Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • charusa
    charusa Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2014

    Holli, I had my first taxol on a Thursday and the naulasta on Friday. The pain started on Saturday afternoon, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were almost unbearable. My pain is in my legs, hips and pelvic area and nothing seemed to help and I was afraid to soak in the tub in case my legs wouldn't let me get out. When I went for blood work the following Thursday I spoke to my MO and she ordered me some pain meds which I haven't taken yet. The pelvic pain went away by that Wed and although I still have some leg pain it is tolerable with regular tylenol. I read in a couple of posts that the second one and now even the third one is not so bad. I do take tylenol PM which helps the pain and helps me to sleep. I feel you...I thought I was going out of my mind with the pain!!!

    DJJ, I love your story about your date...gives me hope that there are men out there that will not be put off knowing about my cancer.

    Mikesgirl, I am so happy for you!!! One by one we will all be posting our last chemo day soon. I remember back in December writing my first post and thinking there was not going to be an end to any of this. I did chemo first so I still will have a ways to go before I am completely finished but getting chemo done will be one giant step!!!!

  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2014

    Woohoo Mikesgrl-last chemo!! remember that its the last one if you feel like sh*t this week

    DJJ- so glad you had a nice date

    With one more chemo to go I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I went kayaking and paddle boarding on Saturday although I was so sore on Sunday but I want to enjoy life! Planned a cruise over Thanksgiving with my family to give me something to look forward to and hope by then to have some hair and strength back 

    I still have rads but I'm just trying to get thru chemo at this point

  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2014

    sharing an anti cancer smoothie recipe that I make a lot

    1 cup blueberries

    1/2 cup strawberries or other fruit

    1 cup pomegrante juice

    1 tbl flax seed

    2-4 cups greens like spinach, kale or swiss chard

    2-3 tlbs of yogurt

    Chop and blend, makes about 3 servings, add 1/2 cup water if too thick

    The pomegrante juice is strong and takes away the green taste

  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2014

    keepthefaith- are you growing new hair yet? Holly had a full covering at about 2 1/2 months after chemo. before she had natural blond hair with a little gray and her hair grew back salt and pepper with way more salt (gray). It is sooo soft. reminds me of rabbit hair

  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    I'm done!!!!!!!!So excited I can't stand it.

  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    awesome Mikesgirl!! Congrats!!

    Holli

  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited March 2014

    Congrats!!!! 

  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2014

    awesome Mikesgirl!  Such a great feeling.  

    I'm about 5 weeks out from finishing chemo, my color is back & I'm feeling more like myself.  I'm exercising and eating healthier.  Trying to take of the few lbs. I've gained.  My hair is just starting to come in, stubble.

    I do sort of feel like, now what?  Did I do enough?  My MO said its hard to get on with life & not constantly think about cancer coming back.  I know it was caught early, I just have to stay positive. 

    Good Luck everyone, it seems like many are close to finishing.

    Although I haven't been posting much, I'm still catching up & reading all the posts.

  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited March 2014

    mikesgirl- big high five, so glad to hear as people finish up the nasty chemo.  Wishing you back to your new normal soon. 

  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2014

    Mikesgrl- Doing a happy dance for you. You made it thru!

    Neskir99- Glad you are feeling good and getting on with life. How long before your taste came back?

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited March 2014

    Mikesgirl-you did it! whoo-hoo!

    Leealice, still looking for hair, but not yet. I think I may feel a few stubbles, but it's hard to tell, as I never went completely bald and have straggles left.

    neskir, I'm glad you are feeling better. I hope you can move on without too much trouble. I am sure it's hard, since this has consumed your life for so long. I bought a book "Picking up the Pieces", that I am planning to read. I guess we are never really the same again. I'm sure you will be an inspiration to those who know and love you! Keep us posted on your progress.

    ((HUGS))

  • jackieak
    jackieak Member Posts: 169
    edited March 2014

    mikesgirl...so happy for you, and inspired to get through 7 more weeks as well....there is an end to chemo!!

  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    Thank you ladies.  I seriously was doing a happy dance all night.  I can't wait for you all to experience this feeling.  It will be over before you know it.  When I was almost done, there was a man and woman who sat down across from me.  My bag beeped because it was empty.  I took a picture of it because it was the last one.  The lady said, "oh, does it beep when it's done?" to the man.  He said yes.  I smiled and she said "this is his last time."  My sister said "this is hers too."  I high fived him (In the air.) He looked so happy as I'm sure I did.  When you start this shit coaster, you feel like it will never end.  When it does.....well, there aren't words to accurately describe it.  You'll see.

    Neskir....It was so good to here from you.  I miss you.  What's life like a month or so later?  Energy?  taste buds? 

    Kimmie....WOOOOHOOOO!!!!  Today's the day.  I will be thinking of you.  You rock.  I am happy to be your friend.  Hugs!!!!!!

  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2014

    Mikegirl - I was so happy when that last bag of chemo was empty.  What a feeling!

    Kimie - Thinking of you, congratulations!

    I am bummed that my pathways to healing class that I was supposed to start tonight, was cancelled do to lack of people.  Made an appointment with an MD who deals with holistic and reg. medicine.  She is booked until May.  I will keep looking around. 

    The Taxol decided to give me grief last night, my legs hurt, back ache, cramps.  

    Keepthefaith - That books sounds interesting, I will check it out on amazon.  

    I have my appt. with the radiologist on Fri.  Went over to the Spring Rads board and checked it out, I need to find out as much info as possible before I commit to this facility.

    Keep pushing forward ladies,

    Kim

  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited March 2014

    Had a last minute appointment with my MO this morning.  My feet kept me up all night with pulsating pain.  She is lowering my last 5 doses of Taxol.  She says that it will in no way affect the outcome of my treatment.  Then she said if lowering the Taxol dose doesn't work for my feet we may stop my last few treatments, have my lumpectomy and then finish the last chemos after surgery.  NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  I can't imagine stopping chemo, feeling good and then having to go back to finish up four chemos and losing what hair has grown back.  Losing my hair twice!!! Absolutely NOT!!!!! She said she wants to avoid that because it is very emotional and she understands how much it means to finsh chemo.  Again I say, NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Not doing it! NOT!!! I have five left and I want them done! To think about stopping and starting again makes me want to curl up in a ball and hide.  Fingers crossed that lowering the dose will give my feet some relief.  End rant.....

  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    DJJ - I'm screaming "NOOOOO" with you. Keeping fingers crossed the lowered dose will help. 

    That MO is nuts!! "Emotional" having to finish up chemo after surgery is an understatement. I can't imagine having to switch mind sets twice. 

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited March 2014

    DJJ, wow, sorry you are having to deal with this! I hope and pray that lowering the dose is the solution.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    Djj, what an awful thought.  I just said a prayer that you will be able to finish chemo with a lower dose.  you have too.  The other option is unimaginable.  Rant away.  That's why we're here.



  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2014

    image

    Happy dance... I'm DONE!!!! 

    Neskir99- i can't wait to be a month out... That's right about when I will start rads 

    dj - my dose was lowered a little bit too due to neuropathy... My feet aren't paining though... I hope it resolves itself as I agree starting and stoping and Starting would be Brutal... I cannot see that happening. 


  • oranje_mama
    oranje_mama Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    DJJ, praying that lowering the dose will do the trick for you & relieve your foot issues.  My MO has told me several times that she never worries about lowering the chemo dose (in my case Taxotere) because she'll never lower the Herceptin dose and Herceptin is what's going to cure us Her2+ chicks. 

    I know you've tried so much with your feet - I had Hand & Foot Syndrome after TX#4, but so far (fingers crossed!) I'm doing OK with TX#5.  What seems to be helping me is putting my feet up as much as possible (sleeping with a pillow under them too).  Anyway, that's probably throwaway advice but I thought I'd put it out there!  I've also been greasing up my feet every night with Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream (and sleeping in  spa sisters socks) - that seems to have helped a lot with the peeling.

    Mikesgirl & Kimmie - woo hoo!!!!!  so happy for you.  Pharrell Williams song is playing for you both- HAPPY!

  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2014

    Kim....I am over the moon excited for you!!!!!! Congrats!

  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited March 2014

    yea Kim!! Congrats!! The sign is awesome!

    Holli

  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited March 2014

    Kim- absolutely love the sign. Did the nurses ring bells for you also?  

    DJJ-  hope the reduced dose will do the trick.  I would be totally freaked out to have to interrupt chemo and the restart it.  Are you taking any supplements like B6 or L glutamine? 

    Barbara

  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited March 2014

    Kim, WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Kart wheels and somersaults!!!!

    Orange_mama, Thanks! I didn't even think about that, but Herceptin is our thing and I'm doing fine with that.  Makes me feel much better looking at it that way.  I've been doing bag balm on my feet at night and it helps. 

  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2014

    I did get to hit the symbol like a drum symbol but it stood up... I hit it as hard as I could !!!!!!!   side effects one last time......... then onto radiation, I am still kind of in shock that its done..

  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited March 2014

    congrats Kim!!  Hearing about everyone finishing up only inspires me more!  59 days for me!  Long time, but not that long really!!  Hugs and high fives! 

  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2014

    hi, yes energy is coming back, taste buds are good.  Although, mine really only changed my chemo week, except for things making me gag.

    I still can't drink plain water or ginger ale.

    My MO said it takes as long to get back to normal from DX.  I was diagnosed late Sept. So give myself 6 months.

    Awesome Kimmie!!  Feels good:)

    There is an end, we will all get there!

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited March 2014

    Congrats Kimie! You did it!!!Happy

  • J4DC
    J4DC Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2014

    congrats!!!!!!! Kimmie and mikesgirl! So happy for you!! Kimmie, love the sign! 

    Djj, hope your feel get better after lowering dosage. I am sure herceptin will do its job anyway. 

    Hugs to everybody!

  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited March 2014

    so tired of saying no to things. I went out  to dinner tonight, had a glass of red wine and fresh salad, even blue cheese on the salad.  Felt good and tasted great to eat al the no no's. Now hope my liver tests are normal on Thurs. 

    Barbara

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