December 2012 chemo group

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  • donster
    donster Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2013

    Good morning,

    Quiet board for a couple of days.  I hope everyone is doing and feeling well. 

    I am happy to report that I finished my final round of TC yesterday! I will get my last Neulasta shot today and then endure the SE's over the next week.  I am hopeful that the SE's are not too bad and the excitement of nearing the finish line brings a rush of optimism when I am truly feeling yucky. 

    It is a funny feeling though today.  Although I know that the chemo protocol has ended and I am joyous about that...did it kill all of the mini mets?  are we sure 4 rounds is enough?  how will we kmow?  how do we stay vigilant?  Lots of mixed emotions to work through.

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2013

    donster, here's to hoping your SE are few with this LAST tx!  Yay for finishing!

    bren, wow, I'm surprised you had a reaction to the carboplatin.  I guess at some point our bodies have to mount a defense that says "enough is enough!"  I hope the itchiness has gone away by now.

    I'm day 18 after my final tx and the last couple days I've not been feeling well at all.  I told my husband, actually, that I feel like I'm only a few days out from a chemo tx (not full blown, but maybe an 8 on a scale of 10).  I've had bubbly stomach, nausea, diarrhea, chills, headache, bone pain and low-grade fever.  My WBC neutrophils and platelets were low when I went in for my Herceptin on Tues, day 14.  I called the on-call onco last night and he said I've got febrile neutropenia.  He told me to start my reserve antibiotic immediately and 1000mg of Tylenol with lots of fluids until the fever comes down.  He said if my fever goes above 102F (currently 100.4) then I'm going to the hospital.  So, here's to hoping the antibiotics kick in and do their job soon!  Geez, just when you feel like you are getting done... 

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited February 2013

    Steiner, I am sure that is disappointing. Just when you think you are finally finished with all the SE's and going to start feeling normal again. I do hope that the antibiotic does the trick and that you can avoid the hospital!

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited February 2013

    steiner, echoing what Bren said.  

    I asked my oncologist whether or not I'd have to have a Neulasta shot after the last infusion and we decided yes, based on the fact that my counts go low in between. 

    Your post is a reminder that this stuff really does have a cumulative effect on our bodies.  Scary, to say the least. 

    My thoughts and prayers are with you!  

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2013

    Bren and Lee, thank you.  And, yes, Lee...my onco did mention that on the phone last night that even though I'm over 2 weeks out from last tx the effects are cumulative and that would explain the neutropenia.  I never did Neulasta, first two treatments I bounced back really quickly and the last 2 treatments my neutrophils got really low (500) but still never got the shot.  I bet if I had 6 treatments I'd get it the last time or two based on my history with 3 and 4.

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited February 2013

    steiner, I thought of this after I posted earlier today: the integrative physician at the Disney Cancer Center recommended acupuncture to help build up the white blood cell count.  I haven't had it done yet (I've had acupuncture before but not there) but did google it today and there have been medical studies that look promising. 

    I'm not sure if it would be effective at the point where you are right now - post-chemo - but I don't see why it wouldn't be...or perhaps better said - I don't see that it could hurt. 

    The only word of caution - I saw a mention here at BCO.org (an article) regarding chemotherapy and acupuncture and they stated we should never have needles stuck in our cancer side arm(s). 

    Editing to add link:  http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/types/acupuncture

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2013

    How's everyone doing?  

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited February 2013

    having some nice bone pain today.  How are you? 

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  • Nicole503
    Nicole503 Member Posts: 295
    edited February 2013

    Ditto on the bone/muscle pain.  Taxol side effects are definitely different from AC.  It's nice to trade in the nausea but the pain is exhausting it it's own right.  Also some intermittent abdominal discomfort.

    On the upside, I did 2 miles on the treadmill at the community center yesterday and a little over 2 miles in our neighborhood park this morning.  Exercise feels more possible now that I am past AC and I'm looking forward to feeling a little stronger and going a little longer.

    Hope everyone else is well.

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited February 2013

    Not so good. I am exhausted, my legs hurt, of course everything tastes awful, and the chemo cave is not a fun place tonight. tx #5 has not been fun. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2013

    Hello All ,



    I feel pretty good today ! Tested my limit though for alcohol yesterday with 2 glasses of wine - did not feel good in the evening because of it . This is my good week so thought I would indulge a but wish I hadn't . I think I'm going to wait at least a month after my last tx befor doing that again - don't think my liver likes it .

    Bren - i sorry your going through the bad days right now - it will be better tomorrow though- just keep the fluids going . Your closer to the end of this at least !

    Steiner - wow that is no fun to get the neutropenia 18 days out . I had the fever etc each tx as well but it has usually been on days 12-14 . Sounds like by now your have it under control so you should be seeing much better days ahead .

    Lee - thanks for posting the info about acupuncture and boosting the WBC - my insurance covers acupuncture and I had been thinking about a visit to a center near my home for that . I also think I will ask my onc to test my wbc - rbc mid cycle this time . They have not done that any of the other 3 x but I would like to not have the fever happen again. But then again I am not really anxious to have one of those shots either . Not sure what I will

    Nicole - you are an amazingly strong lady ! 2 miles 2 days in a row and only a few days past taxol - wow ! It taxol,is similar to taxotere my recommendation is Just watch for tenderness in the mouth area and brush and rinse with baking soda mixture at least 3 times a day . Also consider taking Prevacid or Prilosec if not already doing so .

    Going to my last tx this thursday - not looking forward to it but will be different knowing I won't have to come back :)



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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited February 2013

    Hi ladies. I'm feeling good as infusion five is this Thursday. Four down two to go. My fingernails are achy and both thumbs have red arcs on them. They're very sensitive and feel as if I've pulled them back. I hope this isn't an indication of trouble to come. My eyebrows are thinning as there's been no newbies growing in which tells me once the senior brows fall out I'll be brow-less. Boo.



    At least it was nice seeing so many gorgeous women sporting short hair-dos at the Oscars! Perhaps we will look that sharp later this year!



    Bren - hang in there!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2013

    Today is 17 days post final AC. My biggest complaint is the incredible fatigue. I'm not sleepy, but it takes all my energy just to get dressed. This morning while getting ready for church I had to sit on the toilet to put my makeup on. My DH drops me at the front door at church, then after service he gets the truck and picks me up.



    Day 6 after final AC I noticed my left calf and foot hurting. It actually took a day or more for me to realize it wasn't an all over ache, but was centered in those 2 places.

    On day 8 I went to the ER and found out I had a blood clot in my femur. (Deep vein thrombosis).



    They started me on injections I give myself twice daily in the stomach. I was also on Coumadin. On Wednsday I saw the nurse/practioner for follow up and she said, because I still have 12 weekly taxol to take, I have to continue the shots through that 12 weeks. They took me off Coumadin.



    I was also dx with a UTI. They gave me macrobid for that which caused a bright red rash on my legs.



    I've never been sick. I'm 62. Had the flu twice in my life. I can shake a cold in 3 days.



    Now this crud!



    I pray you are all doing well.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Nicole503
    Nicole503 Member Posts: 295
    edited February 2013

    Paula - I'm sorry to hear that the final round of AC left so much collateral damage.  I am finding taxol a bit easier (although the bone pain is no fun), and I wish that ease for you too.

    Looks like most of us December sisters have had a rough go of things here at the end of February.   May March bring all of us a little more ease......

    Happy Monday everyone.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2013

    Nicole, I think March will be better, just because its so close to Spring. That's my favorite time of year. I love having the doors & windows open..fresh air..flowers..warmer days...

    Just the promise of new beginnings.



    I spoke to the nurse/practioner this morning. She called to check on the rash. She said, I will tolerate taxol much better. I certainly hope so. The fatigue is what I hate most. I feel so useless right now. I can't imagine having a job or small children and going through this, and some of these young mothers are jogging. WHAT???



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited February 2013

    Today I finally did it I went and bought a wig and prosthesis. I was shocked at everything that BCBS covered and what I ended up paying.  For $100 I (the bill to insurance was 1k) got a daily prosthesis, a active/water prosthesis, 4 bra's, 4 shirts and a wig.  What took me so long?!?!?!  It felt so good to look nice in a shirt and not wear a hoodie.  It was such a good experience.  I went with my mom and I was so happy she was there.  It took 3 hours and I was exhausted after!  I figure this summer when I remove lefty I will still have at least 6 - 8 months before reconstruction so I might as well enjoy!

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited February 2013

    jenjen- so glad you had a great experience getting all that stuff! Glad BCBS paid too.

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2013

    that's great Jenjen!  Glad you were able to get some items to help you feel/look better.

    Paula, dang, it sounds like you had a rough week!  Is the blood clot issue resolved?

    Bren, hang in there...you've got one left!  You can do it!  

    FriendGwen, I was telling my husband last night that once my hair gets grown out a little more I want to style it how Charlize Theron had hers last night in a short pixie cut.

    Anyone heard from Runnergirl lately?  Or have I just missed her on here?  I have to admit I haven't been checking in as often as usual.  I've been so busy with school and work, any computer time I have is for those and not often for leisure. :(

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2013

    Steiner~I'm pretty sure the blood clot issue is resolving. Since yesterday I've been able to walk barefooted. I couldn't do that for over a week. They still want me on the injections until I finish chemo. That's odd to me. Platelets being high would dictate that. That's our blood clotting factor, but my platelets usually run low. As a matter of fact, all my numbers run low.



    But, I'm done with AC, so, HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Nicole503
    Nicole503 Member Posts: 295
    edited February 2013

    jenjenl ~ So glad you had a good time "falsie" shopping!  I felt the same way when I did it. It's fun to buy pretty bras with someone else's money!  Kiss Getting a wig in the same trip is fantastic!!!  Isn't it nice to be able to pass as a perfectly healthy and whole woman?  I call it my "chemo Barbie" look when I have an ambitious day and put on both the boobs and the hair.  Enjoy your new dressing options!!!

    Paula ~ glad to hear the blood clot is resolving.

    Bren58 ~ I'm thinking about you and hoping you have made it out of the chemo cave and into some sunnier skies.

    Be well everyone.

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  • donster
    donster Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2013

    Good morning ladies,

    Yah, March is coming in like a lion, isn't it?  I finished TC4 on Friday and thought foolishly that this last round would be a breeze just because 'what else could they throw at me"?  How is it even possible to have new side effects each and every time... 

    My daughter gave me great advice last night and I thought I would share= "Mom, today is Monday, and it was awful for you.  Tomorrow is Tuesday, and you will never have this day again, it will be behind you.  One day at a time,  You are doing great".  She is 14 years old, I wish I had her wisdom :)

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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited February 2013

    Donster - Out of the mouths of babes often come such brilliant words of advice. That's a great way of looking at your bad day. I'm getting antsy myself. Infusion 5 is Thursday but I have so much to do over the next couple of weeks I'm finding it hard to schedule my recovery days! I work full time plus am a realtor and real estate is picking up big time. Most of my clients don't even know about my BC. But seeing the light at the end of the tunnel helps a lot. It's almost March which is when my final chemo is!



    Enjoy your day gang!

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  • Nicole503
    Nicole503 Member Posts: 295
    edited February 2013

    Donster ~ love the wisdom of your 14 year old!!!  Thanks for sharing!

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  • MTJulie
    MTJulie Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2013

    It is funny(not ha ha funny) how the side effects can vary so much each time. I know that this time, after my 4th treatment, I have had some brand new SE's. A strange one that I had for about 4 days is having wonky eyes. Like having continual twitches in both eyes. I had to stop reading and just close my eyes. I also have sore fingertips and toe tips. I would really hate to lose nails after I have gotten this far! And I hope it isn't permanent of course. But the other SE's seem better this time. I can taste better, tho that might still get worse, and I feel more energetic and less foggy. I know I feel better than I did with number 3.

    I happened to read an article yesterday about grapefruit. It was on the dr Susan love website so I consider it reputable. But it said that eating grapefruit may increase the estrogen in your body. I was alarmed because I have been gobbling down jars of grapefruit. I feel like I crave it and it tastes delicious to my burned tongue. So now I feel like I should throw out the 3 jars I have in my fridge.

    I had an acquaintance from my small town call me. She is battling ovarian cancer so I was amazed at her kindness thinking of me when she has big problems of her own. But then she got around to her real reason for calling which is that she is selling something, a miracle vitamin, called Protandim. Anybody know anything about that? I am immediately skeptical because it is sold thru a pyramid type marketing. It could be legit tho. My first reaction to this kind of thing is to not believe it. I mean, if it was so great, wouldn't everybody take it?

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  • donster
    donster Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2013

    MTJulie -  

    I had the same se as you this week. I have had no trouble with my nails throughout and now I feel like someone shut the door on my thumbs.  I would not call it neuropathy but it hurts.

    My sister came in for a visit with me this week and I believe we have found the best distraction for recovering from chemo--- MAD MEN marathon!!!  She got me hooked on this HBO series which we watched on Netflix for about 10 hours yesterday.  Never has a day passed so quickly.  It was wonderful.  Those are my words of wisdom for the day.

    Wishing everyone a peaceful day today.  Now go watch Mad Men :)

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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited February 2013

    Here I sit in infusion 5 with my eye twitching and my nails taking on a whole new look! Ah in the scheme of things these are minor SEs I can deal with. I'm just so excited that in another thirty minutes I can say only one more infusion left! Of course got two rounds of post chemo funk to get through but nonetheless progress is being made.



    Are most of you heading to radiation after chemo? I start april 22.

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  • duckiedee
    duckiedee Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2013

    FriendGwen - I'll be doing radiation after chemo is done, but I don't have a date yet. My 5th infusion will be March 11th. Then the final round is April 1st. (And I am NOT fooling around on that one. haha!)

    My nails have started to discolor some - both fingernail and toenails. But I haven't noticed much sensitivity on my fingernails or other changes. Sometimes when I move my feet under the blankets in bed, I feel some sensitivity around my toenails. But then again I wonder if I am just being paranoid and sort of "imagining" that. For some reason the idea of losing my nails has me a little freaked out. Before I started chemo, I had this vivid dream where all my nails turned black and when I blew on them, the nails turned to dust and blew away!!! What?!?!

    Like I said, I think I'm just paranoid. And - as you mentioned - there are worse SEs than that I guess.

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited February 2013

    Last chemo is 4/2 and I believe radiation is 4/22.  I can't wait to be done with stupid chemo.  We are almost there!!!

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2013

    I am getting mt last infusion right now - whoopee!!



    I have not noticed any nail discoloration or sensitivity - so maybe I will be lucky on that SE -tome will tell .



    Yes on rads - should start end of march . Let's all join or start a new rads thread ?



    Thank u ladies for your tips and general support - it has helped me tremendously . Hugs to you all!!!

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited February 2013

    Yay Sandra for your last infusion!

    No nail sensitivity or discoloration for me yet. But my left thumb is still partially numb from last tx.

    Not sure if I am doing rads next or having ALND surgery next. I have to wait for the MRI at the end of March and meet with RO. Then I can hopefully figure out what to do next.

    Gwen, Sandra and anyone else with chemo this week - I hope your SE's are mild and you bounce back quickly! By now we should know how to handle them right?

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