Starting Chemo October 2014

So interesting how everyone reacts differently to the same drugs. I get TC every three weeks and Neulasta the next day. "It" gets exponentially worse with each treatment. And by "it" I mean the fatigue my MO references. It ain't fatigue, ya'll It's ZOMBIDOM!!! It ain't 'foggy' it's freakin' brain dead!! I can't think clearly enough to formulate a thought for 4 days let alone stay awake longer than two blinks. Can hardly wait to see how the final two treatments leave me. My SEs always start 48 hours after chemo and 24 hours after the Neulasta. Always begins with bone pain, then the ickiness sets in followed by a rapidly ensuing near-comatose state. I'm in the chair for four solid days, up only to pee. Poop? What's that? Is this something I should be doing? Then midway thru the fourth day I awaken, like a rose on a sunny morning. It is such a glorious feeling to have a clear head. But the weakness, that profound weakness, persists for another couple of days and then.... I'm good to go. Until the next time. 4 down, 2 to go.

Hoping everyone is well enough to enjoy the holidays, sending good vibes to all. HoHoHo!!!

Dear friends,

Last dose of C/T yesterday. It went well. I had to have a PICC line installed just before the infusion because doses 2 and 3 both took out a vein, and left red stains on my skin. Those are starting to fade. The PICC line installation went well and the infusion nurses removed it at the end. Don't worry if you have to go through this. My MO didn't want to do a port for 4 infusions and said my reaction to the taxotere - the vein loss - was unusual.

And then, I got to ring the bell! Didn't know whether to laugh or cry - laughing won. My husband got teary. He's been such a rock. Boy, we've all been through a lot, haven't we?

Came home and was sound asleep by 9 p.m. Slept until 8 a.m. And it was wonderful sleep (aided by half a zanax), not one of those wake up every 3 hours and check your e-mails kind of sleep. And then I took a nap from 9:30 to 11:30 this morning. Hope I can muster the energy to wrap Christmas presents!

Cherice - sending loving thoughts your way today from East Coast to West, and Mandy and Tobycc, same for you onr Friday!

Nancy - congrats on the taxol part - my infusion nurse yesterday said herceptin is much easier.

Becca - glad you are (re)covered for zofran. Not sure what we would do without that miracle drug. Regarding fatigue, I've learned to write off at least 5 days and nap as much as possible. And then afterwards, I still go to bed earlier. Seems like I can feel fine one moment and comatose the next. But I figure it's good for my body to help cope with the chemo-terrorists within. And luckily, I have the world's kindest boss and colleagues, who have allowed me the time I need to recover, and, on the other hand, welcome my participation when I'm able. I'm looking forward to feeling stronger and working harder, and paying them back.

To anyone I've left out - I'm cheering for you. And I'm wishing for us all peaceful holidays and a healthy 2015.

She-Angel - I am doing 12 weeks of Taxol and get my 4th Taxol on December 26th.  However every 3 weeks I get Carboplatin but so far it is easier than AC/Cytoxan.  I was getting Neulasta shots but now I am not getting anything but the Oncologist did say if my counts drop too far I may need a blood transfusion or platelet transfusion plus shots at home.  So far so good though.  Sorry about the hot flashes!  Plus they interfere with your sleep and sometimes leave you soaked.  I hope that gets better for you.

I got a big 'Sister' hug from a total stranger at the grocery store yesterday. I don't wear the wigs when I'm not working - and only a hat when I'm out and about. A lady walked up to me and asked if I was going through the same crap she went through. So we stood there in the middle of the aisle and compared notes. At the end, we gave each other 'Sister' hugs. It was kind of emotional and comforting in a way.

I didn't get her name, but her kindness and support was truly one of the best Christmas gifts I could ever receive. Bless her heart!

armamp95

I'm sorry your SEs have kicked in so bad this time. I can offer a suggestion for the constipation. Swiss Kriss is available at GNC, and it is a natural stool softener. It works as well or better than Dulcolax. I've been dealing with really bad constipation from the start and it has really helped.

ask your ONC about B6 because he said it doesn't help according to read research. I am having tingling and numbness but he said he would not get to concerned unless I was having difficulty with buttoning things. I am on my 4th Taxol today. Also my 2nd Carbo hit so wondering if side effects will be worse. My platelets are at 101 so wondering if the double will drive them down this next week.

No chemo for me today.  My MO said my WBC was low and I was anemic.  I was disappointed, but I trust what he says.  He said it could do more harm than good so...we shoot for next Friday.

My husband and I made the most of it and took the kids out so they could use their gift certificates and then took them to lunch.

Fatigue. Someone, please define "fatigue" associated with this chemo. I am 9 days out from my last tx and sleep an inordinate number of hours every day. I get my 8 nightly and another 8 throughout the day. I sit in my chair with no intention of sleeping and wake up four hours later. It's becoming troublesome because I don't know how I'll continue to work full-time if I can't stay awake. Luckily my office has been closed since noon on the 24th but I'll need to resume regular hours on the 28th. Advice, please.

Mandy, perfect to do on a Saturday. I miss shopping too but my husband is very adamant about keeping me well so he does all the shopping which is spoiling me. Our kids are grown so it makes home life easier for just us two. Have a good weekend. Roxann

Hi All,

This is my first time posting, but I've been following this website since September, and have learned a lot.  I started my treatments October 17, and have them once every 3 weeks, to have a total of 6 prior to surgery.  I've had 4 treatments, last one being December 19 and am having an awful time with eating.  Especially after the last treatment, it feels as though my esophogus is burning.  I am down 12 pounds and can barely even drink fluids.  Yesterday when I went for bloodwork they kept me to give me fluids and the MO said that he is going to lighten up the last 2 treatments by eliminating the carboplatin.  So, my biggest complaint with SE is not being able to eat and drink.  Has anyone had any trouble with their esophogus or have any suggestions?  My pattern seems to be that it takes me 11 or 12 days to be able to eat a full plate of food.  I also have the expected metalic taste, and try to use plastic utensils as well as lemon drops.

I hope that everyone finds joy in the Christmas Season and has a Healthy New Year for 2015.

Just poking in to see how everyone is doing and if you all survived the holidays. I finished my 4th TC on Dec 4 and it was the worst of them all, mostly from Zombidom like Becca phrased it! I couldn't stand not being able to use my mind or even know what day it was! I managed through the holiday with little fatigue, another double eye infection and now extreme muscle fatigue which I wasn't expecting. I thought once my eyes cleared things would be looking up! I can hardly move without muscle pain like I've been lifting weights. And just when I thought it would be safe to start working out, nope. Just getting my small children dressed in the morning is exhausting. I really hope this doesn't last! I go for my second opinion for radiation on Tuesday, hoping for milder treatment option with the second opinion, the first one sounded excessive. I'm so afraid of the long term effects..

Last treatment for me tomorrow! I am dreading it nonetheless. Last go round was no picnic. For anyone out there experiencing heartburn, I highly recommend Prilosec. I take it in the morning, and my nurse said I could take it again in the evening before bed if I still had problems. Taking Claritin for the first time this go round. Last treatment they did not give me Benedryl, and I think that contributed to increased bone pain from the Neulasta. For prevention of mouth sores, I rinse with Biotene a couple of times a day, starting on day one. I haven't had any problems with mouth sores. Becca, I feel your pain about the taste changes. I literally force myself to eat during the week following a treatment. I find salty foods to be best. I eat toast for breakfast, chicken soup for lunch, and white foods for dinner (chicken, rice, potatoes).

I am happy that chemo will be behind me and hoping that rads isn't too bad.

Thanks Toby, I do need the prayers as I know we all do.  I take a Prilosec and drink Ensure and Carnation Instant Breakfast.  I didn't mind either at first, but now I can hardly tolerate them as well. I also try to drink Gatorade.  I have never heard of Magic Berry, and will definitely google it, thanks for the tip.  Yes, these lovely chemicals that we endure do very scary things to our bodies.  I could run 3 miles days before I started treatments, and now I can't even take a walk.   I hope and pray the treatments work for everyone.

Becca, your description of Zombidom is right on.  As well as mouth flavors....it is exactly how it is for me, right down to the bread.  I will have to try the juice pops and clementines. I cried myself to sleep last night because I cannot eat or drink and I am starved. The more I don't eat or drink, the more I get depressed. Food has always been such an enjoyment to me.  And after each treatment that I've had, I always say that I'm not going back, but I do.  I feel terrible whining my way through my treatments when I know some others are even worse off.  I've been taking Valtrex to help keep the mouth sores away and it does seem to help, however, my tongue does get a little sore and numb as well.

Sjacobs, congratulations on having your last treatment.  I wish you all the best and no SEs and good luck with the RADS.  

Becca- Yes after my cycle #4 of TCHP I was basically in bed for 2 weeks, severe tummy problems and everything I ate tasted like chewing glue. The fatigue has gotten worse each go round, but I am trying to focus on I just have 2 more rounds to go.  Hope your SE's improve.  I am also still working "full time" and it can be a struggle to keep my eyes open, along with sudden bathroom breaks.

Armamp95 and SJacobs- congrats on being finish with your current cycles

Sjacobs, CONGRATS on your last treatment tomorrow, you made it!!  Ring that bell loud and proud!!!!!  Now you can join us on the rads board. 
Nottoday and armamp95, CONGRATS to you for finishing!!!  You have made it through chemoland.