April 2010 starting chemo

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2010

    Congrats Karen on finishing chemo-YAY!! I think it is funny that while I am wishing my periods would come back you are wishing your to be done, lol:) Hopefully we both get our wishes!!!! And as for exercising, I am right there with you, I gained 10-15 pounds since the start of chemo and am ready to shed them! I hope your side effects are minimal and your counts stay high!!!! I skipped a couple Neupogen shots myself this time and ended up with mouth sores--not sure if the 2 are related though? Love that my last chemo had to leave me with that parting gift,lol.

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited July 2010

    Congrats, Karen!

    Can't wait to be you next month! Rest and feel proud of yourself for making it through this much!

    Shelley

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Congratulations Karen.  Hoping you dont have to do the radiation to, keeping fingers and toes crossed. 

     Jen

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited July 2010

    Karen - Congratulations!! I am soooo jealous of those done!! I know it will be my turn soon but I just can't wait to start feeling normal again - well as normal as possible!!

    When we are done we should start talking about excercise on this forum and help each other lose those extra pounds we gained through chemo!! I would hate lose chatting with you all!

    Had my fourth taxol yesterday - 8 more to go!!  Thursdays or day 4 seem to be the worse for me.

     Sara - that really sucks to hear about the hair! My has started to grow back those wispy white pieces but it you are starting to lose yours all over - yikes!!!

     Have a good week everyone!

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Kad22 - I think that is a great idea to keep us all connected.  I have my 1st Taxol Thursday and am a bit nervous.  How were your side effects.  My onc keeps telling me that it will be nothing compared to the AC. I have also started growing some "peach fuz" and hope that I dont loose it, just getting to the point that I want it back:) 

    Hope everyone is having a great day.

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2010

    Hi Ladies, so we're all in the same boat with the hot flashes.  Honestly, I don't think my oncologist took my complaints about the hot flashes seriously enough and I'm mad that the only drugs offered are effexor (a anti-psychotic drug that has some difficult withdrawal symptoms) or anti depressants.  Why aren't the big pharma companies try to help out more on this?  Surely there are enough women going thru menopause naturally and then all of the chemopause women on top who would be happy to find a solution?  It frustrates me that there's nothing we can do especially since it affects our sleep so drastically.  Sorry I am ranting here but I'm getting cranky not getting enough sleep each night and having a puddle of sweat gather on my chest.

    I'm still waiting for approval to take Black Cohosh from my oncologist as I've heard that it may help. 

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  • shygal
    shygal Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2010

    Karen, congratulations on being done and if you're not doing Rads then you're really done......way to go!  You'll have to let us know how Tamoxifen goes......

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  • Emme
    Emme Member Posts: 205
    edited July 2010

    Karen-Congratulations on being done with Chemo! One more battle won!  Isn't it exciting yet a bit frightening to be moving on to another phase?  I am so happy we have each other here to share in our journey.

    RE: Effexor....Ladies I take effexor and have for a while.  My hotflashes are bad..if effexor is supposed to be the cure all...I can't imagine what they would be like without it.  I have counted my flashes...one day I had 12...how many are you ladies having in a 24 hour period?  My Onc listened to me complaining but then said to me....If you weren't going thru this now you would be in a few years naturally.  He offered nothing else.  Does anyone know hoe long these are supposed to last?  One thing I have noticed...if i eat spicy foods ....or sometimes just hot foods...or when i get stressed....i ahve an immeadiate onset of a hot flash...The Drs. used to prescribe hormones for relief of these symptoms....but they cause cancer so that is why we suffer now.

    I am going away for two weeks to upstate NY. Can you say BOONDOCKS?  No cable tv, no internet. Yeah peace and quiet.I am leaving mid day today.  When I get back I am going to live at a safe net house and won't have internet service there...unless there is a wireless service hat I can pick up on nearby.  I will have service at work so I can check in.  For those of you who don't now, my husband is an alcoholic and I just need time to heal.  I will be at that house for three months. It is a huge step for me.  I haven't been feeling very safe in my house and I am putting myself first this one time so I can reduce my stress and anxiety level to facilitate my healing. I am just so tired. Emotionally and physically.

    See you when I ge back!

    Em

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Emme - you are a strong woman in more ways than one.  Glad to hear that you are putting yourself first as you should.  Enjoy your time away and rejuvinate, take care of you and let us know how you are doing when you can.

    Jen

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited July 2010

    Emme - enjoy your peace an quiet and rejuvenation.  I am so impressed that you are putting yourself first and focusing on your own healing.  Please do check in when you can and let us know how you are doing.

    Sara 

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited July 2010

    Emme, exciting and frightening is a good way to put it. Now I'm through taking active measures against the cancer. What next? I wonder if my car will automatically head to the medical center next week, since I've been going every other week since April 12.

    I'm sorry to hear about the extra stresses you have. I do think that adds to the flashes. Take care of yourself, and we'll be thinking of you.

    And I've also noticed that I often get flashes during dinner, especially if it's spicy but even if it's not. To help with the nighttime ones, I have a fan blowing right at me all night. Sometimes I need to pull the covers up, but I know I'll flash a little later, so I just leave the fan as it is and push covers off or on as needed.

    It would be handy to keep this thread going as we all continue to finish treatment and cope with the aftereffects. I've actually managed to keep my weight pretty steady, maybe down a few pounds, during chemo, but I was overweight to begin with. So my exercise and weight goal as I recover will be to work my way down to a healthier weight.

    By the way, those of you starting tamoxifen might be interested in a new thread for August starters: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/755763?page=1#idx_12 

    JenC: Good luck with your first taxol treatment tomorrow. I was also told it would be a lot easier than AC, but I think it's just different, not necessarily easier. I had very little nausea, and just mild at that, with AC, but I did have more fatigue. I would get winded just walking across the room. I did usually have some constipation the first few days. With taxol, I didn't have any nausea at all, but I had pretty bad bone and muscle pain for several days. The bowel issues were more the other way but not full-fledge diarrhea. The fatigue might have been a little better with taxol, and I've had neuropathy in both fingers and toes, which didn't happen with AC. Depending on your dosage, you may find your actual treatment time in the chair to be much longer. I always took my laptop and a movie DVD to pass the time. It's all doable, though--look at me and the others who have made it through to the other side.

    Karen

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Karen - Thanks for the info on your experience with Taxol.  Just keep reminding myself "almost there".  Starting the countdown at 12 and hoping it goes by quickly.  Hope everyone is having a great day.

    Jen

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited July 2010

    Emme- Good luck and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us up to date - take care.

    Jen - Like Karen said it is different. I am liking Taxol a lot better though than AC! I have fatigue and diarrhea but so far that is it! No tingling in my hands or toes and hopefully it stays that way! The first two times it took a long time in the chair but now it takes only 2hrs. I actually sleep through it becasue of the bendrayll! Good luck on the first one hope you do good!! Will be thinking of you! Count 'em down that's what I am doing 8 more to go!!

    Karen - lucky you on the weight - I wish I could say the same!

    I would like to start Zumba but pretty sure right now I would get really winded and tired very fast! So I think I will wait for my 8 more and than see I how I can do. I had just lost 20lbs last summer and now I have gained it back and more! YIKES need to get to a heathly weight! Which is like 50lbs lighter!

    It is nice to see all of those smiley faces at the top of the page! Can't believe it is already almost August. Can you believe we started this journey in April? WOW how time flies and we are all making it through it - pats on the back for all of us! ;-)

    Take care! Kelli

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited July 2010

    Oh, I am so over this weight gain and am feeling kind of nervous about it never coming off!  I'm worried that Tamoxifen will make it hard to lose weight - that's what I've heard.  I complained to my PA about having gained about 8 pounds (at least), and she said that I really need to NOT cut back on calories right now and she doesn't want me eating less than about 2000 calories a day.  I kind of take that as license to eat, but I need to make better choices for sure.  And then after the chemo, I'll try to really do something to lose - and really get some sort of work out plan going.  Ugh.  I like the idea of keeping this group going as we try to get back into shape.

    One exciting thing to look forward to - have plans in place to go to a spa in Arizona on Sept. 10 for a few days with some girlfriends.  It's a belated trip for my good friend's bday - which was in Feb. and was delayed due to me and all of my treatments.  So we are now going for sure - between my chemo and rads.  I am so looking forward to it!

    And for those who are worried about Taxol, I am one who has had a super easy time with it.  So much more so than with AC.  Night and day.  No nausea, no fatigue.  Feel like myself.  I hope for the same for you.

    Sara 

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited July 2010

    OMG my face is breaking out like crazy after my 2nd Taxotere. Anyone had this problem? I don't have great skin to begin with, but haven't had a problem until now.

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  • arubajan05
    arubajan05 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2010

    Hi All!  Gosh, it seems like ages since I have been on here... I missed you all!  I needed a little time of "not thinking about cancer" if you know what I mean after I finished chemo. (Also, my kiddoes are here from Ohio where they go to school so they have been keeping me busy.)  But today, I just felt the need to get back on here and to talk to someone who UNDERSTANDS me!  Imagine my relief when all of you were talking about Hot Flashes!  I am getting them like CRAZY now at night, in the morning, at lunch, in the shower... you name the time and I am getting them. I didnt' have them too bad with chemo but my onc put me on Tamoxifen 2 weeks ago... wow.  I also am worried that I am becoming a totally different person "moodwise" and I hate it.  I am usually so easy going and now I am just a b----. I have been SO SO grumpy. I think it MUST be the hormones. My daughter asked me how long I had to take Tamoxifen and I said 5 Years! and I thought she was going to have a coronary!  I think my whole family is suffering the effects ...

    Hey Saralmom, I am going to ask about the MRI thing at my radiation consult tomorrow, but my medical onc already told me that I would need a mammogram every 3 months for a while....and I will be seeing her that often as well.

    And the weight thing....I've gained 15 lbs since March!  We definitely need to support each other with that.  My clothes are SO tight. I am living in warm up suits and a new pair of fatty "mom" jeans and even they show the new "curves".. Oh, or should I more correctly say FLAB! argh..... My husband works out every morning at 5:30am and yesterday I agreed to go with him just to walk on the treadmill for 30 mins. As I woke up to get ready I realized... I hadn't thought about my hair. I can't wear a WIG and sweat! and I have never gone out without a serious hat (covering my whole head) or my wig. What a dilemna for 5 am?!?  I finally decided to wear one of those little knit caps but I felt weird. Anyone have any good ideas for gym "head gear"? 

    And as far as periods go, I am 43, I had 2 on TC and now none. I am done with kiddoes so that's fine with me. I also will be having my ovaries removed at some point later in the year.   Can you say really messing with my womanhood...

    Well sorry to be so cranky and whiny... thank you for understanding! 

    (((Big HUGS))) to all!

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  • marcy4
    marcy4 Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2010

    Shellyj43

    Since starting Taxol my face breaks out a few days after each treatment.  As quickly as the acne comes it seems to leave.  My lasts for about 2-3 days and then pretty much clears right up. My nurse stays it more due to the Dexamethasoze then the Taxol, but I didn't have it with the AC or FEC I had.  I couldn't believe it the first time when I woke up and saw my forehead and cheeks covered with small bumps and pimples as I had went to bed with a clear complexion, but as I said the good thing is that so far mine clears up quickly.

    Emme,

    I am so sorry to hear about your husband and home situation. I cannot imagine what the past many months have been like for you. Take good care of yourself and enjoy some peace and quiet and just focus on doing what is best for yourself.

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  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited July 2010

    Emme - my thoughts are with you, glad you're taking some time for yourself - something we all need to do at times during this - but I think you definitely deserve this time to yourself.

    Shelley - I broke out after 1st taxotere, onc said was steroids. Didn't happen as bad as the first time again - just occasional spots but nothing like the rash that first time.

    ArubaJan - good to hear from you.  I have a close friend at work who has been on tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years so I was quizzing her about the SEs she'd had.  She said that there was a pattern to her moods - and had worked out in particular that there were 3-4 'really bad days' that she warned her husband and duaghter when she felt it coming on and they knew to steer clear, as she said that tiny things would send her off and she just generally feels low on these days.  Overall though she said that she was generally ok most of the time.  My guess would be that we will all need some time for our bodies to adjust to the tamoxifen - hopefully things settle down and you feel yourself again soon! I see my onc on Aug 13th about hormone therapy so I guess will find out for myself once I begin..... Undecided

    Overall am starting to feel a little more like myself again - been 4 weeks tomorrow since my last chemo.  Last week was quite a struggle emotionally - just didn't feel myself at all. I think the not sleeping part wasn't helping either - finally took a sleeping pill and boy what a differnece a good night's sleep makes.  Had my second surgery this morning to fix my scar - 20 min surgery and was only under a local not general anaesthetic so feel pretty ok right now.  Just fingers crossed that I don't get an infection this time!

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited July 2010

    arubajan05, you might try some buffs for your exercise headgear. I've gotten some at PlanetBuff.com and wear them a lot around the house. Their buffs are anti-odor and moisture-wicking, which would come in handy in a gym. Some also have UV protection, which would be handy if you're going outside.. There are some cool patterns. I like the saharine style of wearing my buffs, as it gives a little "tail" that covers my neck.

    Karen

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2010

    Emme--So glad to hear you are taking care of yourself!! Sending many healing vibes and cyber hugs your way!!!! Please continue to check in when you can.

    Arubajan05--I was going to suggest planetbuffs as well. I only wear buffs and I love them--they stay put on my head, don't have to worry about tying (sp.?) them, etc... I even went to the waterpark the other day and went on the slides and they did not budge, plus they are light weight!!

    Shelleyj43--My face broke out in the beginning, but after a few rounds it went away. I am not 100% sure if it was the steriods or the taxotere. 

     And I am on board with the weight loss support, I just got on the scale yesterday and gained another 2 lbs.-GAH!! The sad thing is I have been walking with my husband at night and trying to watch what I eat? I am wondering if it has something to do with the hormonal changes? Whatever it is I hope I stop gaining because this is ridiculous.

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited July 2010

    Well I tried Zumba for the first time yesterday!! How fun!! I wore a dew rag on my head but boy did I sweat!! I will have to look into the buffs! The zumba lady instructor was wearing one. I wasn't going to go seeing as I have 8 more treatments left but thought what the heck exercise is supposed to be good for us, right! Plus not being able to eat good vegetables without getting sick I feel like I am eating so bad right now.

    Because of being Triple Negative I won't be on any Tamoxifen - one plus for me  - I guess. Depends on how you look at it! Chemo is my only chance to get rid of cancer so hopefully it works!

    ((Hugs)) to all! Kelli

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited July 2010

    Jen - wondering how your first Taxol treatment went? Hopefully you are doing well!

    (((HUGS)))

    Kelli

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited July 2010

    Ok, thanks gals. My chin broke out in whiteheads overnight yesterday. Like we don't already have enough problems! It looks a little better today. Rats.

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  • Char2010
    Char2010 Member Posts: 532
    edited July 2010

    Hi Shelly,  My face broke out after TC #1 and a little after #2 - aafter that my skin got very nice - much nicer than before chemo.  I think the breakout was due to the steroids.

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  • dutchgirl6
    dutchgirl6 Member Posts: 673
    edited July 2010

    Karen, hurray for your last chemo.  Nice to see so many smileys showing up on our list!

    Shelley, no breakout here, but my fingertips are blistered and peeling, and my legs feel like they weigh a ton.  I don't seem to be swelling up anywhere, but my knees are stiff, like I have been walking for miles.

    Emme, you are probably offline right now, and may not read this for a couple of weeks, but I wanted to let you know that I think you are very brave to do what you are doing.  Nothing is more important than allowing yourself the time and space to heal, and in order to do that, you have to feel safe.  All the best, and I join our April sisters in wishing you well.

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Kad22 - First treatment was very uneventful.  I had no reaction to the Taxol and like you slept through most of it due to the Benedryl.  Took another nap when I got home and am a little tired now but that is it.  No upset stomach or anything.  They are having me take steroids for two days just because of all the other issues that I have had they are being precautionary but I have the option to cut back or not take them if I dont want to and see what happens.  I think I will take them this go round and one day next go round and see how it goes.  The less meds the better and not looking forward to roid rage again.  11 more to go, hoping that all are this uneventful.  Thank you for your thoughts.  One question, has your hair started growing back and/or falling out again.  I have peach fuz because I went 6 weeks with no treatment and just wondering if might fall out again:(

    Jen

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited July 2010

    Hi Dutchgirl6

    Know we are on almost the same schedule. I've had a sore neck and back again this time, and achy teeth and legs, too. Not so much in the joints, more muscular. It is dragging on a little longer this round. Sorry about your fingers, that sounds like the inside of my mouth right now. Can't taste much and it feels like it's been burned and is peeling. yuck. Watermelon is the only thing that tastes good!

    This too shall pass. Just one more to go. We can do it! Good to hear from you.

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited July 2010

    JenC - Well I too have peach fuzz on my head and my eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to come back- Yeah! I hope that it stays! I know that someone on this thread (can't think of who, chemo brain ;-) ) said they were on there 8th Taxol and hair started coming out again - yuck!! Please, please don't let this happen to any of us!!

    Well here comes another hotflash - yikes!!

    Hugs to all!

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited July 2010

    Regarding the hair loss - It was me I think.  I'm done with 8 Taxols and my hair is getting more sparse again.  But eyebrows might be starting to come back in a bit, so that's good news...

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Hello everyone.  Day 2 after first Taxol and feeling pretty darn good compared to AC.  No SE's as of yet (unless sneezing is one of them)  I have not yet lost my eybrows or lashes.  They have come out a little but I still have most of them.  Hoping that I dont loose them completely but if I do oh well, they will come back right:)  Hope you all have a great weekend.

     Jen

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