April 2011 chemo

Options
1…5960626465…86

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Survived my first taxotere/herceptin treatment yesterday. Yay! Today I look like i have a sunburn over my face and neck, and I'm a bit tired and woozy, but I am hanging in there. Thanks for all the prayers.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 667
    edited September 2011
    good news, windlass!  i'm so happy the first tx is behind you.  hope you'll continue to feel ok.  Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited September 2011

    Moving forward is good Windlass! How come you have a red face?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Not sure what that's about - why my face is red. I'm keeping an eye on it and will call if it gets worse. I did cold caps and tried my best to keep my fingers in ice water, but kept having to pull them out because it hurt so  bad. I even took a Vocodin, along with all my ativan. They coddled me a lot yesterday.

    Did anyone here who did Taxotere get nausea? (I haven't but they gave me a TON of anti-nausea meds)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Uggh, now I am just feeling depressed. Is this common for day 2 after taxotere? Or is it the lack of caffeine (which I'm told by my nutritionist to avoid because it uses the same liver pathways as Taxotere and could impede its work)

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

    YES on the nausea with Taxotere, take the meds before it happens or you may be sorry.

    Wish I could say no to that one.

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

    I had a red rash on my face with tax - dermatologist did some research and found that the tax lights up the precancerous sun damaged cells.  Two for one she said!  Stopped after the 3rd tx I think.  I had some nauseau but took the decadron faithfully and had some "special" cookies a few times.  Tax is not friendly!  Hang in!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Artiecat: That sounds right, since my skin lights up like crazy under a black light from sun damaged spots. I have freckles and very fair/sensitive skin and as a kid my parents let me blister time and again. They really didnt know better back then. So I spent the first 8 years of my life as a burned, peeling, blistering lobster, face, neck, and shoulders. I remember having water blsters the size of silver dollars. So if this is killing cancer there, all the better!

    Now I wish I could find the exit door to this lethargic self pity party I am stuck in today.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scc218
    scc218 Member Posts: 163
    edited September 2011

    Hang in there, Windlass!  I'm looking for that same exit door.  Don't know what's up, but I'm feeling SO DOWN today.  Had Taxotere #9 yesterday; 3 more to go.  I should feel good -- there's a light at the end of the tunnel.  But I'm in a big bad funk.  Hoping it passes soon.  I think I'll go to bed now.  Maybe I can sleep it off.....if the steroids allow any sleep.....

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

    hi all! i was on taxatere and i was find the first day but every treatment it was getting worse but no nausea.i had red chest and face from my steriods if i got hot it would turn red but if i was cool it was fine.day 4 was my worse day just felt horrible!!my steriods wouldn't let me sleep so i started taking pm stuff so i could rest. and i drink my sweet tea the entire time.i wouldn't  want a headache!!

    hang in there!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited September 2011

    Hey, women.  Sorry, Windlass, that this part is sucking already.  ugh.  I thought you said the cold caps didn't really work the last time.  You're still trying it?

    I start AC soon (going on Monday to see my Onc to hear the whole surgery pathology and next phase plans--getting a bit nervous).  I did Taxol/Lapatinib already, and hearing y'all say how AC was so much worse than the Taxol has me a bit worried I have to say.  I just want it all to start SOON so I can see an end in sight.

    I also thought that since Herceptin isn't a chemo drug, that I'd feel really DONE once the AC and possibly rads are done and then just doing the Herceptin wouldn't be anything, but the more I'm seeing, the more I'm worried about that and I have to get back to work so I'm going to have to work through the Herceptin and that has me wondering.  I am off this semester though, so I need to get that AC going!  

    Man, it's all just such a long road! I'm so thankful to you all for being on this road with me--not that I'd wish it on any of you!  :)

    (Just took my Ativan--going to bed!)

    Love to all! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sarahlou1967
    sarahlou1967 Member Posts: 153
    edited September 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    Windlass - I agree with pawprint on this one the red face is probably from the steroids I also experienced swelling on my feet and face and abdomen finished Taxotere about 6 weeks ago and the swelling has finally subsided and I dont look moon faced anymore again thanks to the steroids. I never got sick and apart from the anti-sickness drugs they gave me before chemo I found I did'nt need to take any other anti-sickness meds, so hang in there windlass Tax is not so bad. Try not to think about the possible SE, I made the mistake of looking up the SE of taxotere before starting it and then realised that if I really thought about it I might develop one of those a sort of bad placebo effect LOL.  It is cumulative and after round 5 really started to feel it, and had no energy but that only happened at round 5 I did 6 altogether. The only other SE I had was my nails which are all ribbed a new rib for each chemo someone likened it to the rings on a tree.

    Profbee - Sounds like you are recovering fine from your operation well, good luck to you for your path report, fingers and toes crossed everything is fine. Are you worried about  the herceptin? I'm also on herceptin and so far have not noticed any SE with it however I've just had my herceptin shot and nearly every month I get a really bad migrane followed by projectile vomit it usually lasts a day but then over. Before BC I did suffer with bad period migranes just before so not sure if its the herceptin or just my body. I hear you and agree this is a long long road probably a bit longer for me than you cause I'm at stage IV so got to get used to taking a  load of drugs for the rest of my life. Unless of course my prayers come true and I go into remission.

    sending healing vibes to all

    Luv and light

    Sarah Sweety xxxx

    p.s. profbee what is Ativan? 

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

    Oh dear looks like hugs are needed all around.

    Ativan is an anti anxiety drug. Also called Lorizapam, which I use for sleep. Works great for that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited September 2011

    Sarah, oh I dont mean to whine when I know I am lucky to be in stage 2.  I'm just getting nervous about going back to work--I teach, and I can't just be vomiting on the day I need to teach a graduate seminar, so I am just wondering how it's all going to come together.  Y'know? 

    as Merilee said, Ativan is awesome for going to sleep!  I have had insomnia since about a month into chemo.  I never suffered from that before, so my two little pills just let me fall asleep and stay asleep--mostly. 

    It's going to be a busy day here today.  Did I tell you all that we have fleas?!  In-laws brought them with their dog, my mom's dog got them and now they're all over the house.  So, today is our son's long day at school with after-school care, so I've got to pull everything out of our bedroom and spray, open windows, turn on fans, ugh.  It is such a chore!  I swear I'll NEVER get a pet now!  LOL! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2011

    Profbee~ I was doing TCH, now it's down to just the Herceptin. I have NO se's from the Herceptin. I am back to work and feeling almost like myself again.

    Don't stress the Herceptin, so far it's been the easy part for me....Fleas on the otherhand...well good luck with that one!

    Hugs all around ladies....

    have a great weekend.

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

    Interesting, isnt it.  We are all on the same journey right now, but all on our own path.  How we experience it is different for each of us. 

    I feel that I have beern so brave throughout, but that courage has slipped a bit lately.  However, I do try to remember how blessed I am in many ways.

    Fun here in SoCal yesterday - lost power in the region for about 12 hours - nothing like the east last week!!!!  (What did we do with ourselves before tv and electronics??? I read until I couldnt see the words on my book in the dark!)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Herceptin is a walk in the park, Profbee. I even had an easy time with mega-herceptin (TDM1) so no need to worry there.

    Cold caps did sort of work, in that I never went completely bald and I have a ton of thick 2" hair now that I don't want to lose. (My onc says she's never seen this much hair this soon after AC.) But the main reason I got them again is that I scared the stuffing out of myself reading about those few women who go permanently bald from Taxotere. I could deal with bald for a few months, but not forever.

    Suzy: You and I can keep each other company for a bit. I am sending you prayers and warm wishes. How about a warm cup of tea and a cozy blanket? Artiecat: How did you get a power outage?

    Thanks for the kind words Yaya and Merilee. And I am pulling for you, Sarah, for total remission, sister.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sarahlou1967
    sarahlou1967 Member Posts: 153
    edited September 2011

    Profbee - Sorry did'nt mean it too sound like I was having a dig cause I really was not, we all need to whine as even tho we are all at different stages and grades basically we are all going through the same crap, so please whine away release it I think its healthy to get rid of whatever it is that bugs us:) although not of the jumpy flea kind LOL. Seriously fleas are a real pain in the bum obviously you have sprayed and hoovered etc little horrors, hope you sort it soon. Those pills sound good I dont get it all the time but do suffer with insomnia so might go to my drs for some.

    Windlass - I did'nt do a cold cap for the tax and didnt realise that some women go completely bald forever on the stuff, thank god my hair is growing back all be it a bit uneven. 

    sending luv to all

    Sarah Sweety xxxxx 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 858
    edited September 2011

    Sarah...no dig at all!  No worries.  I have been looking forward to the Herceptin stage b/c I heard like no SEs, etc (Thanks, Sudz).  But then started to hear others say they were having some, and then I just spiraled to freaking about work since I'm the bigger paycheck at our house.  So much responsibility with a family, and I just want to get back to work so we can pay the bills.  Thank you.  I know you're totally supportive.  Get the Ativan if you can.  I find insomnia to be just awful!  I never had it in my life, but during this time it's just awful to be so tired and unable to sleep.

    Windlass--that's awesome about your hair growth!  I remembered you doing the caps and then saying that you were losing hair way back when, but I'm so glad that they worked some for you!  (My son was petting my head yesterday and saying that the fuzz coming in meant my chest and head were healing--sad because I know I'll lose it again once I start this next round of AC...ugh)

     Artie--sending you love.  Sorry today's a tough day.  This morning hubby got up really cranky and depressed--we're so tired and have so much to do with moving all our stuff and spraying for fleas--ugh--I suggested a beer and a calzone for lunch in town while our son's at school.  It did wonders for us both I think.  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2011

    Ok ladies....has anyone other than me started Tamoxofin yet?  I'm curious to see how you are doing.

    I sat looking at the bottle for 5 or 6 days then started on Tuesday. So far the only se has been insomnia....AGAIN!

    I'm hopeing it eases up once I get used to it. I have always had bouts of insomnia so I know what works for me, I just don't want to take anything else...I'm tired of the pills and potions.

    Artiecat...how did VT daughter fair in the floods?

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

    Hi Ladies, thoughts and prayers out to all of you for everything on the posts, there is always so much going on with everyone. It's a tough ride for all, just know my emotions are moved for all of you.

    Well I am 3 weeks out from chemo, will start rads on the 19th. I had my pre-rads mamo last week. My husband and I went away with friends for a few days and I came home to a message from my B.S. saying the mamo showed ONE calcification that wasn't there before, and that it could be scar tissue, they say may just need to be watched, but that he wants me to pick up the films and see him this week. Last time this happened after DCIS which was only going to be rads, did the pre-rads mamo and found calcifications that had to come out, that led me to IDC and chemo, rads, herceptin and harmone therapy.  So I am seeing him on Monday, I am a little concerned because I have had 2 malignant tumors on that side, and now this shows up and lets watch it??? Well that is what the mamo place is suggesting but I don't know what he will think.  Any views from others on this?

    Appreciate any feed back HUGS Ginger

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

    Ginger - cant help with your questions, but am sending lots of good thoughts!

    Sudz - dtr lives in Jeffersonville and works in her dads bookstore Phoenix Books in Essex.  No big problems there - how about you?

    Yay - doc took drain out today...he gave me an antibiotic yesterday because of the redness...out it came today!  Feel like a new person!  It hurt every time I moved!  Didnt hurt even a little when he took it out!  

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

    sounds like you are better artiecat!! glad to hear the drains are gone!!

    herceptin for me it is a breeze so far...when i go back to work after i get it my legs are reall achie..they said they've never heard this and didn't care

    the tamoxifen so far i have no se except for insomnia but i had that through chemo so kinda use to it now. i think i have more hot flashes but when i was on chemo its like i didn't sweat so i would really just burn up and felt sick. as soon as i cooled off i was fine. thank god i can sweat again !! lol

    i have a client that was in a trial program and she had to drop out because it wasn't helping her so that made me really sad :(so they will start her on more tax family drug. her husband wasn't sure which one and i know that she is triple - so thank you lord for herceptin and tamoxifen!!there is always a bright side!sometimes its hard to see.

    so sorry about the flea problem!!! they are tough little buggers and don't forget to take your vacuum bag out cause them little things will jump right out and re infest!!!

    i have started trying to work out since they told me that there is a less chance of reoccurance if you workout so i did 3 miles on the eliptical tonight and did some weight training. i really want to get the zumba disc but i only go out in my husbands gym when i feel like it which ain't that often!! that too ticks me off!!!

    have a great weekend ladies!!

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

    The Herceptin made my neck and face turn red - not all of them, but every other one or so. Onc thought it was the dex or the tax, but I'd get it even on the Herceptin-only days.

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

    Articat-take those drains over to the bonfire of the goddesses thread and throw them in.

    Keep you chin up my friend, its the only way you can see and direct where you are going my warrior extraordinaire!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scc218
    scc218 Member Posts: 163
    edited September 2011

    Thanks, Windlass.  Enjoyed the virtual cup of tea and cozy blanket with you.  Feeling a bit better now.  Still not completely out of "the hole" but working on it. 

    Ginger -- sorry about the new worry.  Hope it's nothing. 

    Hang in there, everybody.  Try to have a good weekend. 

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

    Thank you, Merilee...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • geocachelinda
    geocachelinda Member Posts: 223
    edited September 2011

    Hi Ladies, just checking in to see how everyone is doing.  I'm still wiped out from chemo and quite  a bit depressed.  I have been having what I think is Restless Leg Syndrome except in my entire body.  Feels like bugs crawling everywhere in my body and I have to stretch or shake myself to get it to stop and then it starts right back up increasing in intensity until I shake again.  Horrid feeling.  I was going to see my onc about it but cancelled the appt.  I do need to see my regular Dr. again about the depression.  I have had a recent med change back to an older med.  I have been depressed for nearly 12 years and have not found a really effective med.  I am also in counseling and haven't been for a while.  I want to get some tests done.  I may have bi-polar.  Rads start in 9 days.. ready to get it going!

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

    Geo - be cautious about a bipolar dx - very overdiagnosed.  Glad to hear you are seeing a counselor!  Hang in there!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 667
    edited September 2011
    geo, so sorry to hear you're not feeling well.  talk to your onc and see if you can get some relief. they say here that you shouldn't have to suffer like that.  surely your onc will have a idea about what's causing this s/e and can do something about it.  as for your depression, i so understand.  i've suffered with it my whole life.  take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories