February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

princessrn I'm sorry I don't remember when. I had other SE that were even more bothersome… the stiffness and my nail lifting/hurting were more of an issue than my taxotears even once chemo ended. I do remember though that about 5 weeks PFC feeling much much better so relief must of started before then. Also note January 18th was my last chemo. The cold, dry and windy Chicago winter made it a lot worse. When  I would go out and powerwalk outside, even with sunglasses tears would be streaming down my face. Not as bad inside. So hopefully since it's spring you won't have as bad of an issue. 

I grew up SE of Boston (southshore). Both Peabody and Ipswitch are north but I've been there.

lgoldie, I was never offered any meds, I did insist on pain meds. But they were few & not strong.

I made it through chemo & 1/2 way through rads then was a mess. PCP gave me lorazepam & some anti-depressant for PTSD. Hard for me to even believe I am writing this, cause my motto has always been "suffer in silence". Wish I had gotten both of them sooner. 

No I got a pass on Rads. Usually a tumor over 5cm gets rads even with MX/BMX but my rad onc gave me a pass. I think it was because the tumor was right over the heart in the  posterior region. The risk to heart and lungs wasn't statistically worth the rewards. Given that its been 3.5 years NED with such a fast growing tumor I think my risk of local recurrence has dropped significantly. 

Yes, lago, Taxotere and Cytoxan. Still being patient about the hair and still rubbing my NutriOx on my head after my shower in the morning and before bed at night. The doctor told me not to expect to see anything until the end of April, but, as usual, I'm being short on patience. And YES! The Taxotears and hoarse voice, etc. are enough to drive you nuts! But, this too shall pass. I just keep saying that to myself.

Jules, my husband was born in Commack. We live in Rockland County now, but he lived there until he was five or six years old.

Ladies, I have a side effect that I'd like to know if anyone else experiences/experienced.  I've finished AC (4 dd) and am on #4 of 12 taxols weekly (tomorrow).  I am having what I consider to be a "fullness".  Mostly feel it in my chest (breast/underarms); sometimes have to take an extra deep breath. And in my neck to the point I feel like Im choking. And sometimes gives me pressure in my head.  My blood pressure is fine when they check it at the clinic.  I sometimes feel it prior to a hot flash, but sometimes, it just makes me feel swollen and full - like Im bloated in the chest up.  My gums also pulse, like there is a heart beat in my mouth.  I have gotten this before - long before cancer - and it was associated with anxiety attacks.  I dont feel this is anxiety related.  Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated!

h0pe go get yourself some lemonheads and suck on them during chemo. No you aren't imagining this. I too noticed when they would flush my port.

I felt tightness too but no one seemed concerned. Granted 2doglady you're sounds a bit more intense than anything I had. I assume you have reported this to your onc. If not I would call and let them know.

No, I had a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy) but plan on having BMX after chemo due to BRCA1 positive.  I was wondering if the tightness/fullness I'm feeling was associated with the chemo messing with my thyroid.  I dont see my doc for 3 more weeks, but I'll mention it when I go for my infusion tomorrow (Tuesday).  I do get a NASTY taste when they flush the port.  I had one nurse tell me to request the "gourmet" flush, which means they take the saline out of the saline drip bag instead of a prefilled syringe.   Almost eliminates the nasty flush taste.

And yes, I get the tightness in my chest, too.  This fullness is uncomfortable.  Just didnt know if its a SE or me.  The taxols are not near as bad for me as the AC was, though I must say , I miss my taste buds, get the nasty acidic taste in my saliva about two days after, have more muscle aches and bone pains than before and get more tired at end of day.  

Thanks for the input.

Njmom..I've had a problems with my port too. I've had 8 weekly Taxol and they have had to take blood from my arm 5 times... Oh well at least it works for the chemo. I think it's all positional...

Jules...sounds like you tolerated AC good. Taxol should be kind to you too. I've worked four days a week but I'm taking off for the AC. Mainly due to schedules at work. They need someone for vacations and such. Summer college help coming in. It will be easier for all involved. I'm staying home til after surgery. I"m just going to enjoy the time with my teenagers and husband and take care of myself...

As for those of you talking about fullness. US tech talked to me like chemo really thickens tissue...maybe that is why we feel that way.. I think the chemo/cancer just does stuff to our bodies cuz it's foreign and poison.... I've had swollen lymph nodes in my neck since this all started. My PET shows clear everywhere and MO thinks it's just a reaction my body has to all going on.....

I guess we just plug along in hopes it's going going gone !

Cannoli... on the neuropathy...I had some aches in my calves last Friday (that was #8)...it lasted through Saturday.... That is all I have experieced.... That may not even be neuropathy. My fingernails are a bit sore this week but nothing too bad. I don't know if it helps but I do walk alot....

How has the AC been for you?

babyduck,

AC has really not been as bad as I had anticipated, with only 1 AC treatment left, I have not had any nausea or vomiting at all, and I have been able to maintain eating pretty well. After my third treatment this past Friday, I did have a bit of a queasy stomach over the weekend, but it was nothing that kept me from functioning or staying hydrated or eating. I hope my last AC treatment goes as well. Other than my hair falling out, I have had two fingernails that have a very thin black line going vertically up them, but the rest are fine...ironically, my fingernails are still growing like crazy. The taste in my mouth is not always the best. I have been having AC every two weeks, and the taste buds seem to clear up the second week.

I am sure the walking does help. I like to walk as well, and I get out for a walk each day; at least 1-2 miles. I live in Florida, so I will be relying on my treadmill pretty soon with the heat of summer approaching.

lago thanks. That puts my mind at ease a bit

Lgoldie my heart beat is occasionally fast too. But mostly it is loud or I have a thumping sensation in my ears and neck. Especially the 3-4 days after AC.  Are you short if breath too? I'm sorry it is making you want to stop. Have you tried anti anxiety meds? My MO gave me a script for Xanax along with all my other meds on the first visit almost like it was standard. Haven't taken it yet but they are there if I need them. Is there a social worker where you get your treatments? Maybe talking to someone will help. Anxiety is a funny thing. You may not realize that is what you are feeling. Since taxol seems to be easier on a lot of people stick it out till you know what that is like. How were you affected by AC other than the fast heart rate. It made me extremely depressed the 3-4 days after. I could not function, everything I did felt like I was running a marathon. And the fact that it got worse before it got better was so overwhelming. I remember trying to put my daughters hair in a ponytail 3 days post chemo and I felt like my arms weighed 50 lbs each. My heart started pounding and I had to lay down I think I cried for an hour before I fell asleep. I don't remember if you said you saw a cardiologist but consider it. Pour it all out here we got your back girl!!!!! 

jbokland that is correct. You want to wait at least 3 months if you have had rads. You want that skin to have time to heal. Some people heal faster than others so that's why I say at least 3 months. I didn't do rads but I had to delay my exchange surgery by 6 weeks because I got a major case of shingles after chemo. PS would touch me till all the burning sensation and leasions were gone.

Is the study voluntary? 

Tangandchris - I did not have sharp pains in my chest during chemo.  However a month or so later I did - it was VERY severe and occured with deep breaths, especially when I went to lie down.  It started when I was exercising - jumping - my onc was afraid I had developed a clot in my leg that had traveled to my lungs.  He ordered a contrast CAT scan of my lungs stat; he was concerned I had a pulmonary embolism.  Fortunately, I did not.   I ended up diagnosed with costochondritis - a delayed result of radiation.  It slowly got better with rest and a round of antiinflammatories. 

So just be sure they rule out a PE.  It is unlikely but should be considered.  BTW my Mom had pleurisy; it is extremely painful.  I hope you feel better soon!