October 2011 Chemo group

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited November 2011

    Normandy, I'm on TC, and each cycle I've had an incidence of nausea and cold sweats on day 5 or 6. The first time I also passed out! So be very careful to get up slowly.

    I'll be interested to see my red blood cell and hemoglobin levels on Friday when I go for tx#3. They were on the low side of normal last time, and through this cycle I felt more dizziness during the first week, and shortness of breath throughout. I can walk at a decent clip on flat ground, but going up a hill, or even up the stairs, gets me out of breath pretty fast.

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  • LoriKristine
    LoriKristine Member Posts: 17
    edited November 2011

    I had my last dose of A/C yesterday. Hooray!!! I know the drugs are on my side killing all the hidden cancer but I hope I NEVER see adriamycin again! Now I move on to Taxol (12 once a week) and Herceptin (for the next year). This nausea is kicking my butt today.



    I've been reading all of your tips for the Taxol. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    LuvRVing= I know the 1st A/C tx, I got 20mg of decadron (my knees looooved it), and I had to orally take dex 2xday for 2 days. This time I got 10mg of decadron and nothing else. So far, so good.

    LoriK= Kiss that red devil bubye! Hope you feel better soon.

    cfdr= I had dizziness too, but looking back, I think it was my blood sugar more than anything. Your MO may need to tweak something for you. Good luck!

    Thanks all for the words of wisdom, humor and helping keep my chin up. I also share tips and hints w/the nurses at my clinic. I even had a nurse call my house for the website she wanted to pass on to a new patient. My family probably gets sick of hearing about you all, but too bad!

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Hi All: I am amazed at all the posts-it's hard to keep up and comment to everyone- I always feel I have missed something important to which I should comment. To all on this site I want to say THANKS! You are all inspirations in different ways, some for your invaluable knowledge, tips and help to alleviate se's, some for your courage and support, some for honesty and some for jus always beimng there mand part of this journey and sharing> I, for one, feel that we are quite close and I look forward to coming to this site as part of my day to see how everyone is doing.

    TallM- way to go-what progress- I am delighted with your news. We're all doing your happy dance!

    Luvrving-what an invaluable source of knowledge you are! I start Taxol ( paclitaxol) in a couple of weeks so I will be tapping your resources again. I have written down your advice but who knows if I'll be able to find it at the time- my head is scrambled. It's so nice to have someone having gone ahead and done so much research and come up with good solutions.Thankyou for your help.About the red hair- works with your complection so well- doesn't matter if it comes from a bottle-looks great and fun!

    Terry-good luck tomorrow-be thinking of you. Another one finished up-how great! Any snow in North Bay yet? Say, was that a picture of you,your daughter and granddaughter?- gorgeous family.I can understand why the shock at hair loss- you have enough for several people but it'll come back-you look great either way.

    Carla- so you're half way too-I'm with you -Yeah!

    Tappy-glad your cold is getting better- mine too-it's been a long haul eh? ( sorry, it's the Canadian in me)

    Normandy-rather than light headed, I get a boomy,cottony feel in mine but it goes away after I start moving around a bit- eyesight not great and clothy hearing at times.

    Dia123-how'd it go today? hope you are well,

    Well, I have rambled too- lots of say,  have a good day all,keep smilin and hang in there

    Love and warm Hugs Juls. I find it a little cheerier with the Christmas lights being put up and the Christams carols- I love this time of year.

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011

    Jewels- Thank you so much I appreciate that more than you know,  No snow YET!!!!!!! its apparently coming though Grrrrrrrrr  Yes the pic was of me, my daughter Corissa and my grand daughter Kailyn-Rose she is 3 now..... Yes it was a shock to lose ALL that hair LOL but it will grow back some day........  Thank you again  Will post a more recent pic of me and Kailyn....

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011
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  • sue_from_wi
    sue_from_wi Member Posts: 40
    edited November 2011

    I've been lurking, following all the posts and checking out the pictures. I changed mine to a recent one of my son and me - he showed his solidarity by getting his head shaved. That really warmed my heart.

    I'm on Day 7 after Chemo (TCH) #3. Neuropathy and bone aches hit hard Sunday and Monday but I've felt good after a great night's sleep Monday night. I'm anticipating trouble on Days 8, 9, 10 since that was the pattern the first two times, but maybe that won't happen this time.

    Juls - your 'boomy cottony' description really sums it up. Eyes are funky too at times. I'm very thankful for a generous leave policy at work so I can stay home, work as many hours as I feel up to and nap freely. This really eases my stress.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2011
    Sue and Terry - great pictures!
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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Hi everyone - hope your day has been good.  Terry - your granddaughter is beautiful (and so are you).  She looks like she is just the sweetest little thing! 

    Sue - I tried to get my son to cut his hair with me but he wouldn't.  His is pretty long and it has always bothered me.  I thought I could "guilt" him into cutting it.  No luck!

    I just can't believe that it is time for Thanksgiving.  I sure hope we're all able to enjoy our meals.  My mom has already told everyone that if they are sick they have to stay home because she wants me to come.  I haven't seen her since my mastectomy and she's determined I'm coming home.Smile  I hope nobody gets sick.

    Today is Day 5 post TX3 and I've felt a little better.  I really think though that the energy level keeps going down with each treatment.   Some days I can just barely get up.  Normally, though, I'm glad that I do and haul myself to work.  It makes me feel like I've accomplished something.

    Well I hope you all have a great night.  I'll talk to you tomorrow!

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2011

    Loved the pictures!  It makes us all more personally involved, somehow.  I had tx 2 last Tuesday and I just haven't gotten up as quickly as before.  This chemo really calls names & kicks butt!  I'm just dizzy & tired and if that's the worst it has, then I'm good!

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  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2011

    Terry and Sue- really enjoy the pictures. I'm using an iPad and still have to figure out how to load pictures. You both look great.



    Lori- I think I read that you had your tx yesterday... Does that mean that your birthday was yest. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. How was hooters? Glad your back on schedule for your treatments.



    Just had my 3rd AC tx today and all is well so far.



    Terry- last one tomorrow, so happy for you and hope you still hang around to keep us company.

    I learned today that they don't have abell at my chemo clinic for you to ring on your last day.



    Wishing a good night to all my "breast" friends.

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011
    dia- I will deffinatly be hanging around, You ladies are STUCK with me now for the Long haul Smile
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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    Dia:love your sense of humor:)



    Terry:so glad yo'll be around:) We've become attached I'd be "stuck" w/any of you any day:)



    Today was a bit rough. Bloated/N but if that's all I can handle it. A bit dizzy/lightheaded headache, Oi. Must go on. In a sleep like coma. Today I had to put on my big girl panties & suck it up. So today I'm drawing on your strength. I did get out today & it was beautiful.



    Here's to tomorrow & less SE:)

    -Malinda

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011

    For sure TallM I feel like we have become attached also, and Well not gonna get rid of me now LOL 

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited November 2011

    dia123= I did have my 2nd tx yesterday, but my dx and birthday are the same on 7/29. Thank you though!

    Got my shot today. Burned like a b^%*$, they forgot to set it out, and it was straight from the frig. I think I'll start giving them a reminder call from now on. Ouch!

    Juls= Well said, I couldn't have said it any better. I always feel like I'm missing out on an important response.

    Terry and Sue= great pics

    Carla= glad to know I'm not the only one to try to guilt my teenage son into cutting his hair. Don't feel bad, mine didn't know for it either!

    Pretty exhausted here. Didn't sleep well last night, had 2 appts. today and did some Christmas shopping. I'm hoping I can stay awake for my hockey game later on. It's not looking good though. Hoping everyone has a restful evening.

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  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2011

    Lori.. Oops, got that wrong. I'll blame that one on chemo brain!!



    Malinda. Hope you feel better tomorrow . One day at a time and glad you were able to get out and enjoy it.

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2011

    Does anyone else have vivid dreams?  I will dream about things over & over & it drives me crazy (yes, very short drive).  This week I dreamed of gremalata - which I've never heard of.  So I looked the word up on the computer when I woke up and it's a type of Italian condiment.  Maybe I'll turn into a famous chef when I get through this.  There are some really crazy things with this!

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    StJude-look at you go- out Christmas shopping and hoping to go to hockey-you must just be powering through. My duaghters and I have decided to keep it simple this year and I am doing most(if not all) my shopping on the net or letting my girls help- just don't think I can abide crowded shops. We have such a large group now,it is hard to "talk" with everyone each day but I think we're all interested in and support each other all the time.

    Terry-glad you're staying with us- we need to keep in touch with those that have shared so much and need your tips and encouragement.

    Dia123-glad you're doing okay- hope today is good too! Love the "breast friends"-very clever!

    Malinda-take each day at a time- if you need to rest and do absolutely nothing- do just that- it gives us time to regroup and heal,our bodies are going through so much.Keep smilin! 

    Sue-yeah-my eyes are weird too- sort of scratchy and dry but at times the stuff is "sticky" -makes me feel like shutting them a lot!

    Terry-beautiful picture of your sweet granddaughter-these little ones are why we are doing this to be around for a long, long, time for them. I will have to figure out how to send one of my little "Grandies". Snow this morning? Not here in the "banana belt". Love it here!

    Hoping minimal or manageable side effects today for everyone,

    FAITH<LOVE<HOPE        Warm Hugs Juls

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011
    jewels- Thank you so much, she is my pride and joy I love her to pieces she is my encouragement along with the rest of my family and of course you ladies here Smile , just got home from LAST treatment, Picc line is OUT wooohoooo. Did the happy dance, got a huge hug from my wonderful nurse Louise...... Hugs to all you beautiful ladies
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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2011

    Perts -Ativan often gives me strange dreams.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited November 2011

    Congratulations, Terry!  Come on over to the Hair, hair, hair thread - let the watch begin!

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2011

    Hi ladies, you are all my breast friends!

    I had 3rd TC yesterday, and my MO said with one positive node, 4 treatments was minimum and she wants 5 or 6 if I don't start having permanent or lasting side effects: tingling and numbness of fingers and toes (peeling skin is not lasting) or swelling in legs and feet. Apparently i am breezing through chemo - and reading some of your posts, I feel very lucky - but it really knocks me flat. So, after I get thru this first bad week, I will consider myself half way done!  I'm trying to point my eyes in a forward direction, with the end in sight, instead of being so consumed with and overwhelmed with having cancer.  Frown

    My son said if I really wanted him to, he would shave his head but reminded me he's in a band and his stage "image" is very important, so I said no he didn't need to. He calls more often and comes home every couple of weeks to help with chores, so I'll take that any day! Also, he told me that my diarrhea report was TMI. I'm so glad to be blessed with a great sense of humor. Every time I catch a glimpse of my bald lady parts in the mirror I laugh, it looks so funny. My generation (58) generally ignored any grooming in that department!!  

    I want to respond personally to many of your posts, but my brain is so foggy I can't remember who said what and I don't want to leave anyone out. So, I just want you to know that I understand your pain and rejoice with every bit of good news! 

    Last time they didn't give me the neulasta shot because I had severe pain for 2 days, and although I said I could deal with the pain they thought different. But I had a rough time and it was my choice to get the full dose of neulasta today. I would rather go thru 2 tough days, then not have to be so afraid of every germ I might contact. And this time it didn't even hurt even tho it was fresh out of the fridge!

    Today is my last day on dexa pills, so tomorrow and the rest of the week I will be pretty out of it if it goes the same as my last two times. Have a great week everyone!  Keep drinking!! Even though it makes you want to puke.

    Barb 

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2011

    Congrats Terry- you're on your way- I am doing the happy dance for you too!

    Luvrving-great "do"

    Too All- have a peacefil night,   Love and hugs Juls

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  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited November 2011

    Terry..yeah, more happy dancing going on here for you.



    Barb.. Your son sounds wonderful and love his sense of humour. My husband also offered to shave his head but I said no as one of us bald this winter was enough. He ended up clipping it down pretty short anyways. Maybe 1cm. My daughters boyfriend shaved his but I had no idea he did it till he showed up here one day with it. Brought tears to my eyes but it really doesn't take much to do that these days. Glad your doing well and will be able to handle your maximum doses.



    Juls- doing well today also. I usually feel good on thurs and Friday while I take my meds. It gets worse on the weekend then hopefully on the upswing on mon or tues.



    Getting ready to watch my favorite night of tv. Big bang, greys and private practice.. Hope everyone has a good night

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited November 2011

    Thank you so much ladies It feel great to be atthe chemo finish line.. whoop Whoop, Im thankful for all the caring and support Ive gotten here from all of you <3<3  from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU ALL

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited November 2011

    I want to respond to everyone to my thoughts are a little mixed up due to the chemo as well

    I do feel a connection to each of you and I wish I could tell you ALL how good you make me feel and keep my pumped up !  and give a gentle big hug to all of you.  I pray for all of us each night that we beat this and become stronger for having gone thru it...I know it sounds cliche.....butI want something good to come of this battle.  I know it has made me more open and compassiate already and I am able to reach out more when I see people hurting or in trouble.

    I am having crazy dreams and I never dream...so I know it is the drugs.

    My treatment went well today so far (thank you sweet Baby Jesus and knock on some wood)  and I start on my anti nas meds before I need them, I know I cant let it ahead of me or else I spend the rest of my time chasing it.

    Someone mentioned adding a bit of cranberry or apple juice (just a splash or two) -to water...and I have been doing that.  Helps drinking the water a bit easier. 

     I ate vanilla ice cream (low sugar) tonight for dinner, it was all I felt like....I could not gag down another cracker ot toast or rice....but at least it put something in my tummy and it tasted good.

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited November 2011

    Congrats to all for getting this far...however "far" is for you. I'm getting TC #3 today. This second cycle, my bad week was not as bad, but the fatigue lingered all the way to day 21. I fear for what I'll be like by the end of this! I may sleep straight through Christmas.

     Are any of you making any special accommodations to get through Thanksgiving? My husband is doing the cooking (he loves to cook so not a big deal for him); I'll deal with setting a nice table. Tuesday/Wednesday are my worst days so there's no way I'll be up for doing any prep. I don't usually eat much the first week, so I may take one bite of each dish and retire to the sofa.

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  • WIMusicMaker
    WIMusicMaker Member Posts: 78
    edited November 2011

    Hello Everyone!

    There has been so much good news over the past few days! I am really happy for those finishing chemo and others with just good news!

    My heart echo came back and nothing has changed with my heart-yeah! But is doesn't explain the tightness I am feeling in my chest. Is anyone else on A/C feeling a tightness or heaviness on your chest? I think my doctor thinks I am crazy. Due to all the problems I have been having, he is going to let me decide if I want to continue chemo-ugh! I am scheduled for November 29. I am leaning toward trying it one more time and if I have the same trouble or worse stopping after that. It is weighing heavy on my mind.

    For Thanksgiving I usually have my side of the family (25-30 people) over to my house. This year it will just be my husband and three kids. We are going to make the dinner together. We are going to keep it simple and enjoying our time begin with each other. Of course we will be watching the Packer/Lions Game!

    Since I am lucky enough to not be working during this, I have found several TV shows to watch during the day. A new show that I really like is called The Chew. It has 5 different hosts who make many different recipes each show. When you feel like eating or cooking, I highly recommend you check out their website for recipes. They have had many recipes for Thanksgiving the past two weeks.

    I am off to conferences for my daughter. She is a great student and it will be fun to hear all the nice things about her! I hope everyone has a great day! 

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  • Awnooo
    Awnooo Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2011

    hi ladies, hope is not too late to join ya! i started tch 3 weeks ago and this is my 2nd time. All ready!!

    Also wanted to share this website that sort of links foods with breast cancer research. Doing the 4 things that help herceptin kick in full speed

    http://foodforbreastcancer.com/articles/what-should-breast-cancer-patients-and-survivors-eat-during-herceptin-treatment%3F

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  • TallM
    TallM Member Posts: 1,596
    edited November 2011

    WImusic: ugh about having to decide about Chemo. Descisions:o I'm glad the echo came back but I don't know what to tell you about the tightness. I know because of the Herceptin my heart has bee running 104-122:o I'm SOB, & just feel like I'm running all the time & i sarted getting a dry cough:{ Has anyone heard of using a beta blocker to slow the heart like toprol xl or anything else?I know the heart issues are part of the side effects I just want to keep my heart healthy.



    Anyway-glad to hear people are wrapping up w/Chemo-YEAH for you & a BIG happy dance:)



    Thanksgiving plans sound so great for all. I too am going to have a fun one. Going to my sis house & my mom & sis will cook:) Yummy food that I hope to eat lots of:) Pumkin pies etc.



    I hope everyone has a great day w/minimal SE. I'm off toda for my spinal infusion #6 & only 2 weeks left after this w/Chemo then switch to Herceptin:) Yeah.



    Big hugs to all-

    Malinda

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