February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

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  • Jules_NY
    Jules_NY Member Posts: 276
    edited May 2014

    Jbokland- OMG does your pic say mammo Grahams? That is hilarious!!!!! yeah they think my anemia is from AC. I just finished tax #2 and my H/H=10/31. It was at 13/40 throughout my AC. We'll see!

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited May 2014


    I'm having weird stuff with my teeth/gums too. I had thrush the other day, but even before that I've noticed my gums feel sore and tender.

    Hope everyone is having a low SE weekend ((hugs))

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  • Xrayalli
    Xrayalli Member Posts: 237
    edited May 2014

    3doglady-I was going to say you are probably clenching your teeth, stress much?

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2014

    Recipe for mammograhms here: linky  

    image

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  • 3doglady
    3doglady Member Posts: 50
    edited May 2014

    I had some mouth sores, like something scrapped my gums or ate something too hot and the skin came loose.  This is much different from mouth sores.  My teeth are not in the same plade they used to be and it hurts to bite down on anything because the roots are sore or something.  IDK, thought it might be associated with bone issues.  I see the onc Monday.  And yes, I wake up in the morning with my mouth shut tight.  

    Speaking of numbers, my WBC seems to ge inching a tiny bit higher, but the RBC are in the low, but no low enough, range.  The nurses are good at explaining what they watch for.  I really dont want to get into RBC/WBC danger zones.

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    The Taxol has been so much easier, but...(as the MO advised) the fatigue is becoming accumulative.  I had treatment 7 this week and I am like an old lady, wiped out and nodding off through the 9pm tv shows!   I also noticed I hang on to the water weight and swelling longer.   

    Fun Fun.

    I can't believe my hair is growing.   Coincidentally,  It rained here all week...I feel like a chia pet 

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  • Butterfly11
    Butterfly11 Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2014

    Hello February chemo Ladies!

    I am late to the thread!  I haven't been on this site since before my double mastectomy.  Got through that, then started AC chemo on Feb 6th, which somewhat prevented me from doing too much of anything.  This Wednesday will be 5 of 12 of Taxol, and I am fortunately feeling much better than I was on the AC.  I am ready to be a little more social now, and I think it will be good for me to have some people to relate to.

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  • Jules_NY
    Jules_NY Member Posts: 276
    edited May 2014

    Lago- thanks for the link!!! LOVE IT!!!!!

    I've been feeling pretty good lately, it's actually kind of eerie. Taxol is def easier on me. I get treatment on Fridays and Sunday and Monday are my worst days, mild nausea and aches. but not nearly as bad as my worst days in AC. At least I can function. The little annoying SE are constant, awful taste in my mouth, have been rinsing with biotene and chewing a lot if gum. My gums are better, they used to feel rough and they were achy when I ate. Eyes are still watering and it  makes my nose just drips out if the blue. It's so embarrassing!! Chemo brain is setting in, my train of thought has left the station hours before I form a sentence!! 

    More and more people are in the know and it has been a little weird but I am glad in a way. Went to kindergarten orientation with my daughter at the school my son already attends and a few people asked how I was. Everyone is so amazed that is still do everyday stuff, I guess they imagine me withering away in bed. Little do they know how much AC had me withering!

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited May 2014


    Hi Butterfly! So you are almost half way done! whoo-hoo!! Glad you poked your head in and said hi )

    This Thursday is TAC #5, then Friday I have my seroma aspirated once again...and then I see a new PS that afternoon. That is all dependent on how I'm feeling of course. I'm wondering if PS is going to to recommend surgery for the seroma.

    Hope ya'll are having a good week ((hugs))

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    So I am a bit anxious to get rid of this port after chemo.  Its very prominent in my jugular vein and I am constantly aware of it!   Some people have them threaded through the superior venacava, just under the collar bone, mine is in my neck!   Is anyone else planning on pulling it as soon as you get clearance?

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2014

    jbokland I waited the full 2 years. My onc told me that she likes people to keep it in for 2 years because that's when most recurrences happen. Although  mine was near the collarbone it was quite noticeable… and I didn't give a shit. I wore big scooped necklines, tanks etc. It showed.  Oddly enough no one ever asked me about it. I was ready though. I would say "It keeps me in contact with the mothership" then give it that double tap and say "Doing OK down here."

    Here's a photo and this was in a winter T shirt

    image

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  • Summerwheat
    Summerwheat Member Posts: 86
    edited May 2014


    I am having #4 TCH tomorrow and (thanks Lago for the warning ...) the eye twitching started, and I have started to retain water in my legs. Is there anything to be done about that? I have gained a few pounds (perhaps 5), but my legs, especially my calves feel so fat. And I am a lot more tired than in the beginning. Plus, the chemo brain has started - I wrote the same e-mail twice (at work) yesterday and I forget what I wanted to say, so embarrassing.

    Jules, I agree, people are surprised that you have a regular life. Most of the time I feel okay, and the weird taste, drippy nose or painful fingertips don't keep me from doing what I am normally doing, including working, biking and playing badminton in the park. Only the week after chemo, I don't really feel like myself. Also, my social life and my energy are a little limited. I am invited to a party on a rather windy island on Saturday, and the ferry there goes in the morning and back 6 hours later, and then I would have a 1 hour drive home. Normally, I would love to go, but two days after chemo, I just can't see myself doing that. I will rather sit at Starbucks and read a book while my kids are at swim class, or measure our bedroom for a renovation and dream about the wall color I want to paint it and the upholstered headboard I want to make (if my painful fingertips allow that). I hope everyone is having a good day.

    Alexandra

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2014

    summerwheat best not to paint with those sore nail beds. The more trauma you expose to them the more they will lift. At least that's what my podiatrist told me and she's awesome. I think my nails got so bad because I was typing all the time and of course walking a lot. I like to walk

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    Lago~  You are TOO funnY

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited May 2014

    jbokland, I am getting my port out next Monday. That will be 3 weeks PFC. My doc said she'd keep in in for a year because that's when recurrence would more likely happen. But would order removal if I wanted and I want it out. It is uncomfortable to me but not painful and also very prominent. For some people it's a security keeping it if needed but to me it did its job, it worked well whenever needed and now it's time to go. I don't want to think about needing it in case of recurrence but that's just my opinion. I can see other viewpoints as well.. And lago, I love your planned response to people asking about it. I wish you could have used it and anyone keeping their port through summer when it's noticeable this is the  perfect response, if you can do it with a straight face. So funny lol!

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited May 2014


    I'm not sure what I'm going to do about my port...I haven't thought about it really until now. I kinda think having it in after tx ends would be a reminder and one that I might not want. If I do have a reoccurance, than having a port put in again is the least of concerns I would think. IDK, something to think about though.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2014

    Well I used my port for blood draws, IV when I had a colonoscopy, and if you have a power port you can use them if you needs scans. Also my treatment center would not put the port back in the same location if I did need it again because there is an increased risk of blood clots if they do.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited May 2014


    Going in today for number 5 TAC. I'm surprised at how good I'm feeling about this, considering just 2 weeks ago I wanted to give up and say F it!!!

    I've got one more after this, I can sort of see the finish line and it's helping me mentally this time.

    *hugs* to everyone muwah!!!

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  • h0pe
    h0pe Member Posts: 125
    edited May 2014

    Good luck, Tang! Minimal side effects!

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  • gatorgal89
    gatorgal89 Member Posts: 56
    edited May 2014

    Hello Everyone!

    Checking in after Taxol #6 on Monday. I have white peach fuzz on my bald head along with the few original pieces of hair that never fell out. I suppose I will have to address that to make it look uniform, but since I always cover it, except around the house, who really cares. My eyebrows are starting to come back, but still only have about three top and bottom eyelashes on each eye. My fingertips are pretty tingly this week. Also, I noticed that for the past two weeks Tuesdays and Wednesdays are okay and Thursdays I am achy and tired...really tired. No question I am able to do more than I was able to do during AC, though. So, I guess that must be what is meant by cumulative effects. On the teeth front, something has been going on with my gums since about two weeks into AC. Almost like they are receding. I can't wait until I am finished with treatment to see the dentist. My MO says no dentist during chemo. On the brain front (kind of related to the teeth front) I bought dental floss over the weekend and spent the past two days trying to remember what I did with it...finally found it last night. With six treatments left, I am starting to see light at the end of this tunnel. Good luck to everyone who gets treatment at week's end.

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    taxol #7 is tomorrow  I actually was due today but pushed it out one day to accommodate my social life!  We took a illite road trip to Tallahassee to see my partners old coworkers at the state.  Stopped to rest on a blanket and enjoy a oark between visits.  There are a LOT of freaking hills to walk here!

    My white peach fuzz is sprouting on my head. I've heard tales of it growing on lady's faces too.  I keep staring into that 10x mirror to see any!  Or signs of eyelashes and eye brows!

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  • Summerwheat
    Summerwheat Member Posts: 86
    edited May 2014


    Great, TCH #4 did not happen today, as my blood counts (especially platelets at 88,000) were too low, even 3.5 weeks after last treatment. Not sure where it comes from, I don't feel different, don't have bleeding etc., but now I am a bit freaked out over it (I should just let go of the internet). Has anyone experienced this? Trying again on Tuesday. Had a minor breakdown last night, could not sleep, thought about my own mortality. And today, I got Herceptin only. I am so glad when this is over, with all the delays and stuff. I know I should be grateful that the cancer was caught early, and that I can do chemo etc., but sometimes it's hard to be grateful. I am also tired of people complimenting on my hats, telling me that I look great (thanks decadrone for my glowing face, and thanks to my humongous appetite for gaining 8 pounds). I know they mean well, but I just can't hear it anymore and have a hard time saying thanks and smiling. And don't get me started with the techs when I go for a blood draw, at the cancer center, mind you: "getting poked a lot, huh?", Yeah, dude, yes, I am, and I like it less each time. Sorry, having a bad day. At least I have a silver lining tonight, going to my son's concert.

    Thanks for letting me rant. Alexandra

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2014

    Alexandra only 8lbs! 

    I gained 12 with water weight. A friend of mine gained 25. It comes off. As far as the decadron blowing out your face. Yeah me too. I used to kid my MO that I looked better on chemo because the fat face blew out all my wrinkles and commas… I really did look good and I bet you do too even if you don't feel that way.

    It's not all that unusual for chemo delay. I felt pretty lucky that I didn't have any delays. Don't worry they will give it to you eventually. And you're still getting Herceptin which is like an atom bomb for HER2+

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  • Summerwheat
    Summerwheat Member Posts: 86
    edited May 2014


    Gosh, thanks, Lago, I really hope that my platelets recover soon - the weight will probably go away, it went away after pregnancy as well, when I gained 40 pounds and 3 clothes sizes, most of it in water.  But I have 3 TCH left, who knows how much I will gain in the next few weeks.

    Also, my hip has been hurting off and on for about 2 weeks, so I am having nightmares what that could be. I forgot to tell my MO yesterday, as she thought I had shingles on my back and sent me for an emergency appointment to the dermatologist (it turned out to be not shingles) ... so that will probably mean a bone scan for me, and more sleepless nights and who knows what else. Keep it coming. Before cancer, when something hurt, I would just wait it out, do some exercises, and then eventually it disappeared, now, even little hings have a whole other dimension. I think I will have to live with this, but it's quite a change to my earlier careless, "nothing can hurt me" attitude. Ah, it's really the gift that keeps on giving.

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    summer wheat.  I know your frustrations sister and will offer you a virtual hug.  I've spent nights awake,  convinced I had colon cancer because I was farting too much. 

    I've always gone commando and laugh when people compliment the shape of my head.  That's why I started bedazzling my head.   People would have a double take at me, so at least I have them something to smile about. 

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited May 2014


    Okay, I need to ask about night sweats. I don't know if this has been brought up yet or not, so I'm sorry if it has and I missed it. I have been having terrible night and sometimes days sweats for the last 2 weeks. The night sweats are so bad that I will wake up in the middle of the night to pee and my shirt is wet and my pillow is soaked. It is crazy!! I asked my MO about it and she said she didnt think this was a chemo thing. OKaaaay....so I'm just having this issue for no reason??

    Anyone else dealing with this? I'm gonna start another thread in the chemo forum as well.

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    I am, but chemo has thrown in into menopause. Also, the steroids can contribute.  

    It's the perfect shit storm

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  • Skoolgirljen
    Skoolgirljen Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2014

    Alexandra, I totally understand how you feel! I'm on round 5 of 6 TCH and perjeta.  Right after my 3rd treatment, I was feeling fed up, frustrated, and generally like crap about my whole situation. It gets better when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just know that this is temporary. It's hard to do when 3 months feels like 3 years. Thank God for this great place to vent where people know EXACTLY what you're going through.

    Jennifer

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2014

    tangandchris I went into chemopause and had night sweats but they weren't to bad.  You are not nuts. Certain things can trigger it too. Spicy foods, caffeine even exercise. I was perimenopausal before chemo but no night sweats. If you are younger, not perimeno then there is a good chance your symptoms with hot flashes can be worse. I would ask your MO about Eflexor (sp) for the flashes.

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  • lgoldie
    lgoldie Member Posts: 120
    edited May 2014

    Couldn't have Taxol yesterday because platelets too low.  Delay one week I hope first time.  Got terminated from job on same day they awarded me 5 year pin.  Ha   I've been off 3 months on short term disability.  Now Im on long term disability.  Have 3 more chemos and rads....hopefully will feel like going back to work during rads.   Sigh....glad God is in charge of this cluster


     

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