Starting Chemo July 2012
Comments
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Ann - I'm not sure if the fortifying treatments for lashes eyebrows will work but if it can't hurt, I'll try it. I misspoke before the product is from Osmotics but I'm sure there are other brands out there. My nurse mentioned so I figure there's some legitimacy to it. Same idea as putting Hard As Nails on your nails during chemo which I hear works.
Feeling terrible today thanks to Neulasta. Whole body hurts, skin is super sensitive, throat sore, etc -
Roadwarrior, that makes sense, it's a different way of looking at it. I tend to need to understand how something is supposed to work before I'll try it. It's a side effect of being an engineer :-) I hope the Neulasta SE's clear up soon for you.
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Roadwarrier--do you have pain meds for the SE of neulasta? Before my first injection i read that the SE should be controlled by Tylenol. My medical oncologist prescribed a narcotic--just in case. I was so glad. After the 2nd injection when i had to go back for IV fluids and more drugs for nausea he prescribed a stronger drug. Again--am so glad. Will have the 4th injection this coming Friday or Saturday (depending on if I finish chemo before or after 12 noon Thursday as the office closes @ noon on Friday). I know now to start the pain meds 6-8 hours after the injection and take on a schedule for at least 48 hours. Same for the nausea meds. Take the Emend as ordered but also take a Reglan (compazine and Zofran give me horrible headaches and nausea and vomiting--go figure) prior to chemo and take on a schedule. Made my third treatment easier (not easy by any means--but easier). Am hoping same for 4th and final AC this Thursday.
I remind my work crew (am Dean of Health @ a university and a RN) I will not pass the drug screen. And, if I end up addicted--so be it. Can get a referral to rehab in about 30 seconds
We are surviving breast cancer hell. We do NOT need to have pain, nausea, vomiting, or any SE that can be managed. We need our energy for positive actions.
Guess you can tell today has been a "good" day.
Any suggestions for my burning feet? Expected it with Taxol. Not with AC
Chocolate kisses and hugs to each
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Last week i had a hat party for my Mom! All of her hair is gone for the most part now. I was worried about how i would react to seeing her this way. Turns out, still just as beautiful. It's not that I thought she wouldn't be, i just thought that is what would make her look truly "sick". She doesn't look sick, but she is starting to look skinny, which makes me nervous. Anyway, we had about 25 people, which meant about 35 hats and scarves. It was great to watch all of her friends and the love and support that they have for her. I strongly recommend this for someone starting out on chemo. My only regret is that i wish i had thought of it before she started losing hair. Trying on hats and scarves was a little uncomfortable for fear that her wig would come off, but we handled it and she enjoyed the party.
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Hi Ladies,
Thanks for the tips. I started chemo in the beginning of August - I am having Taxotere Cyclophosamide and Herceptin. I had a major reaction to the Taxotere 6 days after the first chemo. Because of the time delay the Oncologist was not sure what had caused the reaction.
On the second chemo the allergic reaction started straight away and they had to stop to give me a cortisone injection before we could continue. At least I now know it is the Taxotere causing the problems. I am rambling on a bit, but apart from the other allergic reactions I now know the reaction I get from my TE is not encapsulation but some sort of side effect to the chemo. It started almost immediately with the other reactions this time. The tissue over the TE clamps down really hard. It is so tight if I move my arm too much the whole implant buckles as there is not enough room for it to move. If I bend down the whole TE sucks in to make really big dents and corrugations. This lasts about 6 days before it starts easing off. It is really distressing and uncomfortable. Have any of you had this reaction? If so have you found anything that helps? I would really appreciate your help
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Hi Ladies,
I have yet another SE I'd like to ask about. I will call the nurse's line at the next opportunity but wanted to check here as well. I developed pain in the veins in my right arm from AC #1, which was seven weeks ago (I used the left arm for #2 and #3). The oncology nurse told me to go to urgent care in case it got red or I got a fever, which didn't happen. They also told me to use hot compresses, which I did, but the vein has gotten steadily worse. The vein now sticks up and feels like a hard cord. I can't fully straighten my arm without pain and tightness. Would love to hear if anyone had this and what their doctor or nurse said about it. I'm not sure whether to try to stretch it out, or to avoid aggravating it.
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Ann - I have corded veins and pain from every AC I've gotten - 4 so far. I can't fully straighten my arm either. The spot from the first injection which was 8 weeks ago still hurts. I don't have any redness or heat, just some yellow bruising that travels from the injection site all the way up my arm. The nurses told me it was a normal and that veins get scarred from AC and that it may take up to a year to resolve completely.
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happy labor day everyone - I know many of us have finished the AC treatments and we're starting Taxol this week. Is there anyone that has already had the first few weeks of Taxol? How is it going? Just wondering on what to expect. Thanks
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Yes I'll be starting Taxol in 2 weeks and am curious to hear from others who've already started
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Labor Day--I tried to rest--but felt good so sorted and cleaned a bit.
The nurse side of me is surfacing. The vein issues are from the horrid toxicity of the drugs. Sometimes oncologists will allow a smaller vein to be accessed if the person has few rounds of chemo. When I was diagnosed the port was not an option. I was told date and time. But--knew up front i was in this for a long haul of chemo.
Years ago, in clinical practice worked with children with cancer. Port placement for them was not optional. Anything to avoid vein scarring and to allow a constant site of access.
My port is upper left chest wall. It is NOT attractive. Can be seen in almost all clothing--except probably a turtleneck--today it was 102. The low for the next 10 days is 94. So--mine is visible. With my light bulb alien bald head--I am a prize!
Am also anxious to hear about Taxol. My last AC is Thursday.
sweet dreams
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Hi Everyone,
I've been perusing all the posts.. so much humour, so much honesty, so many great tips. I was almost hesitant to post, because I'm doing so darn well this round! But then I think a good news story is always nice. I'm on session 4, and it's so much better than last time, and last time was so much better than the time before. I have leg weakness, not highly energetic, but more energy than other times. Have no pain, no nauseau, no diarhea (the bigger problem with first and second round for me) and my mouth tastes a bit tinny, but food is actually tasting good. I'm celebrating all of this. It's not what was 'predicted.'
Sharing thoughts around 'what might be working': I'm curious if the extreme steroids and anti-histamines I take before, during and day after chemo are making treatments SE's improve each time. I've had extreme allergic reactions day of chemo ..and each session the pre-chemo drugs have increased.. meaning instead of more usual 8 m of steroids, I get 20 ms, 300 m rantitidine, 150 benadryl: morning before, 12 hours before, 6 hours before (and during and after)
hmm, wait a sec.. what if my brain is stunned by all the drugs and is just imagining how well I am? hee hee. Works for me.
I'm also taking supplements recommended by InspireHeath doctors to manage side effects. (Canadian Cancer Integrative care http://inspirehealth.ca/ )
Also a strong focus on 'feeding my soul' with whatever feels good right then.. whether arts, nature, movie, visits, paddleboarding on good days, camping. I had no option but to go this route: My business is 'stalled' as its not a business I can keep functioning through all this, my finances are chaos, I'd just been getting back on track after my daughter went through healing from ovarian cancer, and a six month cancer scare with my granddaughter. I knew I had to do whatever it took to keep my spirits lifted, and that that is all I could do. (I flail on anything I 'should' do, but that drains my energy. So, 'what feels good' is my main focus. Also I do a lot of visualization. ( That's part of my background.. teaching others to both do self guided visualization and to guide others)
So. Something is working. Perhaps the combination. Just happy as a bald headed clam that side effects mprove each time. And wishing that for all of you!!!!!!
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Hi Soltantio... I'll head over there now! Haven't been there yet.
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I had good energy today. I'm hoping it holds out until AC #4 in a week and a half. I was glad to hear from roadwarrior and some old threads that the vein cording is supposed to heal eventually.
All the SE's I've had are more physically uncomfortable than painful. The painful thing is worrying that they're permanent. Well actually the menopause is probably permanent but that was heading my way soon anyways!
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Been away for a bit, but came back looking for some experiences with Taxol. I finished my DD AC X4 which was just about bearable, and i made it through.
I start weekly Taxol x12 tomorrow, and even though everyone tells me it will be easier I am finding it extremely hard to believe. I am having my usual pre chemo anxiety/stress/jitters/anger/disgust.
I hope to hear from anyone in this group who has started Taxol, or well, I will let you how it went!
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Good morning ladies, I hope everyone had a good weekend. I'm heading out for round 4 of AC this morning. This will be the last of the AC - thank goodness. Then the plan is to start Taxol in two weeks. I am happy to be getting this part of the treatment over with. After today I will be halfway through chemotherapy - something else to be grateful about. Wishing everyone minimal SEs this week and a good day!
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Hi - Just curious why you start Taxol now and not with the other "goodies"? I have Taxotere and Carboplatn plus Herceptin and the "P" drug either placebo or Perjeta. Anyway just wondering.... has anyone talked with the radiologist yet? I had red hair so get REALLY sunburned and am worried about how the radiation will go. My hair is coming back a little already and it looks so white - ugggggggggg - another "benefit". So funny I have all my other hair - yes ALL of it except the hair on my head. God truly has a sense of humor. Anyone else get really sick about 5 days after their treatment? What works?????
Take care - CVM
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Well, starting Taxol tomorrow and not looking forward to it. Not sure why since my case manager, my SIL (who's a nurse), my ONC and the nurses at the cancer center tell me the SE's (if I experience any) will not be as bad as AC. The worst I should expect is being really tired and some bone pain (like with my neulasta shot - but never had pain with my neulasta). Why can't I believe anyone? Not sure. This weekend should be interesting....
So on top of everything else, my DH was in a car accident a few weeks ago (sideswiped by an uninsured & unlicensed driver here in CA) and our insurance company totalled the car. Yeah, so on top of Taxol tomorrow, we've got to go find a new (meaning new or used) car for us by next Tuesday so he can turn in the rental. I'm just so grateful he was not hurt. The other driver hit the car really good, he ended up going through a ditch and traveling another 150 feet before his car stopped. Everyone is amazed the car didn't flip over when it hit the ditch. Unfortunately, we're upside down on the car, and when my DH called the finance company to see if they would discount what we are upside down on, they gave him a sales pitch on how they can work with him and just add what is owed onto a new loan if we go with the same make. I even told him to try and use my BC as a sympathy measure but no deal. Oh well... I told him it didn't hurt to try. The answer is always no if you don't ask. He's so stressed. Me, not so much, but I think it's just because he wasnt' hurt and well, with everything all of us ladies must pay out for our treatments and everything, what's another several thousand on top of that. Honestly, what are we gonna do?
Oh yeah, I emailed my herbalist/pharmacist and he said he wants me to take B-6, L-glutamine and continue taking my green tea and alpha lopic acid for helping with any neuropathy I may get from Taxol. I actually have to break down all of my supplements and take them over a period of 3 meals because I can't for the life of me get everything down in one sitting. I'm grateful for this gentleman, just feeling like a walking pill bottle by the end of the day. LOL.
Hoping everyone is doing well and Take Care.
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I had my routine blood work, tomorrow is Taxol #1. Since I am on the weekly plan, my steroids will be administered during infusion. My nurse practitioner said to expect less fatigue....thank God! Big concerns are nails/neuropathy/joint pain. Not everyone gets these so I will have to wait to see. By starting tomorrow, my 12 weeks will put me at the finish line the DAY BEFORE Thanksgiving. Talk about being grateful. Also, I thought my reprieve between chemo and rads was Two weeks...they said at the doctor's office that they normally wait FOUR weeks. But during those four weeks I can schedule the port removal.....gee.....am I getting ahead of myself here?!
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Teeballmom- so sorry you now have this added on your plate but so happy your husband was not hurt. I made an acupuncture appt today I have to let you know how it goes...
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Woohoo!! I have officially graduated from the BGC!
My MO told me to give my rad onc a call and let him know I've finished so they can start planning my rads. Should start in about 4 weeks. I will have plenty to give thanks for in November in addition to celebrating my first birthday post BC on black Friday. I will be 46 and will never complain about another number being added to that total.
My last rond of SE's and then let the healing begin. -
EAgles FAn--
COngratulations on finishing chemo! Even though you are still facing the last round of side effects, it has to be a great relief to know you don't have to do this all over again in a couple of weeks! I wonder how much the lack of that dread/stress will ease your side effects this time?
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Congratulations PAEaglesFan, wow it must feel so good to be done with chemo!
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It certainly does take a lot of the edge off of the SE's this time around as I know I will only continue feeling better and better. I even convinced my MO to not have to take 1 last neulasta shot. My arthritic neck and hips will thank me.
I hope you are all reaching the end of your treatments as well. It is a great feeling
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I got some good SE news today. Saw the cardiologist for my post-AC#3 follow up. I have had the same symptoms after each infusion (heart pounding and occasional flutters) but they have been milder each time. She gave me the all-clear, said I don't need any more follow-up. Also reassured me that the chance of long-term heart damage from the Adriamycin is very small, and the one oddity on my original echo is not a concern. So no more cardiology visits for me!
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Had last round of AC yesterday and my shot today. So now, if it goes the same as the last three, the side effects should begin tomorrow. It took the nurses four attempts to get the IV into a vein yesterday...ouch! Of course this sent me into full blown anxiety mode but the rest went okay after that. I have to go for a heart scan next week before beginning Taxol and Herceptin on 9/17. I know that I am only halfway there but it sure feels good to be on the countdown side of the treatments.
Congrats to you PAeagles, I am so happy that you are finished with chemo.
Teeball I am sorry to hear that on top of BC that you have to deal with the car. But as you said, thank goodness your husband was not hurt. On another note, be sure to ask the onc about the green tea during Taxol. My doctor told me that I have to stop drinking it because it is such a diuretic (sp?) it can flush the drugs out to quickly. I don't mean to butt in but I thought it was worth mentioning to you.
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Ann- good news ...thanks for sharing. Just means you have a great heart!
Taxol #1 went great today...but I'm still on the steroids...so far so good.
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Teeballmom : Sorry to hear about your DH and good to know hes not hurt!
Ann - Great news on your heart congrats!
PAeagles : Whoopie congrats! I still have some way to go before reaching end of chemo... but i am alreday imagine how it muct feel!
I had my firts dose of Taxol yesterday. So far so good. No SE's at all. But it may the steroids... so we will have to wait and see for a couple of days! Fingers crossed!
Sending good vibes and wishing for minimal se!
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Hi everyone.
Had my first taxol/herceptin yesterday. Going in I was feeling that nervous nausea you can get when you're about ready to give a speech, and then of corse didn't eat or drink much. My onc could tell (geez) so I got a little lecture that I didn't drink enough water and I was slightly anemic, may WBC were good. Yay!!
They first gave me a steroid and 50 mg of Benadryl through my IV. I will say the Benadryl was the worst part. Although I didn't get any reaction during infusion from the taxol, my left leg got that really tired feeling from the Benadryl and I couldln't get comfortable. I did sleep off and on but I'm remembering why I don't like Benadryl. My head felt so apart from my whole body. Anyway, After all was done I was kept for an additional half hour for observation, but I'm not sure if it is because of the taxol or herceptin. They just spent the time giving me additional hydration through my IV. I was so ready to leave that right on the dot I rang my bell to leave. We had to go get our boys from after school care and I was so ready to leave. I will say there is absolutely no way I will be able to drive myself home, too woozy.
So I just woke up and I'm feeling really good so far. I did take some Ativan last night to make sure I slept through the night because of the steroids from yesterday.
Tomorrow I'll post how that went. My onc insisted I shouldn't have any side effects which will be great. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Take care and wishing luck to everyone in the BGC this week and no/minimal side effects for all. -
Good news from so many of you....Except the car accident. I'm sorry to hear about that.
Many of you have more to go with different chemos than I take. I think that's because I'm triple negative...which is a scary thing. There aren't many other drugs to treat me. But I'll be glad when chemo is over. The Oncologist changed me to a 4 week schedule for my last 2 in order to give my body a chance to make more red blood cells (I think that's what for)..so I wouldn't feel so fatigued.
Acupuncture....someone mentioned it...but I can't find the reference. Any experiences with it? I'm SO afraid of neuropathy. It would completely change my lifestyle of lots of walking, step-aerobics, etc. But I don't know much about it. Please let me know what YOU know. Thanks, Nat
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Natl12: once I have my acupuncture treatment on Friday, I'll post how it went. Acupuncture has helped me in the past with neck and back problems so I am hopeful.
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