2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Options
1…3435373940…341

Comments

  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited December 2005

    i know that fignernails/toenails can get messed up with chemo...has anyone had this side effect? my big toenail has slowly begun to look bruised and yellowish...like what it would look like if it was damaged in a door or something. it's begun to hurt too when it's knocked by anything. i'm worried it's going to fall off...it looks awful. has anyone had this?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • spirit
    spirit Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2005
    Awwww Debbie....

    I had that experience right after moving to the mountains! Rolled my car off the side, never even hit a tree and wound up upside down in a creek!!! I crawled out the window and up the embankment and wound up with a broken little finger!!! I surely had angels with me that day and many following ones!!!

    I have missed the October gang, but soooo much has been happening what with the vascular surgery etc. But now I need some help from you guys if you can....

    I posted under "Help Me Through Treatment" about what is going on and I'm troubled this time....please help if you can.....

    hugs,
    kate
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • spirit
    spirit Member Posts: 52
    edited December 2005
    Hi Amy....

    I found my fingernails seemed to be somewhat softer on the ends so I'm keeping them trimmed short and saying the heck with trying for beautiful nails during treatment!!

    But actually my big toe on my left foor looks the same as yours and YIKES if I bump it!!!!! But I've been attributing it to the neuroathy and blockage in the leg....so don't know if my one full treatment would have caused that....I know it caused me to be a baldie and my fingernails were a tiny bit effected...not sure about the foot!!!

    There were posts about the nails when I first joined here...so I know others have been effected in that way....

    Hugs,
    kate
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited December 2005

    Amy, my big toe hurts and so do my thumbs and they look red by the cuticles.......I keep putting lotion on them to keep them moisturized. Actually my thumbs are feeling better......Graycie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited December 2005

    Kate, I will check out your post and see if there is anything I can do to help you.......Graycie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2005

    Kate you need a second opinion?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paula15089
    Paula15089 Member Posts: 373
    edited December 2005
    Amy,
    just prior to starting chemo, i had my acrilic nails taken off. My nails underneath were HORRIBLE. They were always soft and brittle, but now they were practically falling off!! Well, i started looking after them really well, rubbing all sorts of strengthening creams into them, and now they are better than ever. . I really did think i was going to lose them during chemo.. Instead i have longer and stronger nails than i ever did before.
    So, get some stuff to rub into cuticles and nails, and they will improve for sure. They will also grow faster if you keep massaging them, so even if you lose some of your nails, the new one will grow back in no time.
    good luck,
    Paula
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracyNY
    TracyNY Member Posts: 434
    edited December 2005
    I had my first taxol on Thursday and my pinkie toe is killing me. God help if I tap it on anything!! My fingers are sore and so are my heels, I'm hobbling like an old lady.

    However, if this is all there is to it, I'll take this over AC!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RoseMarie
    RoseMarie Member Posts: 502
    edited December 2005

    My fingernails also look very dark. I've had 4 A/C treatments, no taxol yet though. I'm GLAD TO BE done with A/C. Is everyone getting taxol every two weeks? I thought I would continue with dose dense while on taxol but my doctor said I will be getting Taxol every 3 weeks. He also said another option would be to get it every week for twelve weeks and that the infusions would only last an hour. I am very confused!!! I'm also a little scared because we are moving away from family - 12 hours away! My mom has been very helpful but I'm hoping Taxol won't be as taxing. (gotta love alliteration) Any last words of advice for driving in snow???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited December 2005

    Hope all you October girls are doing well, After my last AC 10 days ago my blood count has been at its lowest yet so I've really been run down and trying to stay away from crowds and all, even missed my Company party, just have no energy, but hopefully will feel better next weekend for Christmas. My thoughts and prayers to you all starting the T series of drugs!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited December 2005

    So far Taxol had been easier than AC but I have only had one treatment.I am on dose dense every 2 weeks...I had one bad day so far, day #4 where I was cold and ached all over like the flu mostly lower back pain.....other than that I feel almost normal again.....Less stomach distress than AC. The snow stinks, HA......I live outside of Buffalo, NY so I am pretty used to it.....just drive slow.......Graycie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2005
    Drive slowly, get winter tires not All season, if you can't see don't drive. Don't you live in Florida? Thought it was always nice there. We have snow here until mid april.
    My Tax will be every three weeks. I would rather that than be at the cancer centre every week.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2005
    Monday, the 19th is my last A/C. I am NOT looking forward to it.

    The smell of rubbing alcohol makes me sick to my stomach. White blankets make me want to weep. The same faces, some very old and sick looking, upset me. When they prick my arm for the last time it is going to hurt like hell, I just know it. Then my side effects will last forever, because my last one lasted 11 days.

    I am tired to being bald. I hate the smell of fake hair, even after washing it. I am tired of looking like a cancer patient. When people say I Iook good, I know they are lying.

    Where did the old "me" go? The one who sat and watched sitcoms and laughed at stupid jokes? I used to love the smell of peanut butter cookies. Now I can't even stand the sight of a peanut butter jar.

    When my lumpectomy site hurts I am reminded of how this all started, so I remember not just the physical hurt but the sadness that went with it.

    Sorry for putting a damper on things, and thanks for allowing me to vent.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2005

    Amy, my right big toenail is looking bad. It looks bruised and yellowish so I keep it covered with nail polish! I was wondering about this since it has not happened to the other toes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2005
    Brenda too tired to post long message but know that we will have better days ahead. This is a hard time of year, try to find a few things you love to do and do them. Tomorrow take the day off cancer. Refuse to thnk about it... My last FAC is 20th yahoo .No more red devil, my arm is still sore from last attack. Hopefully cancer cells feel worse than I do.
    Fists up!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2005
    Brenda S.,
    Hang in there! You will feel good when you walk out of there knowing that you have finished with the A/C portion. You did it! Yeah, it's no fun being bald, the pain hurts in more ways than one, but everything will get better. Really, it will. I've had a tough time too, but soak up the good days, and forget the bad. I had my last A/C a week and a half ago and will be having my first Taxol this Tuesday. I am frightened of this new journey - but all the October girls that are ahead of us are sounding pretty positive so far and that is helping me. Are you starting Taxol? Again, hang in there.
    Laura (GTO)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited December 2005
    Brenda
    I hope you know that we do understand how you are feeling, I get so tired of not being able to do everything I used to do when I want to do it. I try so hard to keep up a good front with my family and friends but some days it is just easier to hide in my room. I am grateful my kids live away at times so they don't have to see me, although we talk all the time on the phone, it is easier to say everything is just fine, this is when I can come here and know I am not alone. Thank you guys and Hang in there we will get thru this
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2005
    Wow, do you realize we have 37 pehes of posts. We sure can talk!

    Good place to come and be tense and have you all calm me down. Good place to come and be happy and pass it along.

    Fists up guys. Half way through chemo!!!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited December 2005
    Hugs to you Brenda,
    Sorry you are so down. I have days like that but yesterday, going to see Santa with my kids and god children gave me renewed vigour for this fight so i am sending some of my spare to you - CATCH!

    On a more frivolous note - the matter of eyelashes. Do we lash on the mascara and pray it will help them stick or do we avoid it in case it pulls them out? I am on my 4th FEC and eyebrows and lashes are starting to part company. Whats the general thought?

    Take care ladies
    Debbie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nicolita
    Nicolita Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2005
    Hi ladies!

    I just had my first dose of Taxol, following 4 dose dense a/c, a week and 1/2 ago and have two questions I would like to ask.

    1. I was wondering, first of all, if anyone else seems to be regrowing their hair? My first Taxol (following 4 dose dense a/c) was nearly two weeks ago, and the hair on my head is resurfacing. Is this normal, and if so is it likely to just all fall out again? If so, how long after the first taxol does this happen?

    2. Two or three days after the 1st taxol treatment I began to bleed and though I was beginning my period. This went on for a week - never got nearly as heavy as a normal period, but was persistant. Do you think this might be an indicator of menapause (I am 33)??

    I have 3 more treatments to go (bi-weekly) and I am looking forward to having them behind me. I could not believe the extent of the bone pain and had to take dilauded for several days - which just took the edge off. I just pray it doesn't get any worse!

    Thank you all for any help with these questions.

    God bless,
    Nikki
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited December 2005
    Hi to those who seem to be on AC followed by Taxol.....
    I've just returned from the hospital after being there for 2 and a half weeks. I got a stubborn fever after my 3rd AC (dose dense)and went to emergency. They found, after several days (and sending me home to stay out of the hospital ...I'm an hour and a half from the hospital)that I had a bacterial infection that entered the blood. I was put on antibiotics via IV for 2 weeks. Needless to say, my veins couldn't take the needles and they were changing the needles every day. That, and taking blood everyday left my arm swollen and infected (and my hand looked like one of those latex gloves you can blow up). They actually took blood from my groin area and my foot! I finally made them take the needle out and put me on a pill. And they finally decided that I could get off the pill as well.
    Unfortunately, the infection left me with an arthritic reaction...joint pains that traveled about until they landed in both knees, both hands, my jaw, my neck and my upper back. They finally gave me a pain pill (they didn't want to mask the fever they were following) and it has dulled the pains. Without the pain killer, I was in a wheel chair in the hospital...
    At any rate, my "delicate body" isn't doing well with chemo. They dropped the 4th treatment of AC and when I'm strong enough will start me on half doses of Taxol every week (I'm assuming for 8 weeks). There are no other choices as I'm hormone neg. However, if I get sick again, they will stop the chemo altogether.
    I'm pretty upset about all of this, of course. First of all, I fought for the dose dense AC followed by Taxol dose dense. I knew that if I couldn't tolerate it, the schedule, doses, whatever, would be changed. They are only TRYING the Taxol on this schedule as there is nothing else that they can give me....
    It's very depressing...
    Has this happened to anyone else?
    ravdeb
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nicolita
    Nicolita Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2005
    ravdeb,

    I am so sorry to hear about all of these troubles. My experience, although not the same, has been quite complicated as well. Every week following the first 3 dose dense a/c treatments was spent in the hospital. Two of the stays were due to neutropenic (however you spell it) fevers with an infection at the port site of my tissue expander (still having pain and troubles from this) and the last due to pnemonia. I know exactly what you are talking about when it comes to colapsed veins and puffed up hands. I looked like some kind of extreme junkie when they were through with me!

    I made it through the fourth dose of a/c without hospitalization, however, and just had my first taxol nearly two weeks ago (second one scheduled for Wed).

    Naturally, after all of this I was absolutely terrified before my first dose of Taxol. It has not been pleasant, however so far so good in regards to hospital stays. I am just praying to get through the last 3!

    Stay strong and know that you can beat this. We are all in this together, you are not alone.

    Nikki
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2005
    Thanks, ladies, for commiserating with me. As I write this it is less than 3 hours before my final infusion. My 10 year old and I are going to have a big, fat lunch. Gifts are wrapped and cards are mailed.

    My husband will be with me to cheer me up.

    I really should count my blessings at this time. Not only do I have family around me. I have this board with which I can share and to which I can vent. You make me feel warm and blessed. You are the angels that will surround me during my troubling times.

    Thank you.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited December 2005
    Ravdeb and Nikki, sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with your treatments.......I guess I won't complain since I haven't been hopitalized as yet......I just started my Taxol last week so I have 3 more to go....

    Nikki, I heard that your hair could start growing back while on Taxol, I hope I get that lucky. It has been a week as far and it looks pretty much the same.....I heard it stops growing after last treatment for a couple weeks and then it starts up again but I am not sure how true that is.....
    2..I think you will probably resume your periods because as far as I am concerned you are too young for menopause..maybe they will come back with the taxol.

    How many days did your bone pain last? Did you feel chilled too......I felt like I had the flu, I am better today finally....Graycie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited December 2005
    Hi Nikki,
    I'm sorry to hear that you were put through the wringer as well. I hope that you get through the Taxol and MOVE ON.

    I am recovering at home but the arthritic pain is still strong. I have little appetite and lost weight that I can't afford to lose. They will weigh me next week and decide if I'm strong enough to start Taxol. At this point, the joint pains and weakness I have keep me in sleep mode most of the time.

    I really appreciate your support and to know that I'm not alone, though I'd rather be alone and have all the women feeling good and going about their business!

    I had a very strange bacterial infection that the doctors were puzzled by and this brought all kinds of specialists from throughout the hospital to my bed to poke and prod. I do believe I became famous :-(

    I was angry that the doctors got my arm so swollen to the point of phlebitis and I told this to them, but I see now, that even with your port (I don't have a port) you still had this problem. UGH.

    Feel good and good luck with your treatments. We are winners in the end...just that I'm having a hard time seeing the end at this point....

    ravdeb
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited December 2005
    Nikki,
    What do you mean when you say the Taxol is not so pleasant? Bone pain? numbness?
    I'm terrified that I'll get bone pain. My joint pain could last me weeks and if I get bone pain, I'm not sure how I'll get through that. I'm in terrible pain as it is...can hardly eat (jaw pain), can hardly get out of a chair, etc....
    I'm going to need a lot of support. I've considered not having the Taxol but then where will that leave me? My onc definitely wants to try it. My husband ignores me when I say I want to quit the chemo, my kids tell me I must try the Taxol (they are 21, 19 and 16).
    I noticed that you are so young... I'm learning now that there are so many young women on this board. I'm 51. It's not genetic (did the genetic testing)and I only wish I knew where it came from.
    Take care and again...good luck with the Taxol...
    ravdeb
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2005
    Welcome back Ravdeb, I just explained to mo Mom how when someone goes missing it is usually not a good thing. Take a breather over Christmas. Finished my last FAC today. I am getting pretty worn out but still able to muddle through Christmas. My two teens went to India with their Dad, my first husband. It will be strange not to have them at Christmas-they have always spent it with me. We had Christmas on the weekend for them , turkey dinner. Santa etc. So in someways it feels like Christmas is over...



    My chemo for the first time was hitchless, the port worked right away so I was spared my usual reactions, yeah. Today I am half way through chemo, 4 taxotere q 3weeks with Herceptin next. Then rads with Herceptin then complete the one year of Herceptin. This time next year I will be ALL done. I do look forward to that.

    Guys this bone pain doesn't sound good, I am a weakie when it comes to pain, my doc has not prescribed any good drugs...but family doc will come through if I need any I guess.

    Ravdeb maybe dose dense is not for you. I had every 3 weeks and though I became neutropenic I always bounced back without Neupogen and was able to stay on schedule. Something to think about. Happy Hannukah!



    Nikki do you have a port-a cath. My veins are shot and sclerosed my arm is swollen and sore. It is so nice not to look for sites in it. I guess you only have three more treatments but it sure helps.



    Nikki I still have thinning eyebrows after 4FAC ,the hair on my head is scanty so I shave it, most people do not get effective hair regrowth with the taxols or so Iv'e heard.

    Your doc can check your hormone levels for menopause but if you have no hotflashes you are prob not there yet. I am still getting my period.



    Fists up!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited December 2005
    The bone pain with Taxol is truly annoying, but mine is manageable. I told my onc. today that it was annoying and she said take Advil...I had been taking Tylenol and it wasn't really working. I really don't want to take anything stronger. When I say it was annoying, it wasn't agonizing. I still was able to work out at the gym. Overall, I find Taxol to be 100000% better than AC...no naseua, no weird steroid reaction, my appetite is good (not crazy where I wanted to eat everything during AC), I am not very fatigued. In fact, my neupogen shots were reduced because my WBC count is high. So, don't be scared of Taxol...anything that doesn't make me throw up is good for me!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2005
    I have only puked twice in all my treatments. I thought it was from steroids which I have taken for the week following chemo..Glad to here this is better. Am trying to visit my sister in Jan if I feel well enough. I did feel ok with FAC but had too much to do with Xmas and such.

    I start Herceptin next time too, anyone else about to start Herceptin? This is only for Her2+3 positive people.

    Tomorrow I travel to relatives, a 5 hour drive, Pray for no snow and no SE. Had chemo today so am worried drive will make me sick.

    Fists up! Only 5 more get-ups til Santa.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited December 2005
    maryannech... you are right...dose dense is not for me. I will be on half dose once a week and see how that goes. no neupogen shots... yea!

    As for nausea during AC... I only had that after I finished the steroid pills...only happened twice. But after that 3rd AC I was weak and then my wbc dropped to almost 0 and that's when I got this infection...from a bacteria that we all have but mine entered the blood stream and caused havoc.
    Hope you had a safe trip to relatives...
    here in Israel we have cold, rainy weather so I can't even get outside and feel some warm sunshine.
    still hobbeling around like an old lady and wondering when the joint pains will cease.

    Amy..glad to hear that your bone pain is only annoying. Gives me hope. I figure that with half-doses weekly, I may be able to avoid some side effects...I'm hoping cuz any more pain with the arthitic reaction I got to the bacterial infection will do me in and I think I'm already "done in".
    ravdeb
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories