Starting Chemo in December 2013

Hello everyone have read all the posts but feeling fuzzy in the head. Had tx 3 yesterday went today for neulasta feeling tired and blah and headachey.

I have used ice chips during tx but I think it froze the roof of my mouth this time it is raw and peeling almost like if you burn it with pizza.

hoping next few days are bearable. Sounds like so many of you on same day are doing well here is hoping it continues to improve.

I have had rash around port but steroid seems to be helping it. 

Count it all joy sounds like you had really rough glad you are making the most of it.

Courage ladies.....

NEskir,  99 , i just read/ noticed that you are in a genetics program. I am getting tested February. My MO said that he can do the testing with my blood work.  If I am positive, I wonder what happens next? I would want genetic counseling. I won't jump ahead, but there is much cancer in my family and I am Ashkenazi.  Did you get tested by a special program or through your MO? I worry about cost but the MO said something about enough evidence to support my getting it.  I would be grateful for any info you might share. Amy(momat)

count it all... Sorry for your set back. 

I am in the hospital night #2. Started with fever yesterday and after 8 hours in a gurney in the ER, they finally admitted me. WBCs are elevated so I'm fitting something. But my #2 AC for Tuesday has been postponed for a few days. 

Hope everyone is experiencing minimal SEs. 

rhgsr, I'm sorry to hear you are in the hospital. Feel better soon and get to your next TX!

I was called by the financial advisor lady at my Cancer Centers' office prior to chemo yesterday..  Anyway, didn't get anything figured out then, so had chemo, went to get my shot today. Same lady took me to her office, wanting this yrs' full deductible to be taken care of! Really??? It is HIGH!
So, after we discussed my situation further, I gave her a small check; she reassured me that she could help with it. She offered the Neulasta shot to be fully  paid for, thru the drug company, I think; and, that she would see if I could qualify for a foundation grant that helps cancer patients! She just needed last yrs tax return. I am hoping that they can do that; just the Neulasta part was over $2k! So, I am feeling very blessed today! I have been worrying about it since the new year started and how I would pay another high deductible so soon. I just wanted to share in case some of you all are in the same position. Just ask for help! We never know what is out there. I am single, self-employed, make enough to get by, but at times like this, it is a struggle. I am not good at asking for help, but I am learning! I hope my experience can help someone else.

Amy, yes it was a blood test, Myriad labs.  I am adopted & my birth mother had BC at 36.  That info alone was enough to be tested, insurance covered it all.  I had an  my ovaries out a couple of years ago.  the big thing is that my daughter will be tested & my son as he could be a carrier.  Once the mutated gene is identified the next test is a cheaper one, they know exactly what to look for.

My last appt. when I had my MRI that found my cancer, I had gotten the plastic surgeon list to discuss propholactive mastectomy.  Wish I did it earlier.

Hello BGC ladies,

It is so encouraging to hear that you are doing so well and congrats on finishing another treatment and for so many your last red devil.! 

I go Tuesday for # 3 and can't wait to be moving on!  My rash is really bad,  all over my body and blistering in spots.  Nobody knows what is causing it.  Had a biopsy today and hopefully we'll know next week.  I am so focused on getting # 3 out of the way, I don't want anything to stop that, even this bizarre rash!

You all continue to inspire me...for that I say THANK YOU!

good morning,

Most of you ladies are ahead of me in treatment, do you feel like the SE's are worse as treatment goes on? My second round was awful but I had a port put in that morning before chemo and I don't tolerate anesthesia very well so I think that had something to do with it.

I know it affects us all  differently ,just curious.

NEskir99, My first round seemed ok once I got my meds adjusted.  Nausea didn't really hit until day 3 and lasted 6 days, but it was doable nausea, and I did get thrush tongue and minor mouth sores.  Round 2 was a little worse with the Nausea and really bad with the heart burn but all other side effects were easier, I didn't lose my appetite too bad.  Round 3 was the easiest, I started acupuncture, I don't know if that has anything to do with it but I'm going to keep going just in case.  The nausea was still there but minor and no heart burn or mouth sores.  One new thing in round 3 was my feet feeling raw and tender, but I did work out every day.  MO says I need to force myself to rest a little more and stay off my feet.  I'm extremely active and haven't let chemo get in the way of that.  I guess I need to slow down a little.

Round 4, yesterday, so far has me worried.  I have nausea that I usually have on my worst day and I don't have the energy that the steroids usually give me...sigh. At least its the last AC round!

Sorry about the rash Beths1.  I had one that itched horribly on my chest and back.  After the last red devil, that night I took the steroid pill and the next morning there was no more itch and the rash had dried up.  I think taking a whirlpool tub bath set it off to begin with.  I had put some bath salts in that were suppose to make your skin soft.  OOps.  Didn't you say you had a hot tub?  Maybe that is causing it.  Good luck.  I hope it clears up soon.

Neskir, I noticed finally (geeze chemo brain anyone? ) that my cocktail is not the same as your's. That changes things, but we are all going through this together, so I am here for you too. Amy

DJJ .. I have the same this time with a little bit of mouth soreness and my FEET !! feels like I wore a pair of heels and stood for 8 hours strait, well maybe not that bad, but sensitive.  I am even having a little bit of heart burn, uugghh.  I have round 4 on Tuesday then onto the taxol. met with the radiologist yesterday, 6 weeks of radiation to follow treatment. 

Rhjsr.. sorry for this setback, but let them get you sorted out, you need to be at your best.

so glad to read most everyone is tolerating SE so well, it sure is a learn as we go experience and all the tips have helped me so much.  Sorry to hear of the hospital stays, that we can all do without!  

What pain are you having in the feet?  I haven't experienced that, yet...is it nerve or throbbing or ???  I'm reading taxol may cause the nerve issues, I hope not.  

I have a consult with radiation next week, not sure I will go and may postpone, between weekly blood draws, weekly PT, weekly PS and the MO and chemo I'm so sick of medical appointments.  I've done allot do research on radiation for my case, and will say I'm 99% sure I'm not doing it.  Two main reasons...this red devil scares me enough to watch for heart issues, I don't want to add this on top of it.  I had a double MX to help avoid this, and my tumor was small, did have 3 positive nodes, but all removed.  Have clear margins, and from what I read I'm an on the fence patient.  It could come back in the scar tissue locally but is rare, and my aux nodes are gone...so what would they burn?  The chest nodes were clear and I would think chemo is finding the strays...I understand it for those who have had lumpectomy...any BMX ladies considering radiation?    I will listen to what he says, but I'm not willing at this time to do radiation for a 2-3% help in reoccurrence! I'm sticking with the slash, poison and 5-10 year hormone drug I'll be on and for me that's giving my all towards fighting this.

I am jumping in so so late here.  I have read up, and would like to join in.  I am on taxol first.  Just had my 5th weekly dose this past Wednesday.  The only issues I have had with taxol are: headaches(light sensitive), mild aches in legs and insomnia!  My doctor prescribed ambien just this week.  Last night was the first time I took it and I slept better.  My hair lasted a long time.  I shaved it last night.  I had cut 15 inches off after my first dose so I could donate it.  I just couldn't waste it.  After 12 taxol, I'll have four FAC treatments and then 5-6 weeks of radiation.

Jackie- I have a lymph node in the chest they found after BMX.  I am so blessed they found it because it is an internal one. I am traveling 6 hours (12 total) a week to drive to MD Anderson.  Because my node is "unusual" I will have to have radiation there as well.  As long as it is gone by this time next year- I'll do whatever!

I have 3 girls: 9, 5 and 1.  The baby was born 12-10-12.  A year later I am off work again, but for BC not maternity.  It is what it is. Anyone else doing taxol first weekly then FAC?  It seems to be the standard MDA thing.  Sending everyone hugs and a restful weekend!

hi Jodi and welcome...we will all be glad to hear some Taxol advise.  I have a friend who was triple negative who had taxol first then the red devil, not sure if the type of BC has anything to do with it.

Node in the chest I would say definite radiation, I hope that all goes smooth for you.  Sounds like a wonderful family you have, and you are a busy mom...no time for this BC crap...keep swimming indeed!

Jackjeak, The feet tenderness is not the Neuropathy that we have to worry about with the Taxol.  That's a whole new worry.  This is caused by the Adrimycin and not everybody gets this symptom.  Prevention is comfortable shoes, icing feet, not standing too long, no soaking in a hot bath.  I think I helped it along by working out too much since round 3 was the easiest round for me I took advantage of it and was on my feet a lot.  MO said that I need to slow down a little and modify my workouts. I've taken it easy the last 3 days and already my feet are feeling better.  I put a description of it below.

Hand-foot syndrome, also called Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia, is a side effect of some types of chemotherapy. Hand-foot syndrome causes redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. Sometimes blisters appear. 

Hand-foot syndrome occurs when chemotherapy affects the growth of skin cells or capillaries (small blood vessels) in the hands and feet. Once the chemotherapy is out of the blood vessels, it damages the surrounding tissues. This can cause symptoms of hand-foot syndrome that range from redness and swelling to difficulty when walking.