Chemo May 2013

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Pat,

    Awesome about your sons attitude yesterday!



    When I got home from work yesterday, I went out to our back patio with a glass of wine and my iPad. It was a scorching 82* here in Salem... That's warm for us & I immediately stripped my hat off. My middle daughter and 4 HR old granddaughter showed up unannounced & I almost jumped up and put the hat on for the little ones sake.... I'm not wanting to scare her with my head. She's use to gamma with lots of hair. But I decided she's gonna have to get use to it and stayed in my seat. They came out & she says "gamma, your hair looks funny" I said, " I know, but when all the whiskers come out, you can draw on my head if you want"... She laughed and got excited about it... Now, to find erasable markers! LOL

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    ItswhatItis....gotta love those little kids!  I'm sure you will both get a kick out of those erasable markers  (recommend a test drive on the arm or leg first!  LOL)

    Pat

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    Hello Ladies,

    Anyone on Cytoxan/Taxotere have really itchy hands? Mine started yesterday and are driving me crazy!

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2013

    Ukkate-Hope your spirits are up and that you are gathering strength for your next chemo.

    Lorrie-Love watching Ellen also. It's almost always a guaranteed laugh or smile. In fact, love to watch anything uplifting.

    Argynnis, Robin and IPC-Hope you are feeling better today.

    Elkatho -Glad your head shaving went well. Good luck on your chemo today.

    Rockerman66-Nice that you have your sons school teacher that will be with you at chemo. Sounds like it could be the start of a great new friendship. And good job on getting your shot.

    Lilly-Hope all went well with your haircutting and wig styling.

    Ukkate-May your se's be minimal this go around.

    Pattysmiles-so glad that you have such an understanding and sensitive son. Such a blessing.

    Lorrie-Glad the worst of #2 chemo is behind you.

    ItisWhatitis-love the idea of eraseable markers with your granddaughter. Brilliant.

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  • JennaJMU
    JennaJMU Member Posts: 97
    edited June 2013

    Is anyone still getting their cycle? I had my third AC on Friday and just started my period again on cycle day 20! Now it's coming more frequently?? I thought it was supposed to stop! I'm highly ER positive so I am welcoming the chemopause to reduce some estrogen....come on now!

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  • tmb173
    tmb173 Member Posts: 111
    edited June 2013

    Jenna,

    My doctor and my sister (a nurse) both told me I might get my period for a few days with each chemo. I did get it for about 3 days after my first TC treatment. Stinks, but there you go.

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  • JennaJMU
    JennaJMU Member Posts: 97
    edited June 2013

    Thanks Tmb!

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Gully,

    I'm on the same treatment, but no itchy hands... they are sensitive.... it feels tender to twist a wasch cloth..clap....

    Jenna,

    I just had my 2nd treatment last week & I was expecting my monthly to start a few days ago and so far just a bit of spotting (i only notice it when I finish using the restroom). I'm not sure what to expect either.

    Pat,

    Good idea about the "test drive"! haha.... My oldest daughter and I discussed getting a tattoo when this is all over...... I'm not into tattoos, so she suggested getting a small BC ribbon on my head and when my hair grows back, only we would know it was there... Although I doubt I'll follow through with a tattoo at al! haha

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  • shimmy
    shimmy Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2013

    Gully, same treatment but no itchy hands as of yet.

    Jenna, my first infusion gave me the heaviest and longest I've had in ages. I started spotting the day after the infusion, and that lasted until I started 4 days later. My period was heavy, and then I continued to spot for several days after I would have normally been finished.

    So this time, I had my infusion last week, period is due in about 3 days but I have no sign of spotting yet. I'm curious to find out how things go this time. Chemo keeps things interesting, doesn't it? You just never know what's going to happen.

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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2013

    elkatho - Thank you, I am doing my best to be a rock!

    Lily28 - Getting your hair buzzed and putting on a nice wig is a good feeling. I like my wigs more than how my own hair was :)

    Pattysmiles… - I could take a taxi if I wanted to! I took one in when I got my port and it was $15 one way. I think I can drive in, it's only about 2 miles away :)
    Your 14 yr old sounds like my 15 year old.
    This morning he had some waterballoons he was taking to school today and blew up one and put it on my desk. I put it in my sports bra and asked for another... it was a funny morning. (I didn't have reconstruction)

    I've been ok on my wigs being not too hot but I'm in Seattle and it isn't really hot here. Although it's 73 right now and everyone will complain about the heat :)

    ItIsWhatItI… - Glad the duct tape is working out! I think I was the one that initially suggested it.. I need to do it again! That is SO cute about your granddaughter, I love it!

    Gully - my hands weren't itchy but they were very sensitive...now my fingers are peeling, like dry skin. This started about 4 days ago, I had chemo #3 yesterday. Start moisturizing, that might be what's going to happen. I'm on the same chemo plan as you except I have Herceptin also.

    carla53 - Thanks! I started today, a day early. So relieved :)

    JennaJMU - I haven't had my period since my 1st chemo on April 24th. I'm triple positive. I'm hoping it NEVER comes back!

    Hope everyone is doing GREAT today! Let's get through it :)



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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited June 2013

    Gully..no itchy hands here. Very sensitive skin. I lotion all the time. I use hand sanitizer then put lotion on because the sanitizer dries my skin maddening.



    Jeanna...I had my period the same day as my first chemo (which was three days earlier than my normal cycle) and am currently counting down to the next expected date of arrival. Hoping it does not return.



    Rockermom....love all the wigs you have shared with us so far.



    All...We do not have children and I am always so impressed with and touched by all your posts involving your children. Thanks for sharing.

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  • ReddHeddMomma
    ReddHeddMomma Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2013

    Gully - mine have been really itchy, too. I have started keeping hand lotion all over the house and in my purse so I can use so e whenever the itching starts. It is helping a bit, but not completely.



    Jenna - I have had a longer than usual one so far, 9 days long. It started with spotting and kept going and going. I was told that things could be wonky at the start, but hopefully would taper after the second or third infusion. My onc. talked to me about a treatment at the back end that reduces estrogen along with taking tamoxifen, a sort of chemical oophorectomy - I was highly ER+, so reducing that is a priority for me. I have my next infusion next week, and I will ask the exact name of what he is talking about as after chemo follow-up.

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited June 2013

    RedheddMom: so glad I am just not crazy! My hands are driving me crazy, even wake me up. I will try the lotion. I am also highly ER + would be interested in what a chemical oophorectomy invovles!

    Rockermom: you are prob right about the just about to peel thing, looks like you are a week ahead of me. My infusion 3 is June 13, next Thursday.

    Jenna, I got my cycle the night before my first chemo, went on for 7 days! It was bad. But have not seen any sign of it since! I hope it doesnt come back..LOL

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    OMGoodness.... Just when we start to feel better.....

    I'm checking in on rads forums and reading about the tamoxifen I'm suppose to take for at least 5 years .... If I can make it thru chemo, I think I'll be able to make it thru rads. Not happily, but will make it thru. But when I see some of the thread about the SEs from T.... It sounds like chemo! FOR 5 YEARS?

    I started tearing up & wiped my eyes and eyelashes are falling out! I realize I did this to myself by trying to look ahead on a day when I WAS feeling pretty good... Then got snapped back to what's going on right now! My eyelashes! Seems so petty overall.... I know.... But jeez!

    I'm so ashamed of feeling sorry for myself so much... I'm just sick and tired of being "sick and tired"

    One thing I know for sure.... None of us are sissies! Cancer is not for sissies!

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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2013

    I'm still waiting for the eyelashes..  not looking forward to it but I did read about a lady that was clinging onto her last two and putting mascara on them! I thought that was funny.

    I am going to be on Tamoxifen also.. I know that the SE are different for everyone. Let's hope that we don't have any and if we do that they are manageable!

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  • robin_in_SJ
    robin_in_SJ Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2013

    I'm have the throat thing going as well, an odd feeling when I swallow.  I'll cut my hear next week before my next treatment on Friday.  I don't want to be feeling like crap and looking like a mangie dog at the same time.

    I started to develop tightness in the chest and shortness with my breathing and the Oncologist had be go to ER to get chekced out.  Not sure if it's a side effect of the chemo or the neulasta but I end up staying over for observation and testing.  Good news is the heart and lungs look good.  I suddenly feel old and things are out of my control, the tightness and shortness of breath are better, I just still feel very tired but so happy to be home in my bed!

    Alibeths, I get steriods for the two days following teatment 2x a day.  

    RockerMom, great work on getting what you need at a reasonable co-pay.  Smart! 

    PattySmiles, your son sounds like a wonderful caring young man, you're blessed.  Your story made me smile.  It's sometimes the little things folks can say that just makes my day.  Your story was heartwarming.  Thanks for sharing.

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  • okiecountrygal
    okiecountrygal Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2013

    Treatment 2 down. So far much more tired than last time But that's all for now. Go back tomorrow for the neulasta shot. Hope that keeps me from getting so sick this time. They gave me the option to decrease my chemo doses by 25% But I chose to try one more time at full dose. I want to throw all I can at this so I can beat this.



    Also a couple weeks back I felt a lump in my right (good) breast. I told them about it today and I have an appointment on Monday for a mammogram and ultrasound. Really hoping it is nothing.



    Hope you ladies are all doing well.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    Okie.....

    Good luck with the apt on Monday! I'm thinking good thoughts for you! It's not like you have enough to think about right now!

    Lorrie

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  • Debwarrior
    Debwarrior Member Posts: 72
    edited June 2013

    Good luck Okie on Monday. Hopefully it will be nothing. I wish my memory was as good as Carla, Rockermom and Patty so I could say something encouraging to each of you. I've been following along with everyone and it comforts me that I'm not alone in the myriad of aches and pains that happen along the way, even though I also wish no one had side effects. Kate, so glad that you were able to enjoy the Bat MItzvah. Sounds like a wonderful day. Patty, congrats on your son's award and on his caring nature. It's a blessing. Hope your side effects are few this time Kate.



    My PET scan came back completely normal. That was a big relief. Not sure what they will do tomorrow about my liver enzymes being high. I meet with the doctor so I'll see what she says. I hope I get my treatment tomorrow as planned. I have to say though having a week off make me feel better than I have since starting (three weekly treatments down), and I was really able to enjoy the weekend and take a nice day trip. It makes me realize that the body really wants to heal itself and how quickly that can happen once all this is over. Even though this is healing of the most important sort for all of us, it does a trip on the body. I hope that knowing how quickly my body can feel better will help me get through the next nine weeks of treatment. Need to remember that I will feel better again. Getting the heeby-jeebies though about going in again tomorrow. Best of luck to everyone having treatment tomorrow or dealing with recovery from this week's treatment.

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  • okiecountrygal
    okiecountrygal Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2013

    Deb, my liver enzymes have been elevated since December. When I was in the hospital a couple weeks ago with stomach pain they did an ultrasound on my gallbladder which they said had some sludge. They told me today that there is probably a link between the gallbladder and elevated enzymes. Could you be having gallbladder issues as well?

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Deb, have been thinking about you. So happy your PET was normal. Glad you had a little peek into "post chemo feeling better", gives us all hope! Hoping your treatment goes off without a hitch tomorrow.

    Pat

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited June 2013

    Okiecountrygal-just the thought of finding another lump and having an ultrasound/mammogram gives me the chills. My thoughts are with you.

    Debwarrior-My memory actually sucks. I write things down. Good luck on your treatment.

    This is day 6 after my first treatment. Started getting red spots on my left wrist and arm last night. They kept changing their location through the evening. One about 1" x 3" has stayed on top of the hand slightly swollen. Saw the onc today. Guess my veins dont like drano going through them. Next week I'll be getting a pic line. Also, my back startedwith throbbing pain this a.m. it got worse through the day and eevening. Been taking clariton everyday. Weird that the worst effect from neulasta came on so late. Really glad I had some noreco on hand. Took it this evening and it cuts the pain.

    Best to all. - Carla

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    So... The hubby goes to the "boys" on Wednesday's.... I guess tonight they celebrated how he's dealing with a wife with BC ... If you can freaking believe it!.... The poooooor guy!

    & he's in bed sleeping it off....



    Quick! I need ideas on how to counter this in the morning!



    I can't give him anything "legally" to make him feel the aches, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, emotional fatigue, mouth aches, sore throat.....Anguish and depression and fear of re-occurrence .....



    Haha... Just goes to show that they try, but really don't get it! How can they? We don't get it!



    Any ideas tho? Maybe I should shave HIS head? Hahahahahahaha



    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited June 2013

    Shelly, I hope that lump is b9. Did u get a full MRI at the beginning of all this? I am thinking about you

    I'm 2 days past chemo and also got my period yesterday!!! Yuk!!!! I don't have any tampons the the house. This sucks. And the last of my English family leaves today :(. Waiting for the big post steroid crash now

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited June 2013

    Lorrie,

    Slip an Exlax into his brownies.

    Just shave SOME spots on his head while he is asleep.

    Paint a couple of finger nails black (though you didn't mention that one, it COULD happen)

    Or my personal favorite....go wake him up and tell him he needs to cook breakfast and start the laundry. Lol



    Mine decided to play softball yesterday...this was after I made THE LIST of things that need to get done around here. Needless to say his softball injuries will put him out of the lineup for the whole dang summer.



    Kate, same thing happened to me, out of tampons....that's never happened here, always a first time for everything, add that to the list of "funnies" about the chemo experience. Hope you enjoyed your family visit.



    Carla- I a big red splotch appear on the back of my hand where the IV was. Was yours "itchy"? It reduced in size to the size of a mosquito bite (but its flat), and is not itchy anymore...this didn't happen til about day 6.



    Shelly, keeping my fingers crossed that the lump is a jealousy spot...it's jealous the other boob is getting all the attention!



    Pat





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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Lorrie, the night of my biopsy (the beginning of my journey) was my husband's "night out with the guys (he does it once a month).  I told him to go because there was nothing to be done for me. 

    He came home telling me that two of his friends' wives had breast cancer, like they were fighting it now.  I don't know about your husband, but mine is here for me when I need him.  He got a lot of information out of that night and it continued.  A third friend, who is a cancer researcher, and the husband of a woman who had breast cancer last year, emaled him with a ton of tips/advice and things to ask.

    If your husband is good otherwise, let him blow off steam.  Yes, we are the ones fighting cancer, but it's very hard for our caregivers to not be able to make it better for us.

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  • okiecountrygal
    okiecountrygal Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2013

    Kate I did have a full PET scan back in March so I'm really thinking it's nothing. Dr told me it could just be some tissue that chemo has caused to enlarge? Never heard of that But guess it's possible. But they want to be sure it's nothing which makes me feel better that they are taking my concerns seriously.



    Day 2 after second treatment I still feel fairly normal just extra tired. SE's really didn't hit me til day 5 first round so we will see. Neulasta this afternoon.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited June 2013

    GWTF..

    He is pretty good in most other areas & does deserve to blow off some steam as he struggles, because he doesn't know how to fix this, but...



    Kinda liking Pats ideas! Haha...



    Well, I'm off to work while he's still sleeping it off... Maybe his headache will have to be enough this time :)



    Have a great day all!

    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    LOLOL.  Sometimes just thinking about doing something like that makes you feel better.  Laughing

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  • elkatho
    elkatho Member Posts: 159
    edited June 2013

    Morning ladies.



    I had my second session yesterday. So far all OK. A slightly restless night of sleep but I listen to my self imagery meditation CD with earbuds so I feel like I am making good use of my time. It also relaxes my and I typically fall back to sleep.



    My husband leaves today for 10 days for a fishing tournament. I would be going with him if I was not getting treatment. It is what we do together. I encouraged him to go. These events are what he works so hard throughout the year to participate in. It puts him at peace to be out on the water and he needs a temporary "escape" from his constant worrying. He has two more trips planned this summer. He keeps hoping I can go with him and it breaks my heart to tell him that is doubtful. If I asked he would cancel in heart beat. We do not have children so I only need to take care of myself. I also have family each spending a night or two with me this first week post-treatment. I also have friends that are stopping by....but now I think I have too many people checking in. I love my alone time...a lot...but it is so difficult to know if something will go haywire and you want someone close by:) At least I told my family to bring a book because I may not feel like chatting.



    My bone pain did not kick in until 6 days post shot. I stopped taking clariton day 5. Will stretch it this time. It woke me up in the middle of the night. I took advil and used a heating pad and was able to fall asleep again. Had some pain for a day or two occasionally. I read over my paperwork for taxotere and a rare SE is bone pain. So not sure if it was the shot or chemo.



    Deb...glad the pet scan came back with good results. Fingers crossed so you can continue with chemo.



    Shelly..sorry you have to face this....positive thoughts that the lump is negative.



    Peaceful thoughts to all.

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