August 2013 Chemo Sisters

Options
1…6364666869…78

Comments

  • OregonDarcy
    OregonDarcy Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2013

    Ashley410  I'm also doing the DD Taxol x 4.   Just had my first infusion yesterday and it seems much better than the AC.  The AC was really wearing me down.  Only SE so far is a rash on my abdomen and red puffy face from the increased steroid dose along with it.   Good luck.   You've only got two more to go, right?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 752
    edited October 2013

    Keep the positive Taxol stories coming.  :-)

    I had to stop looking stuff up, because I kept reading about people found it SO much harder than AC, etc.  Really?!??!?!  LOL   Not what I want to hear.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TanyaF
    TanyaF Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2013

    I had my 4th round of TC yesterday. I felt more tired than normal all day yesterday after. Today has been OK so far, but I don't have the steroid energy as much this time which is surprising. I was hoping to get stuff done, but I just want to lay around. At least I already did my walk this morning.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mankatostate
    mankatostate Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2013

    Tayna- are you done now?...well at least after the next few painful days! If so yay for you! I hope that is the case.

    Hoping you are able to get dome rest and get the SE behind you quickly!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candi07
    candi07 Member Posts: 188
    edited October 2013

    Hello everyone, I haven't been on in awhile. I missed reading the posts, just got caught up. Glad that everyone is doing relatively ok. Been dealing with bone pain almost 2 weeks after neulasta this happens with every treatment, it's not bad though. Going for my 4th A/C tomorrow...half way done. Feeling like lim coming down with a cold....does anyone know if that will have an impact on treatment?



    Praying everyone has a peaceful night, hugs to all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ashley410
    Ashley410 Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2013

    Oregon Darcy - I've only had 1 of my taxol treatments! 3 more to go and I can't wait! Seems like we are on the same schedule I just get my treatments on Tuesdays!



    Hope everyone feels as good as possible!! Praying for less side effects for everyone!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ForMyGranddaughter
    ForMyGranddaughter Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013

    TanyaF, are you done?

    My last nfusion is next Friday, October 11th.

    I hope everyone is well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LisaSp
    LisaSp Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2013

    Tanya if you're done congratulations! Candi, wonderful,

    you're halfway!



    And FMG, great you finish soon. My last T/C is this Monday, Oct. 7. I will be thrilled!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2013

    What is everyone's next step after chemo?  I am headign for surgery though I now most already had surgery.  I am likely doing double mx and axillary node dissection.  Have you had this?  What is it like? V

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2013

    During this tiem that youare bald, have you done anythign special for the skin on your head that will once agin be covered soon?  Like a "facial" treatment? V

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 752
    edited October 2013

    HVV - I will be having surgery after chemo, too.  Since I'm BRCA+ I'll be having bilateral mx.  Meeting with plastic surgeon on the 17th to discuss reconstruction options.  Then after surgery will be rads.  Still a long road, but I'm happy to be almost halfway through chemo.  Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TanyaF
    TanyaF Member Posts: 54
    edited October 2013

    No, I am not done. I have two more treatments to go. I'm glad to be finishing before Thanksgiving. After treatment I should have 6 weeks of rads.

    Congrats to those finishing up!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LisaSp
    LisaSp Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2013

    After chemo, I begin six weeks of rads on October 28. I will be thrilled with time off from treatment. My hubby and I will go to NYC as a special treat the weekend of Oct. 19.



    I've been for my RO consult and the simulation. I have my tattoos so I'm ready to go.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 752
    edited October 2013


    Lisa - that's awesome about a little getaway! I'll be having surgery after chemo, so I have no clue what my schedule will be like. I might either be having or recovering from it over Christmas. Fun. LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mankatostate
    mankatostate Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2013


    I have one more treatment and then radiation...two weeks away yet. Not sure when radiation starts or how long. Do you know how long a break they let you have between chemo and rads? My husband wants me to wait until the new year to start radiation so we can enjoy the holidays. I am kind of afraid to put it off that long. I also am thinking about insurance and starting over...it would be good to get as much of thst in this year as possible. Any thoughts?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LisaSp
    LisaSp Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2013


    Manakatostate: You need to schedule an appt with a radiation oncologist soon to have an initial consult. The RO will decide when to do rads; for me, it's three weeks after chemo ends, sometimes it's four. I don't think they want any longer gaps in between.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mankatostate
    mankatostate Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2013


    Thanks Lisa good to know so I can start preparing my husband what to expect.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2013


    Mankatostat- I also started radiation 3 weeks after finishing chemo


    Babs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Togetherness
    Togetherness Member Posts: 202
    edited October 2013


    Nice to see and read up on the posts. Everyone seems to be on the same page or close as far as treatment goes. I have my last chemo treatment this Friday oct 11 th. I will be so glad to have that behind me. I do not have to have radiation so will go in for my implant surgery on November 5 th barring no infection and blood counts are good. I have had lotsl of issues with both so hoping I can say on track. I have had my bilateral masectomy already and for me it was a piece of cake compared to what the chemo has done to me. Wishing everyone well!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RhodyMMM
    RhodyMMM Member Posts: 455
    edited October 2013


    Hi everyone, I haven't on for a bit. Had a bad week. Second A/C was last Thursday, received Neulasta on Friday in the hopes of not having the profound neutropenia again. Thursday night I had to put my sweet Rhody to sleep (guess I will need to change my avatar picture....). And then yesterday I once again spiked a temp, this time only 8 days post-chemo. Called the doc, went to the ER, my WBC again was 0.6 and my ANC 100. So.......back in the hospital on neutropenic precautions and IV antibiotics. One doc seems to think the Neulasta will start kicking in today or tomorrow and maybe I can go home tomorrow, the other two docs I saw today are not so sure. The oncologist that rounded today said he expects this is going to happen to me with each cycle of the A/C. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this.....I am so profoundly discouraged. I practice fastidious infection control and handwashing (I drive my husband crazy), I am following all the rules. Once again there is no apparent source for the fever, they tell me that this "just happens sometimes." It doesn't sound like anyone else is having the troubles with the profound neutropenia, even with the A/C treatment. They tell me this won't be so much of a problem with the Taxol, but I need to find a way to get through this......


    (Thanks for listening and good luck to all of you who are battling side effects!) (((HUGS))) to everyone for the weekend!


    Martha

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SewStrong
    SewStrong Member Posts: 399
    edited October 2013


    mankatostate, My MO told me that I could start radiation soon after chemo as long as my CBCs were good and I was feeling well. I am like you and want to get them done before Dec 31 because of starting over on the co-pay maximum out-of-pocket money we have to pay. I hope I'm feeling well and can start the very next week. He said that sometimes, it is a month before people start radiation because of various health issues. I try to eat well the week before my chemo, so I don't know if that helps or is just coincidence. I eat more fruit and try to have cabbage, broccoli, flax meal, organic eggs, etc.


    Was it this thread that I said I'd put on the Turtle Cake? If so, I finally got it. My neighbor was slow at giving it to me. She just kept making one for us. It's a little expensive, but a little goes a long way. It's very rich. Let me know if you want it.


    Sharon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 752
    edited October 2013


    Oh Martha - Oh no! I'm so sorry you are back in the hospital. You must feel so frustrated when you're doing everything right and still ending up there! {{hugs}}

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RhodyMMM
    RhodyMMM Member Posts: 455
    edited October 2013


    Thanks Michelle......and you hit the nail on the head! Hopefully things will be a bit better tomorrow.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited October 2013


    Hi August Sisters,


    I am just popping over from the July group to see how all of you are doing. You have come so far from being so scared and so unsure at the beginning. We have all made it through, even though it was sometimes good, bad and ugly. I am presently on number 5 of 12 weekly Taxol's. I have to say that Taxol is easier than AC, however it presents its own problems. I take l-glutamine, B-6, and B-12 for vitamins. I try not taking any pain pills but I do have them just in case. I use hemp oil on my feet and hands. I also ice my hands and feet during infusion. I can't say this has helped, as I am experiencing minor neuropothy on my toes and fingertips, but nothing I can't handle at this point. I have used Brian Josephs eyebrow/eyelash cream, and they are still holding on at this point. If you have a "look great, feel good" class at your cancer center sponsored by the American Cancer Society, try to attend. They give you a lot of great makeup and you can meet other sisters that are going through the same thing we all are. I just wanted to lend some support for those of that are just entering the Taxol phase. If I can help you with any questions don't hesitate to ask. The finish line is in sight, we can't give up now.........hugs to all....God Bless

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ForMyGranddaughter
    ForMyGranddaughter Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013


    My last round of chemo is next Friday, October 11th. Togetherness, you and I should celebrate!!!. I already had surgery + will NOT need radiation.


    I've had challenges with my right tissue expander. On November 25th I am scheduled to have it replaced (it may be on the 18th) . . . again. This will make the 3rd time!!! My stitches ruptured and it had to be replaced; now the replacement has a pin hole and is leaking. I pray the third time is the charm.


    I was hoping to have my implants in by December 31st so I would not have the $3k deductable in 2014. My plastic surgeon said, it's not going to happen in 2013.


    RhodyMMM, I know you came to the forum to only discuss chemo; however, prayer may be the thing to change things around. If you haven't done so already, you may want to try it.


    I haven't been on in a while. I'm updating my website's SEO (it's taking 4ever), I have soap to make tomorrow; I want to take samples of Raw Goat Milk, Manuka Honey + Oatmeal with me to the Bed + Breakfast at the end of October. You never know, their place is for cancer patients. I just happen to be a person who had a maligancy who makes soap for those who've had chemo + radiation. I'm hoping that will use my soap at their place.


    My sleep has been good; Praise God for peace-filled night's rest!


    Wishing you all the best!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RhodyMMM
    RhodyMMM Member Posts: 455
    edited October 2013


    FMG, be sure to CELEBRATE on Friday! That's great news. I appreciate your comment about prayer; without a lot of discussion I can tell you that I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately. I have not been to church in years, although I would say I have my own sense of spirituality. But lately I have realized that I need to find something more. If I could just stay out of the hospital maybe I could find a place....I have many friends who have offered open invitations at their local churches. Glad you are getting some sleep....that is so important!


    Wishing you a great week!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mankatostate
    mankatostate Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2013


    fmgd and Lisa congratulations on your last week... I must admit I wish I was there too! You can do it...it must be great to see the end is there! Is there anyone else finishing up this week?


    I am finally getting past thoses few yucky days after chemo. I still can't taste any food and have thrush once again, but I woke up this morning without pain! Yay!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ForMyGranddaughter
    ForMyGranddaughter Member Posts: 294
    edited October 2013


    RhodyMMM, I'm glad I posted about prayer. I went back + forth because I did not want to offend you + I'm glad you weren't offended.


    You don't have to go to church to find God; wherever you are God IS. Open you heart + invite Jesus in. It's really that simple. Prayer (talking to God) is easy, pour your heart out to Him as you would a friend, tell Him about your troubles, fears, pains + heartache. Place your cares on Him because He cares for you.


    Your situation may not change immediately; however, rest assured your perception, attitude + outlook will. I guarantee that you will see things differently and BE in peace.


    Everyone have a great night's rest.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candi07
    candi07 Member Posts: 188
    edited October 2013


    Wow, it's so great to hear how many of you are finishing chemo. I know it's been really hard but you ladies are a great inspiration. I finished my last a/c Friday. First Taxol in 2 weeks. Doctor is having me take 10 decadron pills 12 hours before treatment 5 pills 9pm the other 5 at 3am day before treatment. This amount of pills scares me especially since it is a steroid. Anyone else on Taxol doing this?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candi07
    candi07 Member Posts: 188
    edited October 2013


    Wow, it's so great to hear how many of you are finishing chemo. I know it's been really hard but you ladies are a great inspiration. I finished my last a/c Friday. First Taxol in 2 weeks. Doctor is having me take 10 decadron pills 12 hours before treatment 5 pills 9pm the other 5 at 3am day before treatment. This amount of pills scares me especially since it is a steroid. Anyone else on Taxol doing this?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories