For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006
    Paula,
    Way to go. Now you are finished! And Marcia is finished and the rest of us are following.
    My onc reminded me that the treatment cycle is 3 weeks and not to expect a sudden return of energy after the last dose. so I hope you will be kind to yourself and not expect too much for a few weeks. Meanwhile you can look forward to the rest of the summer.
    I hope that rads will be ok for you - I have read that they are not nearly as bad as chemo. Meanwhile celebrate the 4th.
    Jeannette
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited June 2006
    It's great that the original crowd is moving toward the big "Done" sticker! And for those just getting started, hope our experiences are helpful and reassuring - you can do it!
    I'm off to three days on the boat, back Monday for my radiation scans and tattoos...I'll start radiation 4 weeks after chemo ends, so first day will be August 7. I need 30-33, so expect to finish on or about September 21. We're having a big party on October 7, so think good thoughts that I 1)have a little hair, 2)am not too cooked and most important 3)feel well enough to celebrate!
    Have a great holiday, all! Leigh
    PS The blog on NPR that has been mentioned elsewhere, and the responses to it, are just terrific. The guy writing is facing recurrence (of colon cancer) and a not great prognosis, but his experiences seem really familiar to me and I'm guessing to most of us dealing with cancer.
    NPR Blog
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006
    Well TAC sisters, up north of the 49th it's Canada Day on the first - and we make the most of it since it is also one of the longest days of the year. Love the sunsets till 11 PM.
    I am glad that it's mid-way in my TAC cycle - feel better and am also heading out of town. Am going to a Native Sundance (major Aboriginal ceremony that lasts for 4 days). There will be over 150 dancers participating - dancing, no food, no water for 4 days! (I'm just watching) altho there will be prayers for my healing. Between the spiritual help and the chemo I feel so good to go on this journey to wellness.
    Hope you all have a great weekend.
    Jeannette
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  • TerryJill
    TerryJill Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2006
    Hi all:

    Well two treatments and two hospitalizations. It has been really rough. I just spent 8 days in the hospital anf now it is only 6 days till number three if they give it to me.
    They are considering changing me to ac/tax because it has been so rough.

    Yikes.
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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2006
    TerryJill, I am so sorry TAC has been so hard on you. Glad you are home and can rest.

    I was wondering if the ladies who have just finished round 6 (marcia, paula)can tell me their eyebrow/eyelash status? Have you lost them all or are they still hanging on? Wondering if rounds 5 and 6 will make me finally lose mine. They are thinning but I still have them.

    Molly
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  • slanderson
    slanderson Member Posts: 152
    edited June 2006
    I did 6 rounds of TAC. I didn't lose any of either until it was all over. About a month after the last one, all eyelashes and eyebrows came out in about a week or two. But, good news is, they started growing back almost immediately after that. My eyebrows are about the same now, and my lashes are just as thick as before, just not as long.

    Shannon
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited July 2006
    Hi Molly, It has been 2 and 1/2 weeks since #6 and My hair has started sprouting up on my head. I have eyebrows that I fill in with a eyebrow pencil and they are thin but hanging on. My eyelashes need major help from mascara and I have to use eyeliner. I notice some puffyness in my eye lids. I also have hair growing on my legs in places. Not sure if I will lose anymore but that is my status now.

    TerryJill, I am so sorry you are having a rough time. Seems like TAC hits some of us harder than others. I hope you gain strength before the next one...At least you have two attacks of TAC behind you. I will be thinking of you. Let us know what you decide.
    Take Care
    Hugs.
    Marcia
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2006
    We needed a bump, we were getting low on the list!
    And now, on topic, I felt much better today .. thank you lol

    Paula
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited July 2006
    Paula, Glad you are feeling better! Isn't it great to be finished with #6? Now if we can just get everyone else across the finish line!...

    Kburns, you have been quite. Are you doing ok?

    Karen in Denver, give us an update!

    Everyone Take a deep breath and keep going!
    Marcia
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  • Brigrf
    Brigrf Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2006
    Congratulations to everyone who is finishing up!
    I've found the third round the roughtest so far. My nausea continues to be a problem; I must have lucked out with the first two rounds. Next TAC is July 13 and I'm still feeling crappy from round three. It's hot as hell here, too. Have been doing major feelng sorry for self, instead of hanging on the boards and visiting. What a mistake.
    Deep breath. We can do this, right?
    Hugs, Brigitte
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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited July 2006
    Hi everyone. Chemo #5 was 6/21 then went to the beach with in laws for a week. Got home Friday and my sister flew in for the weekend. So, I have been surrounded by family for this post chemo time....and it has been kind of tough. I developed some kind of really bad cough--but no fever or sniffles or anything. And I have not been resting as much so I am just exhausted! Everyone is gone now and I am vegging out.

    The Onc said the cough/breathing issues may be a reaction to the Taxotere and she may skip it for my last session. I hate to skip it if it improves my survival odds. But the cough and difficulty breathing has been a real pain. I cannot find much on line about breathing/cough problems with Taxotere...so I am not really sure how serious it is or could be. She has me going in for an abdominal ultrasound Wed to see if I am collecting much fluid.... I've gained about 15 lbs!

    Anyway. I am so ready for this to be over. Last session is 7/12 and then recovery. I am still feeling so bad almost 2 weeks after the last session....I guess it really is cumulative! But almost over!!!

    Karen
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2006
    Hi everyone. Just an update! It has been almost a week since #5. I spent all day and all night at the hospital on Sunday. Dehydrated and throwing up everything since Thursday night. Feeling a little better today. At least I am keeping liquids down now. I cannot wait to get #6 done and out of the way so I can start feeling better. Hope everyone is doing ok. Happy 4th!
    Mindy
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  • JackieSue
    JackieSue Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2006
    I'm just checking in to say "hi". This heat is killing me. It doesn't help that I get wild temperature swings. First I'm sweating, then I'm chilled. Not as bad as a fever. It's just annoying. It feels good to say I only have two left.
    Jackie
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2006
    To all of you south of the 49th Happy 4th. Hope you are in the mood for a bit of festivities. When we lived in Stamford (CT) I used to love to go down to the harbout to watch the fireworks over the water - with a gizillion small boats anchored off shore, their little lights shimmering in the background. Tons of people on the beach talking to each other, laughing, playing games, in what seemed like a little bit of small-town America.
    So have a great one!
    Jeannette
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited July 2006
    Karen, Mindy and Brigitte - Sorry you are all having a tough or tougher time - sending good vibes for getting through it, on to the next - and on to the last! My last is Thursday - planning a little indoor "picnic" with my chemo buddies (DH, mom, sis, assistant and the two good friends who brought the boat north with JP)early evening while I'm usually still feeling well.
    Jackie - Sympathize with the heat - hot flashes are tough enough and it's about 96 in the shade, even at the shore in MD. My onc has me trying Effexor, which does seem to help some.
    Jeannette - Thanks for the good 4th wishes - sorry I missed reciprocating on Canada Day (Dominion Day?) on the 1st!!! We will have small town 4th here in Solomons, grilling and watching the fireworks from the boat.
    Marcia - Keep in touch! I had my radiation scans and markings yesterday, feel free to PM me if you want the scoop! (I wasn't ready to hear rads info until I was well through chemo - don't know about others!)
    Sending good thoughts to all. Leigh
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  • TerryJill
    TerryJill Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2006

    I am going for my third TAC on Thursday and after two hospitalizations...the last with a high fever and a 8 day stayt I am really scared. Did anyone have a rough start and then an easier time?

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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2006
    TerryJill,

    I am on my fourth round and it is a lot better than the third.
    Actually the first round was my roughest so far.
    I am so sorry that you have had such a rough time the first two rounds. I do hope that it gets better for you this time. Are you getting anything to relax before the chemo (my onc. started me on some ativan and it really helped the anticipatory nausea). Please keep us posted as to how you are doing - and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    Jeannette
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2006
    Aww Terry I'm so sorry you're first couple have been bad Are you getting a neulasta shot or anything to keep up your blood counts? I think Marcia had a really rough start and then it got easier for her. Look way back in this thread and you should find it there. I hate hearing that people have to be in the hospital

    Thinking happy thoughts for you,

    Paula
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited July 2006
    Hi Leigh. Best wishes for tomorrow when you get thru #6. It is so good to get you finished.

    Paula, Hope you are gaining strength since your last TAC.

    Kburns, I am so sorry about your symptoms. I too have a hacky cough still but am hoping it is just the remnants of the taxotere coming thru. I get tired easily in the afternoons. I hope you can get through your last one without too much trouble. Keep us updated.

    Ladies it feels so funny not to be going in for another toxic dose. I am 3 weeks out of my last TAC today and it feels so good not to be going under the needle! For all of you who think you will never finish, let me tell you your day will come. But I am not without side effects still. My fingernails and toenails are really brittle but hard. And like you have read before, there are lines across my nails reminding me of each TAC dosage I received. I have a hacky cough, easily fatiqued. My short term memory is a little more affected. Can't find the words I want to use as fast as I would like.

    To all of you struggling with your treatments, my prayers go out to you all. I hope you will all keep us updated. We have to get through this together.
    Hugs to all and Hang tough!
    Marcia
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2006
    Leigh- Thanks for sending the good vibes my way. I need them right now.
    Paula- How are you doing?
    TerryJill- Hope you are feeling better!
    Marcia- Thanks for the prayers!
    I am trying to stay positive, but #5 was so rough on me. My roughest so far. #6 will be on the 18th. I am not looking forward to it at all, even though it will be my last one. I don't mean to be whining but it is so much easier to whine on the board than to my family. Thanks for listening!
    Everyone take care!
    Mindy
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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited July 2006
    Hi Ladies,
    Been reading posts, but not writing.
    Tomorrow (7/6) is my final TAC (#6). Each one seems to be harder than the previous one. It took me two weeks to feel decent after #5 - stomach hurt almost all the time and no taste buds. Been pretty emotional since the weekend - tears just seem to flow so easily! Start rads later this month - will know the date after the 18th - I think I get "mapped" that day. Get my port out 3 weeks post chemo and start on Arimidex along with a shot of Lupron. Will have a complete hysterectomy Oct or Nov. Paula and Leigh- good luck with rads - see you on the rads thread. Will post once I feel better after this last chemo. Be well - Karen in Denver
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  • Brigrf
    Brigrf Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2006
    Dear Karen, Mindy and Terry Jill, I hope you are feeling a little better. This is certainly the longest summer of our lives, isn't it?
    Marcia, Leigh and Paula, thank you for your kindness! Every supportive word helps so much!
    I worked a half day yesterday and came home and went to bed, just too fatigued and depressed to deal with anything. Am praying today will be better. I feel stronger but want to pace myself so I'm not worn out by 1 p.m. My fourth TAC is a week from today.
    Have a wonderful day, everyone
    Gentle hugs, Brigitte
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2006
    Brigitte,

    Hang in there. TAC 3 was so tiring for me and TAC 4 has not been nearly so. I have been able to mbe more active and not feel as punky. I have #5 next Tues. Am hoping that it is no worse than the fourth. Oh well, we are all getting to the end.
    Jeannette
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2006
    I agree that number 3 sucked. lol I slept the whole 3 weeks, I swear. Then after 4 I was feeling back to as normal as you can get. I'm about 8 days out from 6 and I still feel tired sometimes, but hey, it's over. lol I go on vacation Sunday YAY!!

    Everyone hang in there, you can do this. If big baby me can do it, anyone can.

    Paula
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited July 2006
    Paula, Glad to hear you are doing ok.

    Leigh, WHOO HOO! Karen in Denver ! You did it!!! You crossed the finish line of TAC. I know you don't feel well now but give it time. I am feeling so much better three weeks out from #6. Some of us have Radiation facing us but it can't be as bad as TAC.

    To all those Ladies on TAC. You can do it. You have read my posts of how crappy I felt at times and how I struggled to get thru. I have been lucky. I didn't have the hospitalizations that some of you like TerryJill and Mindy have had.

    Molly, Jeannette, Brigitte, Jackie, Karen in Raleigh:
    Hope all is well with you all as we trek together to the finish line. Lets take the attitude..."NO TAC Sister left behind"

    Jen, what happened to you after your treatment last month. Haven't heard from you.

    Darlene, We all will support you as you take #1 on July 10. I hope others here will continue to read the posts to help us all get done.

    Crazy2kayak are you about finished? Hope you are doing ok! Haven't heard from you but have been watching some of your posts on June chemo thread.

    Everyone take care
    Hugs and have a good weekend!
    Marcia
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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2006
    Karen in Denver, Leigh How did you do with your last one?? Marcia and Paula, glad you feeling good, physically and mentally. It must just be an awesome feeling completing such a difficult journey. I am so happy for you all. I am soooooo anxious to feel the same way.

    I am taking Effexor for the hot flashes I have been having, but honestly it has helped with me emotionally and I have been crying a lot less and feel mentally a bit more stable. I think my hormones have been kinda wacked out with the whole menopause thing. Plus, it has been 4 months now since I heard the words "you have cancer"...and I am getting tired out from feeling bad. Some days it is just so hard to be a 'cancer girl.' I think I need to plan something fun inbetween chemo and radiation to celebrate.

    Started on my Decadron pills today. TAC #5 tomorrow morning.

    Good to hear from you all! Are you guys going to start a new thread for the radiation or stick around here?

    Molly
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2006
    I'm thinking we should make a t-shirt with that on it! No TAC sister left behind! hehe with a big picture of sorts on it. I'm not gonna say what, becuase my sense of bad humor is with me today lol.

    I'm sticking around here through the whole thing, you guys are like family! But I did join Camp Nukemboobies July so I can know what to expect in rads, and have help there too. It's under the radiation treatment forums. Heck I read everything on here pretty much unless it doesn't really pertain to me.

    Paula
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2006
    I'm glad you are going to stick around, Paula and Marcia and Karen in Denver. I like this idea of a tee shirt - please not pink.

    I feel a bit left out of the rads department altho I shouldn't complain. I had a mastectomy with a TRAM reconstruction in Feb. so ther is nothing left to nuke on that side. Let's hope the other side never needs attention.
    Tamoxifen will be my next port of call, with aromatase inhibitor to follow.
    TAC is different than the other cocktails and I am glad that we have each other through this journey.
    Jeannette
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2006
    Hi all- Feeling alot better now! I am so glad that Marcia, Paula, and Karen have decided to stick around also! It is nice to know that you guys are here for all of us that are not finished yet! I also like the tee shirt idea, but I have to agree with Jeanette, no pink! LOL I go to the radiation doctor on Aug 2nd so I will find out when I will start my rads. My onc said that they usually wait at least 4 weeks after chemo to start so that will put me sarting around the 18th of Aug.
    Hope everyone is getting along ok!
    Hugs to all,
    Mindy
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  • Brigrf
    Brigrf Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2006
    Love the tee shirt idea!
    I got sick of my porcupine head and shaved it today with one those Intuition razors with the built in shave cream. Feels much better. I feel like an android. LOL.
    What is with the weepiness? Every other day, regardless of how much sleep I've had the night before, I feel really weepy and weak by about 2 o'clock. Those of you who found number four better than number three, I pray I am in your camp next week!! Number three has just been soo draining.
    I am so grateful to those of you who have finished and are supporting us!
    Love to all, Brigitte
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