For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

TerryJill · September 2006

This Thursday I am having my final TAC treatment but I can't totally celebrate since I have to have a makeup of taxetere because they lowered the dose on 5 treatments and then are giving it to me at the end. This is really hard to anticipate because I sooo want this over. The first two were horrible landing me in the hospital but the next three were doable but I am just so sick of it. Every part of mje is in the NO MORE state and I am trying to get myself to be more receptive to having th last one and a half treatments. Any advice.

jpsgirl96 · September 2006

TerryJill - I felt EXACTLY like that, even though I had an easier time of it. I was as 'down' as I got the whole time as I tried to get ready for the last one. This may sound silly, but one thing I did was to turn it around a little - I bought small silver bracelets engraved with the word "HOPE" for my two main onc nurses at the chemo center, so I could think of it as a kind of celebration. It IS hard to face the last one(and a half), for some reason. Leigh

JackieSue · September 2006

I felt the same way about my last one. It's frustrating to know it's going to be over, but you still have to be down with all of the usual stuff again. It means that the celebration is still a few weeks down the road. When the pharmacy called about my nausea meds I was angry with them. I had been ignoring the next treatment. They had reminded me.

As hard as it is, it's important for me to remember that I'm fighting for my life. If I had just ignored the dx and refused the tx's I wouldn't have lived too much longer. I felt fine when this all started. It's easy to blame the treatments on feeling bad. It's the cancer that's trying to kill me. Not the doctor.

I have to look beyond all of this. I have daughters to support and maybe someday grandchildren I want to get to know. That's what's important for me.

I'm going to do everything I need to do to live! I'm going to conquer this monster! So there.

Jackie

Brigrf · September 2006

Right on, Jackie!
I approached the last chemo with a feeling of dread, and I napped thru most of it as I just wanted to block out the world. Hang in there, Terry Jill, what you are doing takes tremendous courage. All of us who have put our bodies through the whole course of treatment are brave; we have all wanted to quit at some point. But we are doing what we need to do to kill the cancer. You will make it, believe me. Keep in touch.
Hugs to all, Brigitte

mindyk · September 2006

Hi all, I got the results to my FSH test done today and it looks like I am postmenopausal! I cannot remember what my level was before but now it is 96.5. Marcia, it looks like we are following each others footsteps! At least one good thing NO MORE PERIODS!
Hope all is well!
Take Care,
HUGS to ALL,
Mindy

mindyk · September 2006

Karen, The only thing that I have been doing was I was walking 1.5-2 miles a day.(4-5x a week) I haven't even done that for the last few weeks since I went back to work. I don't want to wear myself out to much. Plus, I think that since I was so sick for my last 2 treatments and not eating that my stomach must have shrunk because I don't eat as much anymore. I also drink lots of water and I don't hardly drink pop anymore. (even though I usually drink diet coke)I still have a ways to go before I am down to the weight that I want to be! I am hoping to start the walking back up within the next week, but I will probably only do it every other day until I am done with rads so I don't get to tired.
Take Care,
Mindy

MarciaA · September 2006

Hi Mindy, Welcome to the world of menopause! Yea! to no more periods! Although according to my GYN, there may be a slight chance that the FSH could creep down again

Since I am officially menopausal, I am scheduled for a bone density tomorrow, Any body else out there am getting really nervous these days about test results?
Mindy I know you are still taking Radiation. I finished last week and I was hit with fatique like a ton of bricks this past weekend! My joints were sore too. I started herceptin 7/12 and am on an every three week schedule. I am having my second muga scan next week to assess heart damage from the adriamycin and herceptin. I have noticed getting short of breath and I feel crappy the day I get herceptin with the benedryl. I don't mean to make you feel down but just pace yourself. I have always been active and this week has been pretty intense for me. Congrats on your weight loss and for tolerating your work issues. I hope that time will resolve them.

Best wishes to all of you who have finished TAC and are going thru radiation or surgery or both. It is good to see how well everyone is doing. I hope this time a year from now that we all will be living happier, cancer free times.
Hugs
Marcia

baldeagle · September 2006

Hi All,

My hair is the pits - just fuzz and kind people tell me its blonde - but I know its really white. So I shall be a white blonde for a while.

My port came out yesterday - with no fan fare. I fainted after it was pulled out and before they stitched me up. Oh well, I'm up an about again. Still no hair - so I am "bald eagle". I shall be glad when the fatigue is over.

Have been going wigless - it's been too hot. And a colleague told me that I "looked too good with my wig" and the boss shoudd see the real me. Guess everyone at work will be kind for a while.

Now that TAC is done I am declaring myself cancer free until proven otherwise.

J.

MarciaA · September 2006

Kburns, I read with interest your post on post chemo arthritis. I have had an episode or two this past week! I have hip and let and upper arm pain. I read on this website about Taxols causing post chemo arthritis. It can last for months. Maybe we won't have to deal with it very long.
Glad to hear you are moving right along with treatment.
Marcia

Brigrf · September 2006

Did you all lose your eyebrows and lashes after your last chemo treatment? It's been two weeks since my last chemo and I still have eyebrows; my lashes have thinned out a lot. Is it too soon to get excited about this? So far, absolutely zero hair growth on my head or anyplace else. thanks for your replies!
Brigitte

MollyK · September 2006

It has been 6 weeks since my last tac and I still have my eyebrows even though they are thinner. My lashes are thin but still there. I'm beginning to see signs of hair growth. Yea!

jpsgirl96 · September 2006

Lost the rest of the eyebrows (one side had already pretty much gone, the other side hung in to the end) and all the lashes about 2 weeks or so after the last TAC. Both are now growing back (9 weeks after the last TAC); that happened really fast, actually. Hair is frustrating; I don't really need it longer,but I definitely need it fuller to really drop the hat thing all together. Feeling well otherwise; skin reactions remain manageable, with 9 rads to go (4 full, 5 boosts). Nice to keep hearing from you all...Leigh

JackieSue · September 2006

I've finally met with the radiation doctor. I feel like I'm moving on. The radiation department is so quiet after the chemo department. There was always someone to chat with in the chemo room. Of course, we spent hours there. I like the idea of getting in and out faster. I'm starting to get back to my life.
Jackie

Brigrf · September 2006

Jackie I love your positive attitude! Has it been three weeks since your last chemo? I'm hoping I feel perkier by next week, when I see my rads doc ... I don't feel at all as though I'm getting back to my life. Went back to work this week and it's a major adjustment; I'm still experiencing very low energy in the morning, and perking up around 2 p.m.
Brigitte

peejay · September 2006

Coming up tomorrow.. my last radiation.. why am I not jumping up and down?

Paula

MarciaA · September 2006

Paula, congrats on your last radiation. I think I mentioned that I had 25 and 9 boosts (34) and finished about 9 days ago. Three days after my last one, I was really fatiqued! I am still climbing back out of the pit but getting more energy every day. No skin problems at all now, breast a little warm still but no burning. It seemed strange for me not to go to a rad appt the first day or so when I finished...reclaiming my life is a good thing.
Keep in touch and let us know where you are going treatment-wise from here. I wish you the best Paula, you have been here from the beginning of this thread and I have seen you conquer a lot of hurdles.
Take care and congrats again.
Marcia

JackieSue · September 2006

Yes, it's been three weeks since my last chemo. My "perky" comes and goes. I can get more things done, but I still need to have breaks.

My head is no longer shiney. It's developing a nice thin layer of fuzz. You really can't see it. The weather has switched from the unbearably hot, humid weather to something more comfortable. Now my head is cold. That's a new problem to deal with.

Jackie

fd411 · September 2006

Hi All,

This is the 2nd week after my last chemo, but I still feel crappy, and my veins are toast. I got some nasty lump where the put the IV for the final chemo. I hope I can get my energy back before surgery.

Jackie Sue: I dreamed I had hair last night, but I'm still bald. My head gets really cold, even when it was summer time. I got a nice hat from the infusion room where I got my chemo. It's a bit large, but is comfy to sleep in. Then I get a hot flash, and off the hat comes

Anyone getting those awful hot flashes even after chemo? I get them all day and night and they make me have chest pains sometimes and shortness of breath. When I get excited, I can't breath. This TAC really kicked mah butt! I'm so glad it's over. Don't think I coulda kept it up much longer.

Ferne

TerryJill · September 2006

I fnishd my last TAC on Thursday. I feel the usual but at least it i hopefully the last time. After the first TAC they reduced the taxatere by 15% for he net five bcause it was too strong. I now have a choice about the 75% I am short. I can not take it at all or I can take it all in one shot or I can take it in three small doses which would mean no decadrom or neulasta which I hate, Any suggestions?

I cannot believe that I am on the other side of this journey. Friday when I finished the last one I heard these incredible bangs at about 9pm. I live at the Jersey shore on the beach and there was ths amazing display ofend of summer fireworks. They were jut outside of my window and could be watched from my deck as ifI were right in themiddleof them. I ecided tat they were the celebration for my finishing chemo and t all of you who re ging through the same thing.

Thanks...now on to ettin ready for radiation.

jpsgirl96 · September 2006

TerryJill - I guess I would try to make it up...the addition of the Taxanes to the chemo mix seems to have made some real difference in the recurrence rates. It's marginally less important, maybe, for er/pr positive women because the use of anti-hormone drugs has made an even bigger difference, but I would still try to use all the ammo in the gun...
Neulasta was so yukky for me that I probably would do the 3 doses just to avoid it.
So glad you are nearing the end of the chemo journey - I'm finishing radiation next week, and I'm pretty sure after your awful experiences with TAC you WILL find that part of the treatment easier.
Leigh

baldeagle · September 2006

Hi All,

It's 6 weeks since my last dose and so finally my PS closed up the hole in my stomach (left over from TRAM surgery) that wouldn't close while on chemo. So now I can be a whole person aagain - and maybe even think about going swimming! He also did a boob lift to bring the old girl in line with the new one. So I guess it is repair and recover time.
By the time all is said and done it will probably be a year of treatment. Just as well I took it in several month increments or I would have been mucho discouraged from the starts. Now it just feels like touching up the final reconstructive pieces.
I am still tired much of the time - and as the rest of you have echoed, it takes longer than we want for the energy to return. This is certainly a lesson on patience.
Hopefully the tamoxifen will be tolerable.
Best to all of you.
J.

mindyk · September 2006

Hi all! Hope everyone is getting along ok. I haven't had much time to get on the boards lately. I have been working 10 hrs at work so by the time I get home, take shower and get ready for bed it is 4:00-4:30 am and then I am up at 7:00 to get my daughter off to school! Plus radiation every day!!! All of this is starting to wear me down!
I am starting to see more signs of hair growth on my head! (Not fast enough though!) LOL
TerryJill,and others who have finished TAC recently, CONGRATS!!!
Take care and I will try to post again soon!
Mindy

jpsgirl96 · September 2006

Mindy - Thanks for posting...I was just about to come in to get our thread bumped up and keep us from the dreaded 2nd page! I finished regular radiation today (#28) and start boost tomorrow, finish next Thursday. Feeling good - most skin effects will start to heal by Sunday, one of the boosts will affect one nipple so that healing won't start for another week, but I'm not complaining. Started yoga class Monday; see the breast surgeon and onc in Florida on the 29th. Missing hearing from you all - are you out there???
Leigh

karen1956 · September 2006

Hi Leigh and Mindy - yesterday was two weeks since I finished rads and I am still so tired - past couple nights I have been climbing into bed at 9:00pm as soon as I put my 8 year old to bed. Skin is starting to heal from rads (arm pits look about normal- atleast the skin does) and the chest is till pink ,but not nearly as itchy. I just wish i would get my stamina back and not be so tired. I walk every moening before work for 15-20 min and at night for a 1/2 hour with my hubby (i love the time with him). The walking really helps with the stiffness and sore joints from the Arimidex. I see the breast surgeon on monday and ps surgeon in two weeks. This is an easy month - only two doctor appt. Next month it gets busier - 4 or 5 doctor appts and hysterectomy - it is scheduled for 10/19. Stomach is still bothering - can't wait to see the GI doctor the beginning of october. I now have hair all over my head 1/8 - 1/4" long and eyebrows are pretty full (and look darker than before) - eyelashes are just getting long enough to be able to see. I don't wear anything on my head, so people at work are always commenting on "how long" my hair is getting!!! Still haven't check out the moving beyond cancer thread yet - not sure if I am ready. What about you gals. The Komen Race for the Cure is 10/8 and hubby and I are thinking about doing it. But then the other day I saw a commercial for the race and they were talking about all the pink hats (survivors) and I started to cry. Now I wonder if I can handle the race or if it is too soon (emotionally). I will sign up for the race and collect donations, but won't decide whether to walk until the night before. Any thoughts. I hope everyone is doing well. To the gals who are just finishing up TAC - congrats!
Thanks for being here and all the support.

Brigrf · September 2006

HI everyone! It's three weeks to the day since my last chemo and I'm starting to feel good again, so naturally it's time for more medical crap! Port comes out next Tuesday; rads starts next Thursday (had the simulation this past Monday). No sign of hair but my eyebrows have not come out so that's a good thing ... I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude as the hardest part is over (I hope and pray!) ... Hope everyone is doing well and keep posting!
Hugs, Brigitte

jpsgirl96 · September 2006

Hi Karen, Leigh again. I did the National Komen walk in DC in June and thought the same thing - well, I'll raise funds and then either walk or not. I was (as you may remember since we were on the same schedule) in the middle of TAC, but JP and I did go to the walk, and I did about 2.5 miles of it and was really glad. I didn't really get caught up in the sisterhood/survivor thing - just there to make a statement to myself, I guess. We sound like twins hair and lashes wise! Leigh

MarciaA · September 2006

Bumping up this thread...

SO glad to hear that many are finished with TAC, some are finishing up Rads and others getting ready for surgery. We all have come such a long way since spring.
I have another round of herceptin tuesday. (3 week cycle until July 2007.) I know it is not chemo it is a "monoclonal antibody" but I get the infusion the same place via port as I did chemo with all the other chemo patients so it is kinda like de ja vu all over again. Wouldn't be as bad if I didn't have to take IV benedryl along with tylenol to ward off chills and rash. Sorry if I sound like I am whining. I just wish I could get an all clear from someone. Maybe thats not gonna happen. I will get my muga results tuesday and another tumor marker test and I hope I am due for some positive news. Maybe I shouldn't count on it so I will grit my teeth and hope for the best.

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the arrival of fall. This is my favorite time of the year here. I am losing the weight I gained from tac very slowly and now I need to get my muscles toned Wish I didn't have my port so I guess I will have to do a lot of walking instead.

Well Ladies, keep in touch. I would love to know how you all are doing emotionally. I think I don't know what to think or maybe I think too much...

Breast cancer awarness month is coming up and I think it will mean something different for us this year than it did last year.
Take care and hugs and congrats to all who are moving forward.
Marcia

peejay · September 2006

Yes, the awareness month willl mean sooooo much mroe to me this year, and every year from now on!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.. you will get good news, I can feel it!! Sending good thoughts your way hon. I kwno what you mean about muscle tone... I feel so flabby! I mena literally flapping around flabbiness. I have started bowling again, and I had no idea I was that out of shape! I mean, bowling for gosh sakes!!

I am doing the komen race in Chicago in two weeks, but I am walking it! I can't wait to finally do something and feel like I am helping other women out.

Emotionally I'm kind of a mess right now.. I feel like I missed something.. hard to explain. And now I'm feeling sorry for myself for having to go thru all that! Just kind of at a loss.

I will start tamoxifen on October 12. Take that for 2 years at least and see if my period comes back or not.

And that's where I stand now. I'm giving myself another week of doing nothing, then I'm going to look for a part time job!

Paula

mindyk · September 2006

Marcia, I know what you mean about the herceptin treatments. Even though it isn't chemo, it seems alot like! (Except I don't get sick with the herceptin) I finally made it through work for another week! I had to work Saturday also. So 6 days, 10 hrs a day! YUCK!!! I had to go to see my onc on Friday. I was starting a bad cold and wanted to get something for it, so she gave me a prescription for the z pack. Well today I ended up going to urgent care because my chest feels so tight. They did some xrays because he thought that I possibly had pneumonia, but it is just a sinius infection and a bad case of bronchitis. So now I am on leviquin, prednisone, and mucinex. Hopefully this will get me over it. I could of done without the steriods! It looks like I lost weight just to gain it back again!!!! I am seeing the rad doc tomorrow so I am wondering if he may stop my rads since I am under the weather.
I hope everyone else is doing ok. Keep us posted!
Take care,
Mindy

JackieSue · September 2006

I'm feeling slow and plodding. It's like putting one foot in front of the other. I know I'm moving forward. I'm just not getting anywhere very fast. Oh well. Upward and onward.
Jackie

For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

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