Chemo Starting Sep 09

1…3738404243…104

Comments

  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited January 2010

    Hi everyone

    Well our brave new year (in which my DH and I fervently hoped our luck was going to change for the better!) got off to an inauspicious start on the luck front yesterday, We experienced a big hail storm which damaged both our car and our 21 year old's. Both are covered by insurance but we need money for the 'excess payment' to claim - our is $600 but our son's being 21yrs old, has a double whammy of $1200 tp pay, which he will need our help with. We were going to put up a carport but now can't afford to! How ironic! the thing is our car was only 6 months old - the first and only brand new car we will ever buy - got it after I had the car accident in April last year because I could not get behind the wheel again without airbags, good safety features etc.... We kind of feel "Hang on! This was meant to be our good year!!" I know it is only  a car but somehow it symbolised a lot more....

    Also I had to have blood tests today because Dr thinks I may be anemic - I really hope not - who was it talking about being "pale as a sheet"? That's me too. I am hoping it is just post chemo and the huge fatigue also - anyway I guess I will know soon as Dr looks at blood results. 

    It is kinda hard as I think Jane said, being finished chemo and just wanting to feel magically better again - I have to remember it is only 2 weeks - patience patience patience! Undecided

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited January 2010

    I have a chia-head - fuzzy white hair that's barely visible... but it's there... and it's definitely growing! 

    My hands and feet are almost done peeling I hope.  No more pain there. 

    I think my stamina is so much better... I can walk a bit and not feel the heavy weights.  That just happened this last week --- which means nearly 5 weeks since last chemo. 

    Like Melinda though, I think my brain is back and then it gets goofy.  Had a goofy day yesterday and couldn't keep my thoughts going.  But doing better today.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited January 2010

    I'm not done with chemo but I've got hair!    It started as a five o'clock shadow about 10-weeks after my last AC and now, 4-weeks later, it's somewhere between 1/4" and 1/2" long.   It is a really odd mixture of colors, lots of it is pure white, and it's really really soft.   I guess it is not uncommon to get hair growth while on the weekly Taxol and I'm just delighted with it.  Not exactly ready for public display, but definitely HAIR.

    Catherine your husband sounds like a great guy.   There is a lady I see in the chemo suite whose husband has not let her leave the house, except for her TXs, since she started chemo when we all did.   He does the shopping, the errands...everything.   I probably don't need to mention that she has a serious case of cabin fever!

    Bad luck with the hail Neece!  Do you guys have those companies that can pop little dents out without having to re-paint?   Might be a good business to start in your neck of the woods right now.  HA!

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hbowser
    hbowser Member Posts: 253
    edited January 2010

    Good evening, ladies.  

    I am getting frustrated.  I have not heard back from the radiologist.  What is the hold up?  I called my doctor's office yesterday and today and I talked to the secretary to my onc. and she told me that she hand delivered the films and put me on hold while trying to contact the radiologist.  He has not gotten back with the time.  It is making me mad.  I can't believe they are taking this long.  Thank you all for your support.

    Neece - So sorry to hear about your cars.  It really sucks when you save your money for something and you have to spend it on something else.  We were saving money for a real vacation before my diagnosis.  We are determined to still go somewhere when treatments are done.  Praying that you are not anemic.  Did someone here talk about taking iron pills?

    Melinda - Your comment about tatoos cracked me up.  Will have to use that line with my mom.  I am totally with you, can't wait to have this port removed.  Thanks for the info.on radiation.  Our mind makes things worse than they really are.

    Jane - Happy to see that you are feeling better; was concerned when you talked about losing 11 pounds on your last txt.  Glad to hear your eckocardiogram looks good. 

    Barbara - Your comment about napping brought a smile to my face.  My DH drove me to all my txts.  I felt bad for him just sitting there.  Was happy when he left to have lunch with his niece while I was on Taxol; I was able to take a nap. 

    Here's to minimal or no SEs for those who had txts or going to have txts this week.  Take good care of yourselves.

    Holly

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DomeGal
    DomeGal Member Posts: 58
    edited January 2010

    Good Morning Sisters!

    I have finally made it to the other side of not being in pain following treatment.  Had my second to last treatment last Wed. and it totally kicked my butt...came home early from work on Tues. and missed yesterday, but finally slept last night and the bone pain is doable today.  Just very frustrating to be in pain AND be exhausted.

    Neece-Sorry to hear about the damage to your cars.  But all in all, I think this year for all of us will be a better year.

    Holly-Sorry to hear that you are getting "blocked"...hope that you hear something today.

    Patty-I too have been having hair sprout....mostly gray, but a few dark ones here and there.  I figure that after the next and final tx, my hair should be filling in nicely.  I hope to have at least something recognizing hair by by b'day in March!

    Hope that you all have a great day and a better weekend.

    Kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited January 2010

    Neece- Sorry about the cars-gosh what a pain. Sort of like Holly said, you save up for one thing and another comes along. I saw a comedian once who said she was sure if she ever won the lottery she would probably be driving home from getting the check and have a car accident into a museum where she would cause a million dollars worth of damage and the lottery money would be gone. I guess that isn't any way to think, not to optimistic, but it is funny, ironic and an awful lot like life. I am sending you positive vibes for a better rest of the year.

     Holly- I am so sorry about the no info issue you are going through and hope it clears up soon. That was me who mentioned the iron pills, really helped put my blood counts over the top. You are right with the hubby there I feel guilty so I don't really nap, I think that is why last tx, with some me time, i really snoozed, no guilt. Well keep us posted and keep hounding them!!

    Kim, glad you are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, yea for feeling better.

    VickiLynn-glad you are better everyday, I am sure the hair will be a changing thing for a while.

    Patty- Yea for hair. I hope mine does a little something-something too. I actually lost some major eyebrow hairs the other day so I didn't think I would see any but if you are maybe I will have a shadow too!!

    Jane- Wake up calls are hard for dh aren't they? But I miss my independence too! I am sure a balance will be found at some point. Hope you are having a good day.

     We are having a bit of a snow storm in Michigan this afternoon.

    Love and Hugs

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flacracker
    flacracker Member Posts: 78
    edited January 2010

    Hello  September sisters,

    My last chemo was Nov.19 and just now I have notice some hair!!!SmileI see some dark and grey it might be about 1/4" but hey it is growing slow but it is there! I too, lost some more eyelashes and eyebrows but it is growing everywhere else! Does anyone have problems with fingernails?!? Mine are blueish color and white color at the base and ache sometimes. I have been keeping them cut short because I am afraid that they might come off!! My onc said wait till 2 months they might! yikes! I had my port removed Dec11 everything was fine till last week now the cut looks very red and now I am on antibiotics. There will be no rads for me, I had a bilat mas Aug 4 and had TE put in then. My PS wanted to stop the fills while on chemo. I started them back, I will be glad when I am done. He wants to do 4 more fills but I don't think so!!! I started my tamoxifen 3 weeks after chemo, so far the se are hot flashes and sore muscles in my legs. It really hasn't been bad.

    Well sisters I pray that this year will be a great healthy year! Also put my on the list too for a reunion.

    Hugs Wanda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited January 2010

    Holly - Any news?   The waiting is always just awful...but no news can be good news too. 

    Kim - Sorry you are having such pain!  Just one more TX to go...hang in there girl.

    Lilah - Excellent to hear the infection is on the run!

    Barbara - There doesn't seem to be any relationship between head hair and eyebrows or lashes.  My head is coming along fine...my eyebrows are still gone and I think the scraggly lashes I was getting are on their way out again this week.    I guess the good thing is that once the brows and lashes start growing they come back fast, being pretty short.   The head is going take a while getting to the point it looks like a short hair do and not like someone who just got to boot camp!

    Wanda - I don't have big problems with my nails but I do notice that the white part at the end seems deeper than normal on some of them.   I've been keeping mine short too.

    Jenn - 7-8pm...that's my bedtime too!   My 13-year old thinks my bedtime is really odd.  Luckily he can be relied on to do his thing and get himself to bed at a more "adult" time.  HA!

    My surgeon ordered me to get a mammo of my "surgery" breast as a 6-month surgical followup.  I figured it would be fine, but still felt a little nervous.   Got the news today -- everything A OKAY.  YAY!

    I tried the iron pills but they kind of messed up my stomach.  A chemo nurse told me to be sure to take them with lots of vitamin C (orange juice, maybe?) so that you metabolize them better.  I didn't try that but I did get some vitamins with iron that also have something called "green foods" which make they very easily digestible.  Worked!   They are called "Rainbow Light".  I got them in a natural foods grocery store.  Be prepared for sticker shock!

    Keep warm everybody!  Sounds like a cold front is all over the place...except here in San Diego where it's 72 and sunny today. Sorry!

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited January 2010

    Wanda I am sorry about the nails, but I am glad the rest of you is mending, hope the antibiotics help with the redness..

    Patty yea for good results. Woo Hoo!! Yes both the iron and my multi vitamin are hard on my stomach I have to take them in between my meal, eat a bit, drink, take the pill, eat, drink, etc.. otherwise I am a mess. And it has to be a real meal too.  Enjoy that sun, we had some coming in our back windows the other day and it felt so nice, I said to my teenage daughter that if it was summer I would slap some sunscreen on my head and go sit outside, she said "Oh Mom!!" Well I would, but it is 10 degrees and snowing up a storm so that won't happen, enjoy!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hbowser
    hbowser Member Posts: 253
    edited January 2010

    Good Evening, everyone.

    Finally heard from the doctor's office around 4:00 PM this afternoon and it was a round of marathon phone calls between the radiologist and my onc. offices.  I have more blood work, chest x-ray and echocardiogram tomorrow and my biopsy is scheduled for Monday at 9:30 AM.  I don't understand why they won't do the MRI-guided biopsy until I get a x-ray and an echo?  My first biopsy (that diagnosed my BC) was an ultrasound-guided core biopsy and I didn't have to have all these other tests before the biopsy.  Has anyone had a MRI-guided biopsy?  Thank you all for your support.

    Patty - great news about your mammo.  I am still waiting for hair.  Noticed that the few eyebrows I have, it seems like they are longer than they were before?  Great my eyebrows grow, but my head is still bare.  Jealous about your warm weather.  They announced a winter storm advisory for our area, expecting only 1 - 3 inches which is nothing compared to what we got last time. 

    Wanda - Sorry to hear about your nails and the port scar. Did I read correctly, your onc. office told you that you can lose your nails 2 months after your last chemo?!?!

    Kim - Glad you are on the other side of pain.  Are you taking anything for the pain? 

    Barbara - You crack me up  about your comment about sunscreen to the head.  I never realized how cold your head gets without hair. 

    Have a great weekend everyone.  I will talk you with all soon.

    Holly

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flacracker
    flacracker Member Posts: 78
    edited January 2010

    Holly I had a MRI guided biopsy done back in May. I had already a lump removed then they had notice that on my MRI there was another spot and that is when I got the MRI  guided. I already had the ekg and blood work done. I an tell you that it is a long process and I took some valum to relax and it did help. Good Luck to you I will say some prayers! As goes the nails that is what my onc said!!!!

    Wanda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited January 2010

    Holly - Well at least you've made progress, but what a hassle.  Maybe they need the other tests because you've been on chemo?   Like you, my original biopsy was ultrasound-guided.  No bloodwork or anything prior to that.  Sounds like Wanda has a good idea -- get the tranquilizer!  I'm keeping all fingers and toes cross for a b9 outcome!  

    Barbara - Sun on the head..great idea!   I may go out on the deck and bare my head right now.   Shock the neighbors!

     I have enough hair now to sleep without the sleep cap and still have a warm head.   I have (had) really thick hair and it seems to be in coming in just as thick as it was when it left.  So,  I've now grown my own sleep cap!

    Taxol TX#9 done today... three more to go. 

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2010

    Good Morning SOSisters! 

    Neece -  the same thing happened to us last year! What a mess! Our cars, the siding on our house, patio umbrellas, barn and house roof! A very expensive repair even with the insurance $$.  They depreciate your roofs and siding so you never get what it costs to replace it!  Mother Nature has spoken! 

    Here is a pic of my hair....last chemo Oct 26th.. about 2 1/2 months later....

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkocean/4258750383/ 

      Sorry, Can't get the picture to load...so copy the link above to go to my flickr hair picture Smile

    Now have 4 rads out of the way...so far uneventful...nothing it speak of.  It's pretty quick and the staff is really nice and fun! The only thing I notice is sometimes thirsty, but can't say it from the rads.  Everywhere indoors is running heat and things are extremel dry inside.  I started my Tamoxifen yesterday...so far no changes....I have been dealing with 10-15 hot flashes a day already, so maybe there won't be much of a change.  I'll keep you all posted on the progression.

    I have lucked into a local store that wants to carry my ceramic pendants and jewelry.  I am also setting up beads (like a mini bead store) there as well.  It feels good to be back to business, but it's really terrific that it's at my own pace & I can make my own schedule for stocking and adjusting things! So some income and some work.  As Martha would say..."It's a good thing!" Smile

    I had to get the ekg before my sentinal lymph node biopsy...same day surgery...

    It's good to hear many of you are on the other side.  I continue to follow the rest of your progress...can't wait for our celebration in March!  Be patient! You will be back to better than normal!  It will take some time to heal...but then look out world, here we come!

    Stay bundled up and warm...sending hugs..Melinda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited January 2010

    Holly- I am glad you got the call, but sorry about the tests, it sounds like, according to Wanda it may be the norm. I had to have an EKG pre-chemo, but my biopsy was done surgically and my surgeon turned it into a lumpectomy before I even got on the table (his wife had two bouts of bc and said if he was opening me up he would take it all) So the biopsy became lumpectomy. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Patty We have sun coming in our back window (southern exposure home)  so you go outside and I will stand at the back of the house! The neighbors will love it!Congrats on the Au Natural sleep cap!

    Melinda- I didn't see the photo but hair is exciting and probably necessary in PA. Congratulations and good luck on the store items how wonderful!! I loved the staff at radiation they were very upbeat. I had dry mouth at the beginning and sucked on hard candy, they said it wasn't a SE of rads for BC but I think it was. Lemon Drops, Butterscotch, Nips, whatever floats your boat worked for me, just watch the hard edges that pop up on candy I am sure your mouth is still sensitive from chemo.

    Hugs and happiness

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2010

    Barbara, 

    I'm pretty much healed in everyway except for occasional inability to think of words...a little leftover chemo brain I think... try this link for my pic  (copy and paste it) 

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkocean/4258750383/ 

    I have been taking a stomach friendly multi vitamin called NatureMade Liquid Softgel Multi for her. I can take it anytime with or without food and it's packed full of goodness :-).  I've had problems with an upset stomach and mulitvitamins in the past as well. They also make my stool a little softer than usual to help with issues that have arisen after all my constipation through chemo.  A nice added feature that I wasn't expecting... My husband is taking the men's version too...I've got everyone in the house on a vitamin now.  I think it's really important to balance our vitamin intake to help build the immune system.  I truly believe if it's not balanced it can't fight off the baddies....so one more step to getting a healthier me and family.

     Did I mention I got a wii balance board for xmas??? Haven't gotten on it yet...what's with that...I was so excited! So I think I'll go now and check it out!  I've been cleaning all morning, putting away Xmas decor and am ready for a change of scenery.  I'll let you know how it goes...30minutes a day...hmmm, where can I find that time???? 

    Rays of sunshine coming your way!

    Melinda  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hbowser
    hbowser Member Posts: 253
    edited January 2010

    Melinda - Just saw your picture, gives me hope that I can have a head of hair in a couple of months,so that I can put away the wigs, scarves, hats, etc.  I think my head is the last place hair is going to start growing.  Laughing  Thanks for the tip on the vitamins.  I wrote it down since I too have a problem taking vitamins; will have to give it a try.

    Enjoy the weekend everyone. 

    Holly

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited January 2010

    Melinda-Nice hair, I have hope like Holly, but clearly I will be into my 42nd year of life with hats. I finish 3/2/10 and turn 42 on 5/8/10. I found out I probably had bc on 5/8/09 so I guess my 41st year will be by bc year. Thanks for the vitamin tip, I will find them. Have fun on the wii, I have thought about getting  one too-let us know how it goes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited January 2010

    Hello SOSisters.... been busy the last couple of days because I've had some energy!  Went to appts and out to lunch yesterday, it was such a wonderful day and I felt good.  Had some energy today but didn't feel as good.  My swelling is back in legs, feet, hands, face.  Leary about taking a fluid pill.

    Neece - so sorry to hear about your poor cars.  That happened to my mother a few years back, she had just had her car painted!  When will you know if you are anemic?  If you are the fatigue may go away quicker (trying for a positive thought here).

    Vickilynn - your description of your hair makes me think we could be chia pet twins!  I definitely don't have a lot of hair like Melissa.  Glad your hands and feet are clearing up and your energy level is returning.  I am sort of basing what to look forward to by you since you and I are closer in age.  I can live with feeling better (physically and mentally) in 5 weeks!  Sounds wonderful.

    Patty - great to hear your hair is growing.  I am jealous that your hair has color in it, mine is just pure white.  I have an eyebrow and a half.  A lovely sight I am!  Glad your mamo came out well, 2010 is going to be so positive for all of us.  3 more to go, almost there!

    Holly - I am sending you all my leftover energy plus a gizzillon positive thoughts for Monday.  Know you must be on pins and needles.  Any idea how long it will take to get the results?  I think the waiting is so much more difficult than the actual procedures.

    Kim - I hope you are enjoying a pain free weekend.  Just think one more to go!  This past week for my last one has probably been my worst but I just kept telling myself - it's over!!!  Hang in there.

    BarbAnne41- are you snowed in?  It's in the 20's here but we have sunshine.  I am so wanting it to warm up!  Thanks for the tip for the hard candy.  Interesting that dry mouth isn't a side effect but so many people get it.

    Wanda - you are on the list.  Thank you for letting us know about the hair (everywhere).  I have bluish spots in several of my nails.  My onc said yes that is a se and that I could lose my nails.  I also have a couple that are more white.  So far, so good but I'm keeping mine short and hoping for the best.  Think I may lose a toenail though (yuk!).  Glad to hear the tamoxifen hasn't been so bad.

    Melinda - wow, you have a lot of hair!  So glad to hear the rads are going well. For those of us who will be starting soon it relieves some of the anxiety.  Congrats on getting your pendents in the store, isn't life great getting back to normal?  I wish we would hear from Pamelajo, she was going to send you a picture of her tree when she finished it.  I have PM'd her but haven't heard back.  I'm am still working on letters and Barb0323 is helping - we are going to get a reunion!  Thanks for the tip on the vitamin, I also usually have a problem with taking them so will definitely try this one.  I have a WI board, plan to start using it again next week when I start my diet - or as I'm calling it, my healthier eating plan.  I have had mine about a year, it's fun and exercising is more a game than work.  I also have a treadmill that needs to be dusted.  So many things to do, so little energy!

    Well ladies, hope all of you are enjoying the weekend and no nasty side effects.  This coming week will be positive for everyone!!!  Take care.

    To those of you who haven't posted for a while, we're missing you!

    Thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chinablue
    chinablue Member Posts: 545
    edited January 2010

    Hello Ladies,

    It is a balmy 9 degrees here in NY with snow on the ground.  My daughter is off to Notre Dame for her second semester of her freshman year and we are having a farewell dinner for her tonight.  I better get to the grocery store.  Her twin brother is off to NYU on the 19th, but has to get his wisdom teeth extracted on Tuesday...poor guy.  At least, I will get a chance to baby him a bit.  My younger daughter is busy doing her home work for her freshman high school english class and my husband is totally absorbed in his new Droid phone.  I have to say family life is good for the moment.

    We went as a family to see the broadway show, Hair, yesterday. I know a little ironic, right?  It was interesting because my kids had very very little knowledge of the sixties and the big social movements of that decade.  They each knew about the Vietnam War, none of what was happening in the US at the time.  Curious?

    I did interview a rad onc last week.  I think I will probably work with her because her location is convenient to my house and she seemed knowledgeable.  She says I need to wait  2 to 6 weeks after my last taxol to start radiation.  I get to choose.  My radiation will be 5 days a week.  They will be radiating my right breast and up to my neck.  She went over all the side effects which were positively scary.  My husband thought it was going to be so much easier than the chemo...maybe it will be.   

    I love reading about everyone and wish the very best to all of you.  Keep Warm. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chinablue
    chinablue Member Posts: 545
    edited January 2010

    Oh, I forgot to ask, is anyone doing the Zometa trial or been offered zometa?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited January 2010

    Melinda - I'm impressed with your hair!   Mine isn't quite so long, but I'm still doing the Taxol so maybe that is slowing it down.  Funny...when I first buzzed it after starting chemo I was heartbroken.  Now it's about the same length as the buzz and I'm delighted.  It's all relative!

    Glad to hear that those of you who are done are getting stronger and that rads aren't so bad.  I have my first radiation consult tomorrow.   I won't start rads until March ....a month after my last Taxol on 1/29.   I'm thinking the rads won't be too bad...except the daily grind of getting there! 

    Holly -- I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!

    Stay warm everyone.  Wish I could send some of the San Diego sunshine your way.

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chinablue
    chinablue Member Posts: 545
    edited January 2010

    Anyone doing the Zometa trial?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited January 2010

    China- Sounds like a nice day and weekend. Your kids colleges must start back the same day as the one I work for, ahh back to the books. I don't know anything about the Zometa trial or Zometa-care to fill me in? Hope you enjoyed your day, and I heard Hair was wonderful-it is ironic!

     Jane- Glad you are feeling a bit energetic, hope this week is a good one for you.

    Patty- thanks for the sunny rays-you are down to the best part of the countdown 3..2..1! yea you are almost there. 

    Tomorrow is number 5 for me, almost half way done! The most annoying se has been the random itchy spots that have shown up. My onc prescribed a cream, but it only seems to help with areas not on my hands. The couple on my hands go away at night when I load up the cream, but then the next day they are back and since I am a scratcher I can't leave them alone. I mentioned it at my last chemo, but the chemo nurse and my oncs nurse didn't think it was Taxol related, I beg to differ, and think I will ask again tomorrow, maybe for a new px.

    Hope you all had a terrific weekend and a great week.

    Much love and hugs

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited January 2010

    hi all,

    Patty I love the "grow your own sleep cap" !! Gorgeous. And Melinda, WOW, love the hair pic. Thanks - so encouraging.

    My stepson told us yesterday he and his girl and gettting married in September! So exciting. My husband has a band and will be playing music on the night. I told them "I can't sing, can't dance, but I will grow some hair for the occasion". Laughing

    ALso Melinda good luck with your beads venture. I hope you do well. Lovely to be doing something 'just for you' that involves NO DOCTORS!!!

    Jane, thanks for asking, my blood tests showed I have anemia but not enough to warrant a transfusion - very happy about that! Am now on a vegetable based iron supplement that is quite gentle on the tummy. I think it is helping.

    Holly good luck with your tests! positive loving thoughts your way.

    BarbAnne I have certainly had a dry mouth all thru chemo but not sure about rads. However I think it is Catherine who has been advising all ladies doing rads to drink drink drink. (water that is!)

    Wanda my nails are discoloured too - like tobacco stains! Yuk. On advice from onc nurses I have kept them covered with black nail varnish all thru chemo. It seems to have helped. The tips of my fingers and under the nails have been quite tender but no splitting or rotting (so far) I do hope they won't get worse now AFTER  I have finished chemo - that seems incredibly unfair. I am stil keeping them covered for a few weeks (dark red now, not black any more which I hated) at least until the brown stains grow out so I hope that helps.

    To all having tx or tests this week good luck. 

    Denise

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbt0323
    barbt0323 Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2010

    Good Morning Ladies!

    Have been having a rough go of it with taxotere.  This is going to be very short just wanted to let you know I am alive and kicking.  Have been having a very hard time typing.  Started out with a rash - now can hardly bend fingers - have been taking pain medication and that seems to help.  Feet also very swollen.  Have been reading all of your posts - just not doing much typing.  My hair has started to grow back with taxotere - just a tiny bit.

    Love to all,

    Barb TCool

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2010

    Barb - Nice to hear from you! Sad to hear your having a rough time...I hope you're done sooner than soon and things get back to normal for you!  Thinking of you!  

    # 5 Rad out of the way...28 to go...a mild zing once in a while...every things going ok so far.... Tamoxiphen hasn't been giving me any side effects yet.  So instead of worrying how bad the side effects are, I'm worrying that there are no side effects! Apparently the more hot flashes and joint pain, the more it's working to stop recurrence of cancer...arrgghh....I find it very frustrating!  Anyone else out there go through these crazy worry attacks??? Drives me crazy!

     Anyway, the sun is out here and it's a heat wave of 35 degrees here in PA...have some projects to work on...Hope this crap stops soon for you Barb and the rest of you that are still having se's.... March will bring warmer weather, winds and the spring bulbs will be awakening from their hibernation... new growth of seeds and hair for us all to behold! The beginning of Spring will be upon us...

    Did you southern and warm weather folks know, if you refridgerate spring bulbs for 3 months and plant them in spring, they will bloom for you....just need to dig them up in the fall and put them back in the fridge after Christmas again  Cool Might just make your day seeing a beautiful daffodil smiling at you this spring....

    Big hugs,

    Melinda  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 157
    edited January 2010

    Hello Everyone

    Just getting caught up with everyone's post. My hair is coming in pretty good. The color however is black and white. I am a bleach blond so this looks very different than I am use to. I really want more hair but not crazy about the color. I know I can dye it again but that will not happen for a while. I have been on tamoxifen for 3 weeks now and with the effexor xr that hot flashes are alot less. It really works for me. I go for my MRI tomorrow and can't wait to have it behind me.

    Hoping for peaceful and happy days for all.

    THINK POSITIVE

    Catherine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2010

    Catherine, 

    Did you notice a change right away on the tamoxiphen? I was pre menapausal and my period stopped after 2 weeks and never returned (Sept 15th 09) Have regular hot flashes since then but nothing earth shattering...now I'm 5 days into the TAMOX and still nothing...if anything the hot flashes are less......would you share the first few weeks with me after starting it....Pleeeese...I'm worried they gave me a placebo or something... probably not...but I'm just not sure this is working...thanks! 

    Melinda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited January 2010

    Wow I am so behind posts.

    I am still having bone and joint pain from my last taxol treatment.  I am also having some pain in my arm where nodes were removed.  Like a pulling.  It is hard for me to extend my arm fully without some pain.  Hope its not lymphedema.

    Chinablue - Onty is on the trial and is getting Zometa.  I will be participating in this trial as well. Not sure what arm I will get.

    Well I am a little drugged on percocet so I will go and take a nap.  Wishing all of you ladies the best.

    Anita

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited January 2010

    So many posts!  Good to hear from everyone.

    I talked to my Onc today about the "Zometa" trial.  They are sending me the stuff, but it apparently entails being assigned to one of three different "bone" drugs to determine the effect on recurrence. In a previous study Zometa was found to have a positive effect in reducing recurrence.  If anyone is interested, Google "SWOG S0307" and numerous descriptions of the study come up.  It is scheduled to close February 1st.

    Barb T - I'm sorry to hear the Taxotere is a challenge.   Hope things improve soon!

    Anita - I hope the pain subsides soon.  It is so weird how some people get it and some don't.

    Barbara - I got some little itchy spots on Taxol too....just about the time you are getting them (TX5).  Mine were freckle-sized, angry red and clustered on my legs and one hand.   No one seemed to know what to do about them so I quit using the loofah in the shower and changed to Aveda skin lotion and now they've gone away (just did Taxol TX9 last Friday).  My thought was that maybe the Taxol makes the skin more sensitive to lotions and stuff?  Also, I thought the ones on my hands might be sun related...but that might not be a problem right now in Michigan!

    Neece - How exciting...a wedding!   By September you'll have a beautiful head of hair! 

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories