling along with pain farther down.  I thought it was part of an allergic reaction, but I've recently started having the throat thing without itching and rashing, so I didn't know what it was.  Good to know it is common.  I hope it doesn't last.  I have an appt with my onc tomorrow, I will try to get more info - if she has any...

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited October 2009

    Hi gals

    Had taxol #3 yesterday, one more to go on October 27. I developed a weird red rash on my stomach and back over the weekend and so shared it with the oncology folks at tx, and I have shingles (Jayne in UK knows all about this!) I now have an antiviral medication which will hopefully shorten the duration.

    The good news is that I got my boot off after only 8 weeks, much better than the anticipated 3-4 months. It is about 80% healed so I still have to be careful. Not that I feel like running a marathon (not even at my most healthy) as my feet are a bit tender, and skin is coming off my heels in alarming quantities. I think this is due to the taxol.

    Otherwise I am feeling good!!

    Lisa and chrisct - what do you think has caused the brick in the throat feeling, a particular chemo drug, as you are both done with it.

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited October 2009

    Gill I'm sorry to hear that you have shingles now. I hope the antiviral meds work quickly for you. I'm sure they made it heal up faster and be less severe in my case. Congratulations on getting rid of your boot already.

    I also have tender feet and hands at the moment, and thrush in my mouth (again!) from Taxotere, but not quite as bad as it was last time round. I only have one more chemo left too, due on October 29. We are nearly there!

    Hugs to all Triple J's.

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  • blondie45
    blondie45 Member Posts: 580
    edited October 2009

    I also have never really drank any diet sodas, just never personally cared for the taste. In fact, I don't think I have had any soda for about the last 2 years. Just trying to ease the minds of the diet pepsi drinkers.

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  • Hopeful-1
    Hopeful-1 Member Posts: 72
    edited October 2009

    Hello Triple-J's

    It's been a while so I caught up on reading all the posts. Congrats to all those who finished chemo.  That is a huge milestone.  Well I'M DONE WITH CHEMO! Laughing

    I got my last dose of chemo (taxol #4) yesterday.  For me taxol every 2 weeks was harder than AC (day 4 through 6 with bone pain and fatigue). I got shingles on my right eyebrow about 10 days ago (after Taxol #3).  My eyebrow was itchy and it looked like poison ivy.  I saw my dr on Monday since it started on Friday and he immediately put me on meds.  He said I was lucky because I avoided the fever and it can cause long term pain or nerve damage if not treated within 3 days.  It usually occurs on the back but can occur anywhere on the body.

    My next visit with the Onc is Oct 27th and then my port removed Oct 28th.  I'm having my ovaries removed prior to Nov 12th and then my start 5 weeks of RADs on Nov 16.  Unfortunately this delays the prophylactic removal of my right breast and that will hopefully occur in January.  I guess my reconstruction will be somewhere between April and June.

    I took milk of magnesia for constipation during AC and it worked like a charm. 

    I take a calcium, magnesium and zinc vitamin and a D3 and it appears to have brought me my vitamin D deficiency to being in the normal range so I don't think all vitamins get excreted.  Certain vitamins should be taken with food and should be taken with other the other vitamins that help it get absorbed into the body.

    joni - I hope your knee is better and doesn't need more surgery

    PauldingMom - Hope you can avoid H1N1 from your child care group

    My thoughts are with those of you who are continuing to get chemo.  I hope you have minimal SEs and I admire your strength, courage, perseverance and humor.  Although it's not easy during chemo, it does end at some point.

    Hugs and prayers to all!

    Connie

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  • josybee
    josybee Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    Connie, Congrats on finishing chemo!!!!

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited October 2009

    Hooray for that last chemo treatment Connie (and the rest of you coming up soon).  I can't believe it's been over a month since my last one.  I had Rad # 11 today, so 1/3 of the way done with that mess..

    No additional surgery on knee.  I might not have been very clear that day-surgery I had was in 1973 and the knee has been semi-stiff since.  When I fell last Saturday, my leg folded up under me as I slid on the gravel so I bent that knee completely for the 1st time in years.  And yes-initially I was sure I had broke it all over again.  Took me a good 10 minutes to get up and very gingerly walked home, and have been being very careful with it since.  Feels much better now, but the wound on the knee itself is quite ugly and deep.  I probably should have had it looked at for stitches, but I had an all day scrapbooking crop I was headed to to that day and NOTHING was keeping me from having some fun, damnit!  Anyway-thanks for thoughts-it is better and will continue to get that way I'm sure.  

    Joni2

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited October 2009

    chrisct-thank you for checking it out with the doc. I also have a random rash on my neck and face. Doc said it was not radiation. probably something I ate. I can't figure out any source for this rash, but benedryl and hydrocord. cream helps. 

    Congratulations Connie. So glad to see another one done from our group. Keeping everyone in my prayers.

    Miss Joni2-I betcha ya had a good cry over that fall. I know I would have." Blasted ole body! Think you will just fall down and stay. Hell no!! I've got a scarpbooking crop to get to! " Good for you! 

    Today my "helper" called in sick. Made me so damn frustrated. I don't know how someone can wake up at 6 AM and be able to tell they are going to still feel sick by 2PM. I am venting! I never took an entire day off even during my chemo. but probably should have. She thinks she has the Swine Flu. I think she is lazy. 99.5 isn't really a fever especially if you haven't gotten out of bed yet. Anyway, now I've got to either cancel my rads. today or figure something out. Do you think 6 babies would be okay alone for 3 hours? Maybe Duct Tape?

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited October 2009

    Hello triple J's, Congrats to Connie. Looks like Jayne, Gilly and  are all done the last week. My last treatment is the 26th. Hooray for us, and all for the stuff to be done. I hope everyone is healing up for all the falls and shingles.

    Jayne, I have thrush again. i think we are the only ones on taxotere by itself. I have had thrush 3 times following every treatment. Also had a weird rash that was a fungus too. I used the mouth wash more before the last treatment and ate yogurt and the  thrush was not as bad this time.

    We sound like we are in great spirits and looking forward to the future. Good for all of us.

    hugs and strenght Dianne.

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited October 2009
    PauldingMom -  as anticipated, my onc did not say that the "brick in the throat" was a common lingering side effect from the chemo.  She said it could be from the decadron or the taxotere, but she also suggested that "we" might have just uncovered that I have a predisposition to reflux.  Personally, I think it is either from the chemo/decadron or the chemo/decadron triggered it.  I guess I will just have to watch what I eat and/or take Pepcid.  I don't like having to take a bunch of meds, so I guess I will just have to be careful about what I eat and hope it goes away.  Sorry I didn't get a better answer.  I was hoping that she would say that it was common and that it would go away soon.
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  • Lauren3
    Lauren3 Member Posts: 289
    edited October 2009

    I'm done with TAC!  Bring on the Rads!  Congrats to everyone else who has finished up chemo as well!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited October 2009

    Chrisct- I guess I understand your onc. I wouldn't say I have reflux but if I over eat, even a little bit I get nauseas so I guess I am borderline. But this brick feeling comes on generally when I haven't eaten. So it's kinda odd. 

    I've got this hideous rash I've got to get an answer for today. So far two doctors have told me it's not from the radiation, but it started when I started rads. and is worse after treatment. I've not changed anything else, no new soaps, foods anything else. It's so dang itchy and burning on my chin, neck and face. Today I am going to demand something to make it better.

    Good luck with your Rads., Lauren! and everyone have a great weekend.  

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2009

    Hi to all!!

    I am on my second Taxol and If I start to do anything for very long I get kinda jittery, shakey kinda feeling? I am fine as long as I sit and do little of nothing. I am able to eat more on the taxol than when on AC . I know the steroids keep me up but not sure what the shakey, jittery feeling is wish it would stay away then I would feel like doing more. Any imput on what you felt on taxol. Thanks. 

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited October 2009

    Quarter, the shakey jittery feeling is from the steriods also. I am on taxotere and they give steriods for on chemo day and 2 days afterward. I found that it takes me about 4-5 days for them to wear off.

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  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited October 2009

    Hi Ladies....

    It's been awhile since I have been on....started my Tamoxifen Friday night, and so far so good.  My Onc had me start Effexor first, to help with the hot flashes.  I have my exchange surgey Nov 19....looking forward to moving on with life after BC. 

    Pdaw....went on that website and cried.  Many prayers for this amazing woman and her family,

    Love and hugs,

    Linda

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  • pdaw
    pdaw Member Posts: 202
    edited October 2009

    LindaSue - I know -  I am amazed at the faith and strength of Amber and her family.  I only wish I could have known her.  From what I've read on the IBC site - she was a constant source of inspiration to the other ladies.  And, you know, we all do that for each other - .  It only goes to show how much corresponding with each other means.  For me personally, it has meant so much to be able to "talk" to other women going through the same thing that I'm going through.  The advice, prayers, talks, suggestions - everything has been a source of consolation and support to me.  Thanks to all of you!!!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited October 2009

    Ditto that Pdaw. I don't know what I would have done with out all of the help I've found here.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2009

    Sterf58

    Wow if I only get steroids the day of infusion and I am still shaky and jittery 3 days later maybe they can lower the dose and see if I do better? Gosh I feel so much like my normal self the day before I get chemo....makes me dread it......I try to keep looking at it number 10 down tomorrow 9 more to go!!  OH I forgot to mention I am having a  hot flash every 25 to 30 mins. My bald head just beads up with sweat. Does anyone know how long it takes for the  hot flashes to level off or stop all together?

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  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited October 2009

    Hi gals.  I had tx 7 today for the weekly taxols.  Today was a milestone bc for the last three tx's Ive requested that they cut the steroid in half each time respectively and today I was given no steroids.  Yah.  I actually napped afterwards!

    Congrats to those who are done, you are my strength!!

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited October 2009

    Hey triple J's, Had my last boob fill today. I can't wait till the wxchane, it feels like a brick on my chest.  Been tryin to walk, is anybody gettin daily exercise.  The chemo is done on monday, tryiing to stay away from town, there is h1n1, so much that they closed school. I am goin to get my shots next to avoid this stuff. Anybody else had flu shots??  Hugs Dianne

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited October 2009

    They gave me a regular flu shot on my last day of T/C but we don't have any H1N1 vaccine available around here.  It's running rampant through the schools tho'. 

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  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited October 2009

    Ok....I have a question.  When is Taxol added after AC?  I had 4 AC treatments with no Taxol, and I had one positive node.  Should I be asking my onc if I should have Taxol?

    Linda 

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited October 2009

    Just had 1st of 12 weekly Taxol on Monday. SOOOO glad to report no side effects yet. No more nausea...AC almost did me in!! I couldn't believe how good I felt the day of tx.

    Linda...not sure when taxol is added. I had 3 nodes positive. I've read some good reports about the lower dose 12 weekly taxol and its benefit. Wouldn't hurt to ask. I hate that I'll be on chemo for 6 months total by the time I'm through, but then again, I want to know I've done all I can and hope I don't have to go down this road again.

    Joni1

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited October 2009

    Joni1 - I am SOOOOO happy to see that the Taxol is not as hard on you as the A/C...I hope the next 11 tx's go just as smoothly!

    Lots of hugs!

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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited October 2009

    Hi All,  It's been a while since I've been on.  Finished AC Sept. 16Laughing and started Taxol 10/7

    #3/12 taxol on tomorrow.        In early September, just before last AC, I develped a lingering dry cough (no other related symptoms).  I thought it was due to sinus congestion I had but none of my normal remedies have worked.  Has anyone else experienced same?  Treatment suggestions?

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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited October 2009

    CONGRATULATIONS!   to all who have finished chemo.    I send a great big hug to you.  

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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited October 2009

    Hi josybee,

    Is there a specific reason you didn't start Herceptin along with the Taxol?  I was supposed to do this but the Herceptin has been postponed. 

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  • josybee
    josybee Member Posts: 86
    edited October 2009

    BlessedOne2,I did start Herceptin with the Taxol, had it with each of the 4 Taxols every 2 weeks and each week in between for a total of 8 Herceptins. Now I will be doing the Herceptin every 3 weeks until next August. Why did they postpone the Herceptin????

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  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited October 2009

    Blessed one, did you do an echocardiagram?  What was your injection fraction?  Herceptin sometimes can be additional damage to your heart and lungs.  If the Adriamycin, was rough on your heart, they may have held off on the herceptin.  This is the only thing I can think of.

    My taxol started one week after AC.  I do weekly taxols and get herceptin weekly as well. 

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