Taxotere/Cytoxan starting July 2011

Options
1…89111314…22

Comments

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

    Thanks to all for cheering me on.

    All went well with my final day in THE CHAIR.  Blood draw went well, blood counts are all good (love that Neulasta!), IV line was no problem, and whole thing lasted 2.5 hours.  I feel so happy!

    I will do my rads planning session (get the measurements, mold taking, tatoos, etc.) on Oct. 11, and will start the six weeks of rads on Oct. 17.  The oncologist says the hair will be filling back in by end of December.  I think I may have overdone it with the caps, bandanas and the wig.  I am not going to be very bald for very long after all!

    Hugs to all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2011

    I start my steroids today for #4 in the chair tomorrow. Looking forward to getting this over with. But dreading the next week of SE's. I am taking Friday and Monday off work to rest.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FrancesC
    FrancesC Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2011

    All the best lady boss!

    Yippee Phillybird :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rossileo18
    rossileo18 Member Posts: 245
    edited September 2011

    Frances,  Please don't feel guilty for not being able to see your father more in his last days.  He knew and still knows that you love him and you were able to see him one last time before he left this earth.  Your siblings thought they were doing the right thing -- I've had a similar situation in my family --my aunt in China was never told that my father had cancer until well after he passed away. 

    Phillybird -- Congrats!  Will be following you soon.  Yep, starting to think about hair.  I guess at some point I'm going to have to cut off my 'survivor' hair (if it lasts) to match the new stuff coming in.  I actually have trimmed it off a couple time, for a total of 3-4 inches, because it was looking too straggly.

    LadyBoss -- Good luck tomorrow.  I know what you mean about the SE.  Number 3 was NOT FUN even after week #1.  But knowing it's the last time should make it more tolerable.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ANA_424
    ANA_424 Member Posts: 109
    edited September 2011

    theatercat - if you have not done it already, please call your doctor. You should not be so sick on this treatment. Hope you feel better soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FrancesC
    FrancesC Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2011

    Thanks Rossileo18, I finally went to the columbarium today and paid my respect to him and told him that I am done with chemo and will start radiation soon and that i am on my way to ful recovery Felt better to have this closure. Also told him we will all look after mum well so he needn't worry.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Paintingmywaythru
    Paintingmywaythru Member Posts: 317
    edited September 2011

    Frances..it is so important to have those conversations so we know we are our loved ones rest at peace.

    I only have a second but have a question for all...

    What are people going to do regarding flu shots?

    Hope everyone has a good day.

    Thanks...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2011

    Paintingmywaythru: I have never had a flu shot, and don't intend to - unless my doc tells me to.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • theatercat
    theatercat Member Posts: 58
    edited September 2011

    Better today. I had zofran to take but nurse told me to hold off because I had another dose of iv anti-nausea drugs on friday.Long story short took zofran yesterday, just still weak today. Took longer to bounce back from number 2.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rossileo18
    rossileo18 Member Posts: 245
    edited September 2011

    Paintingmyway,I have never gotten flu shots either, so don't know what to recommend. If I were getting one, I would definitely wait a few weeks until my immune system has a chance to recover.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited September 2011

    Went back to work today and actually feel pretty good.   Still not 100% but i'd say about 75% well.    I have my bloodwork for my WBC tomorrow,  praying that goes well.    Should also find out my Braca results tomorrow.     Everyday seems to get a little better,  so hoping my next 3 treatments can go as smoothly.   

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

    Been thinking about getting a flu shot - can get for free at work - will check with oncologist. 

    How did it go Rossileo?

    Who else is done now?

    Peachy - so glad you are feeling so well.  It is true - one day at a time and it just gets better and better.

    Good luck tomorrow, LadyBoss!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rossileo18
    rossileo18 Member Posts: 245
    edited September 2011

    Peachypie,

    Good for you! Should only get better now. It took me a week and a half after my first one before I felt anything resembling normal, so you're right on schedule. Hope you had good news for the

    BRCA test and blood counts tomorrow.



    Theatercat, glad things arre getting better. Unfortunately the chemo does tend to wear on you since it's cumulative. But glad you're seeing your oncologist instead of suffering and trying to work it through on your own.



    In the CHAIR this very minute. An hour and a half and I will be outta here!!! The nurses have been great, but I will be very happy never to see them again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2011

    Peachy: good for you! We told you it was do-able. Just hang in there. I hope your BRAC test comes back negative. I was totally shocked when my came back positive for BRCA1. It makes me feel like the rest of my life will be spent fighting cancer.  

    Rossileo: Hope you are good today, and through the weekend. Like you - won't hurt my feelings not to see those lovely nurses again. 

    I am in the chair for #4 today. I am taking a cake to the chemo center to celebrate. My steroids yesterday kept me pretty sleepless last night, so I should sleep like a baby tonight. I want to stay up long enough to watch the new Charlie's Angels. My DVR is full of other shows being recorded.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rossileo18
    rossileo18 Member Posts: 245
    edited September 2011

    Ladyboss, Hope all goes smoothly for your final chemo today! I remember a week after my first infusion it seemed like it was going to be forever, but we all persevered, struggled through the SE and the end is I'm sight. Enjoy your TV maratthon. And I will get the BRCA test.



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited September 2011

    Congrats ladyBoss!  I am so happy for you!!  :)     I have what feels like sinus issuses this morning.   Pressure in my left ear and my head feels stuffy.    But other then that I feel pretty good!    Anxious for my WBC results today!    Hoping Braca is negative too.   Have a great day ladies!   I'll post my results when I get home this evening.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Snoopy73
    Snoopy73 Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2011

    Hi ladies, I am sorry I have been MIA, just had alot on my plate. Hope you are all doing well. The sisters who have chemo, hope your 2nd treatment si on the way, i have an appt with my Rad Onco tomorrow to have a plan etc for my Rads. To the sisters who have started chemo, hope you have minimal SE's. I am sorry i cant reply to every one, today is not a good day for me, I lost a relative who has been battling BC, she was only 35 yrs old with 2 small kids (9&2). I am sad, my heart is aching, i am scared. I am sorry but i cant stop crying and thinking about her.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FrancesC
    FrancesC Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2011

    Snoopy I am so sorry to hear about your relative. My heart aches when I hear of such news. My thoughts and prayers to you and your relative's kids. Please take care!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • theatercat
    theatercat Member Posts: 58
    edited September 2011

    Did not know effects of chemo were cumlative. I was told after 48- 72 hours its out of your system. Another day of nausea and  weakness. Zofran is giving me a wicked headache. Going to get labs today. Muscles just hurt so bad. Everything still smells bad. Anyone have any ideas of an aromatherapy that would calm these odors?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rossileo18
    rossileo18 Member Posts: 245
    edited September 2011

    Snoopy, my heart goes out to you and the rest of hour extended family at your loss. How tragic that you lost her at a such a young age. Hugs to all.



    So far so good. I had my last neulasta shot today am still feeling pretty good, but my worst SE usually don't start until the weekend. Starting to think about radiation how and whether or not to participate in a clinical trial for accelerated 3 week course, but my brain is fried and doing the research is such a pain.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited September 2011

    Cried Happy tears all the way home from the doctors today.   My braca test results were Negative!  and my WBC was 19,  which I was told was very high.  The doctor said I may not need the Neulasta shot the next round.   But my Blood pressure is up again,  and my ankles are swollen.  Need to go back on my normal dosage of BP meds.   Other then that I am feeling really good today. 

    So sorry to hear your sad news Snoopy.   Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2011

    Theatercat: the only SE that is supposed to be cumulative is fatigue.

    Peachy: saline solution in the sinuses each morning will help with that. I also use a nose gel called AYR. Congrats on your BRAC test.

    Snoopy: sorry about your relative. I know that is extremely scary, considering what you are going through.

    #4 in the chair yesterday was uneventful. I am a little tired today. I got a good night sleep last night, I get my mani/pedi today at noon, my neulasta shot at 3, then home to watch all the new shows I  recorded this week. My bad day will be Sunday. I took Monday off just to make sure . .

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rossileo18
    rossileo18 Member Posts: 245
    edited September 2011

    Theatercat, the nausea etc shouldn't be cumulative, but the general wear and tear on your system does take a toll. It took me a lot longer to bounce back from number three and although I hsve not developed mouth sores, I do have a mild sore throat that I can't shake.



    Peachy, so happy for you about your test results!



    Ladyboss ---- congratulations!! Enjoy your extended weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited September 2011

    Anyone ever have issues with your ankles swelling and your belly swelling and being distended?

    I feel like a big bloated piggy,  noticed this yesterday.  My Onc. said it happens.   But I feel so big and puffy!   Frown

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FrancesC
    FrancesC Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2011

    Peachy-pie - congrats on your results!!!! The swelling could be from all the steroids they pump us with for chemo. I still have the water retention 3 weeks after last chemo.

    Lady boss - yeah! Screamout loud with happiness for finishing chemo:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2011

    Day 2 after #4 chemo. I feel pretty decent , considering. I slept long hours both Thursday and last night. My husband cooked me a wonderful breakfast this morning, and we plan to lie around all day watching TV.   

    I have an appt to meet with my radiation onc on 10/7. I have an appt with my medical onc on 10/20 to discuss future screenings and Tamoxifen. Wonder when my port will come out?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited September 2011
    10 days out from my first chemo treatment and I feel pretty much back to normal.   Mouth is still a tad dry,  but the baking soda and salt rinse has been helping with that a lot.   The taste of food is coming back and my blood pressure is back to normal again.   Since I started taking my regular BP med. dosages the swelling has gone down from my ankles and the bloated feeling in my belly has pretty much gone away.   LadyBoss so glad you're feeling pretty decent after your final chemo!   I am so looking forward to that day!   Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FrancesC
    FrancesC Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2011

    Hi all, just had my first radiation today. Was out in less than 30 mins. As the day progresses, I just felt more tired, took a nap and my body felt as if I had sunbathed for an hour. I figure I did not drink enough water today too. So like chemo, we need to hydrate well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited September 2011

    FrancesC: please keep all of us updated on your progress with radiation. I know I am wondering how the next stage of treatment is going to effect me.

    I am on day 4 after last chemo. I took the day off for an added break, and to treat myself. Didn't sleep good last night due to aches, but feel pretty good this morning.  

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

    Frances - good for you to be on the way with rads.  Note to self: keep drinking water!!! 

    Rads planning session will be Oct. 11.

    Today is day 6 post final chemo.  Got a little low back pain today from Neulasta, some major annoying right eye twitching, and my mouth still feels out of whack.  Only can taste my tomato/red pepper soup with yogurt and tarragon.  Can't wait until next Monday when I will be back to eating like normal people!

    Yeah to Peachy for handling it well!

    Yeah to LadyBoss for finishing up the last chemo with me!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories