Sept 2012 chemo

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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2012

    Hi all!

     Congratulations Jojo on your first week back to work!!!  I am dreading that- but I still have a ways to go. 

    Queenkong:  Your booby sounds pretty distressing!!! I hope you are able to get seen by someone again soon. 

    As for me, I finally got a call back this morning.  I am on for chemo tomorrow.  I am so mixed - glad to be able to get more treatment, scared because I don't want further neuropathy, sad because I will be sick for Christmas.... and just all around anxious (probably because of the steroids).  I took my son shopping today (probably related to the anxiety- which is never a good thing)  My sixth round will be January 15th- which means January surgery will be put off until February... which means radiation will probably be in March when I start back at work.  This all sucks.  I want to scream, cry, and punch something.  But instead, I just smile and tell people I will be okay.  One nice thing is a friend took up a collection at work and they bought me Christmas dinner from Whole Foods... which makes me feel kind of bad for being angry at all of them for not checking in for the last four months.

    Okay enough of my rant.  I have an idea for art tonight for my blog- I am thinking about a game board with the goal being to get to the land of no recurrence... the set backs (you have neuropathy!  Take two steps back)  the positive things (Surgeon says you had a pathological complete response, take two steps forward!)...  I am sure the steroid will keep me up until three, so I can work on it then:-)

    Hope everyone else is doing well!  congrats on all of you finishing up!!!!  Hope we all have a weekend and holiday with no SE!!!!!!

     



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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited December 2012

    Mariposa, feel each day like we are on the cancer game board, just hoping for a good roll of the dice!



    Anyone get very stiff sitting? I sit in the office chairs at work now and can barely get up. Feeling so old from chemo.

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited December 2012

    damiana - Congratulations on finishing chemo!!

    Mariposa  - good luck with your chemo tomorrow. Sorry that everything has been so crazy with your treatment.

    Queenkong - I hope you feel better soon from the surgery, sounds painful.

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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2012

    I just was wondering something.   Do you think that it is more likely that people who have chemo first end up doing bmx and people who do surgery first do lumpectomies?   My surgeon is going to try to talk me out of a bmx, I just know it. 

    Jojo:  I am so sore when I sit for very long!!! As long as I am moving, I am okay.  I used to be able to bend over and put a flat palm on the floor without bending my knees, and now- I just kind of bend with my hands dangling in the air.  I think I need to do more yoga.  It is rough- and it isn't getting much better.  I also have a rough time doing things that involve me getting on the floor - like tying my kids shoes etc. 

    Does anyone know when the muscle soreness will go away???  I just need to hear that this is not my new normal!!!

     



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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited December 2012

    Mariposa - I did surgery first and had bmx., mainly because of genetics and chance for recurrence on other side. So far I do not regret my decision.

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited December 2012

    Mariposa: Sorry, I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Love the idea on your game board. I want to be first. Also, I feel you need to have done, surgery wise, what YOU want done. I asked my onc if she felt I was going overboard and having a BMX instead of a lumpectomy. She said, No, it's whatever will put you at ease. If it will take the worry away of reoccurence, then your doing the right thing. And I would worry.



    Jojo: every time I get up, I grunt like an old lady and then walk almost bow legged cause my toes are numb. My whole body just aches. And with a bald head. Such a pretty site.



    Damiana: congratulations on your last chemo!! Must be a good feeling.



    Anyone on Taxol have sharp pains that just shoot through your body. I'm hoping its from the taxol and not something else. I get these zingers that just make me cry out. Also, my chest is starting to hurt a little. So friggin scary.





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

    Mariposa- Yes.... the muscle aches & pains from the chemo do subside after you have that final chemo.  It won't be immediate but the soreness lessens everyday that you are PFC.   I know that as I felt better, I started doing more physical activities and could walk further without soreness.  It is definitely something to look forward to!!!!

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited December 2012

    Hopex3 - I have tremendous pain with the taxol all over my body. So happy only one more chemo to go!

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

    Mariposa I was thinking you had already had a bmx but now realize you have no date on it. I had a lumpectomy and SNB as my tumour looked just under 2 cm and core biopsy path looked good too. All changed with surgery path but I am signed up for a mx and axillary dissection (my bad luck to have 6/8 postive nodes) and will not do a bmx as so far seems no need. But I will be having rads and surgery with a similar time frame as you now that you are back with the chemo. My last Taxol is scheduled for January 30. With this being only day 3 after #1 so far so good. How long did it take for you to notice the neuropathy? And has it improved since you have had the break? I hope that the med you are on helps. I am on gabapentin which has its own S/E like not driving or operating heavy machinery for the week I am on it each cycle. 

    I like the game board idea!

    SmileMarian

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  • cgesq
    cgesq Member Posts: 319
    edited December 2012

    Mariposa, Sorry to hear about your roller coaster ride.  Good luck with your final treatments.

    Queenkong, Hope your boob gets better.

    Damiana, Its great that you are finished!!  Congrats!!

    I have my last TCH treatment on 12/26.  Looking forward to this being DONE but I'm not looking forward to the treatment.  

    Does anybody else have tearing eyes?  My eyes are constantly tearing now....yet another wonderful gift courtesy of chemo.  Thankfully, it isn't blocked tear ducts.  I went to the eye dr. today, who said the chemo dries out the mucus membranes in the eye (and nose, hence the nosebleeds) and to keep putting lubricating drops into each eye.  Its so annoying!!

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited December 2012

    Damiana and JoMommy congrats!



    I also am worried about not being able to do the full 17 rounds of Herceptin. I have had 1 and have the second one Dec, 27.... My cancer was in my left breast and so I get radiation starting Jan 3, on the left side.

    I am someone who is getting 16 rounds of radiation. I think some people get the same dose in less treatments by have a higher zap each day.

    I started Tamoxifen almost 3 weeks ago and have had really no side effects. ( so far)

    JoJo glad things are somewhat normal again, enjoy the office.



    Everyone have a great weekend!

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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2012

    Damiana:  I am so glad you are back:-)  I missed you!  I don't think  I saw your post because you posted the same time as  I did:-)  Congratulations on finishing!!!!  I can't wait to be done.

    Marian: Gabapentin is the same thing as neurontin- and I had no idea I was not supposed to be driving a car!!!  I drove all over tarnation today!  I am only taking one pill at night right now, and I am supposed to increase to two this week (but haven't as of yet).  It - in connection with not having chemo for a while- has definitely made some improvements.  My fingers feel pretty good (with the exception of one index finger).  My toes are still pretty numb- and the bottom of my feet are in a lot of pain. 

    Okay... still feeling sad about tomorrow.. but trying to cheer myself up by eating a bunch of brownies. 

     



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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited December 2012

    Wondering if anyone else has noticed since switching to taxol and steroids that their skin is acting like a full blow teenager?

    My skin was fine thru AC but since taxol and steroids I am breaking out everywhere... Hate it!

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  • Cherioo
    Cherioo Member Posts: 305
    edited December 2012

    Amy I am breaking out too like a teenager on my chin

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  • Foreverchanged72612
    Foreverchanged72612 Member Posts: 223
    edited December 2012

    Amy: I broke out really bad when I was on Taxol and steroids and my doctor told me it was a side effect of the steroids. All my negative side effects for those 12 weeks were effects of steroids! I was lucky in that Taxol and Herceptin didn't give me bad SE's. I didn't even lose my hair. Now I'm prepping for my second FEC/herceptin treatment. Physically, I'm hoping not to be in bed for 7 days afterwards like last time. I was completely drained of all energy. Mentally, I'm trying to get over the fact that I'll be getting chemo on Christmas Eve. Fuck, I hate cancer.

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited December 2012

    Foreverchanged... Fuck I hate cancer too! Lol all the side effects are such a slap in the face and only add insult to injury... Im now bald, fat, and broke out! Oh the joy...

    On the plus side Im alive...

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited December 2012

    If anyone gets a chance to watch Dr. oz. today, Laura Berman talks about her breast cancer DX in Dec. 2011. I related to a lot of things she said. I have seen her a lot on TV and never realized how much she had been through, the leukemia in her oldest son, to her mother passing away last year to her DX with BC.

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited December 2012

    I am 5 weeks post last chemo and only had AC. I am also breaking out. I also have fingertips that are peeling and a bit sore.....

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  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2012

    Mariposa, I have exactly the same soreness in my legs after the Taxotere.  I mentioned this to my nurse yesterday, and she said it should be gone within "a few months" and get progressively better each week.  Some ladies on another thread said that it took 4-6 months for them to feel "normal" again.

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  • butterfly14
    butterfly14 Member Posts: 253
    edited December 2012

    Today having tremendous pain in back, knees, ankles and feet and a fever from the taxol and the neulasta shot. I cannot wait to feel normal again, right now even vicodin not touching the pain.

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  • twinsplus1
    twinsplus1 Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2012

    Amy: I developed acne and rosacea after chemo #1. MO sent me to dermatologist - put me on doxycycline and metro cream. My face cleared up within 3 days. It worth talking with your doc.

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited December 2012

    Twinsplus.. Really I have doxycycline in the med cabinet from awhile ago precancer.... Hmmm thinking I might have to make a call!

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited December 2012

    Butterfly: I totally sympathize with you! When I get like that which is almost every day, I take a hot bath. Drink some Chamiolle Tea and take a pain pill along with Advil.

    In fact , I'm going to listen to my own advice and do that.



    Bear cub: I watched dr. Oz because of your suggestion. Thanks...very interesting. I also enjoyed Dr. Soram. I didn't realize that dairy products was hard to digest by the liver. I think I need to change things up.



    Speaking of breakouts: have two huge zits on my bald head! WTF! Must be the oil that I rub into it. But really!

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  • adagio
    adagio Member Posts: 982
    edited December 2012

    bearcub - I am curious as to why you only had AC? No taxol? 

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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2012

    Had chemo today.  They were packed!  It took two hours just to get a chair.  Very unusual.  I am feeling okay now.  Hoping that the lower dose will make a difference (I got 80% of my usual dose of taxotere - and 100% of the carboplatin.)  I brought two bags of frozen peas today, and kept my feet in my ice cooler.  I laid the other bag of peas on my hands.  And I sucked ice.  I felt ridiculous- but whatever works.  Give peas a chance:-)  I also am hoping that the hair I am growing doesn't decide to fall out in fourteen days.  We will see.  I also get those silly pimples on my bald head.  Seriously, don't we have to deal with enough without a zit on our bald head?? 

    An interesting thing is that I was born with a very full head of hair, so really no one has seen my bald head until now.  In the very back of my head at the base of my skull, I have this birthmark that looks like a big red heart.  I kind of love it  I want to take some pictures because I will be sad when it is gone.

    Okay enough of my weirdness:-)  I was up last night until 4am with my steroid high (I also picked a crazy fight with my husband about not being hugged enough)... I am a moody mess.

    English Rose: Uggh!! 4 - 6 months of this pain seems crazy!!  I feel like my body is falling apart.  I do find that riding the exercise bike seems to help alot.  I think movement is key- it is just so hard to move when you are super stiff and muscles ache.

    Hope everyone has a good weekend with no SE!!!  I am sure I will write again soon... maybe at three in the morning:-)

     



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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited December 2012

    Mariposa... OMG! I too have this huge red birthmark on the back of my head close to the nape of my neck! Mine is not heart shaped...more like tweety birds head. I never knew I had that until now. At first I thought it was irritation from the clippers but guess not. Strange that we both found that out now!

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited December 2012

    Queenkong ... I hope everything turns out just fine... I'll send out prayers for you!!!



    I hope that everyone is getting ready for the holidays and make the best if it and enjoy every minute of if it with or without your love ones....... Near or far long as we carrie them inside our hearts......



    Everyday I try not to think about recurrence but it's there just like everyone here thinks about it but I also hear and see so many survivors of 20 10 30 years ...and I see myself there so I will enjoy my Christmas Eve and Christmas day ... I wanna spend it with my daughter and hubby just the three of us most of my family are in Colorado... And some of you remember they were just here..... Driving me crazy... Lol but u know i love then all...so my ladies those that finish chemo and surgery enjoy this wonderful day... The ones that will be finishing we still got this we are in our chemoland for Christmas I believe is a gift cause is killing those nasty cells ..........



    And if you must know about breaking out .......I got nasty pimple on my you know what ( down there) and it hurtssss.... (((I call it my cookie...). :). TMI ,.... But if everyone is breaking out why not share lol...





    Had my 2 taxol today .... I wished that when that Benadryl kicked in I would fall sleep but I get so bothered I feel bored .. My cloths bothers me even though i went very confi with sweats and tennis .. I was so bored of my cloths that I took my bra off in the restroom my body just feels weird .....but when I get home I sure sleep.. I know that this steroids have me wide a wake and I'm so hungry would love some real burritos ... lol

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited December 2012

    Add hot flashes!!!!



    ..... Everybody wake up!!! I would love to go shopping now while everyone sleeps or maybe I should be Santa get all those gift ready for everyone here ...... Anyone need help wrapping!!! Lol

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited December 2012

    Just a quick question my port has never hurt but with Taxol it hurts when the needle goes in and when it's s pulled out the nurse said that it maybe a nerve .... Has it happen to anyone ....





    Ok I'll try to sleep... I hope everyone is sleeping.... No SE

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  • Mariposa123
    Mariposa123 Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2012

    That is so cool Hopex3 that you have a neat birthmark too:-)  Don't you wish that you could "like" people's posts!  We should take pictures and share them:-)

    I think it would be a lot of fun shopping with you Patricia! 

    I am weirdly awake and super sleepy.  Not sure what to do.

    Much love and no SE!

     



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