Starting Chemo in April 2014
Comments
-
Coldincana- I can't say that I will ever miss exercise but it does make me feel as if I have been good to myself. I would probably miss it if someone told me I shouldn't do it. That's the way I roll! I am a contrarian!
MommyQ - What are you taking for pain if not Tylenol and Advil? I don't know what I would do without that.
Hydrating is definitely at the top of my list for pain relief and the posts I read here help me to keep it there.
I finally got an appointment with a ACS wig specialist today so I am very relieved. Last night I started having some new sensations in my scalp that made me think I had better get that taken care of.
2nd chemo treatment tomorrow + Zometa. Where is my Claritin?
-
I'm pretty sure there aren't any babies here. Just a bunch of very strong women.
-
Hi everyone! I am sorry about all of you who are having a tough week.
I am behind you so I have my infusion Thursday. I have felt really good this past week which is really encouraging. It makes me feel like I can go through the next one, knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Cold, My MO told me he wants me to exercise everyday on chemo. He was kind of adamant! He said "Not 5 days, not 6 days, you need to exercise 7 days a week." He said it will make all the difference in how my body handles the chemo. So I have done something everyday.....a couple days it was so hard.....but I do think it helped my fatigue.
I have to say I am dreading Thursday..... I am hoping they can do something about the headaches this time. It seems like #2 has been rough on many of us.......Not looking forward to it. A friend gave me a groupon for acupuncture so I am trying that to see if it helps with SE's.
I hope everyone starts feeling better.
-
Hi Mommy Q -My 1st TC treatment was 4/26/14. I was fine until the 8th day, then my body started aching like no tomorrow. I cannot explain the pain. Prior to starting my chemo, I started juicing, The juices that I help build my immune system since the chemo is tearing it down. I also have tissue expanders. I had read that 100c hurts so I asked y doctor to only fill with 60 cc. I get my fill every 2 weeks. So far I have had 2. I get my 3rd one on Friday.
You may want to take a pain pill prior to getting the fill. -
My doctor told me that exercising every day, if only for 10 minutes will help with the side effects of chemo. I was doing good, but then I stopped. My problem was not getting any sleep at night, then trying to get up to exercise for 10 minutes. I was beat tired an just laid in the bed. -
Round 3 of AC tomorrow. I am anxious and still exhausted from the last 2. Trying to remind myself that once I am through this one I get to see my family on May Long weekend and then my mom will stay for the last AC.
Any tips for the day before chemo jitters? I am worse this time around for some reason.
I was trying denial but it's not working. -
Clarrn - I hear you. I have week two tomorrow. Week one was better than I expected with very few and fleeting SE's. Everything I read says that week 2 is when things start to roll. I am very nervous. Funny your use of jitters because I had the real shaking jitters all day!
Today my sister told me that my niece and her four children are planning a visit the second week in June. I love them all but I don't think I will be up to it and I know that the additional cooking/entertaining burden will fall on my DH which he at 76 does not need. You would think that by this age in my life I would know how to say "no" without guilt.
-
walked for 5 miles today. Felt great! Beautiful day!! Disappointed that the forecast shoes rain for the next few days cause I really want to maintain this. A treadmill isn't that same as outside!!
-
MommyQ - I had my last fill last week Wednesday, right before my infusion. I think the chemo has made everything more sensitive so just wanted to give myself a break. My PS is only filling me 60cc each time. He didn't fill any at surgery and believes in low and slow. He never mentioned the issue with the first 6 weeks. I'll have to bring it up next visit.
-
Worked out tonight! Woo hoo! That felt SOOOOO good. For the record, after Round 1, I DID walk every day for about 30 minutes. Right up to my hospital stay, and then I was on bedrest and ordered to take it easy after I got home and blah, blah, blah. After Round 2, my MIL was staying with us (and she was a HUGE help!), and she INSISTED that I sit around all day and "rest", because back in her nursing days, that's what Chemo Patients did. I TRIED to reason with her, but she remained firm and stern, and ushered me off to bed. Now that she's gone, I've jumped back into working out, and I have no plans to tell her anything about it.
Tonight I did 20 minutes of Turbo Jam (the old school stuff, not the new crazy "Fire"), and I feel FABULOUS. I was KICKING and PUNCHING and MAN, you just feel like a TOUGH GIRL when you do that stuff. Awesome.
Clarrn: Sending some big hugs and prayers your way for tomorrow. Keep your eyes on the May long weekend. That's your prize, your LIGHT. I wish I could offer more, but I generally lean towards mental temper tantrums rather than jitters. Your way is much more mature.
brigadoon: I hear you about the whole "guilt" thing. I always feel bad about "not being the same". My husband, on the other hand, has no qualms about telling people NO and TOO BAD and GET LOST.
So, mostly I just let him deal with people who, while they MEAN WELL, just DON'T THINK. Nana: My MO prescribed Claritin for my headaches and it seems to be working. I take one every morning. I missed ONE day and ended up with a HUGE headache by the afternoon. I did NOT repeat that mistake. It seems to be helping with the nosebleeds too. Only two this time, and they were the day I skipped the Claritin. It's worth asking your MO about. I was never one for taking daily pills for ANYTHING prior to this, but really, I'm pumping my body full of poison every three weeks. What's a daily does of Claritin in light of THAT?
footballnut: You know what I did? I ordered some guilty pleasure TV shows on DVD so I could watch them on the treadmill when the weather gets bad. Obviously, I prefer outdoor walking, but when I can't, at least I have some fluffy television to look forward to, right?
QUESTION: Does anyone else on THC have eye twitching? Mine are all twitch! twitch! twitch! and it's driving me crazy. Just wondering if this is a normal side effect or something I should be worrying about.
-
I just want to say that everyone on here is heroic! It kind of blows me away how strong everyone is, how positive in the face of this. It makes me feel stronger, as though I can face it too. Thank you!
-
calgary...are you aware of any movement restrictions as a result of having a port? My nurse today cautioned agains arm movement- swimming, yoga, insanity...these are all programs i am finally able to do-on good days...but am i restricted to walking? My MO appt isnt until the 22....so i thought i would ask?
-
Hey Cold - don't have the eye twitching - yet- but have been told that it is a side effect of taxotere along with tearing eyes which they call Taxotears LOL.
Hoping all of you are having minimal SE and many good hours. I am feeling good at this point - had a few rough days this weekend but in general doable - most just tired. I have been walking as often as I can - at least 30 minutes a day but haven't done any other exercise - I am working about 1/2 day a week 4 times a week so I guess that counts as exercise LOL. I am also taking the Claritin and so far very minimal pain and really no headaches. Nurses told me yesterday, when I went for my labs, to take B6, B12 and L-glutamine (SP) to help with neuropathy and general nerves issue side effects. All blood work was good - the important ones all in the normal range. The nurse told me to expect to be more fatigued in the next few days as my RBC will be dropping a bit which will make me tired - umm - I am already tired LOL. Gonna eat a bunch of spinach and call myself Popeye for a few days.
Footballnut - 5 miles exhaust me reading it LOL - you go - you are a super hero - Captain America!!
-
cold good idea re DVDs! We have a small tv in the basement which plays DVDs and is located above the treadmill. I have to catch up on the sopranos!! Lol
Jhodro prior to receiving my port I discussed with my MO. The only restrictions were within the first 7 days of insertion which was Tuesday. I had to keep the bandages on and keep it dry. I received a pamphlet saying not to let the port rule your life. Swim run exercise etc. as others had shared with me the discomfort which is originally experienced will pass. I still feel the odd twinge but it lessens each day.
I have decided to train for the breast cancer walk held in early September each year. Not sure if it is realistic to commit for this year. It is approx 40 miles over 2 days. I always liked to walk but am really getting serious about it now. Bought proper sneakers yesterday a water bottle belt a pink beanie and an iPhone armband. I'm ready!!
:-)
Each participant has to raise $2k. My concern is that I have no way of knowing how my SEs will be as I continue forward. 2 more rounds of FEC then 3 of taxotere / herceptin with herceptin continuing for a year
While I know that everyone is different does anyone have or had experience with taxotere/ herceptin? My MO told me that fatigue is the worst hot most people
At this point my chemo is scheduled to end in mid august so if I train now I should be good for the walk
I might register just to have something to work towards
Live my DH but since his severe case with shingles in his head and eye last year he has been snoring so loud that some of you might have heard him!! Now that I think I can sleep he's keeping me up with his SNOORING!! lol
Linda love that captain America! Remember 3d rocks!!!!!! :-)
Have a great day all!!
-
Hi all.
Round 2 was yesterday and as I thought they took me off Taxotere. It seems the colon issues can be a more uncommon side effect of Taxotere. MO switched to adriamycin with the cytoxan every 2 weeks instead of three but still same number of 4 rounds total. So the silver lining is that round 4 will be in about 6 weeks instead of 8. First Nuelesta shot today which I understand to be a super duper neupogen shot that I had everyday in the hospital. Anything that keeps me out of the hospital! Started the Claritin to see if that will keep the joint pain at bay. Emend, zofran, Tigran, decadron, goodness, so many drugs to keep the nauseau at bay. Planning to be in the office today!
All you gals and exercising are such an inspiration. I tried Zumba last week ...I prefer boot camp, martial arts type but my body with these expanders in won't allow much of it yet. Doing some walking when weather permits and definitely feel better when I move. I will make more time listening to all of you!
Question- I see several of you on AC will follow on taxol. My MO didn't mention it yesterday and now I am wondering if I should have asked?
Thanks,
Ann
-
ann
I would ask anything anytime. I have learned not to walk away with a question nor apologize for asking. If u have a query feel free
:-)
-
jhodro I wasn't told of any restrictions past the first week or so. I had my port inserted Apr 9 and I still could feel it after 2 weeks if I reached too far as it is stitched to the pec muscle. I don't feel it at all now but don't really know when that happened :-)
Morning of day 2 after second cycle. Was up half the night but not due to the chemo. Have my period and cramps kept me up ... Really had hoped that chemo was going to stop that :-(. Am in my mid 50's and this should stop already! My Onco nurse said she had a patient that had periods throughout her chemo treatments :-(. Not what I wanted to hear :-(
Neulasta shot today and getting head shaved. And can not wait to get rid of this hair - can't keep up with it falling out! Plus my head felt hot last night as I am wearing a hat to contain the hair that is falling out. Hair + hat = hot!
Have a good day everyone and hope the SE are bearable!
-
Am inspired by you exercising ladies. 5 miles!!! That's great, footballnut.
Day 14 here - scalp is itching like crazy. Hair just feels dull and lifeless. May take the clippers to it after I get back from an appointment, because I can't stand it.
-
lemonade isn't it funny about these periods? I just got mine yesterday!! I too can't wait for it to end. I turned 50 last summer and had started perimenopause and will not be sorry to see it go either
Lol
-
Hi everyone. I haven't been on here for a while. Round two was last Tuesday and my MO decided not to give me the Neulasta shot this time. BAD idea!!!!!! I had the most horrible bone pain after round one, so we tried to go without the Neulasta. I hit a wall Sunday and went to the infusion center yesterday. No WBC, No Neutrophils. Got my Neulasta shot so I am now eagerly awaiting the bone pain. Thankfully, I don't have a fever, I am not in the hospital and I can pre-plan the week ahead.
-
Just a little whining, I dragged a comb through my hair this morning and a TON of hair came out. Before this it was just falling in the sink a little heavier than usual, but this was way different. I'm on weekly Taxol, which some sources suggested does not always cause hair loss! Those rats! I go in for #5 session this afternoon. My worst se has been, this past week, anyway, a dull, inflamed sort of sensation that radiates from inside me just below the ribcage. Its not nausea but can turn into that. Its creepy. Oh, and the metallic taste that seemed to get worse as the week went on. I'm going to ask about those today at the onc's office.
I walked 2.5 miles with a neighbor this a.m., the first time in a month that I have gone that far! I sat around all week in a kind of stupor, and did not like where that was heading, so made it a point to join Ann today. I am so glad I did. Because you guys are doing this and more, I am inspired to get with the program and maintain some vitality.
Good days to all, Mame
-
Hi all,Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Looks like most of you are all getting LOTS of exercise! I feel like a slug. I drag myself outside in the mornings to feed my horses and walk my dogs. and then .I.am.BEAT. Maybe it's my age? The fatigue has been worse after the second infusion. I can't seem to get my phlebitis to stop flaring up. I keep hoping when I move on to Taxol, that things will improve. Going to see my hairdresser today to get my wig styled. Also going to have her shave off the baby fluff that's left on my head.
mikishelley - Hope you get to avoid the bone pain.
MameMe - My hair was falling out like yours last week. It was a bit shocking at first, but now I'm getting used to seeing my scalp.
wishing you all well, lilyrose
-
I am so happy to see so many of you discussing exercising! I was just thinking last night I miss working out. My SEs were minimal this week, I believe because I started taking the Zofran and tylenol on Day 2 before they hit hard on Days 3-4 but I did get a pretty bad cold
Hoping the cold will be gone by this weekend so I can at least start walking on the treadmill 3-4 times a week and maybe do some stretching/yoga 2-3 times a week. Right now I'm just hoping my cold doesn't defer this week's chemo. I want to get this DONE and get back to my life!!!
-
Having made it through the bad days after round 1, I'm doing my best to take advantage of the good days left before round 2. I'm not brave enough to go back to Zumba (which I used to do before the diagnosis and surgeries), but I am taking regular walks and doing some stretching & yoga. I really should try to get some aerobic excercise in my routine. I have an appointment to get my wig cut tomorrow evening. No abnormal hair loss yet, but I know it's coming.
Has anyone done any travelling since starting chemo? I'm considering a business trip to Tampa for 2 maybe 3 days, if I can get the timing just right.
-
hi all!
Just returned from my 5 mile walk. It really feels great!! I suspect that there will be days when I won't accomplish this but I try to give myself a goal everyday. If I don't meet it no biggie. As long as I'm still breathing it's a good day ! Lol
I enquired about an exercise class at wellspring. Still waiting for a call back. For now I'm going to start working out in the basement on my weights. With 21 lymph nodes being removed at time of surgery I know that there's a risk of swelling but there's a risk of that even if I do nothing so I'll take it slow. Plus I have carpal tunnel in the left arm too so if I don't get back to my weights my tingling will increase in my fingers
Damned if you do damned if you don't
Lol
Lilyrose don't be hard on yourself. Do what you can when you can. Just getting fresh air is a bonus!! In jealous that you have horses to feed! And feeding them and dogs is exercise!!!!!! I don't think I could do that!!! But if be happy to ride the horses - it's been over 30 years since I sat on a horse! I miss riding do much!!!!!!
-
Hi Ladies. As I mentioned the other day, my SEs from round 2 were a bit worse, and lingered longer than with round 1 so my MO ordered me Decadron to take with the Zofran. Well, I no sooner picked it up from the drugstore and my SEs subsided. So I will wait and take it starting on my next infusion day - then for five days. Feeling great after 6 days now. Back to working out as much as possible. Yes, exercise is very important if you're up to it. Some of our treatments involve meds that make us crazy exhausted while others fight more with other SEs like nausea and whatnot. For me, my energy level hasn't really suffered. I do eat very well (except during SE week) and always take a multi vitamin/mineral and extra B6, B12 and D. I believe it's so important for us to keep our bodies in as good of form as possible so they can fight the best fight. I am getting psyched up for my 11 mil hike this Sat. to benefit our NY Blood Center. Up until now I was a life long donor, so this is a great way for me to give since I'm not allowed to donate anymore.
Hope everyone is feeling better as well today! We are doing this, girls! And we will get it done!!!
-
good luck with ur walk longisland!!!!
-
Awww, thanks Football! -
so I took off the tape which was covering my port after insertion last Tuesday and feel something. Upon further examination - lol - it seems that it's thread from the stitch. Really????? Now what? I doubt it will dissolve so I guess I'll call my nurse
:-(
Anyone else had this?
-
OMG footballnut - another 5 miles - soon you can just walk to florida to visit!! You go girl. I did walk this morning for about 30 minutes - but plan on doing another one this evening when the hubby gets home.
I feel very good today - virtually side effect free - hope this continues until the next tx. I worked almost 6 hours today - the most since before my surgery - that also felt good to get so much accomplished.
Longisland - good luck with your walk!
Everforward - if you do decide to do that business trip to Tampa let me know - i am only about an hour south of there and if I am up to it I would love to drive up and meet you.
We can do this!
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