Starting Chemo in June 2005

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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited September 2005
    My husband got home at 2:30 this afternoon and we went to the Junior High Football game tonight. I flitted around like a social butterfly (totally missed the game) and had the best time. Enjoyed watching my son (one of 147 band members) and it was just nice.

    So it was a great ending to what started out as a lame day.
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2005
    Jen..so glad you enjoyed yourself at the game! It must have been discouraging to have to postpone your treatment..but at least you got some fun to more than make up for the delay! Glad your husband was able to be with you.



    When I went for treatment today there was a woman there who had extreme side effects from her 1st taxotere treatment, so they had to postpone and they are going to give her a slightly lower dose. I felt so bad for her..she seemed quite upset about it.



    Scout..you sure have a lot on your plate. Good to see you doing so well after surgery. Hope you get good news about your breast surgery. If you do have to have a masectomy...it's not the end of the world, but I hope you will have the choice of the lumpectomy.



    Liz



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  • Blessing
    Blessing Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2005
    Hi Everyone,

    I am starting Chemo in a couple of weeks. I have been reading your comments for the last 6 weeks. I am a nervous wreck. I would like to communicate with any one who will be getting Chemo in October. You ladies are standing in front of me holding courage for me. Thank you.
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2005
    Iris,

    We were all scared and anxious in the beginning. As you can see from our messages, we've all had good days and bad days, but little by little we are all reaching the end of chemo! You will do fine. You will feel better once you start because then you will know you are fighting hard against nasty old cancer. You may want to start a separate thread for women beginning in October. But please keep coming here and letting us know how it goes. We are rooting for you!

    Hugs,Liz
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited September 2005

    Ok ladies, I need opinions! I've been offered a position teaching pottery at the local arts center. I'd really like to do it, even though the pay is almost volunteer status. But, it's 11 weeks, basically during and beyond rads! Only one day a week, two sessions for a total of six hours. I'm nervous about making a commitment not knowing how rads will affect me, but I want to do it! What to do, what to do? I know many of you are working, and this shouln't be any harder than that. I'm so scared of my sking burning, though, because I'm so fair.

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  • JoMac
    JoMac Member Posts: 192
    edited September 2005
    That is great to be offered the opportunity to teach and share what you know and love. I wondered if you could decline the position for now and pick it up next semester when you are done with radiation.
    It is always such a challenge in healing to know how much you are capable of doing.
    It is a fine line between having the right amount on your schedule to stay busy and active and involved but not too much so that it causes anxiety and stress. Just remember this is not a once in a lifetime opportunity. I*f you decline now you can always do it later.
    Today my daughter is coming home for the weekend. So I did the "Mommy " thing. I made muffins and cookies.
    I dropped my ativan to half of what I was taking while on steroids. That seems to be working pretty well. Hopefully I can drop it to .05 before too long.
    Today I am doing to try and paint. I still can't see well but I thought if I work on a bigger piece I might do better.
    That is the plan.
    Even though my last chemo was last Weds. nobody told my body it was the last one. So everything is the same as usual (on chemo that is).
    I don't know why I thought I would feel a change. Wishful thinking ....I guess.
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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited September 2005
    Brenda,
    I say go for it. You sound excited to do it. It's just my opinion, but sometimes having a commitment or routine helps you get up and going.
    I"ve heard most people says rads is a little tiring, but no biggie. I know everyone's different. If for some reason you are just too exhausted during rads, they will understand if you need a mid semester replacement.
    Lordy woman! You went to weekend craft fairs all through chemo! That's a big deal! I"m thinking you can do this.

    Have fun! Don't stress too much about the decision!
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2005
    SCOUT I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU I AM SHOUTING FOR JOY
    Is anyone else having trouble posting? I keep getting kicked out. It is probably this computer.
    Someone mentioned break-outs, I there. I look awful but it goes well with the lack of brows.
    My chemo brain is awful..I can't remember what I am talking about LOL
    Brenda can you start teaching and change your mind if it is too hard? I really miss teaching this fall but know I couldn't keep up with the little ones, I do miss it so much.
    Have a great day
    Bev
    Only 8 more taxols!!!
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2005
    did you catch the grammer?

    I am there
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited September 2005

    Well, I talked to the rad onc, and she thinks I will be ok, since it is only one day a week. It's adults, and only between 4 and 7 students in each class, so I think it will be all right. I'm excited, I think I would eventually like to have a teaching studio of my own, and this is a start. It's not at a college, but at the local art center, so pretty low-key.

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2005
    Brenda...I agee, go for it! I have been working full time all the way through. I have taken off days and half days when I have to...my health comes first! I'm concerned with the daily grind that rads will be, but figure I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I am usually pretty wiped out by the end of the day and don't do a lot over the weekends, but find that working is good for me..gets me out and gets my mind off all this crap. Since you made it through your shows...this should be a snap for you and the fact that it is something you may build a future on...well worth doing! If you burn from the rads...just wear loose clothes and a vest or jacket so you can go braless...or just a cami or sports bra. My biggest concern about rads is if I am unable to wear a bra...don't want to go to work all lopsided! Weather in Florida is not condusive to layering clothing! My plan is to go as late in the day as possible..then bring a loose shirt and jacket for the trip home and hope that I can wear a bra or pocket camisole to work without having one boob up and one down...or worse only a boob on one side! I am confident that I will find something that will work!

    Liz
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  • bmck
    bmck Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2005
    Hello all! Well I am finally done with Chemo. On the 9th of September. What a relief!!! What does everyone think about this, I already sent a PM to NoSurrender to get her opinion but I wanted to know what everyone here thought. My onc is not going to run any tests he is going to see me in 6 months and then we can "talk" about it then. Does anyone think that tests are "required"? Has anyone else's onc done this? What does everyone think? Have been having this pain in my rib cage for the last couple of days and don't really remember running into anything and it is tender to the touch so of course my mind is going into overdrive. Please give some thoughts on the tests that should or could be done after chemo ends? Thanks!

    Cathi
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited September 2005

    Cleveland Clinic doesn't run tests after chemo, either, unless something is specifically indicated. My surgeon has me scheduled for a mammogram in three months, since I am due for one in the other breast, anyway, and she wants me to have a breast MRI at the same time, since mammogram did not see my cancer last November, even though I had felt the lump since June.

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  • Reeny47
    Reeny47 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2005
    Hello everyone,
    I have not posted in a while because I have been feeling almost norm and have been busy, busy. I have came on and read the post when I would check my e-mail and ect. to see how all of you are doing. I had my third taxol on the 1st of Sept and am due to have my fourth and final one on the 22nd of this month. Other than affecting my fingernails(kinda like they have a fungus and they tingle and feel funny)and being unusally tired sometimes I have been doing great. Do not even have the gluey eye. Can't believe I only have one more treatment. There was so many times this road looked neverending and now I can almost see the end. I have to thank my Lord for that. He has been my strength and comfort and I am very grateful.
    Cathi,I was wondering the same thing about test after chemo. My onc has not mentioned anything to me yet and now I am wondering if he goes with your onc policy. I, like you ,would love to know if I am still cancer free after chemo and worry when I have a strange pain somewhere. I don't know why I think the pain would be cancer because I did not have any pain when I was dx. But still you wonder.

    Scout, praise the Lord about your good news. I am so happy for you. I still have my ovaries and I know your chances of developing ovarian cancer is increased when you have breast cancer. Were you having problems with your ovaries or was this just precautionary measure by your onc.? I was just wondering if I need to ask about having mine took out. Anyway, glad to hear your wonderful news.

    Jomac, I see you are through with chemo.whippee...Hope you will feel normal soon.

    To the rest of you ladies, I hope anyone having treatment this week will do better than good and hope all of you have a blessed Sunday.
    Maureen
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  • JoMac
    JoMac Member Posts: 192
    edited September 2005
    After a difficult week I decided to go back to the strategy of "what ever works". So I took any drugs I wanted to , ate what I wanted to and ordered some books and bulbs on line.
    all I know is I feel fine now. I am practicing wearing my wig. I haven't worn it until now because I couldn't deal with an additional discomfort and I really wasn't going any where.
    This week I meet with the surgeon to see about having the port out. I also must decide about further surgery on my ovaries. I don't know how to research this but I will begin with converstations with the oncologist and surgeon.
    My eyes seem better today. Not too sticky.
    so this has been a good healing week for me.
    I hopt it continues.
    Oh...the best thing is my sleeping patterns got normal again.
    Ah.......I think part of my problem was I was exhausted from the steroids not letting me get enough rest.
    I felt like a cranky child most of the time.
    I feel much more like myself now.
    Dana.....are you there?
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited September 2005
    Hi, ladies,
    I just got back from my last art show of the season, until two in December. Kind of poor sales, this was the first time I had done this show, but probably won't do it next year.

    Last Taxol tomorrow!! Yay!!! Then, Friday, off on vacation to Maine with a couple of days in the mtns of Vermont and N.H. on the way back. Leaves should be turning by then, that far north. The day after we get back is my CAT for radiation, as well as the first class at the art center! Wow! Hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew!

    Jo, so glad you're feeling better. I've been worried about you.

    Reeny, you'll be finishing a couple of days after me. Cathi, you're done, too! As we are all finishing up, some are getting ready for rads, and some not. Are we keeping this thread, or starting a new one for rads ladies, or what?

    Brenda
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  • Scout
    Scout Member Posts: 76
    edited September 2005
    I vote for keeping the same thread...I like the close knit "cyber" friends we have become. I feel alot of support here...and the other threads are just scary to me!
    I have my second Taxotere tomorrow. I hope the Onc. changes the formula because I came THIS CLOSE to not going tomorrow. I felt like I was dying for 7 days!
    I have to meet with the Onc...then chemo...then an appt with the surgeon...it's going to be a long day!
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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited September 2005
    Hey!
    I'm only halfway done with chemo! You guys are gonna leave me? Gee, thanks! lol

    I'm happy to hear that so many of you are finishing up. I'm an every three weeker that started at the end of June, so I'm the tail end.

    Scout, I start taxotere on Thursday. Tell me all your gory details. AC wasn't bad at all for me, so I'm fully expecting taxotere to kick my butt to make up for it.

    Any of you that have gone so bravely before me have taxotere stories, good or bad? Lay 'em on me sistah's!

    Have a good week!
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2005
    My vote is to stay here at least until we all cross the finish line! Congrats to all that are finished. I have two more treatments to do.



    Scout...hang in there and let us know how the day goes.



    Second taxotere did not give me the same joint pain as first...less intense this time. I tolerated the AC fairly well...finding the taxotere wears me out more. The three week schedule seems to drag out a LOT longer. Yucky mouth, mucho fatigue seem to be the worst of this for me. I am feeling really worn out. The joint and bone pain seems to get me on Saturday and Sunday ...I have the Taxotere on Thursday. I think it was easier this time because I knew what to expect. At least I only have 2 more to go.



    Liz



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  • Scout
    Scout Member Posts: 76
    edited September 2005
    Well, I didn't sleep a wink last night.....not even a 1/2 hour! Thank god my SIL is taking me...I don't think I could drive!
    Taxotere was alot worse than CEF, at least for me. I did have more nausea with the CEF, but the symptoms only last 2 days and then I felt much better. Taxotere's side effects lasted almost 8 days! I had terrible joint pain and muscle pain at the same time. My other symptoms were gunk in my eyes in the morning...but not too bad, and nothing tastes good....I'm getting use to instant rice with butter and salt! I had some nausea and my hair is not growing back. I think I'm just too tired to think of the other symptoms...but I'm sure I will remember them later in the week. I'm going to try to go out tonight and maybe out for dinner tomorrow..until the aches start again. I have no idea what to expect since I just had ovarian surgery 6 days ago!
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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2005
    Happy Monday Junies!

    Sorry I've been MIA for a bit. I started, but didn't finish!, a room painting project and I have a bigger mess than when I started. My computer is in the middle of it so I have only been reasding posts... not replying!

    Anyway... I'm FINISHED with chemo! Yippeee... wooohooo...hooray! My last one was last Wednesday and it pretty much laid me up through the weekend. I didn't feel too well... but as of this morning I'm feeling much better. The accumulation of the Taxol has me with numb fingertips but I'll survive!

    My biggest irritation are these hot flashes! Honestly... they are making me miserable. I am so tired of breaking into a hideous sweat 15-20 times a day! It's just plain gross and so unfair! Ya know? My oncologist said after chemo we'll chat about nonhormonal treatments that may help. I'm thinking I may go for Effexor. I believe that was the name. It'a an antidepressant that has proven effective for hot flashes.We'll see... I'll keep you posted.

    Ok, so... I had my Radiation simulation last Wednesday after chemo. I had a CT scan and they tatooed me... 3 very little ones... didn't hurt at all. I start Rads on 9/28. I also get my port out that day. I'm very excited to have that scheduled, too. If I counted right my 32 Rads will end on 11/10. I am going back to work half days starting 10/3 and I'm actually pretty happy about that. I'm looking forward to the normalcy that offers.

    More info... the Genetics Lab started my testing to see if I carry the BRCA Genes. I should know the results in a month for sure. I have a consult scheduled with my Gynocologist on 10/18 so I'm hoping I'll have the results by then to talk with her about what to do. I knw I have to have a hysterectomy right after Rads, but the big question is about those ovaries. I asked my oncologist if leaving just one would be sufficient to keep me out of menopause, keep some estogen for my heart and bones and still be safe. He said "yes" if I test negative for the cancer genes. If I test positive, well then, that's another ball game. Part of me just wants to get rid of all my girly parts... but I don't want to "cut off my nose to spite my face" so to speak. It's hard to know what to do. Have any of you had to deal with the ovary question? JoMac.... what about you? What are your thoughts? NoSurrender???? Any advice? Maybe I should check in with the Facing Our Risk crowd... they're the group for carriers of the cancer genes.

    Oh... I turned 36 on Sept. 9! I'm especially thrilled because that brings me a bit closer to an acceptable breast cancer age! LOL! I will celebrate each birthday I have from now on with great pleasure as each one is more of a gift than I ever thought before.

    OK, as usual, I can't remember what I've read here to reply about but it seems we are all just plugging right along. I share our group with everyone I meet at my cancer center. I tell them about how strong you all are and how this group has helped me through this so much. I truly don't know what I would have done without you all. The journey would have been a lot lonelier (sp?) without each of you.

    Watson... I think we'll be here for a while. You won't be left alone. I'd like us to be here for a while celebrating our milestones with one another. I know our families and friends are happy to celebrate with us, but it takes a another survivor to REALLY appreciate what it all means.

    It sure would be fun to plan a get together some day, don't you think???? I sure would love to meet each of you in person. I wonder if we could plan something like that? Keep the thought in mind, ladies, and let's see if we can work something out for some future day.

    Well, I better go get busy. I'll check back in on ya'll later!

    HUGS!
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited September 2005
    Yay for you, Dana!! I can't wait to be able to say I'm done with chemo. After having it delayed last week I feel like I'll never be done! But really, I suppose there's not much of a difference between 6 weeks and possibly 8 weeks. (I keep telling myself)

    And happy birthday. My husband's birthday is the same day. He's 41 now, though. Never thought I'd be married to a 40-year-old. LOL.

    As for taxotere - I didn't really have a problem with it. At least not the first one. Hopefully I'll get number 2 this Thursday. Anyhoo, I had some mild joint pain and some fatigue, but that's about it. The worst part for me was the uber-low WBC. Then 5 Neupagen shots (ow!) and an uber-high WBC. Which ended up plummeting again so I couldn't get chemo last Thursday. What a vicious cycle!

    So here's hoping for a great week for all of us!!

    Jen
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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2005
    Jenster... thanks. Tell your hubby Happy Belated Birthday!

    One more thing.... I have the slightest bit of very light, very short, but curly fuzz on my head. I can still feel stubble... but the new fuzz is something entirely different. I can't even feel it but I can see it when I look really close. I'm hoping this is HAIR!!!!!

    Another milestone!

    HUGS!
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2005
    Happy Belated Birthdays to both Dana and Jen's husband!

    I think we all will feel diffferently about birthdays from now on!

    Dana...those hot flashes are the pits. This is my second go around since I've already been through menopause. It is so weird to be sitting around with my bald head and suddenly my scalp is dripping wet! Congrats on finishing chemo and HOORAY for the new fuzz!

    Liz
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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2005
    Yep... dripping wet scalp... I guess it's good to have no hair at this point! LOL! Life's simple pleasures! Or something like that!!!!
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited September 2005
    I'm at the Cancer Center waiting to be called for my LAST CHEMO!!!!!! They have computers available with internet, but usually someone is on them. Onc said I had been a rock through this, and I do feel good now. Hemoglobin is 11.6 today, almost normal. I knew it was, though, I'm very sensitive to how I feel with different hemo levels, since I've been a platelet donar for 25 years. No more, though, they don't want my blood components anymore. Funny, platelets are mostly given to cancer patients who need transfusions because of chemo. I've given many, many gallons, hope it made someone better!

    OK, I'll check to see what's happening when I get home. Justin is supposed to get his new car today, and I have to go with him this evening. Hope I'm not too sleepy from the benadryl.
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  • minerva
    minerva Member Posts: 36
    edited September 2005
    Haven't posted for a while, just been reading.
    Scout - Congradulations!! I am so very happy for you.

    Dana - Happy belated birthday. I hear you on the hot flashs. I expecially hate them at night. Congradulations on finishing chemo, and getting some stubble of hair.

    Jenster - Happy Belated Birthday to your husband. Sorry to hear that you couldn't have your scheduled chemo. I went today to have my 3 or 4 FEC and my counts were too low. They are not going to give me a shot. The Onc wants me to come back on thursday and have them checked again. He wants my body to rebuild it's self. It is very upsetting to me. I was so counting on finishing on Oct. 10th...I went to see the Onc and Surgeon last thursday to talk about surgery, the surgeon said probably Nov 2nd, but now having to wait has messed that up. I just want to have this nasty disease removed from my body!. Sorry, kinda whiney today.

    Enough of that. I guess I can be thankful that this is the first time this has happended for me.

    I wish everyone well. Take care.
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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited September 2005
    Minerva,
    I feel your pain. I had to have my 2nd chemo delayed because of WBC count. It's a bummer. I started taking neulasta and I've been okay since. We'll see.

    Thanks for offering to stick around for pokey chemo people like me. I guess the bright side is I get to watch and learn.

    Thanks, guinea pigs!
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  • RebeccaH
    RebeccaH Member Posts: 72
    edited September 2005
    Dana...I'll do the happy dance for you, too!
    I agree with the hot flashes....spontaneous combustion...flame on, flame off. My husband calls them both. What drives me nuts is they seem to happen at the same time every day. Could just be I'm paranoid. It's not so bad during the day, but it's keeping me from having a good nights sleep.

    I have #3 taxol tomorrow. I am so excited to be almost done. I just can't believe how much easier it's been for me than A/C. They want me to take a month off before starting rads. I'm going to encourage the onc to go ahead and start the referral process, because if anything is delayed along the way, I may end up having to have a treatment on Christmas Eve....just don't want that....

    Talk about hair....I still have stubble on my head. I told my husband I hope I didn't make a mistake shaving my head....there just seems to be so much hair left. I have stubble on my legs, too. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and down there's have really thinned out, but it not's that bad. I'm not giving up on buffing my head...I guess it could all fall out a week after I'm done with tx.

    I think it would be great to get together after all of this. I haven't been to a support group locally. Don't really know why. You gals have been the best.
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  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited September 2005

    Rebecca, my rad. onc. says they wiil start radiation at least three weeks after ending chemo, but four is preferred. I whined and she is starting mine three weeks from today (just got back from last chemo!), because I didn't want to go into Thanksgiving week. If you've been recovering from chemo pretty quickly, you might see if they will start at three weeks instead of four.

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