May 2010 Chemo

Options
1…3940424445…91

Comments

  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies - I am back from Cooperstown and we had a great time, it was nice to get away and relax with friends and family.   I just finished my last Taxol today.. YEAH!  No Nuelasta shot tomorrow so I am hoping  I am not as achy since the last one was pretty brutal.    I am still trying to figure out Radiation, The Sloane doctor we saw on Thursday sent my case to the oncology board on Tuesday and called me last night and said that they recommended that I get radiation because of my age (45) and that I had multi-focal tumors.   It was interesting because the doctor we saw at Sloane never mentioned that my tumors were multi-focal when she gave her opinion.  She was just too inexperienced and really not prepared when I went there..  My Oncologist is calling her friend at Sloane who runs the radiology oncology department to get her opinion and then once we have that I will make a decision.

    GoferGirl - If I have Rads, I will also start Tamoxifen at the same time.  I got a prescription today to start Tamoxifen in 1 month.  Leanna - I hope you are feeling  better.  Barb -Glad the MRI was good.  I hope that your tattooing goes well too.  njbhwgirl-  Wow.. I can't believe you woke without your eyebrows and some of your eyelashes.   I am hoping that since I just finished chemo, I will keep mine, but I have heard that some folks loose theirs up to one month after..I hope not.  I have been using Nioxin on my head, eyebrows and eye lashes for the last 3 weeks and I am hoping that is helping to keep mine since my hair has grown since I have been using it. sacphotomom- Interesting what they told you about not golfing or rowing because of lymphedema, my doctors said that if it is something your body is use to doing, you can continue it, just don't go out and start new things with out easing into them.  I think every doctor has their own opinion.  LibraryJenn - Wow what a fish.  My 11 year old son is going to be so jealous when he sees this picture.  He is an avid fisherman and is still waiting to get that big fish.  Congrats on catching it.  Paxton - My thoughts are with you, stay strong you can do this.  Summer38 - I hope your 7th treatment went well and you don't have too many SE's.  To everyone else I missed on this post, I am thinking about you sending good thoughts your way.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LibraryJenn
    LibraryJenn Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2010

    Well ladies, I'm not going to completely retype my last post - it took too long the first time!  So I'll just try and recap what I remember.  First of all, I met with my onco on Tuesday.  It was so nice to see him after seeing his replacement last month.  He was much more informative and answered my questions with sincerity and honesty.  There is no change in my 8x8 tumor that he can tell, but he is optimistic for the Taxotere/Herceptin combo to do it's job.   They knew the tumor was probably aggressive because of my age, so I guess they were right.  All I can do is hope for the best and try to stay positive.  Oh yeah, and I will be going for surgery around the second week of November.  Fun stuff.  Mastectomy for sure on the right side, but maybe the left too if I can get in to see the geneticist in time to be tested for the gene.

    Day - I loved the comments on your mohawk.  My husband endearingly calls me "elephant head" because of how thin my hair is - kind of like the coarse hairs on an elephant.  My retort is that at least my hair will come back and his won't!  Seriously though, I think his hair has gone just as white as mine because of chemo.  There is some definite salt and pepper going on there. I sometimes think that this is harder on our families to see us go through this than it is on us.  Laura - so glad you had a good time with your friends and family.  I hope you get to keep your eyebrows!  Mine are definitely thinner every week, and I only have about 1/3 of my eyelashes left, buy I had really thick ones to start off with, so it's not too bad.  Tell your son that I wish him the best of luck catching the big one!  I am also an avid fisher (not that I've gotten out much in the past few years.)  Leanna - I'm so happy that you are starting to feel better!  I know that AC isn't fun and I'm hoping that Taxotere won't be as bad for me nausea wise.  The info that the cancer centre gave me stated that most people aren't nauseous with Taxotere, but they also said that nausea from AC shouldn't last more than one day, so we'll see!  I hope that all of the rest of your treatments go better.  IrishTess - good luck on your treatment tomorrow - I'm going tomorrow too for my first Taxotere.   Sacphotomom - thanks for the tip.  I'll look into it when I'm closer to starting rads.  Paxton - I'm glad that you were able to go lay down when you needed it and didn't push yourself too much.  That's something I have to work on.  For those I missed, I hope your weekend is looking bright! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited August 2010

    I just got caught up on the April posts and there was a link that I thought I would share.

    As we're all heading towards the end of all this treatment I think it could come in handy - I was nodding my head in agreement all the way through as I read it.

    http://www.cancercounselling.org.uk/northsouth/extra4.nsf/WebResClient/1761049276601BD68025735B00604834/$FILE/article3.pdf?openElement

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wellsey66
    wellsey66 Member Posts: 34
    edited August 2010

    Greetings,

    I don't post often, but I do read every day and I keep up with all of you.  I have finished 4 TC with 2 more to go.  I still have my eyebrows, but last time I put ice in sandwich bags and held it on with a headband across the forehead.  We had to change them every 20-30 min, but so far it has worked.  The company that makes the Elasto-gel gloves, slippers, and caps for chemo is sending me a sinus mask to try to see if it will work for chemo.  The gloves are working for me.  I only have one white line across each nail from the first treatment when I didn't have the gloves.

    I entered a contest with a Flat Stanley type character and I actually won the weekly contest.  I took Flat Keith Shivers to chemo with me and I won tickets to a Professional Bull Riding event of my choice.  They have now posted the 11 weekly winners on the pbr web site and the one who gets the most votes will win tickets to the finals in Vegas.  I am a BIG bull riding fan.  It is the only sport I like.  The site is www.pbrnow.com/keithshivers

    If anyone could vote for me I would greatly appreciate it.  I would love to win tickets to Vegas.  I am week 5 reading Pro Bull Rider at chemo.  It would be great to be able to go to Vegas for 5 days and forget about cancer

    I had a PET scan on Sat and it came back negative.  My son came home to visit last weekend and I am going to see my Mom this weekend.  Never a dull moment.  I try to take advantage of the good weekends.  Next week will be chemo #5 so that will be a lousy weekend, but we are planning on going camping the following weekend and hope to go to a bull riding event in NC over Labor Day weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • packjen
    packjen Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2010

    i voted for you wellsey.  good luck.

    Jen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wellsey66
    wellsey66 Member Posts: 34
    edited August 2010

    Thank you so much packjen!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • x-raygirl
    x-raygirl Member Posts: 373
    edited August 2010

    Hi Guys ~ I have a lot to catch up on, so will start with myself and follow up later on everyone else once I've spent some time at the computer.  Holy smokes, what a whirlwind week.   We had a huge grad party for my daughter on Sunday - more than 150 people.  We were expecting around 75.  Thankfully my brother was here to lend a hand.  I ordered most of the food, etc. and had help from friends, but oh my!  It was tiring!  Plus, it was SO hot outside and I couldn't tolerate the heat for anything.  I finally parked myself in the living room and figured people would come say hi if they wanted to.  It was a big success and yes, I'm broke!  The following day was Leah's bday (17) and we all went out to a Japanese steakhouse.  I also had chemo that day and boy, she sure wasn't happy that I had to go in on her bday.  

    The 5th tx has left me feeling incapacitated.  The bone pains, indigestion, complete exhaustion.  Plus, I am SOOOOOO ready for the kids to go to school.  The house  is trashed and Luke (9) needs more structure.  Not to mention, I'll be able to rest when I want to without friends in and out of the house all day.  My heart goes out to those of you with little ones.  I honestly think that would push me over the edge.

    My onc. told me had he known about how badly my ankle was swollen after the last tx and that I had shortness of breath issues, he would have sent me to ER.  A reminder to all of you - chemo and tumors both make you more susceptible to blood clots - so be careful!  Anyway, I missed keeping in touch and just wanted to touch base.  I've been reading posts from my phone - not the easiest.  For those of you on AC - I wish it was easier and feel like a baby compared to what you are going through.  Thank God that life's journey is filled with peaks and valleys and we don't stay in the valley forever.  Wishing you all a peaceful day!  ~ Daiva 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited August 2010

    Morning It's friday...yeah for weekend

    Summer: I was surprised to see you got steroids before taxol.. we both go to same place and I have to take steroids night before as you just did this last time.. Isn't it so exciting thinking about the finish line....I go next wednesday. Counting the days....

    Paxton:  almost done for you too!! Mark your calendar so you can have countdown.

    weather finally took a break today. I may have to go for a walk tonite

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    Xray . How cute are you   love the wig!.....I'm glad you had a fun time with the party ...When I start feeling to depressed about how I am fairing with the drugs...I think of all of you that have children still at home.. and I say a prayer for you....

    I was told that the Chemo lab will call me when they get the OK with the new WBC drug.. they haven't called back yet so I guess I  could call them today.  Don't want to but guess I have to ...

    Don't want to because today is the first day in a week that I feel good.   no bad stomach rot or bowels or head ache or body aches....and the emotional fog seems to have lifted...

    have a great day everyone...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    LauraM - Sooo happy for you being done! Must feel great Laughing

    Wellsey - I went and voted for you, good luck! I hope you win

    X-raygirl - Wow, that's a big party. Glad you had some help and I'm sure your daughter had a great day. I love the new picture!

    Njb - I know it's crazy that each Dr. does it differently. Who knows! I don't ask questions, just go with the flow.....

    Good luck to all having treatment today and I hope we all have a weekend free of SE's!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited August 2010

    I picked a book to reread from the shelf.  Full Catastrophic Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn.   I figure I should focus my energy somewhere besides how crappy I feel.  Funny how you run across things when you need them

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    LauraM - Thanks for the link, very interesting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited August 2010

    Thanks everyone for letting me jump into your thread.  So far I've had a little bone pain with the Taxol.  I can't imagine getting dose dense and being in a lot of pain.  So, I'm kind of glad my onco switched me to the weekly plan.  Are the SE's cumilative on Taxol like they were with AC?  Just wondering!

    Hope everyone has a nice weekend!  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LibraryJenn
    LibraryJenn Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2010

    Davia - I love the wig!  It makes me wish I would have kept looking before I bought mine before this all started!  I got a long one that was similar to my hair, and it is WAY to hot.  I've worn it for about 2 hours, and it was too long.  I guess I'll just rock the bald look until my hair comes back!

    Sacphotomom - good to hear that you are having a good day!  Here is to many more good days than bad ones ((HUGSS))) 

    I had my first Taxotere/Herceptin yesterday.  Uneventful - but I did notice that I have tiger stripes on my nails from the AC.  I've worn nail polish all summer, so didn't notice until I took it off to put on the nail hardener that the Taxotere company sent out.  Here's to keeping my nails!  I can tell already that it won't be as bad as the AC, as I woke up at the same time as usual, and don't feel like I'm going to barf all over the computer!  I think I can handle the bone pain - nothing worked for nausea, but Tylenol has always been my wonder drug:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    Jenn    I have been using a Nutra Nail, Mineral Nail Care, Power Growth.. It helps to keep the ridges from forming, that make your nails split. Would like to hear what it is your using..I have been using it the whole time on chemo...I only have one big toe that has little bit of black on the bottom of the nail...that just started...My nails have been gowning like crazy..having to cut them about every two weeks..and they are very strong..unfortunately this means when they break they snap..

    I woke up this morning almost feeling normal...got a lot of stuff done, now I'm tired, but it  feels good .....I noticed that when I am feeling not so good there are thing around the house, that would have driven me nuts before...now not so much...but today after the breakfast stuff was cleared  I noticed that there were crumbs in the kitchen drawer.  Went on a cleaning rampage..my DH who is working on his own house project..came in the kitchen and stood for a little bit drinking a glass of water...When I noticed him he just smiled and said ...Welcome back!"  made me laugh...

    LauraM  Thanks for the link...I  downloaded it ...

     
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Drim
    Drim Member Posts: 302
    edited August 2010

    njbhwgirl - I was in Rio Grande and a resort called Sol Melia. My friend has a time share so 4 of us went. It's about 30 min east of the airport. I really enjoyed it!

    LauraM - I hope you are able to keep your eyelashes and eyebrows. I am 1 month PFC and still have my eyelashes. My brows started to fall out shortly after the last treatment. They are starting to fill in now but the eyebrow pencil looks pretty good.

    Good luck Wellsey66 - I voted for you too! And more importantly, congrats on the PET scan results!!

    x-raygirl - I love the picture. You are very pretty with the wig and bald. Sounds like a fun but exhausting party. I don't have any kids at all let alone little ones so both scenarios sound difficult to me.

    During my taxotere infusion I kept my fingers and toes cold with frozen peas. It seemed to do the trick as I have not noticed anything different about my nails and I am now 1 month post last chemo. I've had 4 or 33 rads and so far so good with that. Strangely I don't mind going every morning. It's really easy for me to get there and the staff and atmosphere are very nice.

    Can't wait for all of us to be done. We're getting to the finish line!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • x-raygirl
    x-raygirl Member Posts: 373
    edited August 2010

    What a drag - I wrote to each of you in the middle of the night and lost my post!  Argh!  I finally figured out you can't jump back a page and then return to your post without losing it.  Oh well.  Will do my best to recreate a shorter version.

    Day~ can't imagine you of all people with a  mohawk - not after seeing your gorgeous long hair!  Hope you post pics soon:-)  Hurray for lashes back!.  Mine are soooo thinned out.  Brows still intact.  Good luck with scans and blood work - wishing you peace as you wait for results.  Best wishes with procedure next week.  Somehow didn't realize you had flap sx.  Are you happy with results?  Was it a long recovery?

    Drim ~ Puerto Rico - too fun!  good for you!

    Laura~ C-diff?  That's nasty stuff - kudos to your body for fighting it off and not taking you down longer!

    Summer~ thrilled for you that you had no reactionLaughing  The last couple sounded miserable!  woohoo!

    njbhwgirl~ guess you'll be getting your exercise now that your granddaughter is walking.  LOVE what you do with your group of friends!!!!  Where do YOU want the next trip to be?  You go girl!  I love the idea and might just steal it from you:-)

    Patricia~ thanks for the Pepcid reminder.  I've really needed it!  My sister is going on a trip to Paris in Feb. and invited me along.  It's not the best time of year but it would be cheap.  She's a physician and needs her CEUs :-))))  I ordered Simonton's books from Barnes and they still haven't come - almost 2 wks.  So I called Simonton's place directly and ordered yesterday.  Can't wait!!!!  I feel I'm ready and hope they come soon.  You impress me that you stretch even during your pain days.  Not me - it's the couch or the recliner!  Kudos to you!!!

    GolferGirl~  I heard that applying lotion 3x per day makes a huge difference in the longrun.  It's tedious and a bit messy but my onc. told me very worth it.  Glad it's working out for you!

    Leanna~  sending big cyberhugs!   AC sounds awful and no wonder the A. is called the red devil!  SOOOOO happy to hear the tumor has shrunk!  The visual really helps and at least it's doing it's thing.  Too bad it has to affect the gut so much!  Hope the next tx will be easier.  Hang in there - this too shall pass!  eventually!

    PackJen~  good for you that you got away without tats.  I've got the lump in my throat too - yuk!  DH picked up Pepcid yesterday.  You have post chemo f/u appointments?  I don't.  I only go every 3 wks.  Only after first tx I had my bld checked after 10 days - that's it.  Am I the only one??????

    Redbarb~  I'm right there with you - worried about the fatigue factor.  It's so not like my usual self and I want my energy back.  I hear it gets bad near the end of rads.  Keep me posted on the best tips you hear or find.

    LibraryJenn~  love your pic!  #1 - you look SOOO good bald!  #2 - great fish!!!!  oh yeah, hip polish too.  I keep thinking I'll try blue but I feel like I might look like I'm trying to look too young.  I'm 48 and my 17 loves blue polish.  Maybe I'll try it on my toes...   Girl, your tumor is 8x8?  I'm praying the TH kicks it's butt and your next report will be like Leanna's.  Can't you visualize it?  Shrink, dam tumor, shrink!!!

    Irishtess ~ the end of this chemo crap is near for you.  Hope your 7th tx didn't kick your butt too bad.  Ireland sounds delightful!  I just watched P.S. I love You and it made me think of you and your place there.  It was a heartwarming and romantic movie.  Love the accents!  Cheers to moving along in our treatments and seeing the end of this particular tunnel!

    Sacphotomom and Paxton ~ those emotional days are so hard for all of us.  Paxton - I love Kabat Zinn!  I have tried to see all the things I have to be grateful for this week and it's made such a difference in my perspective the last few days.  In the midst of my most blue days and nights, there are still good things around me and I have to consciously remember them.  .Sacphotomom~ thanks for the compliment.   That wig is Fiona.  She's natural hair and is very much like my real hair.  I like kicking it up and spiking it, etc.  My other one is Lola - blonde and peppy:-)  Glad you felt a bit like your old self today.  Don't the bad days just make you so much more grateful for the days you feel good?

    Kittycat~ welcome to our thread!  I can't chime in on AC because I'm on TC x 6 wks.  

    Question:   Does anyone have an issue with gas after tx?  OMG - I'm a tooting machine and don't know what that's about.  I haven't eaten cabbage or anything gassy.  Also, my onc. gave me Hydrocodone (instead of oxycodone) - hate it!  It last 8 hrs and wigged me out!  Fortunately, the bone pains have subsided quite a bit today.  Pleasant dreams to all of you!!!!!  big hugs ~ Daiva 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    OK So was doing the 3 day Walk For Cure!  I know one of you were talking about it ...was wondering if you still had the strength?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • x-raygirl
    x-raygirl Member Posts: 373
    edited August 2010

    Wellsey ~ I voted for you.  Good luck!  I just finished TC #5 and my nails are fine - kept nail polish on them - a nail strengthening one with protein on the whole time.  My fingers are crossed you make it to Vegas!

    Sacphotomom ~ what WBC drug?  I'm trying to remember, did they ditch the Neulasta because you requested it?  

    Sorry my previous post was so long.  Is anyone having any tongue issues?  Mine looks like it's coated with a grayish beige coating and feels so weird.  Also, anyone else with gas issues after chemo?  Not pleasant! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LibraryJenn
    LibraryJenn Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2010

    sacphotomom - I got a care package that included LCN nail hardener.  I don't know if it will work or not.  I was out thinning carrots in the garden last night, and when I washed my hands, it seems like the majority of the nail polish came off.  I have really weak nails to begin with and they like to peel.  I'm okay with that, as long as they don't fall off!  I'm thinking I'll have to be more careful with them on Taxotere than on AC.

    Davia - I also get tongue issues.  Mostly it feels like there is a coating on it, but so far it looks the same.  If it doesn't go away, maybe make sure it's not thrush - I know they checked me for thrush at my chemo follow up appointments. 

    Hey - did anyone feel their tumors "hurt" after chemo treatments?  I didn't feel anything on AC, but it was so weird on Friday/Saturday - it felt like my breast was hot and it had a pinched feeling.  I'm focusing lots of energy on it and saying "DIE CANCER DIE!" 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    Hi all,

    Dealing with my Taxol bone pain - I haven't left my couch in 2 days, it's driving me crazy!!! I am going for reflexology tomorrow so maybe that'll help!

    I have the white lines on my nails but they didn't start till I started Taxol, I had no nail issues while on AC.

    Daiva - Go to Paris!!!!!! Regarding chemo follow ups, I've never gone for a follow up after treatment. I don't see or talk to a doctor at all between treatments.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited August 2010

    Jenn - Yes, I felt that my tumor hurt lots during taxol and herceptin.  I guess I can say that is a good sign now considering the massive shrinking it has done!  :)  I think that is what yours is doing too!! 

    Daiva - I don't remember being particularly gassy after chemo ;0 ... hope that "passes" for you also... LOL.  Paris sounds fun!  I have actually been in February, and we got very lucky with the weather!  Hopefully you will too. 

    Theresa - I'm so sorry you are having to deal with bone pain.  That is the worst!  I'm sending positive thoughts your way for the pain to subside!  Regarding the follow up appts... I don't have any in between treatment either.  I was going to ask someone about their 10 day blood work...I only get blood work on chemo days. 

    Drim - Glad rads are going good for you.  Let us know how you do with the lotions, and fatigue and anything else we need to know! 

    Denise - that's funny!  My DH recognizes things like that when I'm finally feeling better too. 

    This AC crap is just awful.  My stomach is very 'blah' today again.  I'm also having neuropathy in my fingers and toes.  Those of you that had that... did it get worse, better, not change during treatment??  I think I am starting to get stressed because I have infusion again the day after tomorrow... ugh!! 

    Sorry, I haven't reached anyone... just not feeling like myself :(.  But, we'll get better!!!  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ca1Ripken
    Ca1Ripken Member Posts: 1,254
    edited August 2010
    And, I meant sorry I haven't reached "everyone" not "anyone!"  Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010

    Xray ....I cant remember the name of the drug   I have to talk to them tomorrow ..again...... yea they are not giving me Nuelasta because of the sever pain I had with it and Taxotere...by the way Maalox works well for gas...yea on Taxotere I have had gas issues..  I get the coated tongue its gross but as long as  it doesn't have any what patches or dots your fine..at least thats what they told me..try icing it..and gargle...after about the 6th day, I know we aren't supposed to use it, but I gargle with Listerine, then hurry up and rinse with water so it doesn't Burn my tongue..seem to get rid of it...

    I had to have my blood checked every 7 days after chemo..have chemo on weds, the following weds was blood check..they did a blood check before chemo, then after 7 days  then again  before chemo..that was on AC... then ..l with Taxotere I still have blood tests every 7 days, so blood on the day of chemo then 7 days after and again on 7 days after that ..then chemo again...a bit excessive but from talking to every one in our chemo lounge that s the way they do it here...

    lol the way that last  paragraph read cracked me up..talk about chemo brain..reminds me of a saying

    My short term memory is not as sharp as it us to be.....

    Also my short term memory's are not as sharp as they use to be..

    With that I nap!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sacphotomom
    sacphotomom Member Posts: 366
    edited August 2010
    PS:  That question about the 3 day walk was supposed to be asking,,, Who was doing the walk?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • njbhwgirl
    njbhwgirl Member Posts: 295
    edited August 2010

    evening all:

     summer: sorry the pain is back..does your pain hurt mostly at night? mine does..seems sometimes the pain shoots from my hip to my toes. My onc. told me to take a pain pill. Last time I took the Vicadin that was left over from my bilateral operation on April...Let me know how the reflexology goes..Hope it works for you!

    Leanna:  hoping tomorrow better feeling day for you...I didn't get neuropathy with AC...Little from the taxol. Nexium really helped me when taking AC..I always had heartburn. Eating every 2 hours seemed to help me a tad... I believe 2nd AC was better on my system..Hope it is the same for you..

    LibraryJenn:  my TE's  kill me after chemo..It seems to last 3-4 days after treatment then it dies down..Almost feels like the chemo floats through them

    xraygirl: really nice pic of you...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patricia48
    patricia48 Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2010
    Hey May Warriors  I have been reading posts all morning and catching up on everyone.  Good news for my Thursday blood work is that hemoglobin started to go up, so no transfusion! My Sweetie was here for the the treatment and just left this am.  We have been very busy with Koby, his new rescued Golden Retriever.  He is  a great dog, and so well trained.  He made me laugh, and he loves walking with us.  My bone pain started yesterday, and is peaking today. it usually lasts about 3 days for me on the taxol.  Leanna, I am so happy that your tumor is shrinking.  I know it has to be a relief, and I am so sorry about your A/C side effects.  I really hope number 2 is easier.   I know what you mean about missing your onc.  Mine is such a calming influence.  He is about 70 or so, and such an  caring and intelligent man.  I only see him once a month now that I am on weekly taxol.  LibraryJenn Love your fish pic.  You look so beautifully radiant! Paxton I read Full Catastrophic Living last month and it just sort of appeared for me too.  I think we find the things we need.  Sacphotomom You have such a good sense of humor.  I wish I had your urge to clean.  My Sweetie cleaned my oven yesterday.  That is true love, or he was afraid he might catch something from it.  Either way, it was very nice of him.  Ha.  I want to do the three day walk, but have not scheduled it. Daiva  I love your new pic.  Yes, go to Paris! I am trying to go in Dec, but will find out this week if onc thinks that is possible, since I will finish rads at the end of Nov.  My January trip with my sister is still on at this point(Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, etc)  but I really want to celebrate with my Sweetie first. Day Can't wait to see your hair pics.  Summer How was the reflexology?  Hope your joint pain is better. Drim and Tess, thanks for reminding us that we will all get finished  I am wishing everyone a good week, and that  remember that we can get through this.  When I was learning to drive a stick shift(at age 40), and felt I would never get it, I would think:  there are a lot of people out there driving stick shifts, surely I will not be the first person who cannot learn this! Now, when I feel down, I think,of all of us, and all the women before us who have done this difficult treatment.  No one understands like we can understand each other.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Summer38
    Summer38 Member Posts: 253
    edited August 2010

    Leanna - I really hope #2 is better for you, sending you good vibesLaughing I didn't have any neurapathy issues while on AC but I am starting to get it now on Taxol - it's quite annoying and I hope it doesn't get worse!

    Mouth issues..... I don't have any sores or anything but I feel that no matter how much I floss & brush my breath still "tastes" funky - anyone???

    NJ - Yes, my pain is MUCH worse at night!! It's bad during the day but pretty much unbearable at night. It does shoot from my hips to my toes, sometimes even making my toes & the bottom of my feet spasm like a charlie horse. It like to hang out in my shins a lot too. This time I'm also getting some shoulder pain, which I haven't had in the past. One vicoden doesn't really touch the pain for me, on a couple of the bad days I have taken 2 and it immediately relieves the pain.

    Patricia - YEAH!!!!! No infusion! You must be relieved.

    I have my reflexology appt. at 1:00 so I will report back afterwards. Hoping it helps because then it will be a good excuse to go to the spa regularly and relax without feeling guilty! LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cleob
    cleob Member Posts: 20
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I feel much better today to catch up with the postings of the past few days.

    Leanna9 and LibraryJenn: despite the setbacks, I am happy that the desired results are manifesting. just like you my tumour shrunk significantly after my first AC. Mine was 6x6 when my ONC decided to switch to AC and by the second treatment last friday, it had shrunk to 5x4. If we continue with this progress, I am pretty sure that there'll be no tumor left at the completion of the 4th AC. Right now I can feel the hotness and squeezing at the tumor site and it gives me the assurance that it is well(healing process). Hang in there ladies, we are already winning the battle. I am already looking forward to my next treatment coming up on the 27th with an MRI scheduled a day before.  I am off to Atlanta this afternoon for a family re-union and hope to be back home early enough for the treatment.

    Enjoy a SE free week.

    LOTS OF LOVE

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KimLovesDachshunds
    KimLovesDachshunds Member Posts: 177
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone!  I've been down and out with a cold for about a week.  (2nd week after last chemo -- not good time to get a cold)  It DRAINED me and put me in bed sleeping non-stop for about 3 days.  Whew!  I went for my "markings" for the radiation today.  LOVELY -- you get to lie perfectly still while your BOOBS are exposed and then they put some "metal" tapings on the one that had the cancer and then send you through this open-ended machine (so it is not closed in).  The doctor asked the "nurse" to take my hat off so I am like EXPOSED all the way around.  So I say -- there is no level of modesty or pride when you are sick in life!  UGH! Then they made markings that should "last" for my needs of radiation.  {I had threatened my husband that I'd get "dachshund" tattoos if I needed any markings!  :) }   I go for a simulation on Monday and will start radiation on 8/29.  So I head back to work tomorrow.  I am ANXIOUS about wearing head covering -- wig and whether my strength with be with me as my body simply feels worn out from the cold/ last of chemo and just nerves -- IBS acts up big time!  HUGS to you all and I will read the posts and catch up on the last entries while I've been sleeping my life away with cold bugs!  Kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories