Chemo May 2013
Comments
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elkatho: I had the itching, moving, red area after round 2, lasted about 2 weeks, drove me nuts! Definite allergic reaction. My MO thought it was from Augmentin most likely, but he said we will never know. It did not happen with any of my other three rounds. I hope your docs get this figured out for you, itching sucks!
Theresa, I am so using Pat's line to start my classes this year. I was wondering how to break the ice. I have been teaching at my school long enough to be known in my community. I think most know, but I need sometihing like this so I dont have to keep answering questions all year about my hair, or lack there of!
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Lcp-Did you get your sleep? So glad you have had a great time with your son. It is hard to see them go.
Teresa-Excellent re the blood cell count. Glad you got your sleep and nice customers.
Ukkate-Hope your se's are light and that your customers are nice to you as well. I'd feel like yelling out I'm on chemo, leave me alone.
Lorrie-ugh on your pain, numb feet and picc line. And it's o.k. to complain. It's a good place to do it. In fact I just maybe complaing in acouple days myself.
Angienohio- I feel your pain. Good luck with it all. I'm with you on getting this overwith.
Patty-You are so funny and clever.
Elkatho-Good luck on the reaction to the neulasta shot.
Finally had my second chemo yesterday. Last one was on May 30th. I was a little concerned that since it was over 45 days ago that I would have to add 1 more session. Was relieved to hear that I did not have to. She said that there is still chemo in me. Guess it takes a supper long time before it's out of the system. Am going to add 18 hours to my fasting bringing it to 87 hours. Hoping that it will help lessen the SE more then last time. Feel great today. Although it is only one day after chemo. One of the biggies for me the last time was the neulasta shot. Too much bone pain for me even with clariton for 7 days. I will go in Monday, they will check my blood count, if I am low, I will get a difference shot. Can't remember the name of it. I will go in the next four days to check the blood count and if low a shoot. Isn't supposed to give bone pain. And I like the idea of getting my blood count checked first. Why get another drug if not needed.
Hope everyone is in good or decent spirits.
Carla -
Whoops. Don't know how I sent it twice.
Debwarrior- ment to ask how did your blood transfusion go? Did it make you feel stronger?
Carla -
Just stopping in to wish you all a wonderful day, void of horrible side effects. Rest up ladies, and make sure you drink lots of water!
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Hi Everyone,
I'm glad I'm not the only one who has gained weight, because it makes it seem more normal during this time. I think when I stop eating as much "white" food like english muffins and pasta and ice cream, LOL, that it will be easier.
Teresa, that's great news about your BRCA testing.
Anglie, I hope they are getting your cellulities under control
Lorrie, I'm sorry you broke a tooth. I broke one on a baguette a year ago. I think chemo does weaken our teeth.
Carla, I'm glad you are back on track with your chemo treatments and doing well.
I don't know yet how the blood transfusion will make me feel, since it's just the day after chemo and that's usually my best day while the sterioids are working. Steroids have been checking out in the evening so I'll see if I have my usual evening sink and crappy weekend. If not, then I'll know the blood transfusion helped. It was a little weird. No pain, but it took a long time. For the first time ever, they put me in a room and let me lay down on a bed. That felt luxurious.
We've gotten some disturbing news about my father, who really is my best friend, that he has skin cancer that may or may not have metastasized. We're waiting for a second pathology report and praying for no metastasis. Everyone is in a bit of shock as he is the third person to be diagnosed with cancer in my immediate family in a period of 5 months and he seems so healthy. Well you know how cancer can be. Brother with prostate cancer. Fortunately his seems to be early stage.
I've started watching the big C and while it definitely brings on some teary moments, I like it. Now where is my red convertible and pool? But I can't believe that I'm through 5 episodes and she hasn't told anyone about her cancer. But it's tv, right?
Deb
Deb -
So I went to my oncologist today to discuss a few concerns I had and generally how I am doing. I asked about the radiologist appointment and he said that he would usually have me see them about three weeks after my last chemo. Then as I was leaving he said I will call the radiologist they are just on the other side of the office and you can stop on your way out and go ahead and make an appointment. I got dressed (he did an exam) and headed over to the other side just as he was coming back to look for me. He went over there instead of calling and told me if I had time they could see me today. Of course I had time!!!
So here's the deal, I am in the gray area of needing radiation. There aren't enough factors to say yes I definitely need it, but aren't enough to absolutely say no I don't need it. So do I feel I need radiation where the cancer was and the positive lymph node? Do I feel they got it all and it won't come back in the chest wall. Decisions.....if I do radiation they want to do five weeks, five days each week. Here is my dilema...ok maybe I should do radiation just to be safe, however I want to get my reconstruction done before 12/31/13 as well. Which means weeks and I have no idea how many of inflating my expander. How long does it take to those of you that already have tissue expanders? I am currently a D but am thinking of maybe just going to a C. So I need to have the surgery to put the expander in place, get my balloon to the right size then do the exchange surgery. Any thoughts from any and all of you?
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I have to share my wonderful story.
A customer came up to me today and told me I am beautiful with no hair! Turns out she was a 6 year survivor...went thru chemo and rads. Her kindness brought tears to my eyes.
Lisa -
Theresa: I had my expanders put in when I had BMX in March. I had four fills, once a week, for four weeks to get to a solid B. I did my four rounds of TC then had to go to another PS appt to talk about exchange, where he did one more overfill to make sure I have enough tissue to cover the implant. We choose high profile silicone to get me to a B-C. So now I am in a waiting zone again. They will not do the exchange surgery until Aug 29 for me. They want a full 2 months between last chemo and exchange to make sure the immune system is strong enough to tolerate another invasion of a foreign body. (Makes sense, but does not make the wait easier). Meanwhile I have another MO appt on Aug 6 for chemo wrap up. Then a pre-surgery appt with PS to check on blood indices. All the while starting to discuss the plan for hormone therapy. Guess there are more options than I thought, since that appt will be an hour appt(I hope this does not involve more surgery). PS says he wants me to take two weeks off work for surgery recovery, and MO wants surgery done before staring some type of hormone therapy.
In other words I should be finished exchange surgery and recovery by the end of September and starting hormone therapy about October. Hope that helps.
Oh if I choose to do the nipple surgery that will be in the beginning of December due to another healing wait time between exchange and nipple construction. (I have not decided to do this one yet, may just do 3d tats)
Hope this helps! (FYI- I have heard that you can do the fills faster but it can be painful)
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Thats great Lisa, thanks for sharing! Very very nice in light of our recent "Wooly Willy" thread! I am sure you are beautiful with or without hair!
Deb: I started watching the Big C as well, whose MO takes you out to lunch? It does hit home however, the spending spree was funny. And her lack of a mouth filter is exactly what I suffer from....HeHeHe
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Thanks Gully for the info. A full two months in between chemo and surgery.....hmmmm that isn't good. If they can't do the tissue expander surgery for two months after last treatment then I might as well do radiation while I am waiting. Things to think about for sure. I have my las chemo on 7/26 then I have an appointment with my PS on 7/31 to discuss my options with him.
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Teresa, I had my tissue expander put in on april 10 (at the time of mastectomy). Had fills every two weeks after and by the end of June, I was a D cup. My ps says I can have the transfer 4 weeks after chemo ends so I guess they are all different.
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Has anyone's breasts gotten red during chemo? My oncologists is sure it's not cellulitis, or mastitis.
I had a lumpectomy and a breast reduction at the same time.
He thinks it's not enough blood flow to my breasts?
He told me to go see my plastic surgeon. I'm just wondering if anyone else is getting red breasts. I've had 3 tacs and my next one is due on Monday.
Thanks! -
Angie, no red breast... Just a little pain, but I started chemo 2 weeks post op... I'd be concerned and follow thru with the docs! I'm sorry for the additional worries!
Lorrie -
I am having a double mastectomy in October after all chemo is complete and will be having the tissue expanders put in. I have heard that the fills are painful. Can anyone else shed light on this for me.
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I had one breast removed in April. At that time the extender was inserted and filling began. Possibly because I just had a mastectomy, I did not notice any discomfort from the filling. I'm not sure when I felt the extender itself. It didn't hurt but I definitely knew something foreign was in my body. A few days later I got another filling of 100 cc's. It was uncomfortable for a few days. I think a week later he decided to inject 150 cc. Ugh! That was uncomfortable and had pain at times. Each time afterwards it was 100. Each time it was a bit uncomfortable. Especially at night sleeping. Sometimes a little painful but not on an ongoing basis. Seems like the filling took 3 weeks or 4 weeks. I of the weeks he filled it twice. I'm a C cup. There were a few weeks of some discomfort and sometimes a little pain. It's been maybe close to 3 months since the last filling. Most of the time I don't even notice it. Sometimes discomfort at night. Weird but sometmes it feels super full and hard just like when it was just filled. Realky do like the effect it gives. Can where a bra and I look normal. With some cleavage too. One thing is for sure, the fillings with the discomfort and slight pain is way eadier to deal with then chemo.
Carla -
Thanks for the info Ukkate, I have an appointment with my PS on the 31st. I will see what he says about how long I have to wait until I can get the expander placed. Still not sure what to do about radiation......
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Had my 4th round of chemo on Wednesday and noticed a couple small hives Friday afternoon, first day off steroids. Had more Saturday am and started my steroid pack. My acid relex was also out of control even with two pills. So it seems my allergic reaction may not have been caused by the advil-aleve but maybe the chemo or neualsta shot. I do not know why but my gut is the shot. My MO said if I have another allergic reaction we will know it's the chemo and are stopping chemo after this round. So I guess I am done...I have mixed feelings about that as something else is controlling my treatment decisions. If all stays under control today with taking the steroids I will wait to call tomorrow. At least my breathing has been normal.
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Only three posts on Saturday and one on Sunday, I hope this means everyone is doing well.
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Algranna- I think all ps at different. My ps only does 50 cc at a time so I've never experience too much discomfort. I am going to be a c cup so maybe it's different if you are bigger. I only had four fills before starting chemo and then one during chemo. My ps said he waits 6 weeks after chemo before the exchange surgery.
Good luck.
Jrsose -
Worked all weekend off today. Major fatigue today so napped an awful lot! The fatigue just crept up on me!
My chemo center does not have a bell and I would like to donate one since I truly want to ring that bell áugust 8th. What kind of bells do your centers have? I did find a small dinner gong which could be fun.
Lisa -
Pat... I think there are worse luck cases than me on here, for sure.... Sorry to complain....
We had Sunday dinner last night and my sis and her hubby and my nephew brought over dinner! It was amazing & I found some face paint markers and let the kids draw on my head, finally! It was a great night.... -
Teresa-yes. Actually doing good. I think maybe fasting before, during and after chemo may have something to it. It's supposed to help lessen the s.e. and help protect the good cells. Had chemo last Wednesday. Felt fine 1 and 2 days after. Just some gas,. 1 pepcid a day took care of it. Day three fatigued and slightly yucky. Day 4 less fatigued andslightly yucky, Day 5, today, just about back to normal. This time I didn't do the neulasta shot. Instead, day 5 -9 wll be getting blood drawn to see if I even need any cell boosting. Today my count was good so no shot. Am hoping the same for the rest of the week. Fingers crossed. I am not 100% positive it's the fasting, but I am definitely going to continue with it on the remaining of my treatments.
Ipc-Nice idea re the bell.
Best to all of you May flowers.
Carla -
Lorrie-Sounds like a fun time. I think I'll let my grandsons draw on my head too. Thanks for the idea.
Carla -
Hey guys,
It was a quiet weekend here.
I took Friday off work - mostly because I was so exhausted in the morning. And then foolishly decided at 12 to drive to Chattanooga to go get my kids. Me and my 11 year old got there around 9:30pm and left on Sunday morning at 6am to come home. We made better time coming home and got home at 1:30 but I was EXHAUSTED and useless for the rest of the day. As much as we like to think we can do all the things we used to, we really can't
I have my 2nd to last taxol treatment today - then just one more!!! OMG! I can't actually beleive I'll be done with chemo. I can't wait for my strength to return and my bloated body to go away! Question - does your hair grow back as soon as your done?? Can I use Rogaine or something like that immediately? Does anyone know. My hair has started to grow back but it's really patchy...
I got bit by so many mosqosquitos on Saturday. You would think with all the chemo drugs in me that they would stay away!!
And SOOO excited about the Royal baby yesterday. I was watching Charles & Diana's wedding, and when Diana had the boys, and Diana's funeral
And of course the Royal wedding 2 years ago. Makes me miss England.Hoping for a happy day for you all today
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Ukkate..Good Luck today. Wow then only one more. Finally coming to an end. I heard hair grows back after off chemo for two.months. Hoping it grows back,quicker. I also heard mosquitoes did not like chemo blood but was proven wrong this weekend.
Ipc...My center does not ring a bell but I love the gong idea. It would be great if if it was so big you had to roll it on wells. What was that TV show...the gong show...that would be great.
Carla. Glad things are going okay for you. You sure deserve some smooth sailing. -
My place has a fairly large bell hanging on the wall, so you reach up and grab the rope that hangs down and tug it back and forth a few times. Ive never heard it ring when I've been there. However my last treatment is on Friday and you bet I will be giving that bell a good ringing as I leave.
I don't think I have lost anymore hair since my first treatment. It is really thin and what is left is really blonde so you can't really see it. I look bald from a distance but up close you can see that I have quite a few hairs that never left on the top of my head and can see that on the sides and back that I have hairs that have started growing back. It is all very thinly spread though.
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No bell in my place...it was anti-climatic when my chemo ended.
If there had been a bell I'm sure a few people would have jumped out of their seats hearing it ring. There were many people outside of my little chemo room, that were in the hospital chemo room, they wouldn't have known what was going on!
Gong! I like that idea. Used to love watching the gong show. Gong that chemo and cancer!
Lorrie, love that your head was an easel. I don't remember what I wrote about worse luck and complaining. I am the first to complain, knowing there are those who are worse off. Even if I remind myself that. It is a necessary thing, otherwise we would explode from keeping it in.
Mosquitos? The ones in my area didn't read the boards where it said they don't like chemo blood! So now I spray myself, better safe than sorry. I had read here somewhere on BCO that bug bites in the arm where lymph nodes were removed could lead to an increased risk for lymphedema. So, I am taking that seriously, I have also booked an appointment with a physical therapist that does lymphedema work....I am hoping to be measured for a sleeve for an upcoming trip to Florida...apparently flight is an increased risk, as is heat. What was I thinking!? (Btw,the lymphedema boards have a lot of info in regards to the type of therapist to look for, at this point I am "settling" so I can get the sleeve, if I needed actual massage I would be looking elsewhere for certified lymphedema masseuse. )
Ukkate, not from England but i enjoyed hearing the news of the birth. I also watched the wedding, births and funeral. It is nice to see the traditions carried down.
Carla, you go with that fasting. Just the thought of missing a meal makes me feel faint! Lol. I couldn't imagine fasting that many days! I'm glad it is working for you.
Elkatho, I sure hope your chemo goes the way you want it to. I think we all understand about the mixed feelings.
Have been spending some time "bonding" with mom and sis (obviously the nice one, not the evil twin! Lol) in Rhode Island. It is great that we can give each other a spell. Mom is physically challenged when it comes to walking any distance, as she is prone to fall. She also has an unusual eye disorder that is okay when initially treated with injections but those injections where off and she has difficulty opening her eyes. Here is a woman with enough means to pay her bills and have more than enough to enjoy life and she doesn't even take her pocketbook out with her when we go shopping, lunch, dinner. Etc. it is amazing that she thinks we should be paying for everything. (We both are a family of 5). Well, the joke is on her, the house we rented was paid for by her, and I guess she hasn't figured that out. She sure asked what the cost was, but didn't offer to pay a share. Must be nice to live oblivious. If my dad were still alive the entire cost would have been split evenly, or he would have covered more, for taking us away from our families. (The husbands are home covering for us). I think I am leaving to go home tomorrow. I can't take the mean comments anymore. I almost cried at lunch, well I did, in the restaurant bathroom...I miss my dad, and he clearly was a saint to put up with my mother. Trying to make happy memories here but it is difficult when bitter comments are thrown my way. Wah wah, I'm drying my eyes, I'm done.
My poor sister will have the "pleasure" of driving mom home Saturday. 3 hours to our area, stop for lunch and get her hubby so he can drive the next 2 hours to Pennyslvania and then back home again, God Bless her, if she is lucky mom will be stricken with laryngitis! Lol (gotta think those happy thoughts! Lol)
If anyone comes up with the answers to regrow the hair please share. I met a cancer survivor here in Rhode Island, she is two years out from treatment her hair is thinned out. She said she is the 1% that it doesn't come back as full....i'm thinking I will be like her. Sigh.
Pat -
I have heard taking biotin is good for hair growth. I definitely plan on trying when done treatment. I plan on trying it when all done chemo. Cant bear the thought of no hair or thin hair forever.
Lisa -
I think I'll try prenatal vitamins for hair growth....
Pat, I hope we're not in that 1%!!!!!!!! I'll go broke buying face paint markers for the grandkids for years to come...... & I'm sorry the visit with your mom didn't go well... Kudos for trying!
We have another granddaughter coming any day now! I'm so excited! I told my daughter she has to have the baby before my next treatment (next thurs) so I'll feel good... LOL she says she'll do her best.
Had my picc dressing change & it came out another cm..... Eeeek... -
Ukkate-So true. The energy level definitely is affected. And us women are goer and doers. Doesn't go hand in hand. How exciting. You are so close to the finish line w your chemo. The royal baby is such a happy event. I bet Diana was right there with them.
Elkatho-there was more than 45 days between chemo for me qnd no sign of my hair coming in. Definitely going to try the bioten Lisa suggested. Like Pat, I have this feeling I may be part of the 1%. My hair was thinning before chemo. Maybe in the end this will just exelerate the process. Hope not.
Teresa-Your last treatment is this Friday. That is wonderful.
Pat-The first 24 hours is the most difficult. But when I think about it possibly keeping my S.E. minimized, it makes it easier. Today is one week since chemo and I've gained the weight back that I lost during
fasting...sorry to hear your mom says so many mean things. That is hurtful. Makes me sad
. I can tell through your posts what a wonderful and caring person you are. I am glad that you and your nice
sister have each other. Hope that one day your mom and evil sister see the error of their ways and become happy and nice.
Lorrie-So exciting about the new arrival. Nothing better than being a
grandma...Haven't had any problems with my picc yet. Sure hope I don't. Have they been easy fixes for you so far?
Wishing everyone a good day.
Carla
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