Starting Chemo January 2015

Hi everyone,

I have been following this thread some time, but didn't post yet. I got my 4th FEC chemo yesterday. I am quite lucky with the SE sofar, only fatigue the first 5 days and the hairloss.This was my last FEC, then I will have 4xTaxotere.

I read above that docters don't warn for permanent alopecia, but in my hospital (france), they warned me for it and strongly advise a coldcap.

So any tips for taxotere will be welcome

Noor

Thank you ladies; i slept well last night; I have just about lost my little toe nails however they were struggling to be in the first place. Lol I am letting myself sleep more this time and I think it has helped with the nausea some as my Mom isn't waking me up at 8 am to take pills; just let me sleep.

A cold front blew in this morning so I can't get out to walk however we are curled up watching TV by the fireplace with my cats; the brain fog or "chemo brain" is frustrating however I now know it's just part of it. As you've said, the fatigue is cumulative; and I can tell it is as it's hanging around longer and longer with each round.

Beachbum1023; I don't know if my Taxol is dense dose or not, I do know it will be weekly for 12 weeks. I had 3 tumors with barely any margins so I feel they are being somewhat aggressive with my treatment?? They removed Everything and then some and feel they got all the cancer; however it did metastasize and spread to my lymph nodes so they took all 16 nodes on the left side along with everything else.

I am also going to take Herceptin when I start Taxol; has anyone else been a part of that trial? I am HER2 +2 so I'm that "grey area" as they are calling it; and I had ducts full of cancer cells "in situ"? So they say it had been just hiding and waiting to grow into cancer/tumors.

I have good days and bad days;I feel better when I can walk out into the sunshine so this cold and ice and snow is wearing me out emotionally! Ha!! I know; I'm in Texas, quit complaining; it could be WAYYYY worse!!

Fight like a girl, Never give up!

Lara

Hi Noor,

It sounds like you have done well on FEC. I have just completed five rounds of FEC. One more to go. My friend dos FEC and now on her 6th round of taxotere and is doing well. Her hair has started to grow back during taxotere. It's fluffy and looking great. We are in Australia and haven't been given information on coldcaps sorry. All the best with TAX, it sounds much easier than FEC.

Brandi, rofl. Wow I laughed so hard. Thank you for that. I needed that. You are an incredible woman. And your dh must be a wonderful person too to allow you the opportunity to express yourself in such a way. I am glad that the 2 of you can laugh about that now.

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words.

My se's have been difficult today. Nausea and bone pain, horribly. I could barely walk around the house today. I hope this doesn't last long. I have been told that I will not need the Neulasta shot after each Taxol treatment. I needed it for the AC cocktail. I am finishing up my time with that now. My 1st Taxol treatment is March 11, (next Wednesday).

Have a great night ladies. ...

Stillstruggling, I am so sorry that you are having such a bad time with chemo. What cocktail are you taking? Knowing that will help us help you better. Please make your dx and tx "public" which will show at the bottom of your posts like ours.

Yes, chemo is a physical and mental challenge. I hope being here on the BCO discussion boards will help you to successfully complete this important part of your journey.

Gentle hugs to you, Becky

Good morning stillstruggling and SweetHope, I hope today finds you both doing well. The AC is rough, not an easy go! I finished AC/T 11/25. While not easy, you can do this! Struggling I hope you are drinking plenty of water, I drank 4 to 6 bottles a day. The water keeps the internals working and aids with digestion. Small snacks help, I ate a lot of fruit, cottage cheese, mac and cheese, and popsicles. Lots of each. I felt okay so I just kept eating the same things over and over. The fatigue is cumulative, so sleep when you need it. How are the meds going? I always had to be ahead of the nausea, so I had the meds scheduled to get me past it.

Mentally it is hard to be centered and happy. You have a big battle on your hands, and you have to stay in the game to win. I know it's hard to do, but it will help you. We have so few things that we can control, and it is easy to get a bit down when we feel like we are going through the grinder with everyone else. But still doable, you are doing this for you.

Struggling do you have questions that we can answer for you? And now is not the time to feel guilty about anything! Use that energy to get well. We are all here to help in any way we can, nobody here ever walks alone! You have a lot of company from those that have walked before us, with us, and we shall wait for those that follow us. We all put on those cancer killing butt kicking boots and stomp on!

Stillstruggling, I'm glad you are doing better today. I am on AC, too. I couldn't work right now. I'm too exhausted to even take the long walks I had promised myself to do. I envy those that are still so active, but I'm not down on myself because I know we are all different and on different regimens with different SEs.

Family and jobs are very taxing even when we are in perfect health. Are your children young? Is your job physically demanding? Can you call on friends or other family members to help? They may just be waiting for you to let them know, specifically, what you need.

Wendy, I'm still waiting on results. Ugh! I had the tech leave the cardiologist a note that I needed results today. So I am walking around the house carrying my cell phone and the house phone. Remember when we would have a test done, then go home and forget about it cause everything was always good and we never heard otherwise? Now I need Xanax to get me through the waiting period. Thanks BC.

It was 79 yesterday. Now it's 42 going down to 29 tonight. You all stay warm and safe...especially you Yankees.

Sorry you are still waiting for results now Sweethope! I hope the cardiologist follows through for you TODAY!! Waiting sucks!!

I can't wait for the day when it is standard that we have equal access to our own medical history. With all the technology out there, you would think it would be easy. I remember the days too when I said no news was good news and went on my merry way! Never, never again! I now get copies of all my pathology reports from my cancer center ( I have to pay for them but it isn't excessive about $25 for 15 sheets of paper). This was suggested to me by my first chemo nurse and I will be forever grateful to her for that!

I got copies of my bone and CT scans as well. Got these all at the same time and paid just the $25. What I like about it is I see all the information in writing which was way more then the all clear I got when I met with my Onc. The CT listed some things that were not cancer related (nor serious) and never discussed with me at all. I understand they didn't need to discuss everything with me but I liked seeing my total CT results.

I had to have another ultra sound and 3D-mammogram done in early February as I had an issue with discharge from my left breast (ductal estasia I think it was they did not find anything else suspicious). I will get copies of the reports on these later for my health file.

I think I got like this because my cancer wasn't found by standard tests and I now have lack of trust about the whole thing. Yup, thanks cancer!!! I am even thinking about having the left breast removed after I'm done with these treatments. A least a visit back to my BS is in order I think.

I am learning to deal with it (I think) but I do miss those healthcare free worry days!

Wishing you the best outcome on the echo results!!

Wendy

Hi ladies, it has been awhile since I last posted on here.  I have been lurking but keeping a low profile as the last round of chemo (Feb 26th) has really kicked my butt.  I genereally feel gross and not much seems to be helping. The fatigue has definitely been worse this time, so bad that I almost passed out at the doctor's office while getting my PICC line cleaned.  Poor nurses, I really made their day interesting  :-)

Well my house has officially been demoed; all our hardwood/baseboards have been ripped up, some of the cupboards and walls have been removed.  Now it is just a waiting game until we can get quotes from our insurance to start the rebuild.  Most likely wont be able to start any work for another 3 weeks.  I really did want new floors, but not this way or at this time.  Definitely just added to my stress levels. 

Mommacat - I wanted to say how sorry I was to read your post about your daughter and grandma, my heart truly broke for you.  I am happy to hear that they are both still with you though.  Once treatment is done, if you are able, you and your daughter should go on a little vacation (even if it is just to a spa for a weekend).  I am not much of a religious person, but they say god only gives you what you can handle, so you are one very brave/strong women.  Never forget it!!  As for your friend, I say f*ck her (sorry for the vulgar language).  She is not worth your time, energy, or love; you focus on yourself and those who truly love and are loved by you.

Noor - I am sorry you are here with us, but welcome!!  My doctors never mentioned alopecia to me, actually stated the opposite that my hair WILL grow back once treatment is completed.  I hope the are right!!  I cut my hair really short the first day of my treatment and have lost about 90-95% of it.  The remaining has held on (along with my eyebrows and eyelashes); but I find they all feel very dry; I'd be ok with them just falling out and growing back softer.  I haven't noticed any new hair growth yet, but I do have one more round of treatment to go. 

Brandi - Your story put a smile on my face, I envy your moxy!!  I have found this round the steroids have definitely made me a little hostile.  Not screaming at my DH (yet) but I do get irked and annoyed way easier than I have in the past, and the poor guy is doing nothing wrong.  When ever we go to the city now I find myself having to make a conscious effort to not give some the finger or tell them to "f" off :-).

Jena - I have had 3 rounds of CT and still have all my nails.  I find that my finger nails are very sensitive to touch, but they have not lifted nor discolored much (just a couple of black dots on some). My toe nails are normal, I have been lucky and had no issues with them (keeping my fingers crossed).  I did not ice them during infusion (mainly because I forgot) but I do keep my hands well moisturized and use cuticle oil two or three times a day.

Marjo - Welcome back!!  Glad to hear you are feeling better and was able to get out and enjoy a round of tennis!

Stillstruggling - I am sorry you are going through this, but welcome to the group.  The ladies on this thread are amazing and offer so much support and love.  I too have found the emotional/mental part of treatment to be very hard and have had many days where I just cry. You are already 1/2 way through your treatment and the light at the end of the tunnel is near!!  I found little ways to help beat the depression (I am on leave from my employer, but I still email my coworkers every day like I am there.  speaking to them helps me feel like I am still in the loop and mentally gets me out of the house).  When I first started my LT disability I felt very guilty about it, but now I have no regrets over my decision to put me first.  I am now focused on myself and my husband, my work is the last thing that I will ever worry about again.

Sweethope - I have my fingers crossed that you'll get your test results today!!

I hope all the other ladies are doing well and have their SE under control!! 

Wishing you all the best.

Teri

Hi all,

Been a while since I posted--the fatigue has been really killer this cycle, but it turns out on top of chemo, and recovering from a port placement, I have also had PMS as my period started today. Like I need another reason to be tired! Don't know about you guys, but there are some SE's I would gladly like to have, but it seems my periods want to stay, and the hair on my legs keeps growing!

Looks like I am all set for AC round 3 tomorrow unless something hinky shows up in my bloodwork. The docs seem to think my energy levels should be a little higher during the next cycle as I should have less stress on my body (no surgery or PMS). I truly hope so. I have also had terrible insomnia despite meds, but they have given me permission to increase my insomnia med dose if I need to, and told me if I wake up in the middle of the night to take another 1/2 dose then to help manage the fatigue. Sounds like a good plan to me! Gained 4 lbs over the last cycle Have new meal plans from a dietician though, so hopefully that will help get my weight back under control and not have PMS carb cravings will definitely help! I seem to have my energy back today, just in time to start over LOL.

Cat--so sorry to hear about all your additional stresses and I hope things continue to get better.

Sweethope--sending thoughts for good results!

Teri--I hope the demo isn't going to be too hard on you!

For the new ladies, I am sorry you are here, but feel free to vent, question, inspire, whine and complain just like the rest of us

Take care ladies, and may the SE's be light!

Jenn

Hi ladies,

I am going to do my best to reach out to each of you; however with the chemo brain of mashed potatoes you will understand if I forget anyone or anything.

I had round 3 last Thursday and I have drank so much water I have managed to sodium deplete myself and had to call my nurse this morning as I was so dizzy and faint; now I'm on chicken broth, soup and gatorade all day until I an get in tomorrow for blood count and fluids (the office is closed today thanks to the sleet, ice and snow we got last night). The fatigued is ridiculous this time; I can't put a straight thought together and have less than zero energy; I typically get out and walk however the weather has kept us in and I'm a bit stir crazy on top of everything else now.

It's funny; the talk about "energizer bunny energy" on the steroids; the day after chemo after I had my shot, more fluids, steroids and meds; I came home and did 2 loads of laundry, made dinner for me and my Mmo and Step-Dad (who i am living with as I get through chemo) and cleaned the kitchen.....then slept till noon the next day and have been lifeless since! Lol

Mommacat - I am so sorry for what you are going through; none of this is easy; and I'm not going to say it "gets" easier because for me as of now it's not. However, I know there is a light at the end of this long tunnel and we will all get to it; one day we will all look back and say; "I did It!!".

Noor - As much as I hate the reason you are here; Welcome to the family. My doctors never mentioned alopecia to me either, I was told my hair could start going back after I switch to Taxol; I hope that wasn't just to make me feel better. Once my hair started falling out my boyfriend shaved my head and his; it has had little areas where it's kinda stubbly however mainly slick bald! I am really enjoying no shaving though;too bad I can't keep that!

Brandi - I find myself getting irritated and annoyed much easier now; I am wondering if this is all throwing me into menopause as I had a partial hysterectomy in 2012 and am 47; who knows; it wouldn't surprise me and I've been told to expect it. Oh the joys of chemo, right?

Jena -I have had 3 rounds now of AC chemo and have just about lost my pinky toenails however there wasn't much there to begin with. My finger nails are frail and wavy but still there; I take Biotin to try and strengthen them. I have not iced my hands or feet; I've heard that would be a good idea to do once I switch to Taxol; my fingers and toes stay so cold anyway the idea of placing cold peas or ice on them makes me shiver however if it prevents the alternative of losing them I suppose it would be worth it.

Marjo - Great job on the round of tennis! I've made it to the gym Once since this started January 15th and I felt pretty good about it; activity is good if you can muster the energy to move forward. This round I am doing good to be on this computer!

Stillstruggling - I am sorry you are going through this, but welcome to the group. The ladies on this site are incredible and offer so much advice and support and have been my lifeline; I trust these ladies and know we are all together in this. When you feel like crying...Cry! When you feel like sleeping...Sleep! Your body needs rest and your soul need release; I still have days where I look in the mirror and shed tears; this is hard; it changes you in every aspect. Remember as you go through this your wellbeing is center and number 1; you must get through this the best way you can. If you need to yell and vent; come here; we get it; all of us!

Sweethope - I pray you got good results today!!!!

I think about you ladies every day; this round has been rough on me; I am staying home and not going back to work until maybe mid week next week. I am able to work from home so I will leave my Mom's tomorrow and move back in with my boyfriend until round 4 and work mostly from home and let him pamper me for me few days. I have not been "Home" to my little ranch in East Texas since I moved in with my Mom in November when I had my surgery; someone else is caring for my horses and dogs and I miss them and ready to have my life back.....I know it'll come but patience has never been my best attribute. I'm learning how to adapt patience though....thanks BC!!

Fight like a girl!! Never give up!!

Lara

Hi JAn chemo girls. Havent posted on this thread before but I have been active here since Dec 2013. I started chemo jan 13 2014 so just over 1 yr ago!!!!! You girls are right where I was in my cancer treatment just last year. Wanted to tell you I was scared that I would never feel normal again. But I do. As you can see from my stats I had lumpectomy, chemo (AC 4 cycles then dose dense taxol for 4 cycles. had chemo 1x every 2 weeks for 16 wks, then radiation. I an TN). so many suggestions but it seems like you all know most of them. I iced my hands and feet during taxol and I think it helped limit or prevent the neuropathy. Just some funny feelings in my 4th toe of L foot only (weird, go figure, at least its not more and it doesnt bother my function, just a weird feeling). Look into icing, I made my own ice packs with fleece covers for my hands and feet and brought them into chemo. Nobody else was doing this but my MO said no problem. Some facilities are now using this as regular treatment with taxane chemo. My taste buds were terrible. I couldnt tolerate water (tasted like metal as well as many other foods), could only drink lemonade, so I tried to drink as much of it as I could. Pizza and italian foods tatsed the least weird, as well as turkey sandwiches . I thought my hair would never grow back. It didnt startgrowing until about 6 wks PFC and it was slow. I thought really never but now I have a head ful of curly (although gray) hair. My hair was curly before and gray (but I did not realize how gray because I colored it). No more coloring for me any more. There is so much I want to say to all of you as I was there exactly 1 yr ago. See the excerpt below I like how this is stated as many times I did not feel like I was fighting but just tolerating what was being done to me. I was strong many times and weak many more. YOu will feel triumphant once you are finished and you will be a different person and maybe even a better person in some ways, you will appreciate more, really, you will. You will see things with clearer eyes for the world and those around you. My bc.org chemo group was a life saver for me. Only they really understood. Stick with each other, stay tight now and after treatment ends. BTW I am from upstate NY and last winter was tough with the cold but this winter is worse. It was so cold without hair last winter, I wore 2 hats soemtimes and a hat under my scarves at all times. I see this group is from all over, Canada, France, Australia, Az, LA. wow a very diverse group but with one thing in common that brings us all together. Feel free to ask me anything, I will try to help if I can.

LCH033 - I think the best medicine ever is a wet sloppy horse kiss with that super soft and velvet nose! The smell of sweet feed, hay, and alfalfa, you can't beat that or bottle it! The feel of those giant tongues licking up sugar cubes and carrots from your open palm, that is sweet country! If I could grab my shit boots and Carhartt's right now, I would think I went to heaven. I had a wonderful Walker with a bad ass attitude, and goats, and the hens and ducks. Nothing is better than that!

I hope the trail home is safe, swift, and good medicine! Happy Trails!

Lisaj514, thanks for posting on this thread. That's what I really appreciate about this website. Women and men willing to share their experiences and support as they go through treatment and then to continue to support others afterwards.

Thanks also for sharing that excerpt! That is a perfect analogy and in this format makes it easier to remember - "accept a lack of control".!

Hi everyone...

Mommacat, I am so sorry for all you are going through. I am sure you were wondering just how much more you could take. I do hope you and your husband have a wonderful anniversary.

Brandi, that slapping story did make me laugh out loud…glad you two can laugh about it now too. I have heard some ladies get a "boost" from the steroids, but I haven't noticed any difference. I wouldn't mind a boost. Not roid rage, but a boost would be welcome.

Marjo! Oh, what a great gift from you to you! LOL Definitely something to look forward to!!!! I just have to ask…when you play, do you have indoor courts? I can't imagine it being warm enough to play up there!

Lara, where are you in TX? We had 7" of snow last night! (I'm in Grapevine, DFW area) Last Friday when the weather was so bad, I had to go in for blood work. I could hear the receptionist and staff talking about closing early. Wonder what they'd do if you were in the middle of your infusion?? But I know, I know…we are so lucky when I hear what the Northeast is dealing with!!

Jena, I went to my second treatment with bags of frozen peas, and ice chips for my mouth during the taxotere infusion. Well, I'm usually on my laptop or phone…doing something to keep occupied, right? Anyways, when my hands weren't busy doing anything but holding the pea bags, I fell asleep. I am sure I did not keep holding the peas either. But, I have yet to notice any nail changes, thank goodness. I am using Nail Envy by Opi.