Starting Chemo in April 2014

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  • mikishelley
    mikishelley Member Posts: 83
    edited June 2014

    SharonDe Thanks but I can't seem to sleep. Good luck on #3. It does kinda seem your version is a K-Mart version, What is going on with that? How many chemos do you have scheduled?

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  • SharonDe
    SharonDe Member Posts: 222
    edited June 2014

    Mickishelley - sorry about the sleeping.  I finally got some Ativan after no. 2 and that helped immensely.

    I don't know what's up at my center.  I think they treat conservatively.  The nurses are good, and so far I have had minimal side effects.  Am going to have a discussion about the bloodwork with my MO today.  The steroids have my glucose elevated so I am now on the borderline for diabetes treatment.  

    Only 2 more to go.  I wanted to have these last two treatments in Maine, but DH was nervous about switching midstream. I tried to explain any center could hang IV bags and drip 'me in.

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  • Swissmiss
    Swissmiss Member Posts: 111
    edited June 2014

    clarrn...I'm with you on the Taxol.  I woke up this morning after my first Taxol dense dose infusion, and I'm in shock how normal I feel compared to the miserable hangovers I'd get from AC.  Could be the steroids, but I'll take it!

    I feel like I can see the light at the end of the chemo tunnel...three more Taxols, and I'll be done middle of July.  I'll have two weeks of summer after my last infusion before my kids head back to school.  For the first time since I started chemo, I'm having positive thoughts :) I think we will take a trip back "home" to Minneapolis if I'm up for the drive.  Life after chemo...can't wait! Now if only I'd have a head of hair to really be back to my old self :) Funny how the hair loss is still the worst part for me....

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited June 2014

    Sharon I only get blood work if something is wrong in between treatment or else I get it on chemo day.  They believe it is one less poke for me.  

    Clarnn- I am glad to here you say that taxol seemed easier so far.  I hope that I follow suit because the AC SE's are going to destroy me from the inside out.

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  • mikishelley
    mikishelley Member Posts: 83
    edited June 2014

    Swissmiss I totally relate about the hair loss. One of my first thoughts after ringing the bell was I wonder when the hair will start to grow back. I'm thinking a month or so. Not sure. I will be sure to post on here when I begin to see some growth.

    SharonDe- Do they draw blood before they start your chemo?

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  • SharonDe
    SharonDe Member Posts: 222
    edited June 2014

    Yes - I get blood drawn before Chemo.  Basic info is ready within minutes.  They also send a sample out for more complete analysis.  I believe my center is competent, just no frills. My DH doesn't like my MO, so that doesn't help.  I'd rather he didn't go to the appointments, but he wants to help :)

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  • jhodro
    jhodro Member Posts: 240
    edited June 2014

    clarrn: my taxol is 3 on and 1 off. So glad you're feeling good! As far as ringing the bell, I don't think it is bad in anyway for someone to celebrate. Maybe it gives some hope?

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  • mikishelley
    mikishelley Member Posts: 83
    edited June 2014

    SharonDe Hope all goes well!

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  • SharonDe
    SharonDe Member Posts: 222
    edited June 2014

    Thanks, Mikishelley.

    In the chair now, getting premeds.  Blood work was good.  I seem to bounce back each time without the neulasta shot. Good visit with the MO.  She said she will cut taxotere dosage down for no. 4 if cumulative fatigue is too much after this one.  Now, for a nap.

    Hoping everyone else is doing well.

    2nd of several wigs sent by the kids:

    image

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  • Longislandl8y
    Longislandl8y Member Posts: 145
    edited June 2014

    Cold, I am right there with you regarding the 3rd round side effects.  I never bounced back from it, and I am just tired all the time now.  Have said goodbye to exercise for now - need all my energy just to complete a somewhat productive day.  And I too have gained a bunch of weight which pisses me off bigtime.  Had to buy new pants... ugh.  I am actually looking forward to, and wishing I could push up my 4th round to now instead of waiting til Tuesday.  But not really - this weekend we have a lot of fun plans.

    SharonDe - my center is like yours. Only I haven't even seen my MO since the original consultation.  My bloodwork is always good and the nurses are awesome.  I imagine he'll pop in at some point.  Btw, love the wig! :)

    Mikishelly - I am super stoked for you!!! Woo freakin' hoo!!! Yes, please keep up in the loop on post-chemo stuff.

    SwissMiss - I feel similar to you.  I am actually getting a little excited thinking about August and how I'll be getting back to fitness and fun, sunshine and beaches, etc. 

    I was really ticked off at the timing of this in the beginning, but now I am grateful.  The worst of the treatments will be in summer when I'm not really needed at work since school is out.  I also can just sit around and watch my garden grow.  No holiday stress in the mix, etc. 

    Hope everyone is having a good day.


     

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited June 2014

    blueberry...your post was awhile back, but I had HORRIBLE rashy red heals and couldn't sleep so I went to see doc and he did lower my taxotere dose...I also put cortisone cream on it and it helped but it was unbearable at night! He Didn't mention neoropathy but I had a bright red line of rash around the back of my heal/foot and peeling...I always called my onc for weird side effects and he usually helped me with either meds or lowering drug dose.  Rosie

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  • Blueberry4
    Blueberry4 Member Posts: 98
    edited June 2014

    Clarrn, thank you for posting about taxol and life after AC.  You gave me hope.  Once I begin taxol I will be weekly for 12 weeks with no break.  I think all the different schedules have to do with dosage and duration.  Is your MO supportive of icing?  Mine is skeptical, but has said I can do what I want when I start.

    Congrats, mikishelly!  I hope you feel better soon.  Keep us posted on life after chemo.

    I hope all the ladies with tx this week are feeling okay.


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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited June 2014

    I had forgotten to ask about icing so will ask next week.  Day after Taxol and NO meds required for anything other than heartburn :)  Able to keep my 3 year old busy by myself and even cook/warm up meals.  And hubby and I puffed around my 1 km loop again today.   I know it's nothing compared to what I used to be capable of,  but right now I'm happy to be off the couch, even if it doesn't last all the way through.   I know that the fatigue will come!  But today I can smile.

    Encouraging thoughts with all of you in treatment this week too!  We are doing it!  One day/step closer to finishing.  And I think I will ring the bell.  Celebrate what we can!

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  • EverForward
    EverForward Member Posts: 242
    edited June 2014

    For those of you taking Neulasta, have you noticed any change in the degree of bone pain as you progress through treatment? Round 2 was worse than round 1, and I'm already feeling the effects this morning of yesterday's round 3 shot. I haven't found anything that helps with the pain and muscle ache. When it gets too bad, I just take a couple Percocet and try to sleep through it.

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  • SharonDe
    SharonDe Member Posts: 222
    edited June 2014

    A Brief Timeout from the Serious Stuff - I present the 

    Adventures of the April Chemo Club - a Pictorial Overview  (apologies for the length of the post - I tried to do it as a slide show, but having some issues)

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  • mikishelley
    mikishelley Member Posts: 83
    edited June 2014

    SharonDe How wonderful of you to make this! Beautiful!

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  • LovebeingNana
    LovebeingNana Member Posts: 134
    edited June 2014

    SharonDe that is amazing!!! Thank you for doing that!!!!

    Everforward my bone pain from Neulasta has definitely increased in intensity with each round. I had round 3 a week ago and this time it was almost intolerable. I didn't take claritin as long this time so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I am going to try and take it longer after 4 because this was bad. I hope you feel better. Mine usually improves after day 5.

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  • jhodro
    jhodro Member Posts: 240
    edited June 2014

    Sharonde: that is really awesome...Thanks for putting it together!! Everyone looks amazing!

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  • ColdInCanada
    ColdInCanada Member Posts: 95
    edited June 2014

    SharonDe, that is AMAZING! Thank you SO VERY MUCH for the HUGE SMILES this morning! A great big HUG sent your way! :) P.S. Your wigs are AWESOME. I love your sense of humor! 

    Clarrn - SO happy that you're feeling better! :)

    EverForward - I DID find that the bone pain was more severe after the second Neulasta injection, which for me was Round 3 (of course, I found EVERYTHING worse for Round 3), and I alternated Tylenol with Ibuprofen (as long as my temp stayed normal) to help with the pain. I think the Taxotere body pain combined with the Neulasta bone pain just made everything worse. And I took Claritin EVERY SINGLE DAY up to RIGHT NOW, which is Round 4 Chemo Day for me (BLAH). 

    In the Chemo Lounge in 3 hours Ladies, waving to all those who join me. And to those in the Dark Place, sending hugs and healing and strength. 

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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited June 2014

    Sharon-  I love it and all the strength and support that it represents! 

    Everforward - hope the pain subsides soon!

    Cold -  good luck today, hope round 4 treats you better!

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  • Golfingirl
    Golfingirl Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2014

    mikishelly - that is awesome, girl!

    SharonDe - thank you for sharing. Made me smile!!!

    ColdInCanada - good luck in the chair today. I hope everything goes smoothly with very little SE.

    I had some good news, for a change. I was at my surgeon's office the other day. Had an ultrasound and  it showed all my tumors are smaller. the biggest one initially was about 5 cm and now is closer to 3 cm. My surgeon was super pumped. She high fived me. The chemo is working and I'm half way thru treatment. Very reassuring that I'm responding. Not bouncing back from treatment #3 like many have posted. Exhausted.

    I hope y'all have a great and easy weekend!

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  • brigadoonbenson
    brigadoonbenson Member Posts: 412
    edited June 2014

    Sharon - A sisterhood of amazing women.  You captured it so well.  If one picture is worth a thousand words - this is a volume of inspiration.  Thank you!


     

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  • mikishelley
    mikishelley Member Posts: 83
    edited June 2014

    Golfingirl - What awesome news!!!!!! Congratulations.

    Ever- My Neulasta bone pain is worse every time. Matter of fact Round #4 is kicking in real hard right now. I just hope it subsides before I go back to work Monday. 

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  • linda505
    linda505 Member Posts: 847
    edited June 2014

    Sharon- ty ty!! so very nice

    Everforward - my bone pain was less for round 2 than the first time - but I got the shot in my stomach for round 2 versus the arm.  Debiann had heard from someone that the bone pain was not as bad if you got in the stomach so I decided to try it - not sure if that was the reason but it definetly was less intense this time.  I am going to continue that - I do take the claritan for 10 days and I start the night before the shot - so the night of chemo

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  • EverForward
    EverForward Member Posts: 242
    edited June 2014

    Nothing seems to help with the Neulasta aches & pains. This is easily the worst part of my treatment. I'm seriously thinking about ditching it next round. 

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  • MomMom
    MomMom Member Posts: 523
    edited June 2014

    SharonDe - Awesome job!  Thanks for fabulous montage!

    For anyone reading this post looking for guidance who has not yet started Neulasta, I guess there are some lucky ones out there like me.  I never had any of the bony pain associated with the shot ever.  I was told that if you do not get pain after the first shot, it's unlikely you will get it.  I do take a daily Allegra for seasonal allergies (like Claritin, which many are advised to take day of shot), and have for years.  I've no idea if that's why I never experienced any pain from the shot. 

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  • LovebeingNana
    LovebeingNana Member Posts: 134
    edited June 2014

    Golfingirl that is great news!!! I am so happy for you! 

    Cold I hope your treatment goes really well and you have less SE's!!!

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  • ColdInCanada
    ColdInCanada Member Posts: 95
    edited June 2014

    Home from the Chemo Lounge, and feeling pretty good. I am SO medicated right now though. My oncologist added Emend to the never-ending list of drugs to combat the never-ending nausea. SO, this morning I took Claritin, Dexamethasone, Zofran, AND Emend. This will be the regime for two more days, and then I *can* continue with the Zofran if I need for Monday and Tuesday. AND, I have Stemetil to use "as needed". Whoa. And WOW. I'm feeling good right now, but slightly LOOPY. :) And, most likely, with THAT much medication in my system, even if I DO feel awful, I probably won't remember it anyway. Win-Win, am I right? ;)

    Mikishelly - CONGRATULATIONS! You are my GOAL, Friend! :):):)

    Golfingirl - Such awesome news! Happy Dancing for you! :):):)

    Waving to you all from the Chemo chair!

    image

    Happy Weekend to you! 

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  • Longislandl8y
    Longislandl8y Member Posts: 145
    edited June 2014

    Way to go Cold! I am scheduled for #4 on Tuesday! Let's hope things level out this time.  With only a one week window now of feeling good, we can't afford for the window to get any smaller! Good luck, girl!

    Golfingirl - I am ecstatic to hear your amazing news! Keep at it girl! "Die little f&#)kers, die!"

    I too did not experience any SEs from the Neulasta.  But like you, MoMom I take Zyrtec for seasonal allergies.

    Today I got into a heated debate on Facebook with a guy who is anti-chemo and trying to push alternative medicine.  I got so ticked off because he was bashing chemo and the people who take it, on a breast cancer site that posted an informative video about chemo & what to expect.  Ugh.  I get that other people have opinions and different viewpoints, but choose your forum with a little compassion.  He actually said that people who take chemo are lazy and misinformed.  Jackass!

    ANYWAY... this weekend I plan to get a bunch of chores done and I'm having family over on Sunday to pre-celebrate the upcoming bdays and father's day since next weekend I'll be in another dimension... lol, the dark side not the twilight zone.

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited June 2014

    cold The Emmend will make you say Amen. :). I hope 4 is kinder on you. 

    Golfingirl- that's great news!!

    Long Island I delete and go head to head with idiots like that. The majority have never heard the words you have cancer.  Grrrr

    Well I am excited my next rounds of treatment are approved and I start on Monday. Crazy how I had to argue to get the insurance to pay for them. 

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