August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!
Comments
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Chrys- Not sounding like good stuff. I am sure that quitting the chemo here and now might be looking like the way to go for you. So, keep us posted.Hope the SEs ease up fast!
I am day 8 (I don't count chemo day) and dare I say that I might be coming out of the clouds? Yesterday was horrible. Acted like a wierdo in onco's office - I had my feet up on the chair and felt like sleeping in the corner. I haven't had much in the way of sleep all week - chemo nurse suggested compazine w/ ativan. Wonderful! Stomach settled and I slept, yea! All night!
I have had 3 T/Cs and so far my nails look the same. They also seem to be growing.
Grimbol- why the brainMRI? That sounds unpleasant. Is something going on?
DebinUtah- what is the name of the anticancer book? Maybe I am ready to read something like that now.
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Ok, what is this book? I was loaned the Breast Cancer Husband, I read it, don't think DH has picked it up yet, that was good, but only for what's happening now. I'd love to read a book that would help avoid some of this again.
Kasi - oops happy belated birthday, don't know where my brain was yesterday. Can I get a space on that time machine please????
The Brain MRI is a precaution I think/hope! I get really bad headaches that are not migraines but act a bit like it. I had said no to an MRI from my doctor just before I foun the lump - I was too busy this summer!! wedding, grandbabies, visitors, et.c etc. So once I was set in tx under the onc and was having really bad headaches he said we are doing the MRI now. Really hoping it doesn't show anything but we'll see, I guess better to be safe than sorry.
Just as a side, I have a slight fever at the moment too, not over 100, but feeling a bit yucky, anyone else do this?
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Kasi, I'm glad you had a happy birthday! Next year is going to be so awesome!
Maryjane - I'm so sorry about the shingles! I've never had them, but my daughter and grandfather have, and I know they can be horrible!
Good luck on Thursday VTEllen! I'm sure this is nothing, just another test to get through. I got so worked up before my last CT for the blood clot, and it turned out to be nothing at all!
No nail issues here at all. Except for the purple blood blister from when I slammed my thumb in a door last April. It's still growing out, but it definitely got the oncologist's attention the other day. Completely unrelated:-)
Spoke with doc about vision. She suggested lubricating drops. Evidently the dry eye thing interferes with vision. She also suggested NOT getting new glasses until this is all over. So, I'm using Systane drops.
My GP suggested medical marijuana, whihch I didn't know is legal in Vermont. But the staff at the cancer center laughed when I mentioned it. Haven't gone there yet...but after this last treatment it's sounding more intriguing!
Got my appointment shedule yesterday to begin - AND FINISH - radiation. If I don't miss any treatments at all, I should be done December 16. But they built in 5 extra days just in case, so December 23. THIS WILL ALL BE OVER BY CHRISTMAS! What a crappy six months it has been!
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Oh, and Chrys - My oncologist agreed that even if I could only tolerate two treatments they would be highly beneficial. I'm sorry you're still having so much trouble. But you're almost done!!!! Just keep your eye on that end date! Good luck!
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I was recommended to Medical Marijuana yesterday too, but I don't think I have the nerve to ask for it!! I live in SoCal so it is legal here for this purpose, but still......Apparently it's really good for chemo patients, helps with the pain, tiredness etc. My eye doctor suggested it and the senior scientists at the UCLA lab my DD works at.
Let me know if any of you actually try it???
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Missey, I also worried if my use of BC pills could have caused the cancer. I think Deb's right...they don't cause cancer but will help it to grow, although not in my case as I'm triple negative.
Vivie, by now with the time difference, today's treatment will be done. Hope it went okay. Hang in there. You can do this!!!
Oh Chrys, sending a big ((((((HUG)))))) your way!
Debinutah, I'd also be interested in the name of the book.
Robyn, I'm so glad this will be over for you by Christmas. What a great gift! I expect I'll start rads mid-December and be done by e/o January! YAY!!!!!
Have a great s/e free day everyone! -
Hi all. The final round of AC (last Thursday, I'm now 5 days out) was by far the worst. The s/e are definitely cumulative. I cannot get this nasty taste from my mouth, my eyes hurt, and I'm really tired. Still using the scopalomine patch and I have another acupuncture appt later today.
No blackness on my nails yet, but they feel "ridgy" and very dry.
I'm counting the hours until these s/e will be over.
Medical marijuana isn't legal in New York. Too bad I didn't grab some before we moved from California in the summer; it's all over So Cal! I'd try anything to have an easier time with these s/e.
I'm anxious to begin Taxotere/Herceptin next week. I know everyone says that the s/e ought to be milder than A/C, and I need to start believing that too. Mind over matter.
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Chrys....(((hugs)))) to you!!!! I so wish the doctors could find something to make all this easier for you. Hang in there!!!!
Kasi....happy belated birthday!!!! Hope it was wonderful.....and I too would like to hop in that time machine!!! I only want to go forward about 5 months!
Robyn....YAY for having an end date.... Mine is dec. 13th....77 days....2 hrs and 17 min until my last transfusion!!!!! (not that I'm counting?!?LOL)
Grimbol....I hope your MRI is uneventful and totally clear. Those tests take on a whole new fear with me now....pre BC I would have never worried at the thought of a test like that, now I quiver!! I might have to look into that book for my DH?? I think he'd read it....
Vt....I hope the chemo clouds are parting for you!!! And that you are able to get some sleep.
Vivie....hope today's tx goes well!!! Thinking of you!!!
Waving hi to Robo!
Maryj....so, it was cellutitis, it was shingles after all? UGH....feel better soon!!!!!!
Deb and missey.....I worry about my years of taking birth control pills and causing this....or atleast fueling the fire?? I'd hate to think it's what caused it. I was told my tumor started developing/growing most likely 10 years ago, so that was when I was only 25 and planning my wedding....and taking BC pills all the while.
. Cancer sucks....
46md...do you take claritin or zyrtec for the bone pain and it doesn't work??? I did have a little more bone pain this time around with tx 2 but I think my claritin has helped out??? And my heating pad at night!!!
Hi to michelle, dianamaps and summergirl and everyone else.....hope you're doing well!!!
Edyem....good luck with #4 Thursday....just think, your LAST a/c....I wish we could sideline that darn taste s/e....it's awful for me too!!! Hard to eat when everything tastes like crap.
I'm day 7 out of tx2....feel good minus the taste issues and "morning mouth" 24/7. I'm reading a book on kindle called "Crazy Sexy Chemo Tips", it's really good....a friend of mine also going through chemo recommended it because the author (and cancer patient) has a great outlook on the whole thing and is also very young when diagnosed like me and my friend (my friends only 30).....
Anyways....I'm off to work today....it's been raining here in Chicago for 2 days....BOO!!!!
Hugs to all of you!!!!!! -
Grimbol, is it "Marinol"? I believe that's the pill form they have here?
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Morning Everyone
Chrys23 So sorry that your still not feeling well!!
I met with a lady yesterday she is 50, 9 yrs ago she had BC she was stageIIb. She had alot of problems she said she had every S/E there was. She was supposed to have 6 txs but only ended up with 4txs bec. her body couldnt take anymore she ended up having a blood transfusion and was in the hospital for a week. She said chemo was hell for her and 9 yrs later she is doing great!!
Good luck today Vivie I'm going in today!!!
Kasi hope you had an amazing day yesterday!! I'd like to get in that time machine too!!!
Michelle let me know if you find that papaya enzyme havent been able to find it here.
Who knows how we got BC!! I keep thinking I got it because I drank way too much diet coke!!
I can't remember who said about only getting 1/2 shot of neulasta bc of bone pain, I've been taking claritan before and 2 days after and I havent really had too much bone pain.
Have any of you lost your brows and lashes yet??
The Anti Cancer book by David Servan-Schreiber is a great book!!
Have any of you cut out dairy??
Wishing all a S/E free day!!!
Hugs to all of you
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Hi taylor777..... Hope you are doing good!!!!
good luck in the chair today....just think, one more down!!!! -
Tanya, hope your day goes well with minimum se's this time around. Thanks for the info on the book, I am ordering it today. I found the papaya enzyme yesterday and used it, it worked well for me and so much nicer than swallowing more drugs. I got mine in Whole Foods. I'd be happy to send you some if you can't find it.
I still have my eyebrows and eye lashes, although I think they are thinning. I still have hair on my arms too!! my hair on my head is gone, or pretty much, but lots on my arms still!! no fair.
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Well, my particular cancer seems to have done at least the bulk of its growing in the past year. So, I conclude from that: STRESS is the cause of my problem. Absolutely. I am going to google med. marjiuana now. Is it really legal in Vt? And it is a pill? Because the thought of smoking something isn't exactly appealling.
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Happy birthday Kasi - save room for me on the time machine please!
Grimbol - thinking of you, hope the MRI is all clear.
Crys - hope your doc can guide you through this. So sorry for all you're going through.
VtEllen - sending good vibes that all will turn out well.
Taylor - good luck today! I head out for AC 4 in about an hour.
Can't wait for 2012! I will turn 40 in April, and plan to have a huge celebration! No mourning turning 40 for me, I will be so grateful to get there! Hope everyone has a good day!
Lucy -
Love the avitar pic Jenn!!! Hope you enjoy your day off!! I'm going to have to go get that book.
Dianamaps hope you start to feel better!!
Mary-I hope your not in too much pain! I didnt realize shingles was a S/E!!
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Thanks as all ways ladies.The lorazopam and effexor has definitely kicked in because I feel like my normal self.
Side effects have been very minimal in my case, really can't complain.
Appreciate all of the info about bc & breast cancer. Just curious. Can't turn back the hands of time. Only can soldier on to get through my next poking session this Thursday. Kind of a side not, my manager wants to tag along. Am I the only one that thinks this request is creepy?
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Well, since last chemo is just under 2 weeks away (ah huh oh yeah), I'll have to forgo the medical marijuana. Looks like some red tape may be involved in getting it, and i don't have the energy to deal w/ it. Is the papaya for stomach issues? I've forgotten. Speaking of which- how are everyone else's brains holding up? Anyone else confusing words and forgetting stuff?
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The papaya enzyme is helping me with heartburn/acid reflux.
I'm not sure I'd notice a difference in my brain power, I am entering the phase where forgetting words is just common place!! I was concerned about that s/e from chemo then realised, what a good excuse!! oh sorry, chemo brain!!
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Taylor, I found the papaya enzyme chews on Ebay. I ordered them yesterday. Hope they come soon!
Ellen, yes, the Papaya is for heartburn. My brain is confused some of the time. I find I can't think as quickly as I used to and sometimes have a hard time getting my thoughts out in words. I definitely couldn't be working right now!
Missey, my boss also offered to take me to my treatments, but she's also a good friend so it didn't feel weird to me. Honestly, I actually prefer to go alone! My husband came to the first one, and my sister-in-law came to the second. I felt like I had to make conversation and entertain her. Since then, a friend from church has dropped me off and come back to pick me up at the end. That has worked for me. I sit in the chair and read a book. The Taxol infusions are much longer so I told my husband he'll have to bring me some lunch!
It's a beautiful sunny day here this afternoon. The weather is supposed to turn cooler by the weekend though. -
Taylor...shingles aren't a s/e of chemo, but can occur for anyone that is immuno compromised.
Sounds like the papaya pills are helping people. that's great!
Hope everyone has a good s/e free day. Hang in there everyone!! Love you all...
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Have to give it to (madismommy) no chemo brain there LOL, she remembers where everyone is on their TX once I get to the reply box I forget who said what, but good luck to everyone .xxxx
Went to Doc today, have swollen glands/throat infection so she had to put me on antibiotics for 5 days so dont know if I will be able to get next TX on thursday but still have to make the trip 100 miles so they can check my blood to see if I can have it, not too happy right now. Has anyone else had chemo while on antibiotics?
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Mary- I have seen posts on this site about shingles. They typically occur after chemo is over I thought? My sister got them I think about 6 months out. I hope your medicine is alleviating the yucky symptoms - is it itchy?
Summergirl- bummer! Hope it clears up quickly and you can have your treatment as scheduled....
Michelle- I agree. My partner goes w/ me to treatments. It is a small room, and no real place for him to sit. So, there I am fretting that he is miserable and feeling as though I need to entertain him somehow. Definitely going to have him do a drop off/ pick up next ( last!!!!!) time.
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Just a word or two more about the Anti-Cancer book: I love that this book doesn't dwell too much on how we all came to be cancer patients (no guilt trip); it's primarily about life after cancer--something we're all looking forward to! Although a lot of the advice is common sense, the book is absolutely filled with studies (often outside of oncology) that show a very powerful connection between slowing (even killing) cancer growth and common foods. For example, breast cancer tumors in mice that had stopped responding to Taxol responded to curcumin (the primary ingredient in the spice tumeric); a Harvard study showed that a combination of soy plus green tea inhibits the progression of estrogen dependent tumors; a Japanese study showed that breast cancer survivors had 57% fewer relapses if they drank 3 cups of green tea a day (as opposed to 1 cup); cancer patients in Japan are commonly given mushrooms (any Japanese variety or oyster) in order to improve their immune systems during and after chemo; the Natl Cancer Inst has demonstated that rosemary extract helps chemotherapy penetrate breast cancer cells. I'm a university researcher myself (linguistics), and I'm often very sceptical of these kinds of claims, but this doctor has done his homework! I'm very lucky to have great insurance that is paying for 100% of my bills right now. I know some of you are not as lucky. If anyone out there is struggling financially, I would be HONORED to buy a copy of this book for you--I feel that strongly about the information it provides. Just give me your mailing address. Best to everyone with SEs and TXs!
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Wow. ok. I'm ordering it right now! Thanks Deb.
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Yes, the pill form of medical marijuana is marinol, and it is, indeed, legal in VT, which was a surprise to me! I haven't gone there yet, but was thinking of getting the card to keep in my wallet, just in case. I haven't done it yet!
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thats funny my daughter called me the other night and told me that Marajuana was recommened for cancer patients,I thought she was just saying it but I read up on it and they do recommend it , somehow I think if we all start smoking it our comments will be a lot diffferant and possibly funny as I tried it as a teenager and all it did was make me laugh hysterically, maybe we all need it now LOL
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maybe that's why it's good for us, so we can laugh our way thru this??
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Hi Everyone..I just got back from tx#3 and I was looking at my bloodwork report. Have any of you seen yours?? I'm freaking cause my GGT is really high. Can Chemo and all are medication cause this to be high?? She sending me for a routine baseline Cat scan. So she says!! I can't handle all this stress!! I'm just going to cry myself to sleep!! Good night everyone...
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Oh how I wish medical marijuana was legal in Texas! I've had friends offer to make me a special batch of brownies which sounds good right now, but when I'm having the most problems I don't want to eat anything.
Grimbol - I'm happy to hear that the papaya enzyme works for you. They've been a life saver for me. I also have had some problems with fevers, mostly around bed time. I take tylenol and always plan to call my oncologist the next morning, but by then I don't have fever anymore. I'm planning to ask about this on Thursday when I go in for tx.
I hope everyone has a good evening and that the SE's stay away.
edye
DebinUtah - Thanks for the recommendation of that book. I'm definitely gonna look for it.
Dianamaps - I'm so depressed about having my 4th AC on Thursday. I don't wanna go!! I cry when I think about it. This last one was so tough that I feel like I don't have it in me anymore. But, I don't really have a choice and I just want to get it over with at this point. I hope that taxol/taxotere are kinder to us.
Madismom - I'm also gonna look for the CSCT book that you mentioned. I love the title. Thanks for mentioning it.
Taylor - My lashes and brows are definitely thinning. I went to a Look Good Feel Better class last week and one of the participants was about 4 months post chemo. She lost all of her lashes and brows at the end of AC, but her hair, brows and lashes started growing back during Taxol. I know everyone is different, but it was nice to hear something hopeful. Fingers crossed!
I hope that everyone has a great evening and that the SE's stay away!
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Taylor - I had that same question for my onc last time and he told me that it was common. I found this article that talks about it.
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