For those starting chemo in June

Dawnt · July 2004

Lee, my 3rd is next Tuesday.In less then a month it will be over with.I noticed this one took a little longer to get over with & I was quite crabby & on about day 5 I felt like I was in a fog.Today I'm having a good day.Trying to get things done since I know next week I wont leave the house after the treatment.I wonder when we start Rads.

janie44 · July 2004

Well, just returned from the cardiologist and then the lab. My WBC's are still way down although I had the Neulasta shot last week. This is only one week post chemo and they normally take the big dip the second week. I am on the 21 day regimen. #2 is definitely taking it's toll. Are most of you through with chemo after AC? I still have 4 rounds of Taxol after that before starting radiation.

shelliks · July 2004

I too am counting the days until my last treatment on 8/10. I started treatment back in October and have had 12 Taxoteres, 6 Avastin, 28 rads and 2 A/C. So to answer Janie's question, YES I WILL BE DONE AND IT HAD BETTER WORK. I will still need to have my other mastectomy and oophyrectomy but that will be a walk in the park compared to chemo.

I'm at work today but in need of a nap!

mhead1 · July 2004

Shelliks,

I see you went through 12 rounds of Taxotere. I am facing 12 rounds of either Taxol or Taxotere after my last round of FEC next week. Can you share your experience with Taxotere?

Appreciatively,
-Mo

shelliks · July 2004

Mo, it is hard, but doable. I worked at reduced hours and at times, felt like a zombie, but was not nauseous, just beat up. I lost my tastebuds and my fingernails, but they are both back. I had some intestinal issues and serious back pain. The back pain freaked me out so I had an MRI and it was just from the drug. It is cumulative so it starts out not so bad and gets harder. But it is a great drug. I had great success with it (neoadjuvant; very little cancer remained at the time of surgery). I'm a little rushed for time right now, but let me know if you have any questions.

PJB · July 2004

Hey, guys, I"m here just not posting much. My mom came to town for a 3-week visit (to be here for the dreaded no. 3 on Thursday) and we immediately had to begin a project. (She hasn't relaxed for 72 years) So I've been removing wallpaper for the last few days. Fun. But it's great to have her down here.

I guess I've settled into a pattern where treatment day isn't horrible (other than having to get the treatment), the next day I'm good for most of the day and then I feel pretty awful the next 2 and a half days. Just like I have flu. Then I'm fine until the next treatment.

Started wearing my wig and hair halo things when I go "out". Last Friday night I dispatched with most of my ownh hair, which was driving me CRAZY coming out. The fake stuff's hot and itchy down in this lovely Texas heat, but I guess it's really the least of my worries.

Feeling good and confident. Hope you guys are, too.

NancyNY · July 2004

I have a question for you veterans. I began dose dense ACT last Monday. I was given Nuelasta(sp) on Tuesday. Last night, all of a sudden I had pain in my hips, and spine, and a little on my thighs. I needed to take advil to sleep. This morning the pain is just about gone. Does this have anything to do with the shot? Anybody experience anything like that?

Sunshine430 · July 2004

Hi Nancee:

Neulasta came out after I was done with TAC. I had neupogen shots instead; which does the same thing, increases your WBC. What it does is causes your bone marrow to produce more WBC and the pain your feel is teh result of that.

janie44 · July 2004

Yep! I am taking pain meds daily to deal with the joint and back pain after the shot (a week ago). Sometimes I have to wait for the anti-nausea meds to kick in first.

MaryKB · July 2004

I survived #2 on Monday. It actually wasn't as bad as #1. Gained a little weight which I am desperately trying to keep down with lots of exersise. Last time I felt really crappy on day 5 so my onc gave me a new drug called Aloxi for N/V. Anyone heard of that one? Its suppose to be very new. Anyway I think its working great. I'm on day 3 and feel good. Last night I was very tired but ate a great dinner.

I have heard that Neulasta can cause severe bone pain. The Neulasta can cause more bone pain than the Neupogen I think just becuase it is one singal shot; more umph to the marrow whereas the Neup is a lower dose given everyday. My insurance will not pay for Neulasta so I am taking Neupogen everyday for 10 days since my WBC was soo low on day 10. After 5 more shots of the Neup my WBC were up to 30,000. I guess it worked. Anyway, I have not experienced any bone pain with the Neup but it is slightly inconvient to inject myself every day.

Well, I off to work. Ladies, have a great day and pray for someone today.

Mary

Tine · July 2004

Well had # 2 on Tuesday and so far so good.
Felt yucky the first day but am doing good so far.Better than last time actually.
This time around I will be getting antibiotics from day five to day 15 to ward off infections as I had my fever around this time with # 1. So hopefully I won't be needing the shots which will happen if the antibiotics fail. So here is hoping.
other than that doing ok. Just wish the weather would warm up. Went out for my daily walk yesterday in my winter coat!! Can you believe it.
Oh well better than being to hot I guess. But sure is cold on your bald head [Smile]

Here is wishin everyone a good day.
And yes will pray for all of us..

christine

mary1220 · July 2004

Lee, I am sooo sorry to hear you are going through this so alone. Maybe you should ask him for help. I think men think we can handle anything and if we can't we will ask for help.I feel so sorry for you cause I know it would be hard to be alone and so sick.Hope it gets better for you. A big hug. Well #3 wasn't much fun. My onc said they get a little harder each time.I have been throwing up so onc gave me something that made me sleep all day treatment day. Not much nausea but suddenly would throw up.Its been better this afternoon. Bone pain wasn't bad after #2 but was real bad this time. Pain in back, hips ,legs,calves and ankles.Sinus was awful and drainage was making me sick.One more of these bad boys left. I sure hope taxol isn't this bad.To whoever asked about the rads. My onc said it would be 3 weeks to rads after chemo.Need a nap. Good to hear you are doing good PJB. Hugs to all especially Lee, Mary

PJB · July 2004

Lee, my heart goes out to you dealing with this alone. I wonder if your local cancer society has a support group and if you might find someone you connect with there to help hands-on a bit more in handling the ups and downs? I have a now=friend of a friend who didn't know me from Adam, but who has been through BC twice. She offered to come sit with me during my treatments whenever I need her. She also had a lot of good info (turned out she had the same onc.). I thought it was amazingly generous, but there are lots of survivors out there willing to extend a hand.

Had No. 3 today. Neulasta tomorrow, but I have to go back to Neupogen 8 shots for subsequent treatments. My onc. doesn't think there's been enough study on Neulasta every 2 weeks to suit him. But my mom's in town and I really needed to be able to leave town for a couple days to take her to see my brother. So he agreed on one more. My white counts were fine this time on the Neulasta, but I have to take iron for slight anemia. And I learned that those pills constipate you. Great. I was hoping to avoid that... Any advice?

Be strong. Sending out good thoughts for all of you.

Sevenley · July 2004

Hi everyone,
Mary, I'm sorry to hear that #3 was a bit worse. I find that I'm a bit more tired with #2. I get my third next Friday.

Oh, it's just hard. I have friends that I do things with on good days and family but it would be easier if I lived with someone or was married. See my BF lives approx. 45 minutes away and has two teenage boys that he has custody of; PLUS he's on call two weeks out of the month. So when he has the boys or he's on call he can't come to my house. Just so happened that he had the boys last time I had a treatment so he sat with me while I had my treatment and my girlfriend drove me to it but he "couldn't" even come to visit during those first days of treatment. I just get in a blue mood then.

Thank everyone of you for your support. I'll continue to say a little prayer for all of us.

hugs,
Lee

ncbeachlover · July 2004

Christine, I think I'll see about going on antibiotics automatically instead of going through what I am feeling now. SEE POST on NEUPOGEN PAIN. I can't stand to type much more, but I was wondering what your doc said about building up an immunity to them by taking them so frequently. I'd love some cooler weather down around here, now, as the heat makes me feel sick.

B :-)

PJB · July 2004

Hey June girls. Had No. 3 yesterday and boy, it hit harder. I'm exhausted and can feel the flu-like crap coming on. And I can't stand the thought of water OR ice. Anyone else develop an aversion to them? I don't think I can suck on ice for the Adriamycin next time and I'm not sure what I'll do. Any ideas?

mary1220 · July 2004

PJB, I too can't even stand the thought of water or ice. I get sick just thinking about it. I tried cool-aid and that didn't work. I am living on cherry/cranberry juice and pinapple/orange juice.I got sick sucking on ice during treatment. Its Fri. and I am still not well but am moving around a little today.Can't wait to see what #4 will be like.Thank God its the last of this crap.I am not eating much either as nothing taste good. It all taste dry and woody.Should of known when my onc. said try eating mash potatoes and pudding if you can't eat. He was worried about my weight as I am thin and I could not drop more than 10 lbs. and look healthy.I have dropped 4 lbs. now and I don't want to get under 120 lbs. as I am 5'7" so I will look like a skelton.My family is tall and thin. I have a sister 6'1" and my son is 6'5", yea he played basketball. Good luck PJB, this one sucks.Mary

Tine · July 2004

Hi you all,
I guess we are all doing somewhat poorly this time around.
Although I can eat and drink and keep it down, no vomiting, but have to force myself to do so.
I am awful tired this time around.It's been day 4 and I slept most of the day away. Even my daily walk I had to cut short. i did try to help my hubby in the garden but that just sucked the last of the energy right out of me.
I am at the point that I really don't know what to eat anymore. I try soups and add a lot of spinach and broccoli, drink fruit and veggie juices just to keep my calorie intake up.
I still eat fresh fruits and veggies. Wasn't told otherwise. So fruit tastes good.
I can tolerate avocadoes great and eat them reg.
I tried potatoes the other day and almost up chucked them [Smile]

So much for mashed potoates.
Well ladies, here is wishing that this nightmare will end soon and that we are well on our way to forget this moment of our lives. [Smile]

Good luck to all of us. And prayers are coming your way.

Hugs

Christine

mzsandy · July 2004

Hello Ladies,

Had my second A/C this past Tuesday and was down and out for 2 1/2 days following. It hit me harder this time. I have that quesy feeling in the pit of my stomach and can't taste anything but ranch dressing. Might as well eat paper and cardboard - as long as I got some Ranch dressing!

From what I am reading, I guess the side effects are accumulative? I will also verify with my doctor tomorrow.

PJB - I am enduring the heat of North Dallas, what area are you from?

Ladies, hugs to all of us who are going thru this. Stay strong - we are almost finished.

~Sandy

PJB · July 2004

Sandy, I'm down in Waco, Texas, baking away. I see we're supposed to get to nearly 100 later this week. Boy, can't wait. That wig just feels so great in the heat... So, are you doing the wig thing? Figure out any other good ways to beat the heat? I swear the temperatures themselves drain you enough, but when you add in this poison we're all on, it's really rough.

I'm back to a semblance of normalcy 4 days after AC No. 3. Just keep ticking off the days...

mzsandy · July 2004

PJB,

Oh yeah, Waco - not too far from me. Nice town!

I am wearing a wig for work - I work in an office that has too good of air conditioning sometimes.

At home / weekends I wear bandanas. It helps to wash them and use Downy - softens them up. My sister made a couple of hats for me - soft with brims - but have not worn them yet.

The heat is stifling!

Here lately I have just barely had the energy to go to work - let alone go out and be industrious.

I hate the quesy feeling! And water is not appealing. Any advice?

~Sandy

shelliks · July 2004

Sandy, try club soda or Pellegrino (fancy water with "gas", comes in a green bottle with blue label.

I like to add a lime to it. I can't stand anything sweet, like ginger ale. Unsweetened ice tea helps too.

mzsandy · July 2004

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely try that.

I really dislike anything sugary at this time too.

My onc nurse also said to go ahead and take Zofran if it helps. I may do that as well.

Tine · July 2004

I don't like the taste of water either.
I drink a lot of unsweetened peppermint tea. That seems to keep my stomach settled too.

Christine

mzsandy · July 2004

Christine - thanks for the advice. I will try that too. A couple of times I took sweet tea or a doctor pepper and watered it down. Just so I could have a different taste in my mouth. With water it feels slimy.

Hope you are doing well and know that we are here for you.

I took the Zofran like my nurse suggested. It helped a lot! I get my check up today and will ask it I can take it as needed. Just wasn't really told I could. Silly me didn't want to break any rules . . . hmph - what am I thinking?

Anyways - hope everyone has a good day today.

~Sandy

mzsandy · July 2004

Hello Ladies,

Had my check up yesterday and my levels were a little low so I got the Procrit shot. Which I don't mind - gave me some useful energy.

I talked to her about my continued nausea and fatigue from this one and she did say it is 'accumulative'. But, she did give me a better anti-nausea medicine called Emend. It is a 3 pill method that I start the day of the chemo. It should last longer and work better than the ones I have been taking. It is very expensive, but she gave me samples for round 3 on July 26. (I am half way through!)

She did say I would have more fatigue the next time - oh great. . .

I can't believe how tired/drained I am from this last time. I should probably try to get more sleep.

The slimey feeling in my mouth is from not drinking enough water and she also recommended Gatorade over most all other drinks.

For constipation she recommended the Senokot or prune juice, apple or grape juice. Plus to drink lots of water.

Other than that, I am great! My oldest sister is here visiting me for a month and we are having a ball! I haven't seen her for 3 years. (Maybe that is why I am tired too??? ;-) )

Have a great day!

~Sandy

Cathy_34 · July 2004

Hi ladies... I've just been catching up on your posts. God Bless us All!!
I had my 2nd A/C treatment on July 6th. Did pretty well I guess. No n/v but I absolutley hate the decadron. It makes me feel like I'm gonna jump outta my skin and I can't sleep. This time around I had to sleep alot more through Day 6. Today is Day 9 for me and I feel pretty much my normal self except for blurred vision every once and a while. My hair is finally gone. My husband and I cut it off last Thursday but last night it pretty much all came out. I have a wig (I'm not thrilled with the way I look in it because I have a ton of hair and the wig doesn't). I actually like my half-hair with a doo-rag aroung it. I have crazy heart burn and reflux that I take Pepcid AC for. I can't drink anything carbonated without it feeling like it burns on the way down - so I'll lay off the Diet Coke for a while.
All you girls are so strong and wonderful. I was reading the posts about Herceptin. I didn't qualify for the clinincal trial here in NYbecause I have an unexplained spot on my lung that my onc. thinks is just scar tissue (i go for a ct scan after my a/c treatments are done to see if its still there or not) but it knocks me out of the trial. We've spoken with my onc about the Herceptin but she's not convinced if it's worth the side effect risks . It's still on the table for discussion after my CT of the lung and the completion of the A/C. My treatments will end on 9/28 -- thank GOD!
Have a wondeful day!
--Cathy34

Dawnt · July 2004

3rd one down & 1 to go.Of course I was sick last night but only once.Today I took both Zofran & compozine so I feel okay but tired.Knowing I have 1 left gives me a better feeling.Thursday & Friday are always but days for me but thats okay.Mac & cheese seem to taste the best.The Dr told me 3 weeks after my last chemo I will start Rad.Next week I have another muga scan.What fun!!!

Tine · July 2004

Well, I am back to feeling normal again. Thank god.
Monday, day 7, was my worst day. I couldn't seem to wake up and slept for most of the day. I sure don't like the antibiotics but will continue to take them.
I finished my heart test. So hopefully will find out whether something is wrong or not. I still believe it is the Decadron that makes my heart race like crazy.
Will have a CT scan on Friday for my liver (I have pre excisting liver problems) and will get a ultra sound of my thyroid tomorrow. Still have problems swolloing (actually I feel like someone is constantly choking me )so now I am worried that the cancer may have spread there. It started prior to chemo so I know it is not from that.
Other than that I am feeling great.
Tired but great.

Hope you ladies are all hanging in there.

Christine

Tine · July 2004

Mary,
sorry you ended up in the hospital. I am sure that wasn't much fun. I hope that the next round will be better for you.
Hugs to you and your husband

Christine

For those starting chemo in June

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