Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

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  • bubbalu
    bubbalu Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2010

    issymom:  Will be anxious to hear how the taxotere treats you, I'm right behind you by 3 weeks.

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  • KAJDerby
    KAJDerby Member Posts: 310
    edited March 2010

    Issymom-so great about your daughter's dinner!  I remember the first time my daughter had to do it, what a mess!!!  Hope your awful cold gets better!  No fun!!!

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2010

    Pumpkinsoup--good luck with the AC tomorrow. Looks like a few of us are booking trips to mark the end of this part of the journey. My SIL is a 7-year survivor. She practically never went out of state for a vacation before BC. But after she went through a mastectomy, weekly chemo for 4 months, then every three weeks for another 2 months, followed by rads, then needing to get the second breast removed and more chemo/rads, she went on about 3 cruises and a couple of trips to Hawaii and Vegas. Can' t say I blame her!

    Issymom--your dnner sounds such a treat! It will be a long time before I'll ever get a dinner like out of my kids. My 15 year old is autistic, so not real handy in the kitchen. Hope the Taxol is asy on you.

    My last infusion is on Friday. I can't wait to have this behind me!

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited March 2010

    mslrg - That is great that your last infusion is on Friday.  No matter how bad you feel after it, just remember that you don't have to go back for more.  It will only get better after the immediate SE are gone.  I can't remember, do you have to have rads?

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  • wren22
    wren22 Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2010

    paxton--nice to see you here again.  Sounds like the benefit was great.  I will be sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way.

    mslrg--my last TC tx is Thursday.  It is amazing how much I am looking forward to this day and yet dreading it at the same time.  I don't have to do rads, but need to schedule a hysterectomy.  Also can't wait to get rid of the port--it has just been bugging me for the past few weeks.  Even though I should probably wait and make sure everything is all right, I think I am just going to say take it out and you can put it back in if you need to!

    Would love to plan a trip to Disney for my kids this year, but we'll have to see about the $.  My husband travels to VietNam for work and I'm hoping those frequent flier miles will be adding up.

    Wishing you all a good week--it is so encouraging that we are nearing the end of at least part of this crappy treatment!

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2010

    No rads for me! Nothing left on either side to rad, plus no node involvment. I have my bilateral reconstruction to look forward to next, 5 years of Tamoxifen, and a possible hysterctomy as well. I still need about 4 or so more saline fills. OUCH! Then the surgery. After I heal from that, my plastic surgeon will construct nipples out of existing skin. When I heal from that, she'll tatoo aerolas. What we go through for this friggin cancer!

    Darn it! I am the only one in my house to go the entire winter without catching a cold. Now, I have a sore throat and a headache, like I have the beginnings of a cold. I began taking Zicam and zinc, but with my low WBC, I'll probably get the friggin cold and won't be able to get my chemo on Friday Frown It's not like I WANT chemo, but I do want it to be over with! Wouldn't you know it?  This was the one time my onc opted not to give me the neulasta shot.


    Wren, hopefully, you and I can both have a cyber celebration this week! If not me, then definitely you! Congrats in advance of copleting your chemo course! As for the $$ for a trip, I understand. If I was being more prudent, I wouldn't be doing this either--lost a lot of income being out on disability, plus I took a paycut, 12 furlough days that they just started deducting form my check, and no movement on the payscale indefinitely. DH is getting 7 furlough days and no bonus check this year. I may also get laid-off from my job due to budget cuts anyway. But what the hey? I don't get cancer every year either! I may regret this in June, but we need this vacation, and we'll figure out something. I just sat and wrote down all of the seniority dates of my teachers to see who will get a lay-off notice by March 15th-- 15 of my teachers will be laid off, plus my nurse and a number of custodians, cafeteria workers, office staff, and my computer tech will be laid off or will lose major hours. Almost glad I'm not at work around what must be a really terrible morale--would not be conducive to healing. The best I can do is write really nice letters of recommendations for all of them and hope they all find jobs. They're good, hard-working people who don't deserve this!

    Friscomom--still waiting to hear the outcome of your tests. I'm worried now that you didn't post today. I pray everything is OK with you!

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  • friscosmom
    friscosmom Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2010

    hi all - sorry I didn't update yesterday, I'm still waiting on my results. I spoke with a nurse yesterday, she was not helpful and actually really made me quite mad. She actually asked me "what exactly is it that you're wanting to know?" , well DUH, the results lady, the results!

    I was going to call my onco and insist he go over the results with me by phone today but I made an appt for Thursday because now, in addition to wanting to know the results, I would really like to discuss how this was handled and I'd rather do that in person so I can really tell if this response from his nurse is how HE likes things done or if this is just his nurse being a real "B". Sorry, I'm still aggravated and that happened yesterday afternoon.

    So now I wait some more, but my worry has been displaced with anger at being treated so flippantly by that nurse.

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  • Just-Sher
    Just-Sher Member Posts: 68
    edited March 2010

    Oh FriscosMom-  I am so sorry that you are still in the waiting mode.  Been hoping and praying for you that no news is good news.  Arrgghh - don't you just love nurses like that?  I would have loved to say, "oh nothing really, just called 'cuz I hadn't talked  to you in a while!"  Geez - what does she think you're waiting for??!!!

    Keeping you in my prayers!

    Sher

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  • VegasDiva
    VegasDiva Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2010

    Wow, it's amazing what a difference 24 hours can make.  I woke up this morning feeling good. (relative, of course to yesterday Wink )  I got up and took a shower and put on some make up.  Suddenly the phone rang, it was the local florist, they wanted to know if I would be home to accept a delivery.  I said sure.  I put on my wig and got dressed.  To my surprise arrived the most beautiful floral arrangement from my cousin's.  I thought I would share it with all of you.

    Hope you are all having a great day too!

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  • georgiabirdgirl
    georgiabirdgirl Member Posts: 143
    edited March 2010

    Friscomom- I'm sorry you're still waiting.  I'm even more sorry that the nurse you dealt with yesterday was so uncompassionate.  I had the same experience with my first biopsy.  The results were supposed to be ready and I called in the morning and then again in the afternoon.  On my second call the nurse was so rude to me it had me in tears.  Luckily, my doctor called me personally later and apologized.  I think it's good for you to take this info to the doc.  I'm still praying that this is all nothing to worry about.

    Paxton-  I'm glad to hear from you and that your event went well.  It sounds like things are starting to go your way, so hopefully your test results will continue that trend.  You and your family are in my thoughts a lot.  Hang in there.

    Mslrg- Last Infusion!!!  Yeah.  I hope it goes off with out a hitch.  I've had the same problem with a cold lately. I'm praying it doesn't affect my chemo schedule.  I had the hardest time recovering last week, and then I just got flattened this weekend with fever and cold.  Wow!  I have newfound respect for my white blood cells.  It stinks because I had planned to have the weekend and this week to get work done.

    VegasDiva-beautiful flowers.  Isn't it amazing how an unexpected thoughtful gesture can totally life your spirits.

    Not only has my family had to pay the price for my treatment, but now my work has totally suffered.  I think it's time to go on short term disability.  I don't know where to begin though.  Does anyone know if I can I do that for just chemo, or do I have to wait until I get my surgery?

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  • pagowens
    pagowens Member Posts: 194
    edited March 2010

    VegasDiva - beautiful flowers!  How compassionate to send them to brighten your day!  Enjoy and thanks for sharing.

    GeorgiaBird - I went on short term disability after my second AC (mid-February) - it was so devastating that I knew I wouldn't be able to work.  Here's what I did:  1.  Called my HR person and found out what the employer paid benefits were.  I've also been paying for a short term disability on my own and found out what those benefits were.  I asked how long I could be out (< 6 months) without jeopardizing my job, my employer paid benefits, and what the paperwork needed was - got more information on Family Medical Leave.  I got all that information and then discussed with my husband what we should do.  Then, 2.  Once I made up my mind to go "out" I talked with my oncologist who would have to fill out the disability paperwork.  She gave me a note for work that said "Breast Cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy and unable to work at this time."  plus then filled out the paperwork from the insurance company for my disability pay.  I went out for 6 weeks temporarily - that puts me out until the end of March.  I can extend if I'm not up to going back to work part-time or full-time, just need to get the doctor's note again.  I'm waiting to see what the Taxol does to me to make up my mind about returning, if part-time, full-time or continued leave until the whole chemo is completed (beginning of June).  And, 3.  I talked with my boss and gave him the what's up and why and my plan for temporarily leave.  He assured me my job will still be there and that I should do what I need to do to get healthy.  I know not all bosses are like that and know I am blessed.  I did not go on leave for my partial mastectomy on Dec. 16th - I took 6 days sick leave and then the college closed for the holidays - so, I lucked out and used my additional 10 days to heal and went back to work right after New Years Day.  I just decided that what little strength and ability I had left after chemo treatment was for me, my 3 year old grandson and my husband.  I just didn't have anything left for work at this time.  Good luck with your decision-making.

    Hugs, Pat

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2010

    Vegasdiva--thanks for sharing your beautiful flowers! They are so lovely! I got so many flowers when i had my double mX, and appreciated it so much. BUt that was 5 months ago and I have been suffering with this since. The next time someone I know has cancer, I will remember to do something special for them at least once a month.

    Friscomom--can't believe you're still waiting! What torture! I think you should write a letter to the head honcho because your doc may gloss the incident over. I wrote a letter to the head person when the phlebotemist told me to go stand on a mat like I was a dog or something. They treat me much better now.

    Georgiabird--you will need to get a letter from your onc wih specific dates you will be out--those dates can be changed at a later date. You cannot be fired from your job for taking leave for this illness. You have ADA rights. When you get your letter, go to HR and turn in the letter--or mail it. That's what I did. If youhave any kind of diability insurance. Your doc and employer will have some paperwork to fill out. I think you're making the right decision. Goodluck.

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  • KAJDerby
    KAJDerby Member Posts: 310
    edited March 2010

    Friscomom- I think you are doing the right thing talking to the doc face to face.  I would be soooooooooooo angry!  Actually, when I read your post, I was angry with you!!!!! 

    Georgiabird - Praying about your situation.  Stinks, stinks, stinks, this chemo junk!

    Vegasdiva - flowers are beautiful.  I'm still feeling yuck and the horrible smell that is in my sinus' just doesn't help.  Glad you are feeling so much better!!

    pagowens-thank you for the great and indepth info.  I don't need to use it, but I thought it was great that you were able to give georgiabird such great direction!  You too Mslrg.  That's why I love this forum!

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  • bbd
    bbd Member Posts: 53
    edited March 2010

    Hi all-

    It is good to hear that everyone's eyes are starting to bother them now. I am tearing like I am sobbing. This morning when I woke my eyes are swollen. I am stilling wearing my contacts for vanity but I don't know how much longer. They tell me it is a side effect of the Cytoxan.

    Wren22 Thursday is also my last TC treatment. Like you, I am anxious. I haven't seem to recover as well from treatment 3 so treatment 4 seems daunting, BUT IT IS the last one so it will be fine. I have rads to complete but am also having a hysterecotmy. When are you planning? Are you giving yourself time to regroup?

    Friscomom-Hoping that you don't have to wait until Thursday and that it will be good news.

    Vegasdiva-I should have logged on yesterday. I was right there with you at the pity party. I am tired of being tired and ugly. So thanks for sharing your flowers. Today will be a better day.

    Hoping the day is wonderful for you all. 

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  • wren22
    wren22 Member Posts: 40
    edited March 2010

    bbd--I am talking to my onc on Thursday about when to have the hysterectomy.  I would really like a couple of months (at least!) to get all the chemo out of my system and feel good again before another surgery.  If she will let me, I am really going to try to wait until the end of summer, but we'll see.

    I agree about treatment #3--I just seem to be so tired and have zero energy.  I have also been an emotional mess.  I cried all through an old "All in the Family" re-run last night.  I'm sure my family thinks I have truly lost it.

    I will be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping that both of us do well.

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  • youngmomof3
    youngmomof3 Member Posts: 156
    edited March 2010

    well it sounds like the cold season has unfortunately hit so many of us. I had a sinus infection last week and was given a 5-day antibiotic which seemed to be working but by Sunday I was starting to feel crappy again. Dr. gave me another 5 days fo antibiotics yesterday which I am hoping will start working asap b/c I am supposed to have chemo tomorrow and am so worried that my WBC will be too low. Had it checked last week and it was in range but now I am nervous still I am still fighting this sinus infection. My onc always says that chemo needs to revolve aorund my life and not that my life should revolve around chemo. Easier said than done. I have 3 kids and there crazy extra-curricular schedules, have planned a weekend away with the family, a girls night with friends, and am still working full-time. I have my schedule arranged so that I know what I can and cannot make based on chemo weeks so I am frustrated and worried that my schedule will be changed. I can handle what I know, but don't do very well with changes and the unknown. Speaking of working I miss so many days b/c of chemo and drs appts that I feel so guilty that I am not getting everything done that I need to. There are days when I wish I had taken the time off and then other times when I am feeling good that I am so glad that I come to work. So many mixed emotions and that damn guilt about everything(kids, husband, work, house) gets me everytime. Why do I feel such guilt over something I had no control over? I hate it! I was very upset last night b/c I was feeling like crap from the sinus infection and went up and laid in bed in the evening. My DH took care of the boys and when it was time for them to go to bed they came into my room to say goodnight and I felt so bad that they were seeing me in bed and it wasn't even b/c of the chemo. I couldn't stop crying last night b/c I want,need, to be healthy when I am supposed to be. So that was my pity party for the past few days...thx for letting me vent.

    Paxton: so glad to see you back on here. I'm sure you are very anxious about your upcoming tests and I pray that everything comes back good for you. You will be in my thoughts.

    Friscosmom: What an awful nurse you had to deal with. I know this is a job for so many of these people but this is our lives and they need to remember that we are human beings with emotions and deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and a little nurturing care wouldn't hurt either. I pray that your results come back with good news too.

    Vegasdiva: Love the flowers. Isn't it amazing how the kindest gestures can truly lift you up esp when we need it most. May they remind you of the love and support that surrounds you.

    I am also trying to plan a small trip for the family over the summer before my bi-lat mast in July. I feel like our family will certainly need a cancer break before the big surgery and recovery. I feel like so much of our lifes are affected by cancer and I just want us all to laugh, have fun and make some great memories. That is truly what life is all about.

    Have a question for anyone who has already done reconstruction: has anyone done the free TRAM flap? I ams till up in the air about whether to do that or implants. Both surgeries and after -care scare the hell out of me so any input on either route would be greatly appreciated:)

    Thanks ladies & happy Wednesday

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited March 2010

    Well, yesterday was my first Taxol treatment.  I was worried because of my cold but my WBC were still high (wondering if they are working hard enough Wink).  Anyway, they gave me a heavy dose of benadryl and steroids that made me very woosy.  The entire infusion was 3 1/2 hours and I thought that I would watch a movie but instead I just wanted to close my eyes and rest.  Wasn't able to sleep, at least I didn't have to worry about snoring.  I coughed a lot thoughout the tx and I was worried that I would worry the other patients but I didn't get any dirty looks.  I made sure to cough in my arm so they were OK.

    So far no muscle aches (knocking on wood).  My fingernails are a little sore.  Sure hope I don't have issues with them (I hear they get loose for some people, don't want to lose them).  I am also hoping that my eyes will start getting better now that I am off the Cytoxan. I wake up with crusty eyes and they are puffy.

    Wren - I too have to have a hysterectomy when I am done with chemo.  I am going to wait a month and then do it.  I feel like I have a ticking time bomb inside of me.  I want to get it done so I can enjoy the summer (that doesn't start until late June in the NW).

    youngmomof3 - I am doing an implant. I had a skin and nipple sparring mastectomy and implants seem like the best option for me.  From reading what people are going through with TRAM flap and DIEP, it just seems too invasive for me.  I have a friend who is part of a reconstruction support group and they are putting on a seminar in 2 weeks.  They are going to be talking about the different options, pros and cons, etc...  I will post what I learn the next day.

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  • pumpkinsoup
    pumpkinsoup Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2010

    youngmomof3--I'm doing implants. I can't stand the thought of more surgeries. : )

    issymom--I'm glad it's so far, so good on the Taxol! I know one day out isn't much to really get an idea how it's going to effect you, but good luck. I had a ssm and nipple sparing as well. Has anyone suggested you get a mammogram? My radiologist, wants a mammogram next week since I had many microcalcifications in my pathology report.

    So, yesterday I met with my oncologist before chemo. I have been asking her for weeks why I was initially staged a IIIa by my BS. She didn't know. I finally got an answer yesterday, since she finally talked to him about it. I am now officially staged a IIb, unless something else changes. Not that it makes any difference in regards to my treatment, but you know, that really wreaks havoc with your emotions. I will add that some big teaching hospitals can be difficult to work with at times. You, the patient must be your own advocate.

    Had my fourth and last AC yesterday! Now off to 4 DD Taxols in two weeks. My onc said the ice on the hands and feet are anecdotal, but she suggested glutamine and vitamin B6 to help with neuropathy.

    Hope everyone feels OK : ) 

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  • 11tyBillion
    11tyBillion Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2010

    I finally got through all of the posts!  I have not written in a while because I was a total mess right before and for 2 weeks after my 4th AC treatment.  I got really freaked out about it (understandably, because by then, we know what to expect) and I broke down completely when the nurse came in to administer the last AC ... then the 2 weeks after I just felt plain awful.  I was depressed, crying all the time, aches pains, you know how it is.  I was relieved to read that many of you guys also felt that awful 4th treatment wave as well.  It must have something ot do with what that chemical is doing to our hormones etc.  I got my first Taxol, and was really afraid of it, but so far, so good.  Not many SE's (knock wood), I just hope that the SE's are not cumulative or anything.  Since I am doing the 12 weekly doses, I think the SE's are supposed to be way less (knocking wood again).  I must say, I have been enjoying feeling like I have energy again.  AND, I am no longer on the boat load of meds (Atavan, Compazine, Zofran, you name it) so I think that is helping me feel better as well.  Been trying to get out every decent day and trying to walk a mile or more.

    I too have been thinking about hwo to do reconstruction, and have been really confused as to what to do.  When I met with the plastic surgeon before my bi lateral MX, she said NOTHING at all of hte different proceedures that they perform to re-build hte breasts (TRAM, DIEP, etc...) so I had no idea what all that entailed till just last week.  I really do not feel like getting into all the surgery that some of the processes involve!  I am starting to think that implants might be the way I go now.  I was thinking at first that loosing some of the post-pregnancy flappy belly skin would be nice (TRAM?), but sheesh, the length and number of surgeries has kind of put me off.  I would love to learn more about this stuff though, and it helps me hearing what you all are thinking about your reconstrucitons too.

    I think there are some new folks that I still have to update on the list - I will try to get them listed soon!

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  • stlcardsfan
    stlcardsfan Member Posts: 466
    edited March 2010

    Have been reading but not posting. Things seem to be going ok for me other than the fact that I am finishing up 48 hours of wearing a Holter Heart monitor.

    Seems most on this thread are not on TCH, but if you are, any ear ringing or hearing your pulse in your ear? I starting hearing my pulse in my left ear about 15 days past # 2. Hard to sleep at night when you hear the thump, thump, thump.

    It got better toward the end of # 2, and then a few days after # 3 it came right back. Cardio DR feels it is a side effect of Chemo, but given my heart issue they wanted to make sure. So, have 5 leads attached to various parts of my chest, and a count down clock on a strap over my shoulder. No showering for 2 days - at least I don't have any hair to wash! Laughing Hopefully it is just a Chemo side effect and not anything else. Aside from that, feel pretty good.

    Find out the results of the BRAC test this week as well. Still haven't decided what type of surgery to get, as the TCH is doing its thing. The thing is now barely detectable, and I still have 3 more treatments to go. Getting ready for # 4 next week.

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  • bubbalu
    bubbalu Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2010

    I found a site breastcancersite.com that goes into detail about reconstruction with photos of various methods.  Since I am neo-adjuvant with chemo, my mastectomy follows chemo, then radiation.  I've been reading also on this site about new research that shows that radiation following mastectomy for stages 1 & 11 with one lymph node involvement only increases your reoccurence by 2% and my be unnecessary. 

    I haven't yet decided to do a bi-lateral or not.  At 70 I don't know what my chances of reoccurence are yet.  It would be more for cosmetic purposes to have them both removed and peace of mind.  I am full busted and would either remove both with implants or remove the BC breast with implant depending on the rate of reoccuence.  Statistics are one thing and peace of mind another, know?

    The 'eyes' have it.  We all are experiencing eye problems and I'll pass on a tip from my optometrist.  Eye wash in the morning with diltued baby shampoo using a que tip.  Gently clean the eyelid.  Mine became very swollen red and itchie from cytoxan and I had to get a script of Tobradex to clear it up.  Only have one cytoxan to go - YEAH!

    I get treatments every 3 weeks.  What is DD exactly?   How long after radiation do you have to wait to get the implant surgery?

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  • Tamatar
    Tamatar Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2010

    Hi Everyone!

     VegasDIva - Thank you for sharing your flowers!

    Issymom - Great news on the Taxol...keep us all posted!

    Paxton - Glad you are back!

    I had my blood tests today and I am goind for my LAST Laughing A/C treatment tomorrow!  I too have had the puffy/crusty eyes and I need to carry a tissue everywhere because either my eyes or nose is running.

    I have had a cold since the first week after I began chemo!  They gave me an antibiotic, but it didn't help...this is just the ordinary run of the mill cold that I can't seem to get rid of because of chemo and the junky winter weather.  Today was actually the first really nice day here...the high hit 60 and it was partly sunny in the afternoon (rained all morning).  It felt great to open the windows and the sun roof on the car and get some fresh air!

    All of you are so supportive - I appreciate all of you posts...here is to wishing us all a wonderful rest of the week!

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  • bubbalu
    bubbalu Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2010

    Tamatar:  Going for my last AC tomorrow too, then Taxotere for 4 tx.  Wishing us all luck and good days ahead. 

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  • michelle_nj
    michelle_nj Member Posts: 50
    edited March 2010

    Hello Sisters,

    Bubbalu - please give me more info about radiation fallowing mastectomy with one lymph node. I'm in this situation but I have close margin to chest wall .7mm. I really don't want radiation too. I have an appt in April with the radiation onco.
    My PS want to do the exchange before radiation (if the case).

    I didn't feel that great lately. My eyes are red and swollen and my vision in worse than before I started chemo, much worse. I had a few very bad days last week, when I felt nauseous even from the water and I hardly could drink half of the daily dose. Now I'm better, but in 2 days I'll start the Taxol x 4. How bad is it?

    Wish you all good luck with your tx!

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2010
    All you ladies going in for chemo tomorrow, good luck! Mine will be onFriday if my onc gives the go ahead.I called her office today and was told to come in anyway and she'll make the call after she sees me. My cold is fairly mild as colds go, but I am so wiped out! Both my kids have school actvities tonight: 4th grader is performing at the PTA meeting and 8th grader has freshman orientation at the high school--at the same time! Yell will be interesting trying to be a two places at once!
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  • bubbalu
    bubbalu Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2010

    Michelle_nj:  Go to the home page of this website, top left link, breastcancer.org and it's under Research News about 1/3 down the page.  Very interesting.  I printed it to show to my surgeon.

     I don't want radiation either.  The article is titled:

    Post Mastectomy Radiation May Be Overused March 2010

    I'll bet your eye issues are with cytoxan, we all seem to be having the same SE. 

    I'm not really up on the lingo - what does exchange mean?

    Are you near our favorite place in NJ?  Stone Harbor 

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  • mslrg
    mslrg Member Posts: 293
    edited March 2010

    Hey bubbalu, exchange is when you get the tissue expanders exchanged for implants. Most of us get the TE put in at the same time we get the mastectomies--some don't. Then we get saline shots over time to stretch skin and muscle. Before I started getting chemo, I was getting 50cc.s in each side every week. The after efects of the shots were unmercifully painful.I put them on hold while I did chemo.  Some people continuee, I just couldn'tfacedoing both.So afte chemo, I need abot 4 more shots, then exchange surgery.

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  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 221
    edited March 2010

    good luck on your first Taxol, Lorrie! I am anxious to seehow itgoes! sorry you stillhave yourcoldthoughFrown So glad the dinner turned outso well!!

     Bubbalu my eyes water bad too. when I wake up my eyes are matted shut. Hope it gets better for you.

    YEAH, pumpkinsoup. Congrats on the final!

    Grace I was just sayinhg this the other day to one of my nurses. It is hard to complain to family cause I really don't want them to now how bad I feel like SH*T!!!!

    Vegas, congrats on yourlast TC!! Woo hoo we all can do it. I totally understand aobut feeling so bad.My last AC was jsut to much. I have had two break downs since them!! It can only get better, right?? I hope it goes by fastfor you.

    OMG...Paxton I wish you the best. I have those anxiety issues too. I either think that I am having a heart attack or it has spread through my bones cause I ache!

     GREAT FOR YOU ON YOU vaca!! You deserve it. I want too too but with getting ready to have surgery on the 16th and then expansion all summer long! I want to go to the grand canyon at my 1 year diagnois in Nov.

    MsLg, Sounds like you  are doing fabulous!! My onc said I can't do any garden work or work with any plants on chemo. I wonder why?

    Wow Pat sounds like a wonderful time!! I hope you have a fabulous time. Congrats on the last AC. I hope Taxol is very kind to you!!

    Sher ((( ))) hugsto you! I felt like this to for thelast twoweek. Thinkingabout chemo was making me sick. I wanted to be so upbeat and perky too since Ihas my last AC but I just couldn't!

    bubbalu, Click on her screenname and then you will see where you can send her a PM.

     Hope you all are doing great!! I am  going in for my bimasc on next Tuesday. Saw my PS and kinda got excited about new boobs. For you ladies that are going through expansion how is chemo on it? I will get my last four taxol after surgery. I had a break down yeasterday at the hospital. I just couldn't stop cryingl It was at a preop getting ready for my surgery!! thanks for listening and Ihope you all have a pain free SE free day!!

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  • Issymom
    Issymom Member Posts: 264
    edited March 2010

    I anxiously awaiting hearing how the others who started Taxol have faired.  I would say it is manageable.  I woke up this morning with some aches in my hips, knees, and shoulder but this is supposed to be a temporary problem and for me much easier to deal with than nausea.  The only really annoying SE is that bothering me is that my finger tips are highly sensitive.  When I take a shower they hurt (not bad) like when they are really cold and you put them in warm water.  My thumbs are the worst and it hurts to pick up anything but smooth glasses.  Opening the tylenol bottle is painful.  I can manage if it doesn't get worse but I am concerned.

    My cold was getting better but now it feels like it is worse!  I think I may go see my GP today. 

    Good luck to all of you who are having chemo this week.  I think we are all at least at the 1/2 way point.  All down hill after this.

    mom2bnegative - We will be thinking about you next Tuesday!  It is an emotional thing to do but it is worth it for the peace of mind!

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  • michelle_nj
    michelle_nj Member Posts: 50
    edited March 2010
    Bubbalu - Thank you for the radiation article, I'm preparing my visit to the radiation oncologist with arguments against radiation. The chances of long term bad side effects might be higher than the benefits of radiation. And I really don't understand why chemo can't destroy the possible cancer cells left behind bmx.
    I moved to NJ five years ago, so I don't know it very well, but I visited Stone Harbor area last year and it is very nice.

    Mom2Bnegativex3 - I understand you'll go for implants. Good luck with your surgery on Tuesday. We'll be thinking of you. The hospital stay is minimal, so keep us updated.

    Issymom - Thank you for the Taxol updates. Is there any way to protect the fingers, I mean ice gloves or something else?

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