April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited June 2012

    @TriChick - I'm with you!  This stuff is getting old!  At least you have perky boobs to look forward to!  I have the "little" one and the "big" one...not sure how they fix that! 

    Here's a picture that a friend sent me that I thought was funny...I know I have a strange sense of humor but I figure it's either laugh or cry, right!?

    'Yes They're Fake. My Real Ones Tried To Kill Me'

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  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2012

    Great shirt lsharvey.

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  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited June 2012
    Misty, you wouldn't know if you were neutropenic unless you had your blood counts done.   I am not an expert on shingles, but have read they tend to cluster and happen on one side only.  I did a Google Image search for shingles blisters and they don't all look like alike.  It never hurts to report a side effect, but do make sure you report a fever at whatever limit your doctor set. Mine was 100.5. 
     
    I had Neulasta the first round and was neutropenic. They switched me to daily Neupogen and I was still neutropenic. My body likes to take its sweet time, I guess.
     
     
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  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2012

    Saturnring, I actually have no idea what my follow up will be now that chemo is over. I see MO on July 18. I sure want to know what is next.

    I did not have a port. My MO thought my veins could handle 4 infusions and weekly blood draws, and I did. 4/4 on rhe first stick! I think if I'd been scheduled for longwr chemo I would have had one. But glad it went ok.

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012
    mistym - vballmom is right.  Shingles follow the dermatome (area of skin sensation associated with a spinal nerve), typically just on one side.  Yeah, I'd call the MO just to be safe, too.  
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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited June 2012
    lsharvey - my sis gave me a T-shirt like that for my birthday!  I wore it to the grocery store one evening (with wig and "foobies"), and lol, if anyone noticed, they deliberately didn't look me in the eye!  Smile
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  • mistym
    mistym Member Posts: 58
    edited June 2012

    Hi,

    Thank you vballmom and dancetrancer.

    I did call MO and left a message that they will hopefully listen to first thing in the morning.  I might pop over to the drug store to ask the pharmacist to take a look.  I will keep you posted.

    Hugs,

    Misty

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  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2012

    Strange, when my eyes go into major continual watering, it starts to make me feel like I am crying, which lowers my spirits. Like its backwards or something..

    Yesterday hardly any watering though, so at least it is sporadic.



    Misty, hope you feeling ok and get info soon.

    Vball, my body is slow too. I didnt have a blood test this week but I'm just assuming its like last time with the Neulasta (5 days after shot my count was 300 but it did slowly go up.)

    No raw veggies, caution etc till next week.

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  • spicedlife
    spicedlife Member Posts: 182
    edited June 2012

    Hi ladies-just checking in after my second treatment in the BGC.  I have a new side effect or two this time, I have puffed up,  my face is so puffy my eyes are only open about half way. 

    I don't remember who posted about sugar but why is sugar a big no no for us?

    I am feeling so high right now and I hate this.  My oncologist said I suprised her with my WBC last treatment so she gave me the shot options and the antibiotic option.  After reading about the possible SE's I chose antibiotics if needed. 

    Take care my friends, I will check y'all later. 

    Jennyh

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  • vickilind61
    vickilind61 Member Posts: 338
    edited June 2012

    Good evening from fire ravaged CO.  Back home and safe.  Things are calming down in the city.  Thanks for the good thoughts.

    BGC ladies, you are so awesome.  Rock it this week. 

    After almost two weeks out, I think the hair might be thinking about going.  Weird itchy patches and then when I scratch, 8-10 hairs come out.  Knew it was coming, so it all good. 

    To all your new ladies, welcome to the fun ride that is cancer.  Glad to have you aboard.  Tongue out

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited June 2012

    Hi jennyrjd!  That puffiness sounds like some kind of reaction to something.  Which chemo drug/cocktail are you on?  I thought, also, that the steroids made my face look puffy, but when I asked my friends and family about it they seemed surprised and said they couldn't see anything.  I know my eyes didn't seem closed, anyway. 

    As for sugar, I don't remember an exact post, but I understand chemo can have an effect on blood sugar (several people posted a few days ago about that, and that bubbles in urine could be a symptom).  I also understand that cancer cells secrete some kind of sugar substance (which I think is partly why the PET scan uses a radioactive sugar solution), but when I asked about it, other than eating too much sugar generally not being good for you, nobody told me to avoid it at all costs.  

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  • SadeSurvivor25
    SadeSurvivor25 Member Posts: 119
    edited June 2012

    1st Taxol and Herceptin tx today. Got there at 11 didn't leave until 4:38!! Had a weird reaction to the Taxol and was given Benadryl. She ran it a little slower and I was fine...even took a nap! Went out for a late lunch with my bestie and had ice cream (yummy) now back at home. Gonna lay it down, I'm super tired!!



    Have a great, SE free evening ladies!!!

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited June 2012
    Sade - hugs and purple wishes for minimal SEs to you!  Today was a good day for ice cream for most of the country, looks like.
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  • spicedlife
    spicedlife Member Posts: 182
    edited June 2012

    Indigo- I am on the Taxotere/Cytoxan regimine. I get anti-nausea and steroids by IV first for about 20 to 30 minutes and then 1hour of taxotere and one of cytoxan.

    I did call the nurse and she said to take benadryl. 

    Welcome to the newbies, the women on this site are incredibly strong and loving!

    Vickilind I am so glad to hear that you are okay.  We are thinking of and praying for you.

    Love you all-  Jenny

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012

    jenny - that sounds awfully uncomfortable.  You aren't having an allergic reaction are you?  That much swelling concerns me.  I'm a worrier, though...got it from my Mom - can't help it! 

    Ha!  I see Indigo has the same concern as me about you!  

    It probably was me that posted something about sugar - not only the issue with steroids and diabetes but also the issue with cancer recurrence.  My oncologist also advised me to avoid excessive sugar and white carbs.  If you'd like to learn more, here is one article of interest:

    Don't give sugar to breast cancer 

    Of course, all things in moderation.  Personally, I avoid anything with tons of sugar and all refined carbs...except during the chemo carb cravings!  And I of course indulge every now and again...just not on a daily basis. 

    vicki - YAY that you are home and all is safe and sound - how wonderful!  I hear the firefighters are working 24 hour shifts...WOW.  They are so brave - so thankful for people like that in this world.

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  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2012

    Jenny I do that watery eyes real sorrow after thing too!

    In CA at my nephews house I said through watery eyed tears, "Aunt Stacie isn't strong Aunt Stacie anymore". (Pouts)

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2012

    jennyrjd- Glad the onco nurse got back to you so quickly about the puffy eyes.  I can tell you that the antibotics is the cheaper route to go than the Neulasta shot.  I'm taking Neulasta shots and wow, they are expensive!!! 

    lisa2012- Taxotere is also known as "Taxotears" because it can cause your eyes to start tearing a lot.  I noticed that my eyelids starting twitching a little after the 3rd round and at times, my eyelids felt a little puffy.  I couldn't see the puffiness but felt like they were.  I'm taking Neulasta shots and wow, they are expensive!!!  Hope you feel better soon!!!!

    Sade & IndigoMont- Had some ice cream myself today--- so yum!!!

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited June 2012

    @Jenny - sounds like an allergic reaction to me.  Have you taken the benadryl yet?  If it doesn't look like it's giving you any improvement I'd jump back on the phone to them to see what else they can give to nip that in the bud.

    @Vicki - so glad to hear you're home and things are improving some!  I'll still be worrying about you all in CO!

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  • spicedlife
    spicedlife Member Posts: 182
    edited June 2012

    Dancetranc==thanks for the link, I will check it out. 

    I am a little concerned about the extreme swelling too.  I can still breath (yeah!!!!)  So I guess if you can still breath the reaction is not life threatening.

    Melrose-- I know it is the cheapest way to go and I do have approval from my insurance company to do shots if needed.  The MO said that I would have a 50/50 chance of extreme side effects with Nuelasta and I would need to drive to the treatment center for a shot every day for 5 days if I  did the Neupogen but that it does not have side effects.  I asked if I could give it to myself and she said nope, they are 1800.00 per shot and I have to do them there. 

    Stacie-  My eyes are not watering they just look like I have been crying all night long my eyes are really dry! go figure Laughing

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  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited June 2012

    HI Everyone One.  I have been busy doing the Happy Dance....Yeah! NO MORE CHEMO!!!

    Of course, I am hopped up on steriods soon to be crashing Saturday noonish.  My treatment went very well today.  She got a line the first time. I was there 4 hours.  My bloodwork looks good.  Neulasta and antibiotics to start tomorrow.  I got absolutely NO sleep last night so I am definitely doing the ambien with the atavan off to the side if I need it.  Feeling pretty good now, but again, it's the steroid majic.  

    MistyM:  Hope you find out what's going on asap.

    Vicki:  Glad you're okay.  I have been thinking about you everytime I see the news.

    Jennyrid and Sade:  Here's wishing you a good night's sleep and minimal S/E's.   

    Saturnring:  I F/u with my MO on 7/20; have an appt. with my BS on 7/10 and RO on 7/12.  DOn't know what the MO will do besides the CBC, but I will have lots of questions for her. I had to see the PA today as she was out of town for a meeting.  

    RoulaG:  Hopefully you had an okay time today. Thinking of you! 

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012
    kjiberty - HUGE congrats!!!!  You are PFC!!!!!
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  • RoulaG
    RoulaG Member Posts: 239
    edited June 2012

    Kjiberty - congrats on finishing chemo! Doing the happy dance with you! I am also on a steroid high - for now:-).



    Infusion went fine today - they pumped me with dexamethasone, benadryl and two anti nausea meds (Aloxi (sp?) and emend). Aloxi lasts 24 hrs and emend lasts up to 5 days. We will see.



    As far as I am concerned 4 down and 2 to go. So happy nearing the end.

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  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited June 2012

    Karen!!!  So awesome!  I'm so happy for you.

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited June 2012

    Yay kjiberty! Good for you!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited June 2012
    kjliberty- Wow!!!! Happy dance for you!!!!  Glad you had an easy time in the chair today!!!  Wishing you minimal side effects and no pain from that Neulasta shot!!!  Now PFC and hair return--- what a way to celebrate with the finish of chemo!!!
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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited June 2012

    kjliberty - wooooohooo!!!  I'm so happy for you!!  keep us posted on the next steps please?  sounds like I'm following your path with radiation and then I guess some sort of reconstruction (I really don't want to have to refer to them as "the little one" and "the big one" for the rest of my life! :)

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  • mary71145329
    mary71145329 Member Posts: 133
    edited June 2012

    kjiberty----yes! You did it!! Congrats Laughing

    vicki--glad you're back home and things are ok!

    Roula and Sade--good that all went well in the BGC today! One more down!

    Jenny--I would definitely call back if that swelling doesn't go right down!

    Misty--hope you hear from your doc soon and find out what those blisters are about!

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  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited June 2012

    Thanks to all of you for being there for me!  Hugs to you all.  Going to take my ambien now and bid you all adieu!  "Talk" to you tomorrow.  I am tired.  Love to you all! 

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  • FightingLikeAGirl
    FightingLikeAGirl Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2012
    Just finished catching up from the last couple days...popped on yesterday to vent about my ENT visit. Feeling somewhat better today. Thanks everyone for the Thrush well wishes. To all my fellow Thrush sufferers...hope things clear up soon.

    Welcome to all the newbies.

    Re: Wigs...I was told to put 4 fingers on your forehead and above your eyebrows and that is where the wig should start on your head.

    Re: Sleep...I take Adivan at night and it totally helps me relax & sleep. I used to sleep so well until my BC diag...now I have too many things to think/stress about I guess.

    Fierro...your daughters sound awesome and they obviously LOVE their mom!!!

    No Fear...hope you are feeling better today. Yesterday was one of those days for me and I periodically have them...mostly w/in the first 7 - 10 days after tx.

    Dance...OMG...I'm so sorry your Thrush is back...I thought the last one would be your last...wth??? That was an awful dream...you must have been so happy to wake up from your well needed nap. I too have been having really weird nightmares...that one takes the cake tho.

    kjiberty...OMG...your butt?? Did they give you the Nystatin Ointment? They gave it to me for my nose...who knew that stuff comes in so many different forms??? Congrats on your last treatment...you did it...maybe Fierro's girls can do a happy dance for you~!!!

    Vicki....so glad you are home and everyone is safe!!!

    Misty...I also immediately thought Shingles...its can start off in just a small area and it you aren't treated right away you can suffer quite a bit from it.  Hope you have heard back from the Dr. by now or spoke to the Pharmacist.

    My eyes are watering like crazy but it seems to have just started after my crazy visit to the ENT yesterday...my nose and eyes won't stop pouring....Its like she loosened up something in there and everything began to flow!!!

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited June 2012

    Fighting - good to hear from you.  Glad you are feeling a bit better, but sorry to hear about the running eyes and nose.  Ya, I thought I was done with thrush, too.  I guess even though nadir for TCH is typically days 7 to 10 (the combined effect of the TC), Carbo keeps hitting your white count all the way to day 21.  And for me, as soon as my white count gets the least bit low (like even just a touch below normal), thrush takes over.  Uggh!  Oh and yeah.  I too had it on the butt AND in the armpit (anywhere there is moisture it can thrive).  They give you a powder for it.   Lovely stuff that there thrush.  My gastro doc said you can also get it in your esophagus.  Scary what can happen when your immune system is whacked!   I wonder why some of us are more prone to it than others.  Things that make you go hmmmm...

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