Chemo May 2011

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  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Wow, Marybe and Laureen. I think I will attemd the Look Good Feel Good in my area. I am a little weirder out today with the hairloss. Went out with a scarf today cause the idea of wearing a wig seemed overwhelming. And I went out in my yard plenty of times without a covering. My best girlfriend came over and took one look at me and said" you're a real trooper." I probably am. Just like all of you are.

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  • Loviesmom2
    Loviesmom2 Member Posts: 33
    edited May 2011

    Wow ladies! All of you are such soldiers! I'm almost annoyed that my onc changed my treatment and put the tax before the AC. Now when you guys will all be done with the beast, I'll be just getting started. I went in ready for War! Give me your best shot! Nausea,alopecia,fatigue,all SE, bring it on I'm ready, roar!!!! Well, I didn't get anything with this little punk taxol and now I feel like all my friends got on the train and left me at the station. Now I'm done whining. Thanks for not suggesting I pack my things and go find another group. Be sure and save a seat for me on the victory train. Love you all.

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  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    Loviesmom2,

    OH, so your regimen was reversed?  Either way, we will still be here for you until the finish line:-)

    I'm impressed with your fighting attitude, you sound like a real fighter ready for the battle!  Keep it up!

    Goodmorning Everyone!

    Laureen

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  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    Cyborg,

    Yeah, sign-up for one in your area.  I found it fun and a good way to learn the actual things we are all going through now, and more.  They talked big about "hair care".  This might be a good timing for you.

    Hang in there with the hairloss.  I'm next in line:-)

    Laureen

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  • txladysara
    txladysara Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2011

    Love your attitude Loviesmom :) woo hoo!!!

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  • NanaSusie
    NanaSusie Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2011

    Reporting in on day 4 after first T/C treatment.  Had the nuelasta on Tuesday and took the clairitin.  So far so good with very minor leg aches ... not really worth mentioning.  Still having a mild constant headache that tylenol or aleve doesn't help with.  I'm thinking its most likely from my high blood sugar count.  I'm a type 2 diabetic and they warned me that the chemo could make my blood sugar go really high.  I'm not currently on any medication for the diabetis and was trying to control it with diet and exercise.  I'm still using my treadmill for at least half an hour each day but taking it a bit easier.

    Friday I will have my second physical therapy session.  My surgeon wanted to stay on top of things and not wait until there was a problem even though I thought I had good range of movement.  He likes to stay ahead of the game which works for me. My physical therapist said they usually see the women later on when its harder to correct.  The surgeon installed my port during my modified radical mastectomy even though I hadn't seen the oncologists yet, but he knew I would need it.  I'm sure glad he got it out of the way.

    Is anyone else obsessing about breast exams on their other breast?  I find myself checking it all the time and worrying I will find a lump and have to go thru this again.  I've heard some women get the other removed as a precaution but this wasn't discussed with me.  I think I would have had it done and I'm wondering if its still possible and when the best time to do it would be.  I have 3 more chemo sessions to do and then 33 sessions of radiation.

    Wishing everyone here a good day and lots of hugs.

    Susie

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  • MargieC
    MargieC Member Posts: 394
    edited May 2011

    Hi Laureen

    I have been doing walks (outside rather then the gym if possible), gentle yoga and pilates.  They seem to help give me more engergy and relieve some of the bone achiness.  I worked out a lot prior to my diagonsis so I am trying to stay some what active, but also watching that I dont over do it.  I am trying to continue to work -- setting at a desk for 8-9 hours can make me stiff and achy so the exercise makes me feel better, eat more and sleep.

    Good luck...  just make sure to wipe the gym equipment down to protect against germs.

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  • MamaV
    MamaV Member Posts: 907
    edited May 2011

    The chair is waiting again for me today - I hate this!  Good luck to everyone who is joining me today and tomorrow!

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  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited May 2011

    I feel so behind. I have not started the chemo yet. I still dont have a start date.

    "have to wait for biopsy report before we start chemo" UGGG hurry up and wait.

    If this biopsy comes back as anything other then breast cancer then I have another biopsy, this one of my liver.

    Then if that doesnt come as breast cancer then they do my bones in my legs. (one at a time).

    Right now I am not sure what I am hopping for.

    I am tired right now, I guess that is understandable because I had a port put in Monday and a biopsy on Wednesday.

    I want a good soak in the tub, but cant do that yet. (becasue of healing)

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  • mccrimmon324
    mccrimmon324 Member Posts: 1,076
    edited May 2011

    Hey 38-years old, I know how you feel with wanting to get started.  It doesn't look like I'm going to start in May now.  I guess I developed seroma or whatever, but my original incision is open and they need to get it healed before starting.  Tuesday was 4 weeks since my surgery and I know it's going to be at least another 2-3 more.  I have been asured by every doctor that I have time and do not need to rush to the next step but after a month of everything moving so fast I'm doing NOTHING but waiting now and it's driving me insane.  I know what you mean about a good soak in the tub, I'd love to take a nice hot relaxing shower and not have to wrap myself up in yards of press and seal, which doesn't work anyway so now I've just been doing baths and washing my hair in the sink.  Hoping all is good news on your tests!  I'm really starting to believe that the waiting is the hardest part.

    Take care

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  • lifelover
    lifelover Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2011

    My bone and CT scans were clear.  I'm over the moon.

    Chemo starts Monday.  I had my PICC line put in today with no trouble.

    I'm ready to sail through chemo and full of hope.

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited May 2011

    AC round 2 tomorrow, as long as counts and muga scan are good. Just as you start to feel good....round 2! Actually I have had a really good week, so I can't complain. I have felt a little shaky, but I think that is from starting the effexor a few weeks ago.

    Marybe, I didn't know the white blood count could get so high! No wonder why you were so achy, your bones were working overtime! It was kinda strange for me, I had a neulasta shot first, then when they tested my blood 6 days later my counts were very low so then they did 3 neupogen shots the next 3 days, so I hope my counts are good. Can those counts help with the next treatment, so they don't go quite as low? I don't want my counts to get that low again, although I did not wind up with a fever or infection.

    Cyborg-are you on a 3 week schedule? Good for you going out bald! My scalp is feeling a bit weird, day 13. Looking at wigs again today.

    Laureen, no hairloss? Are you feeling good? When is your next treatment?

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited May 2011

    Lifelover-yay! I am so happy for you for the clean scans. That is always a big relief!

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited May 2011

    38 years old- all that waiting has got to be difficult. Too bad they couldn't just do them all at once. I am thinking of you.

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited May 2011

    Am I allowed to post a non bc rant? Well here it goes. My chickens free range during the day and the other day, in bright sunshine my hubby saw a coyote grab a chicken. My hubby and dog took after them and hubby and dog return with a dead chicken. So sad. Well, the next morning about 10 am my neighbor comes over and tell me there were 2 coyotes in my driveway! They are being so bold! So now I won't let my chickens free range (they have a nice run, but its still not the same) and the chickens are not happy about this. Also, I have a chihuahua, Harley, that is on the invisible fence system so he won't run into the street, but now I can't let him out unless I am out there with him. I know my big dogs would protect him, but those coyotes are sneaky, and Harley sometimes wonders away from my big dogs.

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  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Mccrimmon and Candice:

    I am so glad u guys stayed on here to get a preview. It helped me to research all of this. Candice, this could be the time Candice, I hope u can get or give yourself a break from your head today.

    I know that this may sound weird, but when I would get blue or have low energy after the chemo infusion a cup of coffee helped.

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  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Blj66: I am on a 3 week cycle and Monday is my second. I have four cycles to do.

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  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited May 2011

    Cyborg, Thanks

    It is just so hard to get away from it all.

    Hopefully I can escape atleast in my mind.

    Candice

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  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Candice: I know it is really hard. I did most of my self education and it kind if helped me adapt and problem solve what I needed to do next. I went shopping for my chemo kit (thermometer, mail strengthener, etc.) and looked into nutrition to support me through my chemo. The thread, Natural Girls was very helpful too. I am going to go to the thrift store to look at scarves. Then if I find some, I am going to launder them and enjoy them. My best friend is going to cut down my hair even more cause right now I look like a worn out stuffed animal.

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  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    bkj66,

    I am so sorry to hear about your chicken.  Yeah, keeping them in for a while may not be such a bad idea.  Bad coyotes!

    Today is my 11th day after #1 A/C, no hairloss yet but sensitive scalp on various patches.  My official "good day" started on the 8th day.  So I was literally down and pooped from Day 1 to 7.

    I go back on Monday, 23rd for my #2 A/C.  And I couldn't agree with you more, just when you are starting to feel good, it's time for #2 again.  Sigh.  

    Goodluck tomorrow.  Keep us posted.

    Laureen 

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  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    cyborg,

    We go for #2 at the same time, this coming Monday 23rd.  I'm prepping my mind already.  Sigh.  Here we go again!

    Laureen 

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  • ---
    --- Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2011

    MamaV - Goodluck today!  I hope all goes well.

    lifelover - Goodluck on Monday, I go, too, for my #2 A/C. I'm glad to hear scans were clear and PICC line placed.

    Laureen 

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  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    Marybe: about your hair.... I agree with another post. U look cute with less hair too. I feel almost rebellious without hair--- like I am acting out or something! I have a really pretty wig, but with the hotflashes, the wig seems oppressive. I just want to feel comfortable. I am thinking of u.

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  • jrh1953
    jrh1953 Member Posts: 56
    edited May 2011

    My chemo treatment with TC did not go so well. It started on day 3. I just felt weak, but tried to work.  I made 1/2 Mon, 0 Tues, dont work on Wed, all day thurs and 1/2 Fri.  Sunday (day 10) I started running a low grade fever, call Onco and got antibiotics, had CBC Mon, WBC 1.8, Spent the last 4 days in hospital with neutropenia (sp) fever.  Not fun.  My body was so dehydrated Mon, had to be stuck 13 times (6 in port) beforeIV could be started.  I had 2 IJ of neupogen (great stuff).  WBC went to 5-7.5-10. in those 3 days.  I feel almost normal.  I was put on two IV antibiotics.  Onco said the next 3 times I will be gettin Neulesta day after treatment.  If anyone experiences a temp of 100.5, run, call or drive to your onco.  They do know how to treat this.  If anyone has questions or advice I would love to hear from you.

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  • Cyborg
    Cyborg Member Posts: 848
    edited May 2011

    JRH1953

    Just did that last weekend bit WBC wAs good. Went to the ER. U have the same directive as me- seek help when temp is 100.5. My directive from my ONC is go to ER. Takke my antibiotic q 6 hours and even set the alarm in the middle of the night to get all my doses in. Hydrate like crazy.keep demands low. Are you in Cali?

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  • neecee
    neecee Member Posts: 663
    edited May 2011

    livelover - I start my treatments this Monday too.

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  • lorenar
    lorenar Member Posts: 141
    edited May 2011
    Hi Ladies. Sorry it has taken me so long to post again, I just got caught up on reading your posts. I have been feeling really dumpy last few days. We traded in April my junky PT cruiser for a 2000 subaru outback and ended up financing thru DH credit union 5000. Bought it on 4/6. ON 4/27 I was driving down the road car stalls wont start water pouring everywhere so we had it towed to a local garage has been there all this time. Ive been borrowing my Moms truck to go to ohio 333 miles both ways for treatments. I called on Tues.on my way to Ohio the mechanic says Im sorry you willl need a new motor. Have to call car dealer tomorrow and see how hes gonna help. Im prety sure hes only liabe 20%. Found one motor for 1100 and will cost 500 to install. Have been barely able to get groceries since diagnosed in Jan. My DH works but I became disabled in 2005 after a bad fall as a cook at a prison. Just real worried right now on top of it all. Seems minor with what we are all facing I know. I have 7 more taxol/herceptin to go before surgery. I found when getting adrimyacan/cytoxin if you can eat the yogurt activia it will help with constipation. I also ate and still do alot of salads. I ended up with the flu 1 time while on that cycle. Also walmart has those hankerchefs in diff colors for 1 dollar that make nice scarfs. My onc. gave me ambian to sleep this round cause I was havin to take 4 or 5 benedryl to sleep he said to quit that regiman. It really helped me sleep sound last night. Sorry for you ladies with se now. Taxol is so much easier alot of feet and leg pain and some fatigue but easier. My big toe is now black. ha. Iput pink polish on to cover it up. They are so nice where I go and rated very top of list of doctors. I feel glad to have them even with a long drive. Staying on tues, helps alot. okay ladies take care sorry to pour my troubles out. Since I didnt get to have children I have 3 dogs, small one Reggie. Rosie a small fatter version of hound. Squirt a 50 lb. baby. Also at one time I had 10 cats they started dying on me slowly of old age now down to 6. I have 3 litter boxes and clean constantly. Everyone says you would not know we have 1 animal. They have become my little kids. ha. Would not know what to do without them all. My dog Rosie bulls when I go to ohio and DH says she sleep on my side. I truely understand they are a blessing. Have a nice weekend ladies. This to shall pass for us all.
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  • MamaV
    MamaV Member Posts: 907
    edited May 2011

    Let's see if I can catch up with everyone ... I had Taxol #5 today - went very well.  Didn't even get the restless leg from Benadryl this time - actually got a nap.

    38yrold - I'm so sorry you have to wait like this - it is so hard for me to get this out of my head too.  Have you talked to your doc about getting anti-anxiety or depression meds?  I didn't want them at first, but am so glad I have them now.  They really help me deal with all of this without falling apart every few minutes.  (Now I just fall apart once in a while - ha ha)

    lifelover - awesome news!  I remember when my scans came back clean too - what a relief!

    bkj66 - good luck tomorrow.  I can relate to the WBC roller coaster.  Mine tanked with every A/C - even with the Neulasta shot!  They usually fell all the way down to .1!  The Neulasta helped them climb up quicker, but they still dropped.  It's a miracle I didn't end up with an infection!

    Laureen - You sound like me - I was down with A/C from days 1-6 every time.  Thankfully I only had to do it 4 times!  Will you also do Taxol?  So much easier (at least the weekly dose is for me)

    Cyborg - Hot flashes under a wig are the absolute worst!  I can't believe how many hot flashes I get from these chemo drugs!  You are gutsy to go out 'topless'.  I am not brave enough  - I put my wig on first thing in the morning and don't take it off until right before I get in bed.  I hate to see my bald head (especially now that I don't have eye lashes nor eye brows).  I just makes it too real to see myself in the mirror like that.  I guess that's my own dumb issue.

    jrh1953 - I am soooo sorry you got dumped on by the SE fairies.  You really got nailed.  I will pray that the next round goes more smoothly for you.  One day at a time.

    lorenar - I don't know what state you live in, but in IL we have a lemon law for used cards.  Check and see if your state does too!  It might be a help when dealing with the dealer.  I'm so sorry you have to deal with this along with everything else.  How much are we supposed to endure along with this BC battle?  Hang in there.

    Hugs to all - we are all one day closer to getting through this fight and winning - no matter where we are at in our individual journeys!

    Vicky

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  • SheriBell
    SheriBell Member Posts: 393
    edited May 2011
    Hey ladies - just got my port installed today (ouch) and will begin treatment Tuesday the 24th so add me to the May 2011 list.  Does anyone out there have a sense at how long each session is for the Taxotere/Cytoxan combo - are you there 3 hours 4 hours?  Thanks!  I am icing down my port now - it really is sore!Surprised
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  • rondajean
    rondajean Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2011

    OK MO today gave me this treatment plan.  4X AC every other week then 12 weekly TX.  I was offered a clinical trial with herceptin which would include 1 year of shots every 3 weeks.  Research is questioning if this herceptin could also assist with the HER2/Neu negative folks like me.  Study is watching 3500 people to look for a medical benefit.  Is anyone else doing this trial?  

    My doctor doesn't like to do CT scans w/o symptoms so I am ready to go next week with 1st treatment.  20 weeks of chemo sounds crazy.  I will then be doing the radiation phase after.  It will feel like forever before I can get my TE replaced!  anyhow, I am happy to have finally met my oncologist and have a plan in place to destroy this cancer!   It's baby steps but al least its moving!

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