Starting Chemo in March 2014

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Wendy, congrats on being done with probably your biggest hurdle, the chemo!! I hope you popped some bubbly and celebrated!! Good luck with surgery and rads and keep in touch and let us know how you're faring!! 

    Lorbgoo, sorry about your nails. Try incing during infusions and a good nail cream to keep the nail beds moisturized. Hopefully, that will help you some! I have some slight lifting at the tips on a few nails and the white lines but other than that, they look farely well. Still a nice pink color overall.

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  • Longislandl8y
    Longislandl8y Member Posts: 145
    edited July 2014

    I'm intrigued by all the nail issues.  Shortly after starting chemo, I decided to be rebellious and embark on a 15 mi Hike for Life to benefit NY Blood Centers.  I had been a lifelong blood donor up until my diagnosis and besides feeling rebellious against the illness, I thought it a great way to continue to support them, since I could no longer donate blood.  I had to stop after 10 mi because my feet were killing me! After taking off my boots I saw my toenails were severely beat up, and I ended up losing 4-5 of them over the course of the next week or so.  I thought it was all because of the hike, but now see the chemo had much to do with it as well.  Fortunately they're growing back okay and I haven't had any issues with fingernails.  This is why I love these boards.  We learn so much from one another that doctors/nurses never consider telling us.  God bless each and every one of you (us) and let us continue to inspire, comfort, educate and support one another through this nasty journey!  Today I am experiencing a dark day of SEs with a lot of digestive distress... hopefully tomorrow is better.  Hope you're all having a good day! xo

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Sorry to hear about your SE's Longisland but I hope tomorrow is a better day for you!!

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  • CaliKiwi
    CaliKiwi Member Posts: 98
    edited July 2014


    Wendy thank you for your post. You expressed how I feel as well. I can't imagine having to go through chemo without having found some wonderful women to share the experience with. As much as I didn't want to do this, and I wish no one else had to, this board (and facebook group) have been a very real lifesaver. I am truly grateful to have connected with you all.

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  • Lorbgoo
    Lorbgoo Member Posts: 213
    edited July 2014

    I never iced and my infusions are over. They will grow back and it's all good. 

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  • WifeWBC
    WifeWBC Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2014

    my wife is sleeping and it's been 2 weeks since her last chemo of 6.  I have to say it went better than we both expected.  By no means easy, but not the nightmare it seems to instill in people's imaginations.  I am sure this is not the case for everyone, but it was for us.  Having said all that tithe chemo has taken the good out of my missus.  She's been reasonably active right after her last few rounds, but this last one, it's like she just crossed the finish line and needs a rest now.  That fine.  Been a tough slog.

    We did go for a run a couple of times.  Wife has put I about 10 lbs during chemo.  We'll hopefully do a few morning runs to put her back in shape.  I have a few pounds on too :) .  There is talk of the rock and roll marathon in Vegas in November, so we'll need to get our asses on the road at some point.

    Wife has 25 rad appointment starting in a couple of weeks.   Then that will be it.  I'd like to join the Facebook page if I may, just to stay in touch, as I don't come here as often as I did when this was all a lousy nightmare.  Perhaps someone can tell me how I join the fb page.   Not sur I know who akj is.

    Did anyone wear their wigs?  My wife bought one for $400 and never wore it once.  Does everyone still have eyebrows?  My wife still has hers, but read she might lose them post chemo.  Is everyone gettin rads?  Wife has also read this can be tiring.   I tell her it can't be half as bad as chemo.  Surely!  Be nice to see some faces on the fb page.  Hope you are all well.

    Say, for those with upset stomach or acid like symptoms, my wife took periot (sp?) her last round.  Worked pretty good for her.

    Take care all.

    Tony

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Tony, was wondering how your wife and you were doing. Glad to hear she is doing better and almost crossing that finish line! Great news! I hear that rads can be tiring too but it depends on the person. It may be a cake walk for your sweet wife. As to the FB group, pm Megomindy or AKC with your FB name and they'll send you an invite. 

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Midnight and I have steroid insomnia. Yup. Happy happy joy joy! Not! Sigh . . .

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  • heroldman
    heroldman Member Posts: 22
    edited July 2014

     I have not posted for quite some time as I have been very busy.  My wife has had around 25 rad treatments and has 10 or so left. She has been very tired from the rads. She has not missed any work but she should have taken some days off. VERY bullheaded about this. She was so fortunate with the chemo as far as the side effects. I think that the rads are really being harder on her than the chemo. As always I know this is different for everybody. Her weight from the start of chemo to now has only varied five pounds. She has been down three and up two from her beginning weight. Her WBC has always been normal or above.

    She still wears her wig most of the time. Always at work and when she is out in public. Not so much at home. Her hair is growing back but is a different color. When she gets the rads done she will start her rounds of Taxol two weeks after. I guess the hair will go away again. She did not lose her eyebrows or lashes.

    Best wishes to everyone.


     

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Sorry to hear that rads is being harder for your wife, Heroldman but she's almost done. That's great! Everyone is different with treatment. And hopefully Taxol will be agreeable with her!

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  • Sandydoc
    Sandydoc Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2014

    Two weeks out from last Abraxane.  Had crazy reaction to taxol, chest pain, shortness of breath, back spasms after dose dense two, 3 seconds into 3d dose began to react, felt my face swelling up.  Next day changed to Abraxane.  Same paclitaxil, no cromophor, no reaction, 30 minute infusion time.  Ahhhhhhh. Neuropathy resolving.  Just visited BFF in California and tried some CBD, think I t was helpful.  Started more strength and cardiovascular workouts.  

    Next week, do I go for single stage mastectomy/recon bilateral gummy bear boobs or the silicone round bouncy ones!  BRCA 1, getting salpingectomy/oophx same time.  Decisions, decisions.  

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  • Xrayalli
    Xrayalli Member Posts: 237
    edited July 2014

    Tomorrow is my second to last treatment! Then I can really count down.  I got my poster almost finished!I'm really dreading the 8-9 days after, hoping it's not as bad as the first two. To say it's gettng old is and understatement. 

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Yea, Alli! Congrats! I need to make my poster for Monday and have no clue what to make or how to make it look. LOL Also still trying to figure out what to make and bring for all my lovely nurses at the infusion clinic. They have been so great!

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    image

    Can't believe it! Seems surreal. Woohoo!

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  • princessrn
    princessrn Member Posts: 370
    edited July 2014

    Congrats!

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  • Generation3
    Generation3 Member Posts: 45
    edited July 2014

    Yeah Sinsin so glad you're done. It's a great feeling to know that this time when you start feeling better no one is going to knock you down again!

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Thanks everyone! Certainly a great feeling and one I hope every cancer patient feels one day!

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  • heroldman
    heroldman Member Posts: 22
    edited July 2014

    Yay for Sinsin.

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  • Xrayalli
    Xrayalli Member Posts: 237
    edited July 2014

    How's everyone doing! So 5 months ago I started this thread in the hopes of connecting with others in the same boat as me, the boat of chemo, a scary diagnosis and not having anyone to relate to. I work in the field of breast cancer awareness, I teach everyday about early detection, I assist the radiologist in deciding whether a patient needs a biopsy and I comfort someone who gets a call back but share in their relief when everything turns out okay. I work very hard to obtain the best possible mammogram without traumatizing anyone, I want you to come back, after all. 

    In five days, 7/24, I will have MY LAST CHEMO!!!

    I will still be here, as I find great support in others here, sharing our advice and feelings. 

    My diagnosis came about in a miraculous way, not the conventional way, so this experience has taught me that our fate is determined long before we are born. I thank my guardian angels for saving my life. 

    Thinking of my sisters in battle, much love, stay strong!! XOXO

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    So excited for you Alli! Woohoo!!

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  • princessrn
    princessrn Member Posts: 370
    edited July 2014

    hitting the finish line Alli!!

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  • Pupcake
    Pupcake Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2014

    lorbogo-  your nails look loke mine.  I try to use cuticle oil then apply 2 coats  OPI nail envy. ( For natural nails- the other has formaldahyde)

      Then a sheer pink OPI  "In the Spotlight Pink"  It looks nude and takes the brown out..   You have to take the polishnoff to trim them because the nails are so strong.

    I also swear by Burst Bees lemon cuticle oil.

    Pup

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  • Lorbgoo
    Lorbgoo Member Posts: 213
    edited July 2014

    thanks. Now my nails are all short and I'm putting polish on them until they grow again. 

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  • Xrayalli
    Xrayalli Member Posts: 237
    edited July 2014

    image

    image

    I smiled all day, SEs are setting on but I'm done with chemo!

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited July 2014

    Congrats Xrayalli on the completion of chemo.  Such a hurdle to get over.  Rest for the next few days and I hope your SE's are minimal this round.  SMILES!!!!!!

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  • Xrayalli
    Xrayalli Member Posts: 237
    edited July 2014

    Thanks Jeannine! Off to camp tomorrow....

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  • Sinsin
    Sinsin Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2014

    Woohoo Xrayalli! Pop the bubbly and celebrate!! So happy for you! 

    Pupcake, I use Butter London nail polish which has no harmful chemicals at all. I suggest checking them out. I love them!

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  • Generation3
    Generation3 Member Posts: 45
    edited July 2014

    Cograts Alli,

    Hope the SEs are easier this time around. I found just knowing it would be the last time made them easier to tolerate.

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  • cmp106
    cmp106 Member Posts: 48
    edited July 2014

    Congrats xrayalli!! So excited for you!  Being done with AC in itself is reason enough to celebrate let alone being done with chemo altogether! Hope your SE's are minimal and this last round tolerable (personally, I found AC #4 to the most difficult to get through). 

    I'm counting down the days to my last Taxol and chemo treatment- August 4th!

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  • WifeWBC
    WifeWBC Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2014

    Wife started rads and tamoxifen this week.  I took 3 of our kids away to music camp for a few days and she got a good rest with only our youngest son to contend with.  I called home yesterday (Saturday) on the way home on the speakerphone in the car.  Wanted to let her know we were on our way and would be home soon from camp.  My wife started crying.  I quickly put the phone to my ear.  Said she had felt awful most of the day.  Just run down.  When I got home (2 hours later) she was felling better, but a lot of pain in her legs.  I am not sure she has not overdone some exercise and house work to be honest.  Sunday today, and she was up at 8:30 and taken our eldest to her soccer game, feeling much better.  Says she feels great.  She looks good.  Lost a lot of the bloated look she gained with chemo.  Now a month in the history books.

    Just wondering if anyone else has started on tamoxifen, and experiencing similar throughout the course.

    Thanks tony

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