April 2011 chemo

Options
1…2021232526…86

Comments

  • ginger_mea
    ginger_mea Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2011

    I love the mention of "younger" people too...  I had terrible pain in my sternum, shoulder blades, lower back, and knees and now I am glad to hear at 57 I am young Laughing

    I knew I would get something out of that neulesta!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amylynn1108
    amylynn1108 Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2011

    Hi,

    I am currently on TCH, I did round 2 on 4/28 and I agree completely round 2 was MUCH worse! I was down for a little over a week. The Neulasta is the worse. I hate the bone pain. I really hope rounds 3-6 aren't as bad.

    Fortunately for me, I work for my oncology office, they have been generous enough to give me off until I am over chemo and recovered from surgery and radiation.

    Good luck ladies.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sarah246
    Sarah246 Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2011

    Now I was wondering why after all this time they don't have a better medicine for us, something that don't make us feel sick like Neulasta does.

    Congradulation amylynn1108 on having time off for treatment, the last thing we need is to have to worry about getting fired for taking sick time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginger_mea
    ginger_mea Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2011

    amylynn, worse how? the TCH? or the neulasta?  I found the neulasta to be worse than the TCH first time around...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginger_mea
    ginger_mea Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2011

    jackifp, happy to hear it seems that it is going pretty good for you, you give me hope thx.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Carla & Sarah~~ so glad to have helped!!!!  And yes, I was mincing words, I should have said I felt like I was 150 yrs. old...and the bone pain is pretty severe.  I too, have pain meds for the shots.

    I know I said round #2 was the worst...however while I am still frightened to go back already for round #3, I do have a friend who said her 4th and 5th treatments were her easiest...so there is HOPE that each round does not necessarily get progressively worse.

    When i first got the chest pain, I thought it was my asthma, which is why I went to the Emergency to begin with.  The oncologists are sure now that it's caused by the neupogen I'm taking.  Make sure you still get yourself check out...luckily this round of neupogen seems to be in my hips and back...and while it hurts alot! it's way better than the chest pain/pressure and the inability to move comfortably thatI had in the first round.

    Axtella- you seem to be going through okay, I hope the emend will help me get through round #3 better.

    Cheers, Kg.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Oh, and ginger-mea...it just means you have really good bones/bone marrow for someone your age.  I'm 37. 

    Usually as a person ages, those white blood cells are produced more in the bigger bones and not the smaller ones like the sternum, because they are more brittle.....anyhow, that's how it was explained to me!  So congrats on your great bones :)

    Kg.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RangerMom
    RangerMom Member Posts: 604
    edited May 2011

    Hi all,

    bought my wig tonight. Yeah. Hair is falling out but still enough to wear my own. I'm doing chemo first, then bil mx, then 4 mos radiation.

     I have bil breat ca and lymph involvement. No where to put that on the profile is there? I get my second round this thurs. big hugs to all.. kiwimum - you are beautiful bald.

    4/28 // AC4@2//Taxol 4 @2/nelasta after each round/ bil mx//radiation 4mos

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RangerMom
    RangerMom Member Posts: 604
    edited May 2011

    Also, I work full time. Its rough but they will give me time off. My first round I was so sick, couldn't work Monday, Tues had my BF drive me to work, wed much better. I'm hoping with this Emend I'll be in better shape. I need to save my paid time off for after the surgery and radiation too! But I'm just not going to worry> I know I'm in good hands and GOD will provide all that I need. Have a good night sleep all. Love you,

    Linda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    That is why my sternum hurt!!! But I am not young. I did feel pain in my tail bone and pelvic girdle. At least I know that the meds are working!!!!I hope so anyway.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    Okay - here's a sentence I never want to hear again...

    "Gee, my (insert relationship, ie friend) never had any side effects from chemo!"

    Ugh.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Oh artiecat - that sux.  especially when you've had a rough go.  there's a blog I go to called breast cancer won't define me...she's super nice...but she sailed through chemo and says she's never felt better...oh I'm glad for her....but it hard to hear when you are struggling.  I think she is from the feb or march board.  She kept her hair using penguin caps ...very cool for her.  but I definately can't relate so far.

    Okay, so on Sunday I found an usual marking around my aereola on my R breast...which is where my tumor was.  Went to my GP Monday, confirmed it looks unusual...she's marked it out in pen and Im to get medical help right away at first sign of fever or if it gets hot or bigger.  She knows I am seeing a Dr. at the cancer clinic wednesday and says it definitely needs to get checked out.

    I am freaking out.  Could it be IBC?? Could it be metaplastic BC ..?? I am just so stressed out over this.  Talked with one of the chemo nurses on Monday as well, and she said, well no matter what it is you are on chemo now, so that's good.

    I've been reading posts about Triple Negative ladies, who later get IBC or other BC's...and sometimes I love this board and sometimes, it just gets my mind going....

    Cross your fingers and your toes ladies that it's absolutely nothing!! 

    Can I just say I F#$cking hate BC??  Just needed to get that out.  Thanks for listening.

    Seeing the Dr. tomorrow, will update you all once I know.

    Night Kg.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    Sending you all good thoughts and prayers, kg.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Hugs kg

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    KG, I understand that fear you aer talking about. Every thing somethimes makes you think it is more or spreading. I think it is a normal part of this process, and vry natural given out shitty luck. I can say I hate F-N breast cancer with ya, no doubt it is the pits and no fair. Here's some love and light for you xxxxxxxx.

    Sarah and Axtella looks like we are all in the chair together today. Mine is number 2 and I worked hard this week with my therapist to not let my fear get the best of me and picture the Chemo as my partner in fighting this F-N Sh*t.

    I am taking my lap top with me as they have wireless where I go, if you gals get  to freaking out and need  support, just PM me. My therapist helped me make a very cool guided image for my chemo and I can share it with you if you want ideas.

    Hugs Merilee

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginger_mea
    ginger_mea Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2011

    KG, I understand fears unfortunately I think thats how it is after something like this no matter how you feel, I don't want to believe that but I think how can you go thru this and not have fears with everything that comes along after it.  Praying for all good news from the dr. on that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sweetcorn
    sweetcorn Member Posts: 188
    edited May 2011

    The pain from my first neupogen shot last week was in the bones in my head!  Anyone else experience that?  The day after the shot it hurt to put moisturizer on my face!  I had a treatment of Abraxane this morning and tomorrow is another neupogen shot.  We'll see what happens after that one.

     And I still have a bit of hair after almost completing two cycles of Abraxane/Cytoxan.  I chose not to shave, because I wanted to see how long it would last.....

    Best wishes to all,

    Jane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    Well, I went to work today - lasted 2.5 hours!  About halfway through the staff meeting I could feel myself sagging!  Dont know how you ladies do it!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sarah246
    Sarah246 Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2011

    Hi Everyone!

    Today started out wrong. First they couldn't get the needle into my stupid port. After sticking me   about five times, they went to get there best port nurse who came and stuck me about 3 more times, you could here the needle hitting the port. They decided that the port had flipped so they sent me to x-rays.

     I had the x-rays done and was told to go back to the chair and they would call and let my nurse know what they found. 30 minutes later they called and said they found nothing. The doctor then came and stuck the needle three more times, she sprayed me with numbing spray but it still hurt, the whole time fluids are running out and the whole thing is swollen. The doctors needles only hit the port. In the end, they decided that I must go back to have the port  operation again unless they flip it back the right way. Right now all they are hitting is Metal with this port.

    .They also decided that they were going to go with the veins in my arm to put the chemo in. So that's the way we went. They say they are going to call in a script for me to get the elma  cream.

     Half way through the chemo, I just felt sick as a dog and was moved from the chair to a bed. I called my ride to let him know I was going to be running late.

    I had to change the pick up time and my ride said it would be no problem. I went out to get in my ride, the stupid ride pulls off as I came out the door leaving me. I called and the phone was turned off, had to call for a different ride putting me about an hour behind for my return home.  Had to go 2 stair cases when I got home and legs hurt and I was weak and tired. What a quiet nightmare! 

    The only thing that will make me feel better is a big laugh so here it goes. What if this port got loose and decided it was just going to hide somehere in my body and move around from place to place, but no doctor can find it? Hehehe. Ok, I do have Chemo brain. LOL.Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pawprintgirl24
    pawprintgirl24 Member Posts: 173
    edited May 2011

    OOoooooo so sorry sarah that was horrible!!! until you go through this process people really don't know what you are going through!! but we do!! hang in there sweetie and i hope you are resting now with no side effects!! my co workers and family i'm not sure if they really understand when you say "i'm about to crash " that you are really about to do a nose dive right there where you stand!! and if i get hungry i feel like i have to eat right then before my appitite leaves me, anyone else doing that???i feel like i am staving when i feel hungry??? crazy...

    i put my wig on tonight and it is way tooo hot for that thing and the bangs poke me in the eyes and its just wrong so i guess i will just keep up the scarves for now. its kinda hard to match everything!!if you feel like crap at least you want to feel like you at least match!!!

    ladies goodnight all and i hope foe no se for all!!!

    ain't this fun y'all!!!Kiss

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kg1234
    kg1234 Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2011

    Good news - they think it's nothing!!  It might be just lymphedema (which most people associate with the arm)...or lymphatic fluid having a hard time draining.  I'm skeptical, but feel confident that they know it's not IBC or something else.  Having said that --if it gets worse, I get a fever....then they will look at it more suspiciously.

    ginger-mea- yes, I feel typically paranoid.  Every creak in my body I think I am dying...there's no denying it now.

    Sarah- that's just shitty!!

    Pawprint - yes, I feel like if I don't eat now while I can, then I won't have the appetite for it.  I've lost about 12 lbs so far.

    Got my Emend pres. for round #3 & 4.  Hope it helps big time!!! 

    Night' y'all....and as pawprint says "ain't this fun!!!!".

    Kg.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artiecat
    artiecat Member Posts: 257
    edited May 2011

    Sarah - wow - and yet you kept a sense of humor!  You really earned some stripes today!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jackifp
    jackifp Member Posts: 185
    edited May 2011

    Sarah246: what a nightmare! But the visual of your lil ol port nipping aroung hiding gave me a much needed giggle...thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • axtella
    axtella Member Posts: 88
    edited May 2011

    No chemo for me today...I had low blood platelets. I will go next Thursday to check them again and if they are ok then I will have #3 next week.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BernieEllen
    BernieEllen Member Posts: 2,445
    edited May 2011

    Hello to everyone, i had round 2 A/C yesterday.Veins were not good - have really sore arm today.  Told i should never work on the day after, i didn't the first time.  Head really woozy and unstable walking. Hope to work tomorrow.  Keep well everyone

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2011

    Day after second treatment with the taxotere reduced bly 25%. SO far so good. Just a little unsteady gate and waterey eyes so far

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginger_mea
    ginger_mea Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2011

    Sweetcorn, I have Neulesta instead but did also have face pain, as a matter of fact I felt as if my whole skeleton hurt at one point or another.

    Kg1234, good news!

    hugs to all....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sarah246
    Sarah246 Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2011

    pawprintgirl24  Thanks. I agree until you go through it you don't know what it's like. I put my wig on and it's way too hot also, so I put a silk scarf on and that feels  better. I know what you mean about the food. When the hunger hits I just want to put food in my belly. LOL.

    Kg1234 Glad you got some good news. Hope you had a good night.

    Artiecat Thanks. I can use some stripes, thank you so much.

    Jackifp I'm so happy I made you laugh. I feel I can't make it without some laughing, it brings out the good chemistry.

    Axtella Sorry that everything got put back because of the blood platelets.

    BernieEllen Hope you start feeling better and not woozy and unstable walking on the day you go back to work.

    Ginger-mea Neunasty (neulesta) did me in last time and tomorrow I get it again. Today was not a bad day, wish I didn't have to get the shot.

    Hang in there everyone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2011

    Axtella- i have used the FMLA, but my problem is when I started with my first surgery, I only had 9 weeks available. i had to have emergency surgery last August to remove my gallbladder. So, between the 2 surgieries, doc appts, and chemo, I will run out of FMLA in one week. My side effects have kept me at home, so I haven't been able to manage the FMLA time well. My company uses a rolling 12 monthn period to judge the time for FMLA.

    Once I run out of time, then I might run out of a job, which is a shame. I'm a mammography tech, and i love what i do. :(

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Teckler2
    Teckler2 Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2011

    I had a hard night last night, The big D was out to get every ounce out fluid out of me..haha

    I was in the bathroom 20+ times yesterday with a lot of abdominal pain. At one point last night, i was kneeling on the floor curled up asking my hubby for my meds to see if that helped. If I stood up, I had to make a mad dash for the bathroom, and I had horrible gas pains. Anyway, I needed to vent over what my husband said to me. He told me that I was a drug addict because I was asking for my medication. (I was put on lomotil and codeine to slow down the diarrhea.) I cant get over what he said. Has anyone encounter a "caregiver" that was unsupportive? If so, how did you deal?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories