Starting Chemo in April 2014

My itching isn't extreme but it seems to get worse at night.  The benedryl makes me sleepy and I think it helps the itiching but either way, if I can sleep, I don't feel it.  Today is day 12 of the last infusion and I don't feel itchy today but it's unpredictable.

Ativan is very strong for me.  If I take one I'm zonked very quickly.  However, sometimes it feels as though it's difficult to breathe, which is scary.  If it's not one thing it's another.  Xanax isn't as strong but I think it makes me feel better.

Darn.  Sorry nothing definitive - that seems to be the case with the skin side effects.

A cortisone cream helps my itching, but I have not had actual hives.  Most of mine occurs around my neck, and is accompanied by a slight "weeping" of a clear fluid.  After 10+ weeks, many of the skin tags and small moles in that same area have disappeared.  I'm guessing we may all have slightly different things going on, but Nana's hives sure sound like an allergic reaction to one of the drugs.

Nana sorry to hear about the hives and continued itching. The prednisone helped me some but I'm still taking Benadryl as well. I hope this goes away for you soon. 

Sorry, LongIsland. Hope your good days are really good. Your pups are just adorable. 

Here's the face that gets me out to walk…Maddie had gained a ton of weight due to winter and my diagnosis. So since I've been able, we've been walking as much as possible and she's lost 5 pounds. She should be about 70 and she was up to 82 pounds, now back down to 77. She's a fetcher and a chewer at 9.  

Too cute, Longisland and jhodro.

We also spent time with the dogs this afternoon.  Went for a swim, while they watched from the sidelines:

I love seeing everyone's puppies!!!!!!  Here are my two guys…..they are so sensitive to what I am walking through…..

Firekat, It will be interesting to see how the Taxol affects you. Most people think its a lot easier than AC and other combo's. Taxol is all I have ever had, so can't help much. 

Sharon, Cocker spaniels?? So dear! They must want to swim with you, or don't they? Some dogs can't resist pools. My BIL has a Jack Russell that swims for literally hours in his backyard pool. The little fellow is a machine!!  

Nana, Your pups are border collies? Aussies? Great faces. They look very empathetic.

Hello, Firecat.  I did a different regimen, but I've seen where some have said taxol is easier - but others say the opposite.  Like everything, we all react differently. Best of luck to you.

Sweet pups, Nana.

Yes, Mame - Cocker Spaniels.  They like the ocean, but not the pool - go figure?  We had a Golden who lived in the pool, and would push his tennis balls in so he could dive in and fetch them.

I love dogs.  Most any dog who captures me with its eyes.  (except the ones who look like they want to eat me.  Which means I love all your dogs - AAUUUJHHHHH! How can  you resist those eyes!!!  It was the eyes on our own that brought them from the rescue facility to our home.  Hannah and Chloe rule the roost.

Love the carpet!

Firekat - I am one of those that did really bad on AC, but way more manageable with Taxol.  I even went to the lake for the day!

Ahhh...   First time out with our boler  Feeling well enough to enjoy it....priceless.   Got a bit weepy at the campfire,  just so grateful for great days and fantastic weather.   So good.  Where to go next weekend?

Clarn- Idyllic! 

Brigadoon - it looks like your two love each other.  They are beautiful.

Cold - Peri puts a smile on my face.  Personality plus, I'm guessing. 

Clarrn - that photo could be on the cover of a travel magazine.  I'm jealous, but glad you are feeling well enough to enjoy.

Hi all!  

Since we are posting pictures of our dogs :-). Love all of the pics' and clarrn that could be a travel magazine shot :-)

The pic is of my dog Blaze and me when we earned our Agility Dog Championship 1-1/2 years ago.  He is a mostly border collie mix.

I did 4 dose dense treatments of A/C and started Taxol last week - that will also be dose dense.  So far I feel that it is less harsh than the A/C. My head feels clearer and I am not quite so fatigued. I did have some bad pain, numbing, tingling in my lower legs and feet on Day 3 and 4, but that is mostly gone now.  The MO had recommended a B Complex to take but I didn't have a chance to pick it up before treatment.  Started that and legs feel better. So, either the Vit B's helped, or that is an SE that doesn't last long for me.  Will find out next week I guess!  Hoping it is the Vit B's as couldn't sleep for 2 nights 

Hoping I don't get itching or hives .... I am allergic to Benedryl! (Break out into hives ironically) 

Tomorrow is my bloodwork day plus will also be the weekly Herceptin. Taxol is not supposed to be as hard on the blood counts, but I can feel that they have dropped somewhat ... Will be interesting to see if they go as low as they always did on the A/C

For those going through bad SE, here is hoping they lessen or go away altogether.  

I try to stay positive but it is hard sometimes.  But, then I realize I only have 3 treatments left so got more than halfway through this somehow!