May 2010 Chemo

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  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited August 2010

    Biotin is Vitamin B7. You can find it at any pharmacy, OTC. It has no overdose symptoms, and it also helps with depression and fatigue. Here's two links for you to get an idea.

    WebMD

    wikipedia

    njbhwgirl, I personally don't want to go do any kind of facial, manicure, pedicure, haircutting, until I'm at least 3 weeks out of the last tx. Even if I had good blood counts. I'd rather avoid being touched by stuff that touched other people for now. The stuff I use is awesome - it's actually very mild, and it doesnt' create that "layer" that you peel off, you just put it on and wait for like 5 minutes and then start rubbing the skin - and all the dead one comes off. It's l'Oreal's Revitalift Face and Neck Countouring and Toning solution. Normally, I use the l'Oreal microdermabrasion kit, combined with the Revitalift day cream. I can say I don't have wrinkles (yet). All my life I used l'Oreal and I swear by it.

    Edit 08/09 morning.

    I just saw today that my eyelashes are back! I only had 5-6 eyelashes left on each eye, today,a fter taking a shower, I looked closely as I was trying to figure out what type of eyeliner to use today for the bone scan trip - and they were there! they are like 2 mm long and pretty thick - they must have grown overnight! Thank you, Biotin!

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  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    Wow - I'm so far behind again!

    Kim - I re-read your post several times and me and my chemobrain cannot follow it LOL, it's a good thing I don't wear my wig and I dont need an "underwear hat". As long as it works for you!Laughing Leanna, Cleob & Day - I hope you are all feeling better! Patricia - A dog will be such nice company on your walks, that's great! Sacphotomom - I hope you made it to the Tomato Festival. Packjen - I'm so glad you've done your research regarding the rads w/TE's. I'm curious to see what they say about the tats. I am concerned but I feel like it's kind of out of my hands at this point - I have TE's in and I NEED rads so I will cross my fingers and hope for the best! Redbarb - Sounds like an awesome experience! When will the show air? Irishtess - I see in your signature it says "T" - that's what everyone calls me!!! LauraM - Hope you enjoyed Cooperstown.

    Hope I didn't forget anyone & I hope everyone is having a SE free week! One more day till I start the cycle all over again! Ugh........Cry

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  • GolferGirl
    GolferGirl Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2010

    Hi All,

    Along with rads, I just started Tamoxifen.  I thought that would come after rads, but my onc wanted me to start now.  He said there was no reason to wait, so I just started that.  So far, I haven't noticed any SEs from the tamoxifen.  I am still having hot flashes from the chemo but they don't seem any worse.  I did the Penguin Cold Caps like Drim, so I did not lose my hair from chemo, but it's thinner.  Then as I was reading the possible side effects on the drug insert I see that hair thinning and weight gain are common side effects.  Ugh!  I thought I was getting past those 2 side effects!

    Leanna- hope you are feeling better.  I'd have been steamed at your friend for standing me up if that was me.  A phone call would have been nice.

    Redbarb- Extreme Homemaker sounds fun!  Glad you were able to do it!

    xray- My radiologist gave me aquafor lotion to use during rads.  It's kind of goopy and more like an ointment but seems to be working so far.  Of course, I've only had 6 treatments so maybe its too soon to tell.

    I know some of you were worried about the tattoos for rads, but the ones I got are smaller than a pin head.  They are barely visible.  I got one between my breasts and one on each side, just below my ribs.  But really, they are very tiny and sometimes the techs even have trouble seeing the ones on my sides.  Today she had to go get her glasses to find them.  Not sure if everyone's are this small, but mine are.  Also, they are no big deal to get.  It's not even as bad as getting a pin prick.  After chemo, I am happy to say that so far rads is a breeze! 

    Hugs to all!  GG

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  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited August 2010

    Hi all!  Still feeling blah, but ingested more today than any other day... 1/2 c of sunkist, and maybe 1/2 c of pink lemonade.  6 pieces of pasta, and 3/4 of a slice of bread and a jello.  Sound like enough to sustain me and help me feel better?  I didn't think so.... but the nausea is overwhelming... I can't even get near water without throwing up.  Tomorrow is a week since treatment... hope I feel better soon, and that everyone who said the first was the worst is right!!  :)  I have an appt with Dr. Massey, BS, on the 23rd.  What do I need to ask her?  I guess there is something about doing rads with TEs... that was always our plan (as far as I knew, because they were going to put TEs in after the mastectomy and then do rads).... so, I didn't know there was a problem going that route...  what else do I need to know/ask?

    (((HUGS))) everyone!!  Leanna

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    Today is day 5 from Chemo Taxotere.. I had to take Norco yesterday to help with the aches, but I think I have gotten to them before they got to me this time...today I have taken more Norco for neck and femur pain....difference between last time and this one, is I have only taken one norco not two . and I do not feel the need to take two at least not yet, hope this works, through tomorrow because thats when I started feeling better  last time..

    leanna  sorry your still feeling bad.. and yes the first was the worst ..

    GolferGirl... the Tamoxifen is a pill Yes?  Just wondering.. are you going to be able to golf again when this is all done..or are you still..They told me not to golf...because of the lymphedema and using the arm..but I really didn't ask if it was for good!  Guess I wil be asking that when I start therapy next week..I really am not a good golfer but we have spent many vacations around golf..I just enjoy the early mornings out...They told me no more rowing either ..but I will because I love the rivers..oh well guess I'll  just have to be a passenger..

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  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited August 2010

    Leanna, it all depends on where your rads will be - in the axilla or in the chest/breast area. I am sure that if you go on the breast reconstruction forum you will be able to find quite a few ladies who had to have reconstruction with radiated skin. I do not want to discourage you, but usually after radiation in the breast/chest area, the skin is "fried" and doesnt' respond too well to stretching/healing. If you had your TE's to max filling that probably will help. But most of the ladies who had radiation to the chest/breast area had to do, sonner or later, flap surgery for the reconstruction. Myself I opted for flap from the very beginning as I knew that no matter what, I will refuse radiation - and it would have been to the axilla only.

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  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2010

    Leanna -- I have read many of the posts I could find from women who have had rads w/ TE and almost all of them have had successful exchanges afterward.  My big question was about radiating something with a metal ring in it.  I don't know if your BS showed you the TE before he put it in, but mine have this disc about the size of a silver dollar where they can put the needle for inflation and around that is a metal ring.  I was worried about radiation scattering or bouncing off and going where it shouldn't go.  I was also worried about the rads damaging the TE and causing deflation.  My PS basically told me that the real thing to worry about is capsular contraction in the radiated breast.  She was actually glad that the order of my treatments was TE, rads, implants (vs. implants, rads) because she can go in at the time of the exchange and clean out any scar tissue caused by the rads.  You will hear some numbers (something like 30-40%) of women whose skin is damaged so badly by rads that the TE or implant kind of broke through the skin -- or actually the skin broke down so much that it could not hold a new implant so a different form of reconstruction was necessary.  But from the reading I have done here on this site, there is MUCH less of this happening -- I have only seen one or two women who wrote about this problem.

    I went for my CT and Rads set up today.  I told them no tattoos and they told me it only looks like when you get a pencil lead stuck under your skin --"just a black dot and probably the only one you would see is the one in your cleavage".  I told them that I just got this beautiful, milky white cleavage and I didn't want a black dot there.  I just started wearing low cut blouses!  At one point pulled the Jewish cemetery card.  They didn't push, but said if my marks came off they would need to do another CT to re-do them.  At this point I don't care how many CTs they need to do.

    So I ended up with 4 big, black, sharpie marker Xs covered by clear round stickers that I have to keep intact until the end of the month when they start my treatment. Then they can re-mark them and I'll do my best to keep them intact.

    I feel so badly for those of you still going through chemo treatments and suffering the stinking SE.  This really sucks and I am sorry. Hang in there and pamper yourself whenever you need to.

    Jen

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies.

    I hope everyone is feeling good today.  Those of you who are still going through chemo my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

    I had an MRI on Friday.  Went to the radiation onoc. yesterday and he read the report.  He said the right breast is clear and the left breast looks good.  He read all kinds of words that I didn't understand, I am going to ask for a copy of the report today, but I heard the word beign(sp) so I felt good.  He also said the path who read the MRI is the best they have.  So we are moving forward with rads.  I go today for my tattoos.  I asked for a butterfly but no such luck.  I will then start rads in 2 weeks.  He mentioned something about doing a type of radiation that has bent beams.  I wrote down the name, but don't remember what it is and don't have my notebook close by to check.  I will let everyone know when I get my notes.  I'm a little concerned about rads because of the fatigue.  My doctor mentioned that his chemo patients usually don't mind the fatigut because they know what real fatigue is likem.  I'm hoping that is true, even if I didn't have a ton of fatigue with my chemo.  Right now I am dealing with this on and off rash and it is drivng me crazy.  I also still have the feeling of a lump stuck in my throat.  Does anyone else have a problem with that? 

    As far as the airing of the Home Make Over show, we were not given an exact date, but I heard it will be the 4th show to be aired, which would be Oct. 17.  I will let everyone know once I find out.  If you see a commerical listen for a build coming from Berks County, PA.

    Hope everyone has a great day,  Everyone on the East Coast(and anyone else dealing with a heat wave) tried to keep cool.

    Barb

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  • Irishtess
    Irishtess Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2010

    Good Morning Ladies!  I'm rushing to get to work, but just wanted to say hi to everyone.  Leanna:  Ask your onc for Zofran for the nausea.  It worked wonders for me.

    Have a good day, girlfriends!

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  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited August 2010

    Day:  I work for a small pkg company. We package for Loreal all the time. Few years ago I got cases and cases of the revitalift. Do you use the mask as well. We used to get all the rejects but now with the crazy laws and stuff we have to destroy it all or send back to customer to destroy. If I find a case or two in the future I will pm you and send it on out to you. 

    Leanna:  Hope your better..Yes I agree that you need Zofran and are you taking Emend as well. You should not be having these severe tummy issues...so so sorry

    Redbarb: Yes let us know the date for home makeover...Would love to watch.. My daughter and SIL were at a Sonic hamburger place last week and there was a film crew there. When she inquired what was going on the guy said they were filming for a reality show called "jerseylicious" I never seen it but supposedly it is about women who cut hair and own a salon in NJ. The producer gave my jylian his card and said call him in two weeks.They might use her on the show ..possibly for a haircut....

    summer: good luck this week....we seem to be close on same schedule...

    well I woke up this morning to no eyebrows...how did that happen. I also have no lower lashes....must of been the eyelash fairy who took them away!!!!!!!

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  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2010

    Barb,

    I still have the lump in the troat  -- or actually lower down about mid chest.  I think it's a swollen esophagus (sp?).  It sometimes feels like it's hard to get food down or burps up.  I go to the onc tomorrow for my post-chemo follow up and am going to ask about it.  Also my voice is still sqeaky and I sometimes have trouble breathing.

     I will let you know what she says.

    Jen

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  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    Golfergirl - sorry you still have to deal with these SE's, not fair! Glad to hear that the rads are a breeze for you so far & thanks for the tattoo info - that doesn't sound too bad.

    Leanna - I'm sooo sorry your still feeling well! IMO you shouldn't still be having these stomach issues, seems like a long time. Try to stay hydrated and eat something (even if it's just a cracker) every 2 hours. I always found if I kept food in my stomach I felt better.

    Sacphotomom - Hope your pains are subsiding today!

    Redbarb - Yipee for a clear MRI!!

    NJB - Thanks & good luck to you too. My eyelashes have been dwindling for about 2 week but they're not completely gone yet. I also can't wear mascara anymore because it just accentuates that I only have about 3 left! LOL

    Have a great day Tongue out

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    yes I have the lump in my throat.  it is annoying..feels like a burp that got stuck..and my voice sounds like I have a cold...I am asking about it too...

    last night I had a really bad case of dry nausea.  kept having all the performance of throwing up but nothing came out..so yucky ...felt like my insides were going to come up..after the dry heaves I was able to get a some Tums down and it helped so much..don't know what caused it ,  think I didn't eat enough then took the Norco..Pains are going away a little bit only taking Advil today..

    Any way have a great day ladies I'm going back to the couch ..nap time

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  • patricia48
    patricia48 Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2010
    Hi May Warriors- I hope everyone is  having a good day! Leanna  Consider  asking your onc for a Zofran Drip before the next treatment. I mentioned this before, but I think it is why I did not continue to feel so horrible. I did not feel great, but it was so much better than the first treatment. I could not look at water either, as I tried to hard to stay hydrated and it literally made me vomit to think about it.I could eat ice chips and sugarless Popsicles(I made myself with fruit juice and walmart plastic forms).  I lost 8 lbs between treatment one and two.  I was able to gain it back, as I did not need to loose it.  I hope you have a much improved second treatment.  Summer and NJgirl My eyelashes disappeared this week.  I think I have three on each eye.  Ha. I have used a soft liner to fake a few, and it does not show too bad under my glasses.  I still have brows, but they are thinning. They used to be extra thick.  I have a bald landing strip in the midde of my hiterlands, which is quite hilarious. Day Glad your lashes are coming back.Thanks for the tip.   Sacphotomom I have neck and femur pain too. Today I focused  my yoga stretches in that area, and it felt so good. Extend the arms, legs,  or head toward the  wall, as though you are going to push the walls back..  It gives a great stretch, and increases the blood flow.You can lie on the floor, you do not have to stand.      Pacjen and Barb  I have had problems with the lump in my throat.  It seems for me to be irritation of the mucus membrane coupled with indigestion.  The thing that helped(onc told me) is two Pepcid AC a day, one in am, one with dinner. I tried two others first, but for me, Pepcid is best.  The minute I miss one, the lump comes back, but no lump  when I take it. Onc said no problem taking it through the chemo.(The directions say do not take more than 14 day with consulting doctor).  Take if before you feel the indigestion, not after. Irishtess, hope work went okay for you today. Thanks to everyone of you  for all the valuable information, and for sharing here.  You guys are awesome! On my walk, I think of each of you, and send energy your way.  I am thankful for every step we  take toward restoring our health.
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  • LibraryJenn
    LibraryJenn Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2010

    w - did I ever miss a lot since Thursday!  It took me almost an hour to read all of the posts on my blackberry once we were back in an area with service.  Sacphotomom - thanks for the idea.  I will definitely look into it.  Even for just a few days a week it would be worth it.  Laura - so happy for you that you got away!  I agree that it's sure a weight off your mind when you know your kids are well taken care of.  Good luck on your last Taxol!  I agree with you that a thank you party is a wonderful idea for everyone that stands behind us.  I'll have to look into Nioxin.  I miss my thick hair.  Boo :(  I hope your blisters are better.  Davia - thanks for the anniversary wishes.  We spent the day relaxing and fishing, which was great.  KimLoves - Your story about the underwear on your head made me laugh so much!  My DH kept giving me strange looks when we were driving home yesterday.  The mental picture of the butt of the panties on the front just did me in!  I'm glad that they work for you.  I just couldn't get used to wearing the wig.  I have a few hats and quilting squares (that are cotton) that I wear out, and at home I don't wear anything unless my head gets cold.  Leanna - I'm so sorry you've felt so rotten on AC.  I can totally relate.  It gets better.  I found the ginger spritzer from Cancer Fighting Kitchen to really help with the nausea, and it was a good way to get fluids without drinking just plain water.  My onc also said that it's just not worth toughing it out - go to your local emerg and ask for IV drugs to help with the nausea.  He said that they often work better than the oral ones.  I also got bad headaches (migraines) from Ondansetron which they gave me before AC.  Apparently migraines is pretty common side effect.  Once they cut that out, the headaches got better (but the nausea got worse, so it's definitely a trade off.)  To have "friends" that stand you up and MRI machines break all in the same week too!  I hope your kitchen is done and you have something to brighten your day.  HUGS :)))  Patricia - I'm glad you could skip the transfusion.  It goes to show that taking care of ourselves really does make a difference!  I'm glad that you got to enjoy some cooler weather too.  We had great weather up at the lake.  It was overcast enough that the fish were biting, and I didn't feel too hot out in the boat.  Jen - way to go for sticking up for yourself re: the tattoos.  It's a good reminder that we have the right to decide what is best for us as individuals, and we aren't just "cancer patients."  RedBarb - it sounds like you had an amazing experience on Extreme Home Makeover.  Talk about paying it forward!  I'm going to do more volunteer work when I'm done with all of my treatments.  Day - sorry to hear about the sinus/tooth infection.  That sounds awful.  Hope you're feeling better soon!  LOL about the mohawk.  My DH endearingly calls me "Elephant head" because of all the little wiry hairs you see on elephants.  My retort is that at least my hair will come back :)  Paxton - good for you to go lay down instead of pushing it.  I need to get better at that.  Njbhwgirl - congrats on your GD walking!  I get a lot of enjoyment out of my two year old too.  It's a really fun age.  I'm glad you are feeling better.  I start Taxotere on Friday and I'm hoping that it's better than AC too.  CleoB - Sorry that AC hit you so hard.  HUGS :)))  My next treatment is Friday 13th too - but my son was born on Friday the 13th, so it's always a reminder of one of my most favourite days!

    I met with my onc today.  No change in the tumor except that it feels "softer."  It's still at 8x8 cm  We are both hoping that that Taxotere/Herceptin combo really hits it hard.  He was hoping it had changed more, but said that he wasn't really surprised as tumors in people who are younger (I'm 28) are usually more aggressive.  I'm looking forward to less nausea with the next type of chemo too- but everyone has warned me about the bone/muscle pain.  Are any of you on Herceptin too?  I've gained 8 lbs since May - boo :(  I'm going to have to be much more careful about what goes in my mouth if I am going to reverse this!

    Well, I said I'd include a picture if I caught the big one, which I did!  It was about a 12-13 lbs walleye (pickerel)  It was too big to keep, and you can't weigh them if you don't kept them, so we had to estimate based on length.  Have a great day ladies!

     

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  • LibraryJenn
    LibraryJenn Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2010

    Arggh!  I just lost a super long post!  I tried to insert a picture, but it was huge, and wouldn't edit out.  I'll have to go back and re-write comments to everyone.  I had a great time fishing - caught the big one too!  Here is my great catch - a 12-13 lbs walleye (pickerel.)  We had to estimate the weight based on it's length as it was too big to keep, and you shouldn't weigh a fish you can't keep!

     

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  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited August 2010

    Nice fish Libjen. 

    I had taxol/carb tx today.  2 tx's left and I'm done.  I am sooo weak and trying to maintain mentally.  I'm hoping the fatigue effects of the avastin wear off soon since I'm not doing that anymore.  I'm so hopeful I'll start feeling better soon, but it doesn't happen.  I know it will after tx is over.  Its just hard when it goes on and on.  I started walking around the house without a head covering for the first time.  I just don't care anymore; I'm hot. 

    Well, hope others are fairing better.

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    LibraryJenn  Wow Great Catch!  You look wonderful  the water looks great too!  Hope you had as much fun as it looks! 

    Paxton   I have been walking around the house without any head covering...since it warmed up..I even now go outside  to my front yard without anything on my head...I am not brave enough to go to the store with out anything but  then I just wear my hat...

    Patricia.... thanks or the stretch  reminder...will do!

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  • Irishtess
    Irishtess Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies!  Hope everyone having txs this week feel ok & have minimal SEs.

    Library:  I don't fish, so I am doubly amazed at what you caught - thanks for the photo.  It would have been hard to visualize how big that walleye is!  Paxton:  I'm sure you'll start feeling better soon.  Hang in there!

    Friday the 13th is my 3rd Taxol tx (#7 of 8 txs), so I'm getting close to the chemo finish line.  Back in May, before I started, it seemed like it would never end, but here it is!  I'm trying to coordinate the radiation between my onc (in NY at Sloan) with a radiation onc closer to home.  It's a little scary to think about handing over my treatment to someone else, but there's no way I could do 5 days a week for 4 weeks in NY!

    To celebrate the end of chemo & rads, I'm returning to Ireland in November.  Husband can't make this trip, but one of my sisters is coming with me (the other sister is thinking seriously about joining us).  Can't wait!  It will be so good to do something normal and non-cancer-related.  Hope you all have the chance to celebrate when you finish.

    Gotta run - have a good day girlfriends!

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  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited August 2010

    Oh my goodness, Jenn, what a beautiful fish! I SO miss going out fishing - couldn't go at all this year yet. Hopefully I'll be able to at least in October.

    I had my appointment yesterday with the BS - and I guess I will go after all for a small ALND next week. he only wants to take out around 4 more nodes - that he would have taken out for the SLN if the diagnostic would have been from the beginning invasive, not DCIS  (I got DCIS from stereotactic biopsy, invasive shown only after mastectomy). He wants to do this due to his worries about the ILC part of my tumors. He swore to me (lol) that his lymphedema rate for full ALND is about 2%, that he perfected a way to avoid scarring of the vessels so they don't get strangulated. But he wants to make sure there are not more lymph nodes involved, or if they were, that the chemo killed whatever might have been.He said he cant' feel any node swollen, but he would prefer to feel nodes swollen because that would mean scarring from the possible tumors dying.

    Anyway, it's supposed to be a surgery of only about 20 minutes and out-patient. 

    Yesterday I went for my bone scan, tomorrow I go for my PET/CT scan. Then Monday to see the oncologist and get the pre-op for the small ALND.

    My hair keeps growing. I definitely need to find the cord that allows me to upload photos - I somehow misplaced it last time I cleaned this desk. I'll post some photos of my duckling head then.

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2010

    Jen, Thanks.  I just figured it would go away soon after I stopped chemo.  I'm anxious to fing out what you onoc. says.  Depending on what you find out I will call my onco. 

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  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited August 2010

    I'm back!  Day, good luck with your scans!  And, I understand about the lymph nodes too... ((HUGS)) 

    Jenn - great picture - awesome fish, and you look beautiful... you do rock that bald head!  Sorry about the post!  That is SOOOO frustrating! 

    Patricia - Thank you for always thinking of me (us)!  I thought of you guys soo much while I was not posting on here, and I am so grateful to be able to come back here, and still find so much support in our group; it is awesome!  I kept telling myself that if I could hydrate myself, I would feel better, and I just could not, could not, could not do it.  It was awful. :(  My eyebrows are really thin, but I still have my eyelashes... how long before they are gone?  They take longer than the regular hair to fall out, dont they? 

    Thank you everyone else for the awesome advise!!  My onc actually called me last night and when I told her that I was still feeling very nauseated and crappy, she told me to remind her next treatment so they could change up my meds.  I did get Emend at infusion and days 2 & 3.  And, I got Aloxy (sp?)... I think I got that in place of Zofran because we blamed Zofran for headaches I got early on with my chemo, so they weren't giving it to me.  But, the headaches have continued, so I think we can rule out zofran... I had some at home, but wasn't taking it because the nurses said I could take it having gotten the aloxy...  my onc said not so, only true for the same day of treatment.  I'm still not feeling great, but much better!  I probably feel bad now just from having spent the last 7 days in a ball on the couch, literally turning myself every 2 hours.  And, I lost 7 pounds.... blah....  finally, I was able to eat real food today, and I am so relieved. 

    GL to those of you doing rads...

    Barb - great news on the MRI.  In the midst of all of this, I forgot to mention my tumor originally measured 7.4 x 2.5 cm and my MRI on Friday showed "marked" decrease and measured 2.5 x 1.5 cm.  My onc was thrilled, but confused as to why my tumor doesn't "feel" any smaller??  So... guess we'll find out after surgery and they see what's really in there. 

    Tess - YAY.... I know it must feel to so good to be able to see the chemo Finish Line.... I am so looking forward to that also!  I can honestly say, that I am really going to miss my Oncologist when I don't have to see her every few weeks!!!  We've really gotten to be pretty good friends, in a professional way, you know?  We are really like souls with the same sense of humor!  

    Paxton - More hugs and prayers to you!  I know this has been especially hard on you, and it sounds like you are starting to see that there is an end too!  That's great!  This will be over, and you will be better, and you will be like your old self, and you will get your strength back, and be happy, and cancer free!!!!!! 

    OK, I have to cut this off!  Sorry, I didn't reach everyone!  My mom is here visiting, and she needs the couch to go to bed... she sleeps downstairs because she has to use oxygen and her CPAP, and she doesn't do stairs very easily (we have a spare bedroom, but it is upstairs).... so, I'm probably keeping her up now!

    (((HUGS))) to all! 

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  • Irishtess
    Irishtess Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2010

    Leanna:  Glad to see you're back!  Hope you enjoy the visit with your Mom.

    Day:  I'm really envious about your hair growth ~ right now, my head feels like 800 grit sandpaper!  I hope everything works out with your ALND surgery & good luck with the scans!

    I'll be MIA until next week (leaving tomorrow for my Friday the 13th infusion).  Until then, keep well, everyone ~ I'll be thinking of you all as I nod off to sleep after my Benadryl drip!

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  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited August 2010

    Hi ladies,

    I am from the June 2010 group.  I hope you don't mind me jumping into your thread.

    I have been on dose dense AC and was going to start DD Taxol today.  I was having some cumilative effects with AC and experienced joint pain with Neulatsa.  My counts dropped pretty low on my 10 day labs last week.  And, I am allergic to Benadryl.  So my onco decided to switch me to Taxol every week for 12 weeks (and I won't have to take the Neulasta shot). 

    What side effects should I expect with Taxol every week?  My onco thinks it will be even easier on me.  Do you go into a chemo fog like with AC?  When do you start to feel bad?  Is it right away or a few days later like AC?  Or is it all week?  I've been working through chemo and was going to take time off (3 days after chemo), but now that might be too much. 

    I just want to hear from you that are further into this.  Thanks!!!  :)

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  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2010

    Barb,

    My Onc basically told me that she didn't think my swollen esophagus and voice problems were due to chemo, they were due to GERD (acid reflux).  She wants me back on prilosec 1x per day for 7 days and if I don't see improvement then go to 2x per day for another week.  Then if no improvement I will contact my PCP to get a referral to a gastroenterologist and maybe get a scope of that area.

    She gave my my Rx for Tamoxifen but doesn't want me to take it until 2 weeks after I finish rads (due to a couple of studies that contradict the simultaneous use).  She wanted me to make sure I got a pelvic exam before taking the Tamoxifen.

    That's it for my Onc for the next few months.  I'll need to see her every 4-6 months for the next 5 years.

    Jen

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  • Drim
    Drim Member Posts: 302
    edited August 2010

    Hi May Sisters!!! I'm back from Puerto Rico. I've been back for a couple of days but have been so busy ever since I got back that I haven't had time to read all the posts until now. I missed everyone but had a great time in PR. I started rads on Tuesday (got back from PR monday night). It's definitely too early to tell how I'm doing but really it's no big deal.

    About the tattoos, mine aren't as small as GG's but I have so many freckles (really sun damage) all over the place that I figured the tats would blend in. I was going to pull the Jewish card too but then decided not to be a rebel and just go for it. Maybe they will fade over time.

    Funny story...After a long day of traveling back from PR I was happy to grab my bag and head home. I finally got home ($60 cab ride) and realized I had taken the WRONG BAG! It was the exact same as mine and unusual so I couldn't believe it. So back to the airport I went. Can't blame that on anything but me!

    LauraM - congrats and good luck with your last chemo tomorrow!! YAY!!

    Leanna - I hope you're doing okay. That FB story was nuts. Don't people realize that if they post on FB everyone can see what they are doing. That's why I rarely post anything on there. The MRI story was every crazier. Good thing you are on the ball.

    RedBarb - How exciting about Extreme Home Makeover. I really never watch the show but once they did a makeover around the corner from me (I live in Manhattan so the makeover was to an apt. so it was nothing like your experience). I always wanted to do habitat for humanity. Sounds like you had a blast and I'll be looking out for you.

    Day - good luck with your ALND. Your hair stories are really funny.

    With regard to hair, so far so good with the eyelashes. They are all there. I have a few of old eyebrow hair still intact and a bunch of new growth but without eyebrow pencil it looks very light. I'm happy I still have no armpit hair but I totally have to shave my legs although not nearly as often. No sign of hair down there at all.

    I better get to bed now. Have to wake up nice and early to get to rads on time.

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  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    Wow today I have been on the verge of crying.  I was watching TV and the tears just came rolling down my cheeks ..woke up this way ..geeze.

    Went to have my blood work and their machine was down so I had to leave and they would call if any thing was amiss.  They had to send blood to the hospital across the street to get the tests done.  Figured I was in the clear because 5 came and went no call..then at 5:15 the phone rang WBC is down again...I am so bummed..I was hoping no shots this time..They said they had to get approval of some other drug and for the life of me right now I can't remember the name.. It wasn't Nuelasta..I am so bummed ..I don't want any more shots...OK Denise You have whined about it now get over it ..right! 

    Further more I was supposed to go to the fake boobies place and return the bras and the foobs because they stick slightly out of the bra, and where they touch my skin I get a rash..DAM What else!  Problem is I just remembered now, as I was getting ready for bed! So now I have to call them and remake my appointment..does any one else have a problem with rashes with the foobs? I don't think they are going to be to happy about me returning them but I'm not going to pay for them if they are going to make my life more uncomfortable..

    Wow I really need to go to bed and have a better day tomorrow!!

    I read this somewhere  or maybe here but I really need to embrace it today..

    YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE UNTIL BEING STRONG IS THE ONLY CHOICE..

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  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited August 2010

    Sacphotomom:  wow  what a shame...bad day or week all around for you.. Don't blame you about the shots...I would be done too!!

    Drim: where were you at in PR?  Did you enjoy it? looking for girls long weekend trip next year. Glad to hear you are doing well and hair is intact.. That is fabulous

    LibraryJen:  what a terrific picture.. beautiful smile you have. Seems like you had great time

    Kittykat:  I have found the Taxol to be 1000% better than AC... No chemo fog, no nauseau or headaches or dizziness.. I only have some joint pain for 2-3 days after treatment and 1-2 days little weaker than normal.. I had no problems working at all while on Taxol. A walk in the park compared to AC.. but that is just my experience

    Irishtess:  good luck on the 13th.. almost done for you too...yeah. I hated going to the city every other week. was such a hassle.. Can't imagine going every day.. Don't blame you for wanting to move somewhere else. I don't have to go back to NY until October now...Although my friends and I are going to eat out on the 27th this month.   It is still restaurant week there. We are going to Water Club..we always like trying someplace new.. Will be a joy going to city without getting poked,prodded or stuck. (lol)

    Paxton: hope you are doing better..

    Leanna: glad to see you post again as well. Each day shall get better... The last four months have seem long to me.. I think because the summer has been so hot

    Have great day all

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  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Had #7 yesterday and it went smoothly with no reaction this time. They had me take steroids the night before and the morning of instead of in the drip right before Taxol and I guess that did the trick! Now just waiting for the bone pain to kick in - I hear it's cumulative but I can't imagine it could be worse than last time. One more to go - can't believe it's almost over!!!

    Dr. also gave me a RX for Ativan (?) saying it might help with the hot flashes which seem to be getting worse too. Hopefully it helps. Does anyone take anything else for hot flashes?

    Libraryjenn - Love the picture! Paxton - You can do this, only 2 more! Stay strong and lean on us whenever you need to - we'll be here. {{{HUGS}}} Irishtess - Good luck tomorrow! I am also switching to a place closer to home for Rads but I am getting a consult at Sloan first. Ireland sounds great - enjoy! Day- Good luck with your scans and the ALND. Cant wait to see pics of your hair. Leanna - Glad to hear you're feeling a little better. Yippee for a decrease in tumor size, that's AWESOME!! Kittycat - I am on DD Taxol right now but I have heard that the SE's are a little easier to handle on the weekly treatments. I'm sure someone will chime in on what to expect. Good luck! Drim - Glad you enjoyed your trip to PR! Stinks about the suitcase debacle thoughTongue out Sacphotomom - I'm so sorry about your WBC, this disease sucks!!! I've read that quote before and I love it!! Chin up....

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  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited August 2010

    sacphotomom: I've been emotional lately, too.  Seems I should be feeling good knowing the end of tx is near, but I just feel down and out.  I just keep hanging in there and listening to my cd's.  I found an old Deepak Chopra heart healing cd I had that has been mia so I listened to that this afternoon while bf and baby slept. 

    kittykat: I'm doing taxol every week now and had done dd in the past.  SE should be less.  I don't get the neulasta and very minimal bone pain compared to dd.  Good luck

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