Starting Chemo February 2013

Katrine22

My hands were (sorta still are) they shriveled and were so dry - they hurt.. I kept hand cream on them but it didn't help.. finally big patches of skin started peeling off my thumb and forefinger - thats when the doctor said to use cortozon cream - it really helped. I actually kept the thumb and forfinger drenched in the cream and bandaged to keep it in place.. I still use it as lotion to keep them softer and painfree. - hope that helps..

I have shortness of breath and its awful... it does seem to lesson just in time for another treatment -but starts up again right away.. I just hope ts not damaging heart/lings but doctor didn't seem concerned.

Welcome Katrine, I can relate to the lung stuff, I've been short of breath and Nancy is right it starts to go away just in time for your next treatment and then its back. My treatment center has frozen gel gloves to put on my hands during treatment and I also use tea tree oil on my finger and toe nails. I use the Hollywood beauty brand and it smells like mint. Depening on the brand you get it can smell bad so take a whiff before you purchase it

Heidi- hope you felt better after getting out a little - today was the first day I finally felt like the achiness has left BUT I started with diarrhea - hopefully tomorrow will be a great day ..

Rdrunner - glad you finally got the mouthwash - sorry you suffered so much

Thanks Melody and Nancy for your replies. It is good to hear that others are experiencing what I am. somehow it just makes me feel better. Rdrummer gladyou got the mouth wash. Are you using Bioteen? I really appreciate the tea tree and  cortazone suggestions. I am starting Taxol or maybe Abraxane   onf April 10th. does anyone know anything about the difference between Taxol and Abraxane. It is supposed to be the same but somehow wrapped differently. If I take the Abraxane, I don't have to take the steroods, decadron, the night before and morning of the infusions. When I took the decadron before, I could not sleep hardly at all. so I am tryng to find out the difference because I would love to avoid taking the decadron if I can.

To andy of you who are suffering from side effects, I send my healing wishes.

I am bt treatments 3 and 4 of TAC and I have been down for 7-8 days with the last two treatments. Really dont feel like doing a lot until day 10.

I thought I was crazy because my recovery has been soooo slow each time. I am nearing day 14 and I am still weak. I have only been able two return to work in the 5-7 days before my next treatment - i take it every 21 days.

LW: I think a new pair is a great idea! I love my new sisters. Perfect size B (300cc's in each). My permanent implants go in about 8 weeks after my last chemo, which is May 15. I am very happy with how they look now with the TE's in and I know they will look even better when my PS outs the permanent ones in. Good luck!

Heidi how did your outing go? I feel like such a wimp. I dont leave the house for about a week after Chemo. I just dont have the energy. I think I had less SE with #3 but the fatigue is the same if not worse. I am 13 days post last Chemo and if I do too much I am still exausted. Last night I had to go to my sons school and just walking through the parking lot and into the school my heart was beating fast and I was out of breath. I feel so guilty not working. I have worked all my life. My hubby says forget about it and rest and get better during chemo, but I see others are working during their treatment. Maybe if I had a sit down job it might make a difference. I am hoping to get back to work during Rads, but after reading some of the post in the Rads section it worries me with everyone saying they are tired. UGH I just want to get back to work.

Rdrunner -- I am so sorry. Hope your blood counts are up and you can get in there soon. I know it feels to want to get in there and just get it done.



Tangles -- I am not working either. I am so envious of those able to work. I feel like a slug. Just the thought of doing laundry and taxes today is daunting.



Shel

Last post for today...I swear.



I was doing research about Livestrong at the YMCA because I want to gain some stamina back after the chemo and I found this comedian. Though he has testicular cancer, his video called Chemocation is relevant to many going through chemo. So, I thought I would share.



Hope you ladies enjoy as much as I did.



http://halanscott.com/chemocation-cancer-house-guest/



Shel

Heidi on day #6 after Chemo #3 I thought I was feeling Ok so I ventured out too for about an hour to the store and paid for it. I got pretty sick, headache, dizzy, ect.... I think even if I feel Ok I need to stay resting for that entire week so 7 to 8 days after. Even now 13 days post chemo after some cleaning house this morning I am feeling it. Very worn out and tired. I seem to get a slight headache every evening. My hubby just keeps saying rest rest rest but it is hard to do!!

I am a hairstylist so on my feet, arms above my head,lots of smelly chemicals. Plus I nick myself allot when doing razor cuts. Funny how a tiny nick before chemo would do nothing but now puts you in the hospital!! We like any salon have people coming in sick all the time. We have a very small salon too. I cant even count the number of times I have had clients say they were headed to the walk in clinic after they get their hair done. Or they missed work the day before because of the flu. They can be coughing up a storm and say oh its allergies don't worry. People do not Cancel hair apt's for NOTHING! Major snow storms included! Then if I have to cancel or leave early because I cant do it I leave them hanging and I think that makes them more upset then having to find someone else. I do worry about losing a very good amount of my clients, but I guess if we can manage 6 months without the income we can manage with half my income when I go back. Im just so bored sitting around and miss the social part of working. Oh well 7 more weeks until my last Chemo. Of course I wont be done with treatment until Feb 2014 Rad's and Her2 but just getting this Chemo over will be a huge relief!

Going in today for my last A/C treatment. I can't tell how glad I am this is the last one because there were some times when I thought I wouldn't be able to finish. (like the night I was getting sick out of both ends at the same time and was shaking so bad and so weak I couldn't get off the toilet - sorry if it's tmi. I had been constipated for almost a week and then took two ducalot sp? -- I will never do that again.). I cant wait to be off the nausea meds and to stop taking the stupid shot. Some of you have been through hell with the shot and it scares me every time I get it.



Next is the Taxol which brings a whole new set of anxieties of the side effects. I hate this. I hate feeling like I am being swept down river in the rapids instead of steering the boat in my life. I really feel defeated right now and if it ever came back I don't think I would do this. Everyone says to stay positive and I try but there are days like this one (this not where I thought this post was going) when I want to crawl under a rock and give up. I know I am feeling sorry for myself and there are people who have it much worse but they must be made out of stronger spirit. Mine is on the edge.



I won't be posting or reading for a few days. Reading makes me nauseated and dizzy after the infusions. I hope your treatments go well.
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Thanks ywheels like wildyshel I have my days. The last two I have been down in the dumps. I like everyone else just want this OVER WITH. Unfortunally I have a ways to go yet.......

Well my first taxol was cancelled today.. I have had a week of high fevers of unknow origin, no infection can be found. Last night it was 104 with rigors for 3 hours. Im rescheduled for next Friday but dont know at this point if it will go ahead. I have to record fevers, and I have to go for an echocardiogram to rule out endocarditis. She said there is a slim chance it could be from the neupogen shots but it didnt start until I was done them. I feel so horrible at this point I would be quite ok with her stopping the chemo period!

Rdrunner so sorry. I know how disapointing a week set back is. I have had one so far and pray I dont have another. We all just want this over as soon as possible!! I think that is why I have not gone back to work. I am so afraid of all the sick people that come into my work. I have pretty much stayed in my house besides doc apts to avoid getting sick again. I will say it is driving me crazy and making the days sooooo long. Good luck to you.......