Sept 2012 chemo

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2012

    Good day everyone!...I am 6 days out from # 3 chemo and feel so tired. I feel like a slug today but need to get out of the house. I am going nutty!! It was 10 below zero out this morning but sunny so I managed to walk around the yard. We have 2 acres and it is nice to watch the birds and squirrels at the feeders all stashing the seed. I wandered around like a zombie but it felt good. I seem to be in some super chemo fog....I hate it. 1 more round...aacchhh!



    Cindi way to go on the bike, I haven't been on mine for 2 days. I just cannot get myself on it. Hopefully tomorrow.



    I hope everyone has a minimal SE this week!.....


    Cindi good idea to do the NYC trip, it will be a good thing before Taxol...and oh so pretty!

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  • Timbek2
    Timbek2 Member Posts: 204
    edited October 2012

    Round three ac. Feeling like a slug too. So glad to have one more round only! Sucks the life right out of you. Doesn't feel like living. Feels like surviving. My son has a banquet fir his sport tomorrow night. Praying I can drag myself to it. Somebody day weekly taxol will be a breeze or I may lose it! Lol. Love to all fellow slugs. May our bodies be healed completely and forever. Xo

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  • MsTori
    MsTori Member Posts: 402
    edited October 2012

    Hi everyone- I have been over in the October start chemo group, but thought I would pop over. I started October 12th. I'm 10 days post first chemo. I have been reading your suggestions on scalp. I haven't lost my hair as of now. I did cut it shorter. I guess I'm just dreading that one more thing is going to go. Is there a clue to when it will go? How I should shave it and if it will hurt? Thank you for any advice.

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2012

    timebek2 and bearcub - I have my third ac tomorrow, so happy that I am almost done with the AC.

    MsTori - my oncologist said 19 to 21 days for hair loss, started "shedding" around day 14, coming out in clumps on day 21. I cut it shorter in two stages, wish I would have shaved it before I was getting handfuls while shampooing. Someone suggested a 2 guard clipper cut. Your scalp is going to feel tender, like having your hair up for too long, but that was the extent of the pain. Hope that helps.

    Hoping everyone has minimal side effects and a great week!

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  • cgesq
    cgesq Member Posts: 319
    edited October 2012

    MsTori,

    I'm on the same chemo regimen as you and my hair started to come out about 24 days after my first treatment. After about a week of it thinning and coming out, I decided to buzz it. It was too depressing to watch it come out slowly. Meanwhile, I'm almost at my third treatment (YAY!!) and I still have lots of stubble!

    A suggestion that I got, and that really helped, was while you are "shedding", to sleep in those breathable shower cap looking things that surgeons/medical professionals wear. This way, your hair doesn't get all over your pillow and sheets when you sleep. I asked at the hospital where I'm being treated and they gave me several.

    The hair coming out doesn't hurt, but as everybody has said, your scalp will be sensitive. Its a strange feeling. Just one more new experience we are all getting courtesty of breast cancer.

    Good luck!

    Cheryl

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2012

    Butterfly, good luck tomorrow with the third AC....we are almost done this stuff!!..hope you have a easy go this round.



    MsTori, the ladies are here to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming chemo. Hang in there!....mine started to shed big time around day 14-16. Finally had DH buzz it ....I do miss having my hair, I will be starting to regrow it on Nov 7th..my last chemo.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2012

    So ladies, back in CT they did a story on me and my sister for breast cancer awareness month. I'm famous! Now you can say you knew me back when =P hahaha

    Feel free to watch it =): http://www.wfsb.com/video?clipId=7867927&autostart=true

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited October 2012

    Justegan hey!!!

    How are you!!!! Joined over here because my onco type was 32...., looks like I will be found chemo. I will find out definately on Thursday !! Hope ur doing great cant wait to watch the video!!

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited October 2012

    So i am starting to feel a lot better today. Still a bit sluggish, but a big turn around from Saturday. I go for blood work and a mammo Wednesday. Fingers crossed all clear.

    MsTori, i'm on taxol and carboplatin and my hair started falling out by day 10 in chuncks 12/13, shaved it off on 14. The famous words I hear all the time " it depends on the person".

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  • 7312012
    7312012 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2012

    Justine,

    Great video of you and your family! You all looked comfortable talking in front of the camera. Terrific!

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  • 7312012
    7312012 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2012

    Cheerio,

    I'm sorry to hear you have been sick. I was very ill round 1 of the Adriamyacin/Cytoxan. My doctor added the "miracle drug" Emend to my pre-treatment nausea meds and round 2 was much, much better. Emend is administrated through my IV, but it can also be taken in pill form. Apparently it is very expensive and must be approved by the insurance company (at least in my case). You might ask your doctor about it.

    I just had round 3 this afternoon, so we will see if Emend proves to be faithful to me.

    Anyone experience anticipatory nausea? I can get queasy walking into the oncologist's office, looking at the "Red Devil" being fed into my IV, and last week, I even got queasy calling the oncologist's office to ask a question! The treatment was harder than usual due to my nauseated mind set. I'm home now and feel much better after eating a light, bland meal and taking an Ativan that is about to put me out for the night.

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  • 7312012
    7312012 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2012

    Has anyone finished their rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan and have moved on to Taxol? I'm curious to know the difference. I'm told it will be easier, but I'd like to talk to someone who has actually experienced it.

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited October 2012

    Justegan,  What a wonderful family.  Great video.  You have great courage.  Hang in there.  Hugs.

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  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,735
    edited October 2012

    justegan so glad I picked today to pop over to September though I am mainly on October. Thanks for sharing and so good to see your family support too. Tears in my eyes and I will show it to my 26 year old daughter who spent the day at pur provincial parliament buildings at a sit in protesting the proposed Enbridge pipeline across our provnce. She helped me set up a blog on Sat. though I have yet to post. So much to say but not sure how.

    No wonder your students are so inspired by the way!

    Smile Marian

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2012

    justegan - great video of you and your family. You looked great!

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  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited October 2012

    Justegan loved the video . You are such a positive role model for girls and women . Your sister is so sweet for shaving her head too. You both are beautiful

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  • whenlifegivesyoulemons
    whenlifegivesyoulemons Member Posts: 184
    edited October 2012

    Justegan,

    How brave, and generous.  Imagine if your story helped just one person?  What a gift.

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  • QueenKong
    QueenKong Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2012

    I took Melrose’s advice for lemon and honey tea, it helped so much. I’m feeling better. I need a mom like you.

    I swear sometimes I can smell the chemo leaching off my skin when I have these hot flashes. What to do about the hot flashes? I get so little sleep because of them.

    @jojo – Thanks for posting the Komen article. The comments shed light on a topic I think we all need to be aware of.

    @Mariposa – I have no idea what that is. So many strange side effects. What is the glutamine for? I’m googling that.

    7312012 I asked on a couple of other boards about the Taxol as I have my fourth & last AC on Wednesday then move on to four ttmts of Taxol. They all say it’s easier so I am hopeful.

    @Justegan You’re famous & beautiful, thanks for sharing

    @ kidsandlabs – crossing fingers for you for the tests. I’m wondering why you are having them now. I would love a MRI to see how well this is working

    @Butterfly – another one down. We can do this.

    Timbek2 – walking helps me to get through feeling bad. I hope you’re feeling better today.

    @bearcub – 10 below? Oh my, that is is cold. How are you and the squirrels even moving?

    @Jodirocks – I don’t like the wigs either. I go out with it on my head and then bam! Hot flash and then a chill, the wigs are uncomfortable. Maybe I need the right wig?  Scarves are ok and hats. I’m going to hold my bald head up proud too. I’m beautiful.

    DId I miss anyone?

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  • QueenKong
    QueenKong Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2012

    DO GREAT!!!

    My friend who is a survivor sent me this article and inspiring video. She's one of the survivors in the video. It made me so happy. 

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicole-haran/do-great_b_2000704.html

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  • Timbek2
    Timbek2 Member Posts: 204
    edited October 2012

    Both of those clips made my day!  Way to go Justine!  You rock!  And that precious sister!  Just love her so much!  Thanks for sharing ladies!  Sweet dreams to all!!!

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2012

    Justine you and your sister are amazing, and beautiful. I loved the video clip.



    Queen kong I loved that video your friend sent along to you. The good thing about cold weather I can wear a toque and I don't stand out!..it will warm up again around May!!



    Timbek hope you are feeling a bit better and are able to get to your sons banquet tomorrow evening....



    Kidsandlabs hope you are feeling better. If you don't mind me asking why the mammogram during chemo?

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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited October 2012

    Hi there,

      Justegan:  Thanks so much for sharing.  What an awesome video!!!  You have such an amazing, beautiful, and supportive family.  I think those are the things that get us through this.  You are very blessed- plus you are one gorgeous confident bald woman!  It looks like you are just a cool chick rocking a shaved head:-) 

    So, the doctor called me back today and the weird burning in my fingertips is neuropathy:-(  I had it today in my toes.  It goes away very quickly but is painful and irritating.  I am supposed to let them know if it starts to intefere with my day.  Anyone else experiencing this?  I am taking the glutamine to help prevent the neuropathy - plus I am taking it to help prevent the mouth sores.  So far it worked this round for the mouth sores (plus I was constantly gargling with baking soda, brushing my teeth, and using "good belly" probiotics)  Oh well.  Another SE

       Has anyone lost their eyebrows yet?  When is that supposed to happen???

    I better try to clean up and get some sleep.  Good night everyone. 



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  • aic
    aic Member Posts: 417
    edited October 2012

    Thanks to everyone for the support for my hospital stay...turned out to be two nights and just a virus... thinking about and praying for everyone on here

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited October 2012

    Justine - I am honored to know someone so famous!  Many blessing to you and your family - how wonderful that was.

    Queen - welcome to our home away from home!

    Cherioo - how are you feeling?

    7312012 - I think Donna was going to be the first here to finish AC then move on to Taxol but we haven't seen her in awhile.  I have my first Taxol on Friday, so I will be "live on the scene"  in the BGC with upcoming reports soon.  Mine is Dose Dense every 2 weeks, so maybe a little different than the weekly but its Taxol.

    Not sure who recommended yoga, but I am giving it a try this Thursday - ty!

    I got my "after chemo" MRI appt scheduled yesterday for the day after Christmas.  That felt like such a milestone!  

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2012

    I realize I never responded to those who commented about the note my student e-mailed me:
    To all those that did, thank you for your kind responses. I really wanted to share that because it was just so unbelievably kind and it took my breath away that a student would write that. You don’t realize your scope of influence until it is pointed out to you.

    Dakota,
    Hi, I’m doing well, it is so good to hear from you! Getting through my chemotherapy, going on round #3 on Friday. Hope you don’t have to do chemo but if you do I’m sure you will get through it like a champ!

    7312012,
    Thanks! I was super nervous so I’m glad that didn’t translate to the camera lol!
    I agree, if anyone has moved onto Taxol from AC and could tell us what it is like that would be awesome. I have it weekly so I’m nervous for that.

    Cindi,
    Thank you, I am so blessed to have my family in my life! *hugs*

    Marian,
    I am glad you popped in too. How are you?? I am so blessed to have my family, that is for certain. Good luck with your blog, I’m sure soon enough the words will come pouring out!
    And thank you!

    Butterfly,
    Thank you <3

    Cherioo,
    Thank you. I didn’t go into this whole BC diagnosis thinking I would be. But now I feel almost obligated to find some purpose from this experience and if that means educating other young women then awesome! =)

    Whenlife,
    I really hope it could’ve helped at least one person, how awesome would that be?!

    QueenKong, thank you! And thank you for sharing that video, it was amazing! So true! =)

    Timbek2,
    Thanks, she is pretty awesome! =P

    Bearcub,
    Thank you! =)

    Mariposa,
    Thanks, my family has been my rock through all of this that is for sure. And thank you…I miss my hair terribly but it is good to know I can rock it =P
    Haven’t lost my eyebrows yet, I hope they hang on! Lol

    Jojo,
    Thank you <33 That is so awesome Jojo….the light at the end of the tunnel for you…sort of! 

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  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited October 2012

     Wonderwomen,  There is an excellent article in tje November DISCOVER  magazine.  It's called Your Cancer Cure.

    It has a lot about lung cancer but is mainly about how they are beginning to target specific genes of individuals and specific cancer genes. But it also shows how drug companies are going after the drugs that MAY treat large numbers and not the drugs that may CURE small numbers,

    Let us know what you think when you read it.  Herceptin is one of the targeting drugs,

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  • Neta69
    Neta69 Member Posts: 203
    edited October 2012

    I'm off to get "calibrated" for my radiation today. Then Friday is my last TC chemo! I will have a week to recover and then the radiation starts. Monday- Friday, 29 sessions for the whole breast and armpit and 4 booster doses at the end. Anyone else doing rads?



    Bearcub, I feel the same. Actually looking forward to the cold so wearing a hat feels normal!

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  • PatinMN
    PatinMN Member Posts: 920
    edited October 2012

    Justegan and all - there's a "weekly taxol" thread that might help. Most of the women there have had AC first. I wrote about my own experience with weekly taxol a few pages back, but I did not have AC first. After 5 of the 12 infusions I haven't had many side effects. Still no nausea whatsoever. I noticed a lower energy level the last couple days. Bit of a bloody nose, just when I blow it. And either "D" or "C" after each infusion, so I'm prepared for either.

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  • Foreverchanged72612
    Foreverchanged72612 Member Posts: 223
    edited October 2012

    PatinMN and Justegan et al - I am on weekly Taxol, too, and like PatinMN I have not had AC...nor will I. After weekly Taxol I move on to FEC (and continuing with Herceptin). And like PatinMN, I have had no nausea. I haven't actually lost my hair yet, either. But I, too, get the bloody nose - I have had it since the first treatment. I was told by my nurse that with autumn and the air drying out naturally plus the chemo dries out the membranes, you may get a nosebleed especially when you blow your nose. Also, with my first treatment of Taxol I had an allergic reaction so I am given extra steroids in pill format to take the night before. And it's the SEs from these steroids that I notice the most - being wired, super appetite, sleeplessnes, etc.

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  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited October 2012

    Mariposa: I had my first Taxotere two weeks ago. No problems with neuropathy yet.  I dipped my fingers in ice water the whole time and also wrapped my feet in an ice pack just before and during the infusion to try and avoid this.  Two more rounds to go though, so I'll let you know if it works.  Nails are fine too at the moment.  No ridges or black marks (yet).

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