September 2013 Chemo Group
Comments
-
PS -haven't seen BabeRuth around...hope you are doing too good to post! -
70charger - Just read your symptoms from a few days ago and it's most likely flu-like-syndrome caused by your low WBC count from the chemo. I'm on the same chemo as you and I've had this happen with both rounds. Ibuprofen really helped me feel better and it kept the fever below 100.4. The first round my temp went to 100.8 and MO put me on an antibiotic.The antibiotic worked great, I had not more fever or flu like symptoms. This second round my temp only went to 100.1 so I just endured the symptoms for 5 days, then all the flu symptoms were gone. I also have a choice on whether to stop chemo, but I'm going to go ahead and do all 4 even thought I would like to quit. I just keep reminding myself that I'll be all done by Thanksgiving and hopefully the food will taste good. My next chemo (round 3) is this Friday.
Kbeee - seems you are having a rough time. I've not felt well on days 4-5 but I've not had that much pain. I've just not felt normal and feel sick but it's not a flu like sickness during those days. The flu like symptoms has hit me on days 10-15.
I hope and pray you both feel better soon! -
Oh yes, on the mouth thing. I'm pretty sure I gave myself the lip blister by drinking hot chocolate during my infusion 2 weeks ago. And last Friday I ate ice for the first time during the infusion and my mouth is the best it's been by far - food tastes much better. It might not work during AC, but for those who are or will do taxol, might work better then. -
Luckily my pains are not constant, and are not all day...but when they hit...wow!!!!!! I have not had Neulasta either. And I never had an epidural with my labors, and do have a very high pain tolerance! I am hoping that they will be gone soon like they were last round.
I am having a big debate with myself on whether my MOs plan for 6 rounds instead of the standard 4 is worth it. I am planning to ask him next time I see him about the risk/benefit. I have no lymph node involvement. If there is a benefit in 6, fine, but if he is just doing it for the sake of doing 2 extra, that's not really ok with me. I do really feel good overall and have been able to do all normal activities, but knowing it will be cumulative, who knows what else is looming in these last few???? -
Hi All,
Just checking in. Was in Idaho for a few days visiting a friend and just chilling out. It was nice to just relax!
For those of you having bad SE's with the Neulasta, have you tried taking Claritin once a day from a day or so before until 5 or 6 days after the shot? It did wonders for me. The bone crushing Neulasta pain in Round 1 was neutralized in Round 2 by the Claritin.
I'm in kind of a downer mood too. Not looking forward to the freight train hit this weekend following Round 3 on Friday.
Hang in there, All!! -
kjsimpson - we'll be having our chemo again on the same day. I haven't had neulasta so I haven't had to deal with that. I'm so glad the Claritin helps. I'm praying for us both that it all goes smoother this next round! -
Hello steroid rush! I actually am welcoming it today. I was so very behind but I got a lot done today.Not nearly as much as I wanted, but something. Round three tomorrow! I am still sick and I think it is turning to bronchitis. Doc said no antibiotics or anything though because it appears to be viral. The bright green phlegm is telling me infection, but what do I know? I guess we will see what happens. I got some essential oils today and made my own Thieves Oil so hopefully that will ward off any viral/bacterial stuff. I am sick of being sick! Oh, and I am begging to differ on the calcium deficiency issue with my muscle pain. I have eaten/drank a ton of calcium and it hasn't helped at all. Even two Lortabs today still didn't quiet it a bit if I am doing stairs or squatting down.
KBee: you are amazing! That is quite incredible and I am so happy to hear that you had such a fast improvement. I am sure that mine won't be that great especially with doing chemo first, but it gives me hope and relieves some of my fears that I won't be able to take care of my kids. I am going to start some Pilates or Yoga and hopefully that will help with this muscle pain too. I don't know how much strengthening I will get done, but I suppose every bit helps. I suppose I wont' give up all hope of doing reconstruction just yet. I need to get with the ladies who have had it all done and see what recovery time is for the different stages. Also- I didn't realize that 4 rounds were standard and not 6. I am supposed to do 6 too, and am so very worried about what the last couple are going to be like
And since I am getting into the essential oils and stuff I thought I would mention that I just read jojoba oil is supposed to be excellent at treating acne and other kinds of skin irritations. I haven't tried it yet but I did order some as a carrier for my Thieves Oil so I can let you know how it works. I am one of those lucky ones who didn't any acne at all until I turned 20- officially no longer a teenager. So I still deal with it even despite the chemo nonsense. =/
70scharger: I know exactly how you are feeling. I said just a week or so ago that I was done too. Don't give up, just give it time. I know it sucks big time, but you are kicking cancer's ass! In another week or so you will be feeling better and soon it will all be behind you.
Lighthouse: glad you're feeling better and happy anniversary! -
So pleased I found this group. Been on the site for a few days now, and eventually got the courage to post something. The month of August has been like a whirlwind, everything just happened to fast. It's only now that things are beginning to sink in. I will be going for my 2nd tx tomorrow, hopefully it will be better than the first. Then 2 more after that. One every 3 weeks.
All the best to all of you -
knightzoo-I am here and doing okay. It seems like sometimes life just keeps coming at that crazy fast pace. I guess I thought it would slow down while I was doing chemo but it seems like there is something going on all the time. My husband was laid off from his job of over 20 years so that has been a little bit of a downer. I am the only one working now but on the bright side he is more available to help out with the kids and around the house. I have to find a silver lining where ever I can!
Tomorrow will be number 6 of 9 weekly taxol treatments. I will be 2/3rds of the way done! I have had very few side effects so far and I feel extremely lucky. My hair is pretty much gone on my head but I still have plenty everywhere else. I have been chewing ice during the taxol and it has helped with the awful taste thing.
Happy Anniversary Lighthouse!
We are halfway through October and so many of us are at the end or near the end of treatment. Lets keep cheering each other on and make sure each of us get to the finish line. I will be here until the last one crosses it! I hope everyone has a easy day with little or no side effects. -
Just did a search. Seems not one person has talked about the extreme chemo body odor! I wake up every morning smelling like I have been in the jungle for 30 days with no bath or shower! Enough to gag a person. I truly hope This is something people just don't want to share & not that I am the only one dealing with it.
Feeling better each day, just dealing with the mental issues now.
Deboranne our chemo's are close together, I have #3 next Wed. I secretly use you as my guide as to what to expect. nudge nudge
-
I'm sitting here getting my #3 infusion and I just had a pretty scary reaction to the Taxotere. I was sitting here talking to the nurse (luckily) and I got a bit of a weird hot kind mm feeling in my stomach, then I coughed once and suddenly couldn't breathe. She stopped my infusion and gave me an inhaler and more steroid. They are going to restart me in about 30 if I'm feeling fine but super slow. The nurse said that it is pretty common for 3Rd time Taxotere infusions to have a reaction if you are going to have one for some weird reason. I just wanted to forewarn everyone going for their #3 and to p on remind everyone if you feel anything weird at all to let the nurse know! -
mamastewart Scary stuff. Hope you feel better with no more of that! -
Glad you are ok mamastewart...I had my 3rd treatment yesterday. Very scary. -
Thank you guys. I am almost done with the Tax and so far so good. It was very scary! I hope no one else has any bad reactions! -
Prob. my most annoying SE is the dizzy spells. Now, I've been prone to fainting all my life -- I've had anemia & low blood pressure & can black out if I stand up too fast. It's not dangerous & it's easily managed. Hardly ever happens anymore bec. I can watch for triggers. Until chemo! Now I get dizzy & lightheaded every few days. Blood counts have been fine, I'm actually not anemic right now (prob. bec. I'm not getting a period plus I'm eating super healthy & regular). But damn, I feel like a Victorian lady at her fainting couch! Glad I'm not going into the office, that would have been crazy. -
Oh my goodness mamastewart, I'm glad it was a short reaction and the nurse got to you quickly! Scary stuff. I have weird symptoms sometimes during treatment and it's always hard to know if I should hail a nurse or not.
I got my final AC yesterday and am doing pretty good today - the decadron manic behavior is working my favor, lol. I can't believe how much I didn't want to go yesterday - the fear was almost at the level I was at for my first infusion, except without the newness and not knowing what to expect. I knew exactly what to expect and I DIDN'T want to go. But I made it through, and will make it through day 3 and the Neupogen bone pain somehow, and then I'll be done with AC for good. And my onc really wants me to stay home from work for my entire treatment if I can, so that's a relief. Disability pay is low, but the kids and I are living with my mom and she's patient about how much rent I can pay her. And I've really appreciated being able to spend what energy I have on my kids - they deserve that. So now instead of using up all of my good days on a job I pretty much hate, I can give all of that good stuff to them :-)
Good thoughts to all, looks like a tough week for a lot of us. For anyone into this kind of thing, I got a book from the library at my oncologists office that is really great - it's called "Joy Is a Plum Colored Acrobat" by Wendy Burton. It's full of life-affirming visualizations specifically for women going through breast cancer treatment.
Oh and Mamastewart, I didn't have a fabulous recovery at all for my bmx, but I dropped all weight restrictions at 6 weeks. If you have the option to start physical therapy as soon as possible and tell them you have a special needs son and need to do a lot of lifting, they can be really specific about your treatment exercises. -
Pam, Welcome. I hope this infusion goes better than your first.
Mamastewart, Scary stuff. i hope the rest of the infusion went ok and that there are no further reactions. What will they do for #4???
JellyK, Hooray for the last AC. I hope the side effects are mild and pass quickly. This phase is in the rear view mirror for you.
Batcatlady, Those dizzy spells must be awful. Do they have any reasons for you???
70s, I have not noticed the body odor thing. That doesn't mean it isn't there (which scares me a bit...I hope someone would say something if I couldn't smell it), it just means I have not noticed it. I did have a rash under my arms after the first treatment and I could not use my normal deodorant for a few days. I noticed some odor then and did go back to using it, but lathered on some hydrocortisone first. Dumb probably, but it cleared up and I could stand to smell myself. -
That is so scary to hear Mamastewart! All the best to you for the rest of the week. My 3rd TC is in three weeks and I am already dreading it...
Another week is nearly over and we are getting closer to the end of treatment hurray!
Viji -
jellyK are you starting taxol right away or do u get a weeks break in between I am scheduled for my last a/c next Thursday -
My Taxol starts 2 weeks from yesterday - basically when a 5th AC would have been I switch to Taxol and it's weekly from there. They told me some things I hadn't heard anything about - I'm supposed to take Zyrtec no more than an hour before treatment for some reason... -
Kbee- let us know what your doc says about 6 treatments vs 4 of TC. I only have 4 and if I read correctly the difference i saw between you and me is I am grade 3 and you are grade 2. Did you have any cancer in your lymph nodes? I wonder why I only have 4. However I don't know if I could do 6 anyways, but I'd love to know why you are getting 6. -
manka...I have to have 6 because I am her+ I believe. I asked for only 4 but my MO says I need 6. I would be interested to know too. -
jellyk - have you had Benadryl in your pre-meds up to this point? If not, they are probably adding the Zyrtec because of the possibility of an allergic reaction to the taxane. I had pre-med IV Benadryl prior to each tx but they may be using Zyrtec because it is longer lasting and makes you less sleepy. -
Mankatostate-I don't see MO again until my next treatment 11/1, but it will definitely be a topic of conversation, and I will post what he has to say. He is involved in heading up a clinical trial comparing 6 rounds of TC to dose dense AC-T. I did not qualify for the trial since my tumor was 1mm too small, so I think he just put me in 6 since that is what he is doing with others. He does not seem to use this regimen too often, so part of me thinks he just wants to see how I will do. I have talked to a few other people who go to other doctors in this oncology group all have 4 rounds of TC. My tumor was 2.0 cm and I had no lymph node involvement. My concern is strictly risk-benefit. I do not want to risk long term weakness or muscle problems for no added benefit. If he feels there is a strong benefit, then it is certainly worth it. I was very strong ER and PR positive, so Tamoxifen is the most important for me. Hopefully I will bounce back as well weeks 2 and 3 as I did last time. I might feel better about it then. Right now, I am still in the feel blaaaaah the first week phase and I just want it to end. Like now! -
Good to hear from you BabeRuth, glad you are well. Sorry to hear about your husband's job.
Mamastewart, so scary! Hopefully that was a one time deal!
How many weeks total of chemo is everyone doing? I feel like I'm going to be here alone in January! I have 20 weeks total, 12 weekly taxol and then every other week A/C 4 times. I can see everyone's points about rads - there shouldn't be anything left to radiate! I'm going to ask my RO, who is also a friend (hockey dad) and pops over to see me most Fridays while I'm in the chemo chair. -
I hope everyone is doing well and having limited side effects. It's been a few weeks so I'd thought I would check in. My wife just completed her 7th weekly taxol /herceptin. Oncologist said tumor is much smaller. The last few weeks my wife had high BP so she had to fill a prescription. They may lower the steroid dosage next time. -
Had my final follow up with my breast surgeon today. Seriously this guy has mad skills. He removed almost a golf ball sized area of tissue with my lumpectomy (and I'm only a B cup) and you literally can't see a difference if it wasn't for the scars...which I'm fair skinned and my scars stay quite purple forever before fading. But I digress. I approached him with my concerns about radiation. I knew he wouldn't convince me otherwise but I still wanted to hear it. And at least it made sense.
He told me I'm looking at a *50% recurrence rate in my original tumor site if I refuse radiation. He's seen it first hand. He told me chemo is MUCH worse than radiation and since I'm handling the chemo so well it really shouldn't be an issue for me. The technology is good enough to avoid my heart and lungs. He said that the cells around the tumor 'bed' even though showed clear margins, still have a propensity for supporting a tumor since they've done that in the past. And it is easier for them to do that. I asked him if recurrance in the tumor site is so high, why not radiate first, and then do chemo? He said right after surgery, chemo is primarily important to rid the body and vital organs of any rogue cancer cells ....and then radiation to the local area. Because you can't remove your liver or your brain or your lungs if cancer pops up there but you *can* still have a MX. And that actually made sense to me. And it made me stop questioning whether to do radiation or not. I have to and I get that now.
Charger: I've noticed horrible body odor since chemo. And I'm a fitness instructor (meaning I've had my share of sweating!). Like within hours.... it is as if I haven't even put deodorant on. I can take a shower before bed and wake up smelling like I haven't showered in days. It's bizarre!
Oh and I got my period AGAIN this week, just 20 days from the last one ON chemo. And when I told my oncologist about it on Tuesday he said "oh well it will probably stop AFTER chemo is finished". Um. That is NOT what he said before. He said it would stop during. Which at this point? Makes me think. Do they really know anything about anybody? Geepus. SOOOO looking forward to next Friday and final A/C chemo #4. Then the switch to DD Taxol for 4 with the Friday before Christmas as my final infusion. Christmas is 69 days away today.
-
Why do some people get weekly taxol and some every 3 weeks? Confused! Just interested to know...
Viji -
Kaybeee - thank you all went well today with the infusion, will wait and see after 24hrs when it really kicks in. Hopefully it will be better than the first one.
You are all in my thoughts, and hope things get better for all of you
Hugs -
PeacockGirl: Thanks for the explanation about radiation and chemo. All makes sense now. For anyone interested, there is a group here for current and upcoming rads tx, called Fall 2013 Rads. I'm there too since I start at the end of the month.
Knightzoo: I have finished my entire chemo course of four tx but have no intention of leaving because it will be interesting, I feel, to share what continues to happen as these drugs leave my system entirely. I suspect that may take a while. Also many of these other threads from years ago (chemo groups) are still active, and some of them have met in person, even years after.
This is a long journey. I've been so grateful to all of you for your help. Thanks for being here. I never feel alone or misunderstood because of you.
70s: I have also had that crazy chemo BO. I noticed because this the first time in my life I've ever had any. I wake up smelling like I did a 50 mile hike sometimes. Yuck. Luckily deodorant handles it. It should be interesting to see what happens when I have to switch to aluminum free deodorant when I start rads. I have the Toms of Maine ready. Well at least it isn't summer anymore.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team