Starting Chemo in June 2005

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  • Scout
    Scout Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2005
    I am going for #3 tomorrow too.....and I'm not looking forward to it...mainly because DH had to go out of town this morning and won't be back until Monday. Ugh! I need someone to hold my hand! I don't have anyone from my family in town, but my SIL is coming over to help.
    I'm not allergic to anything different, but certain smells make me sick right now...mainly fabric softner. I had to go out and buy unscented so I could stand to wear my clothes!
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited August 2005

    So Liz, Scout, Jenster, and Mindy all have treatments tomorrow, I believe. Good luck to all of you ladies!

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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2005

    Thank you, Brenda. And good luck to Liz, Scout, and Mindy. Remember! This too shall pass! (Not quite fast enough though, eh?

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited August 2005
    Thanks Brenda...you are very good at tracking all our schedules. I hate the way I feel the day before chemo...I get cranky and weepy. Even though the needle doesn't really hurt, I just dread it. At least after tomorrow I'll be finished with A/C. Even though the Taxotere will take longer since it will be on a 3 week basis, I'm hoping that the extra breathing time between treatments will feel a bit better. I am really tired of this and want to know if it's working! At least I should be less cranky after tomorrow.

    It's funny people are mentioning allergies. I've developed a lot of itching on my back and never connected it with chemo. Half the things I notice now, I wonder if they were there before and I just didn't pay attention.. and now I am noticing every little thing or... if I'm just nuts!

    Working through chemo is a mixed blessing...helps keep your mind off things...but on the other hand sometimes just makes you feel inadequate that you can't keep up the pace you did before chemo. I am very behind at work even though I've been getting help. We've been super busy and sometimes it's overwhelming and I think I would have been smarter to take a leave of absence. On the other hand, I stayed home one day last week because I just couldn't work up enough energy to go in. I never even took a shower that day! Sometimes I feel all I do is work and go to the doctor. I think I need to plan a get away even if it's only for a weekend. My problem is a dogsitter...our regular one and our substitute one have both stopped dogsitting. Now I have to find a new one. Our dogs are elderly and have health problems, so I can't kennel them...it would upset them too much.

    Well I guess that's enough whining from me. Just needed to vent. Think I'll eat another brownie while I can still taste it

    Liz
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  • JoMac
    JoMac Member Posts: 192
    edited August 2005
    Does anyone know what I can use to help with a taxol rash that seems to be steadily creeping over me?
    It wasn't itching too bad during the day but tonight I am feeling like I have the chicken pox.
    I have to admit I have been itching it .......
    This is something I did not expect.
    I really look lovely now...no hair, partiall eyelashes and brows and red splotches all over.
    Oh yeah...and I am supposed to be smiling ?
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  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited August 2005
    Jo mac,
    Your doctor needs to be alerted to a worsening rash. Like FIRST THING IN THE AM
    Tonight take some benadryl. If the rash is oozing or anything like that don't scratch it - you cannot afford and infection now and you have no immunity.
    Put benadryl ointment with anti- itch AND antibiotic in it.
    Before you go to the doctor think back on everything you have eaten in the last 4 days. See if you have a trigger food as well as a taxol problem.
    My only question about the taxol is that if you were to get a rash you would have gotten it closer to your infusion, not a week later- it has been a week right?

    Well all of you good luck and take good care of yourselves. You will be fine and make it through. It sucks but you will do it anyway.
    All the best to the Junesterettes.
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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2005
    Good luck to everyone this week! It is my off week-only 1 more AC to go but I am sick and tired of primarily the taste in my mouth-everything I eat tastes like burnt marshmallows---and now finding myself making myself eat as last week everything was fine but my weight being down even further. I am about 115 which really is probably about where I should be-vertically challenged at 5'2", and nothing sounds good, and generally tastes worse. During my commute songs from The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and the Charlie the Tuna commercial keep coming up....at least positive signs from the bottom of the sea. I am glad I worked because I am the type that would get nothing done if I had tomorrow to do something at home, but wish I could have worked fewer hours. I did tell them at work that when I start my job at the college I would only be at the hospital 2 days a week max---which I am not going to have difficulty doing but nothing has been done to make up for the time I will not be there so am getting nervous about that. Better go...DH just called and so need to get dinner started (oh boy!). Take care and hope everyone has a good week.
    KimB
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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited August 2005
    Hello....

    Well, I was VERY nervous today to get my Taxol. My DH brought me and walked me in to the Cancer Care Center, but then had to go back to work for a while. As soon as he left I started crying. I just couldn't seem to get control of myself. The nurses all rallied though and really helped me out. I go Ativan right away! (LOL!) I think I had a hormonal moment coupled with the fear of the unknown. I was truly scared. They paired me up with another lady who I had seen at each of my other infusions. Her name is Bonnie. Her daughters kept me company, too. It was very nice. She was having her first Taxol today also. Inly she was having Gemzar in addition. I'm not sure what stage she wis, but I believe she said her tumor was 14cm with 2 positive nodes. She is in a clinical trial.

    Anyway... it went completely fine! The Benedryl kicked in and I got so drowsy. By the time I got home at about 3:30, I had to go to bed. I just got up! I slept really good for a while! I don't feel any other sifde effects yet, but took a Compazine just in case!

    My Onc gave me an RX for the Magic Mouthwash. Anybody have that. It doesn't say to spit it out??? Am I supposed to spit it out or swallow it? He said the sores on my tongue I have are likely from the chemo, not the Thrush although he recognized I had that, too. He said the mouthash should help with both.

    He also gave me an Rx for Oxydone in case I need it for the bone pain. Best to have on hand he said.

    Now, I just wait and see what happens.

    JoMac, get that rash checked out.

    I agree about AC #3 being the toughest. AC#4 fatigue lasted longer, but I wasn't as miserable as I was with AC#3.

    Good luck to you that have your chemo's yet this week. I'll be thinking of you! Just keep trudging along!

    HUGS!
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  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited August 2005
    Dana do this for the sores on top of the mouthwash- dry the sores with a tissue and dab on with a qtip some milk of magnesia like it is calmine lotion. They will be gone in no time.

    AND
    For everyone under the sea or about to be under the sea or for all of you SICK of being under the sea--- Kimbe's post just reminded me of something you ought to say to yourself...

    Remember Finding Nemo? Remember Dori?
    Just keep swimming- Keep swimming- it will be ok as long as you keep swimming.
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2005
    I've found a good way to deal with the day before a treatment - at least for me. I figure that my blood count should be high enough so I can go out and play for a little while. Today the kids and I went out for a nice lunch and then did some shopping at Hobby Lobby (great sale on things I needed!) It was wonderful to get out and have some fun.

    So now I've decided that every third Wednesday - the day before my treatment - I'm going to do something I've been wanting to do. Next time I'm going antique shopping. Blissfully alone! Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the kids today. But I much prefer my antique shopping without any hinderances.

    So when I start to feel icky or depressed or any of those things, I'll just think about my short term goal. Antique shopping!!! Wonder what it will be the next time.

    Oh, and I'll just keep swimming, keep swimming - it will be okay as long as I keep swimming!!
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited August 2005
    Wow - I can't believe I'm halfway done with chemo! It seems like it wasn't long ago that I was sobbing to my husband after AC #1 that I would never go back for more treatments because I was so miserable - and now I'm done with AC! It is fantastic to be at this point, mentally anyway!

    And it's so good to see the group of us moving along together on this journey. Some are a little ahead and some are a little behind, but we are getting there. And we are so lucky to have NoSurrender, leading the way out of the murky waters!

    My weird side effect of the day is that one side of my face feels warmer than the other - the surgery side, if that makes any difference. When I went in for my Neulasta shot (my body is now worth $2300 more), the physician's assistant said not to worry since I don't have a fever or jaw pain. Well, I probably have facial lymphedema, right? Just joking (I hope!) And since they weigh me every time I go in, (I was just there for chemo yesterday), I found to my horror that I put on 3 POUNDS in 24 hours. So sad! *sigh* Anyway, hope you gals have a good night. I'll be doing aerobics as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning, unless the Neulasta body aches get there first.
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2005

    Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations!!

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  • sjstrader
    sjstrader Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2005

    You and I are on the same schedule. I am still having pain since my taxotere on Wednesday. Started Friday night and I'm takeing 2 Benydryl and 1 darvisette every 4 hours and can hardly navigate. Also had major problem with hemorrhoids....it's just awful. Each day is better. Hope this weekend is good for you so you can get ready for next Wednesday.

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited August 2005
    Well, I'm over my weepy/cranky mood. Towanda has taken over and I'm ready to go in and kick some cancer butt...and I get to join all of you that are done with A/C!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liz
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited August 2005
    Ok, ladies, I got a wonderful calendar site from one of the July women, where I can keep everyone's schedules and you can log in to the site to view it. So, I need everyone's remaining schedules to post. If you will PM me I will send you the link - like a dummy I used my last name as the sign in and I don't want to put it on a public board.
    Brenda
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  • saleboat
    saleboat Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2005
    Now I can't get Finding Nemo out of my head-- which is a good thing-- I love that movie!!!

    Jenster-- I'm reading a book by two thirty-something bc survivors and they recommended exactly what you're doing (and what many of us are doing) concentrate on short terms goals (getting thru the day without maiming anyone...finishing A/C, etc) and rewards...(no guilt necessary...be good to yourself...leave the kids behind, get a massage, etc.)

    NancyM-- you crack me up-- you are now worth $2300 more! You're priceless! Good luck with the facial lymphedema...any chance that it is a sunburn-- I'm surprised by how sensitive I am to the sun.

    Dana-- so glad to hear that Taxol #1 went well. I have the first one next Friday and am very nervous. Hoping that I get to throw out all the anti-nausea meds-- that is a short term goal that may involve a bonfire.

    JoMac-- good luck with the rash. Overall it seems like you're feeling a lot better than on the A/C so glad to hear it.

    Me-- I've finally recovered from my last A/C which I had perfectly timed with my period. Yuck!!! I'm about to head up to Cape Cod for a long weekend and to celebrate my birthday-- wow, I used to dread being 35-- never again!!! Sigh...

    Hope everyone has a great, side-effect free weekend.

    Jen
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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited August 2005
    Saleboat- I bring the hotdogs for the big roasting. I'm ready to burn my meds too!

    JoMac- I have a rash too. Started on my shoulders and now on my upper chest. Doesn't really itch, but is bothersome. I'll show doc today at my appt.

    Dana- I hope your pain won't be too bad. Hooray for oxycodone- just be careful because that stuff can be constipating.

    NoSurrender- thanks so much for the mouth sore tip- I have a big one that persists. Oh, and I can so relate to Dori with her short term memory problem!

    Nancy- Yahoo for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Scout, Liz, and Jenster- Good luck today ladies. Before we know it, we will be done with this. Does it not seem like forever away?

    If I stay on my 2-week schedule with the Taxol like I did for the A/C, my first Taxol will be the day before my oldest son's first day of Kindergarten. He starts the 19th of August for just a couple of hours then a full day on Monday the 22nd. I really want to be there to walk him in on both days so maybe I should talk to doc about waiting a week to start-what do you guys think?
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2005
    Hi
    Back from living with the sediment at the bottom of the sea-which is interesting since Saturday is usually the day I live down there. Maybe it is because I got the Magic Mouthwash-I can actually eat again. It is nasty stuff but it works and most of my mouth sores have cleared up-still have throat one but numbs everything so well that I can chew and swallow again.-My surgeon called it in for me-I called her because she was onco dr before being surgeon-DH's idea since she is good and listens well.
    I lost it yesterday-really lost it. Someone from the American Cancer society called wanting me to mail packets to my neighbors-well when she said it contains information that will prevent cancer through diet and exercise I started crying so hard my children all came running-I couldn't stop and my oldest son had to take the the phone and explain what was going on. He said she was trying to tell him I would be prefect to send out the info since the neighbors would feel bad and send money. He just hung up. I can't believe how unglued I came over diet and exercise-
    I can totally relate to whoever wrote about 'roids...always something. Plus is anyone having problems with blisters on their hands and feet? This is still a/c for me so I don't know what this is-lotion is helping but then it comes back-can't wait to show dr on Monday
    Remember everyone gets a brownie Monday since I have treatment #10-then I will have only 5 more A/c treatments left
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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited August 2005
    Hey JuneBugs,

    I'm still around. I read your posts daily, but as I have NOTHING to report, i don't post. Just know that I am agonizing over your pains and frustrations and celebrating your joys and milestones.

    Brenda, I will pm you with my chemo schedule. But remember, because of me, your schedule will not fit all on one page! haha. I have ac#3 on the 11th (God willing!)

    If my chemo schedule stays on track, I won't have my last taxotere until Thanksgiving! Oh, well, what better reason to give thanks!

    Later JuneBugs!
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  • RebeccaH
    RebeccaH Member Posts: 72
    edited August 2005
    I'm sitting here with a smile on my face. A few of you are still having some problems, but the whole attitude of the posts is SO amazing. Of course, thinking about Dori and her constant "keep swimming," almost makes me laugh.
    I am constantly saying that "I need to find my happy place, I need to find my happy place."

    One more A/C on Tuesday for me...keep swimming, keep swimming....

    We so kicking chemo's butt...

    NS...you must feel like a proud mother of us children. Just don't clip our wings just yet...
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  • MichelleB39
    MichelleB39 Member Posts: 51
    edited August 2005
    I agree, #3 is worse. I am not as nauseous (sp?) as the other 2 thanks to the new meds. I just feel like I can't get up. I know the meds make me feel that way too so I have a double whammo.

    My hat is off to those of you that are trying to work and get through this. Thank God I have Short Term Disablility or I wouldn't make it.
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2005
    I just got back from A/C #4!! HALF WAY THROUGH!! No more red devil for me.

    Now for my goal - antique shopping in three weeks, antique shopping in three weeks, antique shopping in three weeks...
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  • JoMac
    JoMac Member Posts: 192
    edited August 2005
    I finally took benedryl and went to bed. I had a good nap and now feel relaxed and much less itchy.
    The rash is still angry and shows no signs of going away.
    It did indeed start on my shoulders and upper chest.
    I felt really lousy today. Not "AC lousy" .
    "AC lousy" is a bench mark I hope to never experience again.
    I guess I will lower my expectations and see what the next few days bring.
    I do worry that the rash will stay with me through out Taxol ( six more weeks) or maybe even get worse.
    My Dr. wasn't in today so the I spoke to the nurse.
    I guess if things get worse by Monday I will give him a call.
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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited August 2005
    Jenster,
    Good for you! Keep dreaming of your antique shopping!

    Brenda, I peeked at your post on the July boards. Did you get rib pain from ac? or Neulasta? My ribs have been so sore! I also feel like I got sucker punched in the 'bread basket'. Anyone else feel this?

    Thanks
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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited August 2005
    HI all!

    Well, it's the day after Taxol #1 and I'm feeling just fine. I'm bracing myself for those aches and pains... but at the same time cautiously optimistic that they won't happen.

    I just got back from my Neaulast shot. Thank goodness my insurance covers that! I'd have to second mortgage my house to pay for all this if it didn't!!!! YIKES!

    JoMac... I'm so sorry to hear about your rash. That's a huge bummer! I tell ya... when all this is over we're going to have such an amazing appreciation of feeling good and back to normal.

    I keep forgetting to ask my Onc about when I will have follow-up mammograms or ultrasounds or something. The Breast Clinic told me to ask my Onc and of course I never remember. Have you all been told about that yet? Hasanyone had a checkup or anything?

    I can't remember what else I wanted to say... so I'll come back later and respond to all your other posts.... I'm having chemobrain! (That's my story and I'm sticking with it!!!)

    HUGS to all!
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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited August 2005

    Well, I'm back from what was supposed to be #4 a/c but it didn't happen. The doc said my counts are too low. WBCs not too bad at 1.7, but my neutrophils are only 0.7, and that's after my Neulasta! Wonder what it would of been if I hadn't given myself the shot after last treatment. So, needless to say I'm pretty bummed out. I was so ready to be half way through and done with the a/c. I'm rescheduled for next Thursday. What a bummer.

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited August 2005
    Mindy...that stinks, but it's better they give it to you when your body can handle it. I know how bad I would have felt if I couldn't finish up with the A/C today...so I'm sending you a huge, huge cyber hug!

    Finished up...Woo Hoo! Really perked me up to have this behind me. My side effects don't usually kick in until Saturday except that I will probably have trouble sleeping from the decadron tonight. So I will enjoy today and tomorrow and then deal with Saturday when it gets here!

    Liz
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2005
    I'm so sorry Minday. I always find myself holding my breath, waiting to see if I'll actually get my treatment. I know what a disappointment this is - but it's not so horrible in the long run. (So easy to say!)

    Good job, Liz! See ya in three weeks!! (Like I could stay away for that long.)
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  • Scout
    Scout Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2005
    I'm back too....not too bad, although they were slow so it took 3 hours!
    I will start taxotere (sp) in 3 weeks, along with the herceptin. The onc said my hair should start growing back with the taxotere. I asked about the taxol, and was told that "we don't use that here"....hmm...wonder why?
    I also asked about the Benedryl (sp) and was told they don't use that either. I will take a med the day before the treatment (taxotere) and the day after the treatment, but that's it.
    The dr wants to wait until the last three chemo treatments are over before checking to see if the tumor has shrunk. So....another 9 weeks before I will know. She felt the tumor and said it still seemed large, but not to get too disappointed yet...there is still time.
    I'm feeling more tired than I did after the last two chemo treatments and more "flu like"...I hope this is not a preview of what is going to come!
    How is everyone else doing?
    Mindy, sorry you couldn't have your chemo today...it's hard waiting!
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  • Reeny47
    Reeny47 Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2005
    Hello Ladies,
    This is ole Maureen checking in after being at the bottom of the sea for about three days. Went for my neulasta Monday and had to wait to let the dr see my hands. He said he did not like to see that so early(only had one taxotere) and it was called hand and feet syndrome. An allergic reaction to the taxotere. Told me to take benadryl and use utter cream on my hands. The benadryl has helped some but they are still very tender and still hurt. I have my next taxotere a week from today so I really hope this is gone. Even with the utter cream they have started to peel.

    Dana, my onc gave me the mircale mouthwash and you do swish and swallow. It finally cleared up my mouth again and today I was actionly able to taste the food I ate.

    NancyM,Jenster,LizFL, I know ya'll were thrilled to be done with the A/C. I sure was. Even with what I have been through with the first taxotere, it is still better than the a/c.

    JoMac, I hope your rash gets better. It's always something isn't it?

    I read so many post since I have not been on since Monday and I know there is probably alot more I wanted to respond to, but...like Dana, I have chemo-braim!(That's my story and I'm sticking to it too!lol.

    Nosurrender,sorry about your foot and sure glad to see you back. You know how bad we need you....

    To anyone thar has treatments this week..the best to you and hugs to all. Maureen
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