August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!
Comments
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Madismommy - How was the Wizard today?
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Kasi -- Thank you! I appreciate the input. It's so weird how you don't have to do steroids before (and me also) but Madismommy has to do it. Each doctor is so different.
My apologies for not saying hello and acknowledging everyone's posts. I hope everyone is ok. I believe I saw Mary has Cellulitis -- so sorry hon. That is SO uncomfortable! I had it under both armpits last Summer. Got the infection from shaving and woke up at 3am -- my armpits were swollen, looked like roast beef and they hurt like hell. I had a fever too and had to go to the emergency room. Couldn't shave for weeks and was on antibiotics and pain meds..Feel better sweetie!!
As you can imagine, I've been really out of sorts with the iching/burning thing since Day 16 last week and it's really ticked me off and made me crazy phsyically. Couldn't concentrate on anything else. Luckily for me, I had NO ITCHING today. Maybe it's the new med they prescribed yesterday for itching, but I only took it last night. I guess it worked. Didn't take it today, because I want to see if it comes back, then I'll start it up again.
Grimbol: I hope your TC #3 went ok today! Keep me posted.
Hugs to everyone! xoxo, Crystal
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Kasi....my wizard visit was yesterday! It went well except I don't think they gave me the right anti nausea meds yesterday??? They announce everything as they push them in and never heard a single one and there definitely weren't enough syringes???? I asked once I realized and they kind of dismissed the question??? I've needed more compazine already than I did last time....hmmm???
If I puke I'm gonna be MAD!!!! My hair is still hanging in there but I think it's a matter of time before my buzz cut is gone....I can grab ahold of it, barely pull and have a huge pinch....it's weird.
Chrys, I too think it's totally weird how each onc seems to have their own method to this???? Oh... And I'm on an every 3 week regime....x6.
Mary....what is cellutitis exactly? A rash? I'll have to look it up....either way, it doesn't sound pleasant....feel better soon!!!! -
OK so just when I thought I have been dealing with this suprisingly well , My DH tells me he thinks I am on the "downward spiral", just because I refused to go to the bar with him tonight,we usully meet our friends on wednesday for a drink, I still feel I need a bit of time to get used to wearing the wig and am not comfortable enough to see everyone yet , well that just set me off "crying again", although he has been wonderful so far he just doesn't understand the confidence issue and thinks Im being ridiculous , MEN arrrrrgh
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Just read through 4 pages of posts and had AC #3 today so I am sure I will miss something.
Chrys - I too am on the Red Devil and I don't take the steroid the night before. I take mine the day after for 3 days. I am on the every two week schedule and have Compazine, Zofran, and Ativan for nausea. Though after round 2 I only took the Ativan at night to help me sleep. My side effects have varied. Round one I was slighly nauseous - like morning sickness and tired with a huge headache for about 5 days. Round two, still a little nauseous and really tired. One of the side effects of the Red Devil is mouth sours. When the nurse pushes it in to my IV I have popsicles or ice chips. I also have something called Biotene mouth wash to help prevent them. Adriamyacin also leaves you with an increased risk for heart issues later. That's why they do the Echo for a baseline now before you start treatment.
Jennifer - Sorry about your hubby. Prayers for a speedy recovery for him! I had SVT during my mastectomy surgery and shortly thereafter. Follow up EKG and Echo didn't alert the docs to anything so they are thinking it was just the stress of the situation. I almost got out of Adriamyacin because of it.
Madismommy - I have them give me my Pharmacy orders each time so I know what they gave me. I compare them to what I got last time just to make sure. You should ask for them if you don't get them. Prayers for no puking! No one should have to go through that.
Mary - glad it's not shingles! We can get those??? I had two really bad bouts of chickenpox as a kid so hopefully I have built up enough immunization from those guys. Sorry you are still going through that that.
vtEllen - keep us posted on what the docs find. I asked my Nurse if the chemo would kill any would be cancer cells in the other breast and she said definitely yes!
Someone had asked about the flu shot - I just asked my Nurse and she said she would find out for sure as there are different answers apparently!
To all who had tx this week - thinking of you and hoping for minimal s/e's. To all that had their last AC YAY!!!!!!! Great job ladies.
By the way...aren't our periods supposed to stop with chemo? Since going off birth control (b/c I am ER+) mine have been crazy irregular and down right annoying.
Ok, can't remember who said what anymore. :-) Off to take an Ativan and get some rest.
Hugs to all my August Sisters!
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Just back from a loooong day in the chair, but an uneventful one so that is good. Just really tired now. I asked about the flu shot but they said they need to check with the onc first.
Jennifer sorry about your DH, hope he is fine soon.
Chrys, glad they are getting you sorted, hope this one works better for you. I am half way, I can't get excited about that yet, still have to get thru this one plus 3 more, what is there to be excited about!!?? sorry maybe I can be in about ten days when I fell better again.
Ok, too tired and making way to many mistakes here, I think I caught them all!
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Jmull...I was just coming on here to inquire about periods....after tx1 I started mine the next day and now tx2, the next day.....what the heck?? It's really spotty but it's "different" too....dark, kinda runny and weird.... (sorry probably TMI?) I was told I wouldn't have one anymore.... And why the day after my tx??? So, every 21 days? I used to be really regular....about every 25/26th day.... UGH....
And that's a great idea to request my pharmacy orders.....I'm going to make a mental note....
Summergirl....HUGS!!! I'm sorry your DH is being insensitive about the wig....sometimes as hard as they try they don't quite "get it" completely.... Im the same way about my wigs, awkward still!!! Hang in there! -
Today they gave me Emend in my infusion. Anyone know when/if I should be taking Zofran and Compazine.
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Grimbol, I take compazine and emend (pill form) and take them both on the same days....usually compazine that night of tx and the next day....treatment 1 I took compazine and Ativan (1 each per day) for about 5 post tx. Hope that helps???
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Chrys--Your oncologist sounds smart. Mine told me that if I could tolerate even 2 doses that it would benefit me a lot. Am I correct that you had 2 doses? I had 4 rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan in 2000 with my first BC (I am considered still in remission from that BC). I remember feeling "pukey" a lot, but never threw up. I hope that your itching goes away soon and that you have few side effects from the Adriamycin. Did you show the doc your photos? I think that you were experiencing a continuing allergic reaction to the Taxotere. Smart that he stopped it. Did he give you any steroids to help the rash go away? Best and no SE's to all.
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Chrys, I don't take any meds until the day of treatment. On Day 1-3, I take 2 Ondansetron. On Days 2 & 3, I take 2 Dexamethasone. I've been getting my AC every two weeks.
Kasi, I'm 5 days behind you! November 15 will be my best day EVER!!!!!!
Carol. so sorry to hear about your DH. Madismommy is right - sometimes they can be insensitive without realizing it. Maybe it's his way of telling you he thinks you look great in your wig and others will too!
Jenn, I hope all is well with your husband. It's very stressful for them too! My husband broke out in a rash right after my first chemo. His doctor thinks it's stress related.
MaryjRN, glad to hear it's not shingles but hope you feel better soon.
For those who have started Taxol, how long was the infusion? Mine is booked for 5 hours!
I usually get a flu shot every year. Will have to ask my ONC about that.
Some weird side effects for me today today on Day 2 after AC #4 - heartburn, hot flashes, and red puffy-looking face.
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Hi Flautalee -- Yes, I've already had 2 Taxotere treatmetns. My 3rd treatment will be this friday to start on the "Red Devil' and two weeks later (fingers crossed, barring any side-effects) I'll finish my 4th and final dose of chemo! My current steroids weren't even helping the itching. They prescribed something called "Hydroxyzine" yesterday and I took one pill before bed last night (supposed to take it 3xs a day), and I had NO ITCHING/BURNING TODAY! I hope it helped. And I hope that I won't have a reaction to the Red Devil either....
Yes -- I DID indeed show the doc my photos! I pat myself on the back for that idea! LOL I keep a journal everyday of side-effects and things I notice after chemo treatments. I gave them a whole run-down this morning; my nurse practioner couldn't keep up with the stuff I was dictating! My doctor is wonderful -- he's been rated one of the top docs in Philly for the past few years, and the breast center is wonderful. I feel very lucky on that front.
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JMull--Hello, when I had A/C in 2000 I still had periods for 3-4 years. The last couple of years I had flashes. I guess we're all a little different. I was 46 in 2000. For me, I think the chemo brought on menopause a few years earlier than I would have gone through it, but not immediately. Best to all of you and no SE's.
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I'm day 14 post A/C #3 and I'm just now feeling somewhat normal. For me, the side effects have been cumulative. The worst lingering one is the inability to taste correctly. I miss enjoying a good meal and and the nuttiness of a decent cup of coffee.
My oncology center will be giving flu shots on infusion days. Since my last A/C is next Thursday I should be getting it then. They told me that is the best time to get the shot before my WBC count goes down. I want the shot, but I hope it doesn't make my side effects worse.
Friday, I'm going to the Look Good, Feel Better class. I really need it at this point because my lashes and brows are disappearing quickly. I don't really know how to tie a scarf on my head so I'm hoping they can give me some good tips. I'm glad that the class falls during my up time before me next tx.
lstreet - I'm also on the same protocol that you are. I have my last AC next week and will start Taxol on 10/21. I hope it is easier on me than AC has been. The nurses have practically promised me that it will be.
I didn't manage to make notes while reading the posts, but I wish everyone good luck with tx and hope the SEs stay away.
edye
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Morning All -- I just called the Onc's office and my Echo was good, so I definately start Adriamyacin tomorrow morning. My chemo appointment is in Philly is at 9am. I am so terrified. It's bad enough to start chemo, but to start on a new drug with a potential for new S/E's...ugh. I'm a nervous wreck
Believe it or not -- I still have hair~ I have like 1/4 inch of hair all around, very soft -- like baby hair. I wonder now if the hair will start to totally go again on the A/C? It seemed to really stop and slow down on the Taxotere -- really haven't lost much more. Sides/temples are bald and so is right above my forehead.
I hope everyone is good -- Grimbol, Ellen, Robyn, Madismommy how are you all feeling?
Hugs to all!
Crystal
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Hi Chrys! Good luck with the new drug tomorrow! It's got to go better than the taxotere did for you, right? I'm feeling okay - pretty good. Working:-) I've had a headache that won't stay away, but otherwise, I'm just really tired. Napping in the afternoons, and I have a hard time getting up in the mornings. Of course, I'm up tomorrow for #3, and then just one to go! Not looking forward to next week at all! And hoping that the port actually works tomorrow!
Ellen - When is your CT scheduled? How are you doing?
Cheer up everybody! We can and will get through this!!!!!!! Together!!!!! Every single one of us! I'm confident:-) Hope everyone is feeling well!
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Hey Robyn- it is an ultrasound, next thursday. I am trying my hardest to stay positive, but I am nervous. It really sucks to be this far along , almost done, w/ chemo and have to wonder about another lump and what it might involve. It feels different than the other lump did, although to be honest, it feels similar to how the other lump felt when I first found it @ 4-6 mons before I finially did something about it. I can't help but wonder what if? if it is another bc, what will that entail? another lumpectumy at the very least, and then of course, it isn't reacting to the taxotere, so what does that mean? Well, yeah, you see where my head's at... egads
Other than that, my tummy has been gurgly and i don't feel much like eating or drinking. No headache so far this time. Mouth seems to be hanging in there, not too messed up, yet.
Chrys- I am sensitive to drugs, as well. I am surprised that I have handled the chemo as well as I have. I'm sorry that you have to change horses midway. I totally understand your nervousness. Hopefully, you will have smoother sailing w/ adriamycin! Fingers crossed for you!
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Hi all, apart from 'D' I am fine today so far. Well tired too I suppose, but that is par for the course. My HGB is dropping which concerns me a bit, if it's dropped this much after only 2 tx, I have always been prone to anemia, but had got much better after menopause. hmm, they say there's nothing to do as it's the chemo doing it. My WBC is low but still just about in the normal range, phew!
I go in for Neulasta later this afternoon, so took he Claritin yesterday ready. Hydration booked for tomorrow.
Hope you are all doing as well as can be expected!!
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Oh, I meant to say *hugs to you all * too!
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I'm with you, Edyem! I actually DREAM about coffee--I lie in bed thinking that I can smell it roasting. And what a disappointment when I actually have a cup! Nonetheless, I keep eating everything and anything just hoping that something will taste good! At this rate, I'll be as big as a house by December! The only thing that tastes decent to me in the morning is some highly spiced Chai tea (loaded with sugar, I'm sure) my husband bought me.
Summergirl, it seems even the best of guys "just don't get it." Last night before bed I looked in the mirror at my scarred boobs, bald head and gray skin, and I burst into tears; I was inconsolable. My poor husband looked at me like I was losing my mind. It doesn't matter that it's been weeks since my hair fell out; it's not something you just "get over"! It's more than just appearances; I feel like something totally essential about me has been stripped away. And I'm so self-conscious in my wig that I feel like it's changing how I interact with people--I don't want to make eye contact, I don't want to be noticed. Talk about a humbling experience! This sh*t really strips you bare.
Crystal, I'm keeping a good thought for you and for everyone having tx this week.
Here's to the last day of Summer 2011! May Summer 2012 find us happy, whole and healthy!
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DebinUtah: Good bye summer, and I say good riddance to all of 2011!
I had my last of four A/C's today! Good riddance to A/C too. I really appreciate my favorite nurse congratuating me as she started the final flush of my port.
The first 3 rounds I had LOTS of energy on infusion day, almost definitely due to the big bag of dexamethasone that they put in first. But today by late afternoon I was completely fading, and I'm heading off to bed now. MUCH more fatigue than ever before at this point in the game.
Here's wishing calm days and nights for everyone.
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DebinUtah - Today I enjoyed coffee for the first time since the my tx on 9/8. I also have the problem that the only things that taste good are sweet things. I do think I'm on the road to having regular taste buds, but that will end next week when I have A/C again.
Dianamaps - I have my last A/C next week and I'm so anxious to get it over with. My oncology center has a bell that you can ring to celebrate your last infusion. Unfortunately, I still have 12 Taxol to go after that. They also have a beautiful chime that you can strum by when you are feeling good and I plan to do that to celebrate my last A/C. That's nice that the nurse is in tune enough to congratulate you on your last AC. I really appreciate the oncology nurses. A/C has been really hard on me. I can't wait to ring that damn bell in January!
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Good Morning August Angels! Praying that all who had treatment this week are enjoying minimal to no SEs and praying for all going to the chair today as pleasant of an experience as it can be!
I had my 1st Taxol infusion yesterday and thanking God it was uneventful....long (5 hours), but uneventful. Not a medication fan before all of this, but was really surprised at how loopy and quickly Benedryl knocked me out! I was thinking, I don't know how people do drugs as a choice!!!!
Chrys....praying for you today. Drink PLENTY of fluids, especially green tea....that's what helped me the most when I was on AC.
Have an awesome SE weekend everyone.....smooches :-)
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edyem: yes, I too only have the usual respite for two weeks until I start the doses of taxotere and herceptin, but it's still good to relish the end of A/C. The nurses yesterday explained about the differences between the infusion process of this past A/C and the upcoming taxotere, with it taking lots longer, esp the 1st and 2nd rounds as they see how your body reacts to it. Sounds like it'll be hours longer.
I'd be doing taxol, but they're out of it here, so they are substitutin taxotere.
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dianamaps -I had my last AC (yay) on Wed as well and by far this has been my worst so far -can't eat, nauseous, and tired. Not to mention the steroids (which I had to lesson) make me so cranky-can't believe people do them recreationally! The nurse says its cumulative, so I guess thats why. Very scared about the Taxol, b/c I am allergic to so many anti-biotics (not that they are the same, but I get nervous whenever I take something new). My treatments should be over right b/f the holidays --so excited!! Then I get my expanders exchanged and then 30 days of radiation. It's been rough, but I've gotten this far and need to keep plugging through.
The more people who hear about me, the more stories I hear about BC in young people --I live on Long Island and it's so prevalent here!
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Do any of you ladies that have started Taxol & are taking Glutamine have recommendations for brands to try? I'm starting next week and would like to get it before hand.
I also got B6 and Folic acid from GNC, am I missing anything?
Thanks!
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Sorry I haven't been on here to read or post. Had tx on Monday and this time the fatigue set in as soon as I got home. Spent 3 days pretty much in bed and asleep. Yesterday I was up more and still forcing myself to eat and drink. Sorry I can't remember who has posted what but for me anything spicy has been helpful to eat. The Emend worked. Also a coworker let me use her sea bands and I have been wearing those. Whichever worked was great, no nausea or throwing up this time.
I take my #4 A/C on Oct 3 then 3 doses of Taxol. I have to say I am scared to death to try Taxol. Does anyone know what the Taxol does? Since I had reaction to taxotere and then the doctor said another dose would be worse I'm wondering if they need to do Taxol. Gonna try to do some research this weekend.
Hugs to everyone and hope everyone has a free s/e weekend. -
I am taking Taxol, have had 3 doses so far. Nothing too terrible, some bone pain, and some numbness and tingling in my fingers and toes. Hair loss of course, but everything does that I think. They should drip it in slowly at least for the first time. I reacted to my second tx and now they drip it in slowly each time.
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Hi - been reading posts for the past few weeks. Seems I'm going through some emotional issues. Keep biting off everyone's heads. Must be the meds or lack there of or maybe just a character flaw that has been brought forward. Ha! Thanks Big C. I think I just need to vent and cry. Only able to vent here, by praying, and ever so brief journal entries.
Had bloodwork done yesterday. the stats are great but I HATE NEEDLES. Please help. Anyone with any advice about how to deal please let me know. I am seriously going to hurl, cry, or maybe both if I have to get stuck again. I know I am half way done with chemo, YIPPEE! But since I was a child I have had this morbid fear of needles.
Thanks for listening. You guys r the only ones that have a clue and I really am feeling out of sorts lately. too much going on right.
T
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Hey Missy- It helps if you ask for a "butterfly" needle. They are smaller ( I believe they are actually kid-size) Also, I just turn my face and focus on something in the room. Usually there is a poster or something. It helps also if you can conjur up a "happy place" that you can retreat to briefly. I usually imagine myself walking w/ my dogs in the woods!
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