Starting Chemo January 2015
Comments
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Hi Stillstruggling, Two left to go!! That is awesome for you. Just think you have 4 in the bag, you have come a long way! AC is a rough combo and you may be struggling but the 4 are over. Most people do struggle with chemo.
I finished AC/T on 11/25, and the details are slipping way. I am so glad that I have all of the good memories left intact from my chemo days. I had fantastic infusion nurses, and I have met the nicest and strongest people ever by having chemo. My hair is growing in thick and it's over a inch long already. I'm going to get it shaped up next week. Yep my first trim since last August, very exciting. My nails are all pretty and pink, and they have all grown out faster and harder than they were before chemo. I eat a lot better than I have been, but I do wish that I could get a little booster shot so all the leg hair falls out before summer.
That no hair plan was pretty damn good! I went to Look Good Feel Better, and learned some really great make up tips, and the free make up is awesome. And it was two hours of fun! Free too. You should go. You will be amazed how hot and pretty you look when the experts are done. A real feel good moment for me. I felt like crap when I went.I am pampering my feet, I use Foot Therapy from Sally's, and I love it. It is a mineral soak and oh so nice. And body cream and my favorite perfume make it all good right now. I actually feel almost normal, and I just finished rads last Thursday.
So my chemo friend, you will see the other side, and soon. I am waiting for you at the end of your tunnel. Nobody walks alone here, you will have a lot of help to get to the finish line, and plenty of cheering fans are waiting.
Maybe we should change your name to still winning?? Good Luck, have a magical weekend! Cheryl
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Thank you Beachbum. I tried to use the name Birdsong because I heard a bird's happy chirping when I created my account, but it was already taken. From there my day spiraled and I couldn't think of one positive thing and I really needed encouragement so stillstruggling came into being. I can't imagine being finished with chemotherapy and having intact memories about it. That is mind-boggling to me. I read that the 4th treatment was easier but it wasn't easier for me although I am taking my meds as directed instead of trying to be strong. I think make-up and tips would be awesome. And you have hair. That is great news. Sorry about the leg hair. Shaving is but a distant memory for me. Thank you for your encouragement.
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RVgal....yes, on Taxol, I've had some rashes. On the second week, I had some rashes on the inside of one arm for about 2 or 3 days and it was itchy. On the fifth week, I had rashes on my hands, both arms from hands to elbow and across my face (mostly on my right) and lips. These rashes didn't itch. They were red and made everything swell a little. There was a weird texture of my skin under the rash but it lasted about a week and then went away. Afterwards, my forefinger and thumb areas started peeling and now, two weeks later, the peeling is almost gone. Today, I had my 8th so I have four more to go. -
The disability lady called me today to check up on me. She asked me about my side effects from chemo and all I came up with was oh fatigue and nausea. Since I'm so dimwitted now, I forgot about the rest of the list like I'm an idiot now and my fingernails feel like they are only barely attached to the nail beds. I'm afraid to scratch with them and I can't sleep and when I do I keep waking up. I'm sure she's still checking to see if I actually need disability so I kind of wanted a do over. Today has been worse than most. Also I've been pretty down in the dumps because of some crappy legislation that was proposed in my hater state that had to do with FMLA. It just hit me to the core.
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Wendy, my feet are getting better too! Less tender for sure. I slather them with cream, my onco nurse said to use a water-based petroleum product during the day, so I got CeraVe, which I really like, and use good old Bag Balm and light socks at night. At first she said, "that is a rare side effect" to which I said, yeah, I'm just lucky that way. The blisters on the back of my hand are ugly but not painful but I am glad that they are not on my palms. That would be harder.
Also got a really fun case of thrush, to the point where my tongue was bleeding, now taking Diflucan or however it should be spelled for 10 days. I am so sick of these drug names, brand and generic. They are perplexing to spell, being all made up words, not following spelling rules--what's a dyslexic girl to do?
My MO gave me the extra week off, think my wonderful onco nurse helped talk her into it. I am happy beyond belief about getting a mental health break and some time to heal physically. I was able to go into the office yesterday and work for 5 hours. Having some days that are more "normal" and free of serious SE makes me remember what I am fighting for, the chance to have a regular life again. Emphasis on the "life" part. I don't think I will take it for granted anymore.
Spring is beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. Gentle rain, everything blooming and smelling sweet. Wonderful. The photo of the snow in Canada was also beautiful but I hope all of you in the cold parts of the continent start warming up soon! Brrr.
Glad we are all moving through treatment. So encouraging. Stay strong, ladies! Sleep well. Hope all of you have rising blood cell counts--I made some good organic beef sliders tonight to raise my red blood cell count. I love sweet relish, it's the simple things.
D.
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Hi Cheryl. How is weekend going? How are you feeling? It feels good to know that none of us are by ourselves in our journey. I am not excited about the journey. I have always liked the finite.
Hello dstar. How are you feeling? I hope your thrush is better. I am very impressed that you can work. I have almost given up on that. I struggle to find words these days.
Hello Brandi. I totally understand. When i talk to people about what is going on it's either I get very confused and can't express myself or I get frustrated and cry. I now take a little notebook with me when i go to the oncologist with questions in it that I have. I write down the answers so I can go back and look if I want to. So far, I don't want to.
Is anyone getting more tired the more chemo infusions they have? I used to walk around my neighborhood about 5 days after chemo. Now I make it about 7 houses down from mine with my husband's help then I have to go back home. The MO said the effects would be cumulative but the sudden on-set of extreme tiredness is worrisome.
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Hi stillstruggling, any amount of exercise can help, beats none! The fatigue is cumulative so that could explain your extreme tiredness. But tell your MO anyway. Tired is tired, but sleep all you can. I was very tired but I chalked it up to working during chemo 42 hours a week. But since I had surgery right after chemo, then rads, I still drag. Not my usual peppy self. But I sleep 8 to 9 hours a night, falling asleep is my problem now. I just don't feel it so I stay up way too late, and then sleep late. I just try to get things done when I feel perky. I hope to go back to work soon, I think a regular schedule will be a big help. How much longer do you have chemo? Is it dense dose? Take Care!
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Hello Beachbum How in the world did you work 42 hours a week and endure chemotherapy? I heard about someone else who worked a full time job during chemo and I don't see how it is physically possible. I have two more chemo infusions then I start herceptin infusions once every three weeks for twelve months. I take ambien to go to sleep otherwise I don't sleep. I still wake up around 4:00 a.m.. but I am getting some sleep. I don't think I take a dense dose. I have chemo scheduled for April 6 and then April 27 should be my last chemo session if my wbc counts have come back up. I hope I feel perky tomorrow. I am tired of crying but sometimes I can't stop. You are amazing.
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Hi everybody-I'm sorry for my long silence but everybody in my house has been knocked out by a bad cold. Its been almost a month and we are still sick. Luckily, even though I have it, I haven't had a fever and have been able to continue with chemo. I started Taxol two weeks ago and so far, the SE have been minimal, at least compared to A/C, mainly fatigue, constipation, and slight nausea.
My kids are calling but I'll try to write more later.
Cheryl
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Dear cherylfg, so glad to hear that taxol is easier on you than AC, after all you have endured. i wish the same for RVGal, Brandi, and everybody else!!!
I weirdly enough had to postpone my last AC for a week - cannot explain why but my neutrophiles decided to play a number on me. So I am scheduled for this friday (the doctor wanted me to come in for a tuesday infusion but I did not want to take a week off work. I am so used to lie on my couch friday to sunday that I did not want to disturb my chemo routine... Go figure.
I think I did combat a cold that did not end up manifesting itself, ans that's the only explanation I have... Or maybe was it that nasty hot flashes medication... I also drank a glass of wine or two while my friend was visiting so I am going straight back to my no alcohol policy until I am done chemo for fear that this had an impact on my immune system... And caused the postponing. It's so frustrating not to know the cause but there is nothing I can do so I decided to practice acceptance and letting go, as tsught in my mindfulness class lol.
Going back to tennis sfter a hiatus of 2 weeks (coaches are allowed vacation lol) but I am anxious to start taxol to 1) see if the side effects are minimal and 2) if I can continue playing tennis, given the once a week for twelve week schedule... By now you guys know what will happen with my sanity if I cannot hit little yellow balls... Also had not realised that part of my treatment I have a new Muga every three months and Herceptin by IV drip every three weeks for a year. Not sure where I was when they explained this part!?!?! But I am grateful to be part of the study as they will follow me for 10 years so I am complaining just a little little...
Oh well, by the time Taxol is over, if not too taxing, then I will just gladly endure anything else I guess.
Have a nice beginning of week, everyone
Marjo who is a bit wary of her last AC as it seems to have hit a few of you hard...
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Hi stillstruggling, How did I work full time and do chemo, that's a great question! I had bills to pay, so I did what I had to do. My schedule was crazy with all of the medical appointments. I would do blood labs Monday morning on my way to work, and work 10 to 8. Tuesday morning I had chemo and after that I worked 3 to 8. Wednesday I worked 10 to 8. I crashed Thursday and Friday, and worked Saturday 10 to 6, and Sunday 11 to 5 to get all of my hours in. On Wednesday I would go to get my Neulasta injection at lunch. It was truly a blur. Thankfully I had a Trader Joe's across the street from where I worked, and all of my Doctors and treatments were close to home, and on the way to work. But it also forced me to get up and get moving, and stay on schedule. Would I do that again? NEVER! But I got it done with some help from my friends, a positive attitude, and I was too scared to not do it.
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Good Afternoon Beachbum. I am in awe. Since having my mastectomy in December, I have been able to work a few hours only one or two days per month. My family and I are living on one income where we used to have two. The very thought of going back to working now sends me into a panic. I know we all do what we have to do, but going through chemo and working? I am so impressed. How are you doing now? Have all your treatments ended? Do you go for check-ups now? Are you getting herceptin infusions? Were you ever scared to go back to work after treatment ended? I am no longer the person I was prior to cancer. It is not good or bad. I am different.
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Hi stillstruggling, I guess I worked and did chemo because of panic and denial. I needed the income, I live alone. And I didn't want to be a full time full blown cancer patient. It was my normal, and I want to go back to work to be like everyone else. Going back to a full time is terrifying to me now. My brain is still foggy, I forget things, I drop things, I trip over my own feet, and I am not too sure how fast I can learn a new job. I am Stage IV, so just another obstacle to jump with more treatments on the horizon. I see the MO tomorrow, and I am sure she will say back to chemo asap since I finished AC/T on 11/25. I had surgery and rads, so I have dodged more chemo for a long time, I am just afraid that I have been out for too long now. I am also triple negative so no hormone therapy, it won't work for me. I already have heart damage from the Adriamycin, so lifetime limit already. And my tumor regrew on Taxol, so no more Taxanes either. So not sure what may work, or if I have any choices available.
I was very active working 10 hour days, and walking the beach the other days. I love to swim and raft, not too sure how that will be for me. Some days just being awake for 8 hours is a struggle. I am so not the woman I was 10 months ago, but I am going to do everything I can to find her, and move on for as long as I can
Last fall I bought new sandals, to walk the beach this summer. I want to get new cross country skis for next winter, something to look forward to when winter comes back around for 2016. So I guess being pissed off about all this is going to be a motivating emotion for me. I can't be the sick person, I don't know her, I don't want to be her. So I will put on my cancer killing butt kicking boots for as long as I can. Stage IV yep, and there ain't no 5! Maybe if I get mad, I can get even at BC.Good Luck, it's Game On for both of us!
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Hello ladies, I have been MIA for several days but I read all the posts today. I can't believe how far we all have come. Battling chemo and se's and periods and emotions and work and weather. It amazes me to read how strong everyone is. I am so glad to be a part of something so great when the cause is so damaging and depressing. Cancer is definitely a life changing event and so is the treatment for it yet we are still fighting like super warriors.
I am glad to hear that the se's are not as bad now for most of you. And for those that have good news with test results, that's great. Praise God.
For the new members of the group, I know you will get great support here. I know I have!
I had a more difficult time with AC #4 as far as se's are concerned. Now that I have had 2 treatments of Taxol my se's are different. I have pain in my feet mostly the balls of my feet and the heals. I have the fatigue still and constipation and swelling. My fingernails are sensitive and other than the one I smashed in the dishwasher they appear to be still normal. I did cut them short so I wouldn't snag them or break them. They are more brittle than usual. I have also noticed that my skin is still super dry which is not good for Arizona weather. We are headed to 90 degree temps. That stinks but at least it's not in the 100's yet. That will be next month. Lol.
Beachbum, you still amaze me. You are one of the strongest most beautiful woman I have ever known. Thank you for being here and leading us to good health and positive energy. I am so grateful for you And to you. I would love the opportunity to meet you in person.
I am looking forward to the end of treatment as all of you are. I would love to meet everyone in Vegas as mentioned earlier on in the posts.
Everyone, take care and keep posting. Love to hear from everyone.
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hello again, I forgot, (chemo brain) another issue I have on Taxol is a running yet dry nose. I know that is contradictory but it is real.
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I've also had swelling and the dry but running nose on Taxol. I had to take my wedding ring off because it was too tight. The dry running nose is a weird sensation, isn't it?
Cheryl
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Ladies leading the charge with Taxol- Mommacat and Cherylfg- where do you have swelling? I start Taxol on Thursday and am wondering what I have to look forward to. My MO seems fairly nonchalant about the Taxol SEs but I am very wary of that. It's still chemo- still poison being pumped into our bodies.
For those of you who have had a worse time with AC round 4 I'm sorry. That sucks- but AC is done!!! Yay!!!
I have spits all over my face that look like freckles now. I haven't been wearing sunscreen yet- I'm in Michigan. I'm wondering is this from the chemo or the sun exposure and the chemo combined. Anybody else have this?
Marjo- I hope you get to hit little yellow balls soon. That comment cracked me up!
What does everybody have planned this week? I'm feeling pretty decent apart from my emotional state, so I need to take advantage of that for the next two days before I start Taxol. Emotionally, I'm more depressed and anxious. I can't pinpoint why, but I need to pull myself out of it!
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Jlstacey- Mine is primarily in my hands but my MO said it could also be in my ankles. It starts within a few hours of the infusion and lasts a few days.
Compared to A/C, Taxol has been much more managable, at least so far. My MO said the SE are cumulative so we'll see how it goes. I had terrible SE with A/C and its been nice to have fewer ones (at least so far)
Cheryl
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I was supposed to have chemo today but my onco is worried about me since the Taxol just started. I started getting neuropathy after the first treatment and she wasn't happy about that and then my blood counts are STILL low. They have never recovered from the last AC and that was a month ago. She said sometimes it's good to skip a week and hit the reset button and I won't have to make it up so YAY for no chemo today!
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Brandi, I'm glad your MO is staying on top of your blood counts and neuropathy. When you said you don't have to make up this chemo, does that mean your total Taxol is reduced by one tx?
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Hi everyone. This final AC sent me to bed since last Thursday. I thought being away from chemo for four weeks would make this last chemo easier. Wrong! I never had the steroid buzz, and I barely crawled in to get my Neulasta shot. My bones and skin ached so badly I couldn't stop moaning whenever I moved. I am so glad AC is over.
The lymphodema in my left arm has been a constant problem. And my MO has not sent the referral for PT even though the lymphodema therapist has requested it and I also asked twice. I was taking it personally, but the LT said they always had a slow response from this MO. Little things are adding up and I'm beginning to lose faith in my MO. UGH!
Hope you all are doing well. XOXO
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Hello All, just checking in. AC 4 was Thursday and I have been in for fluids twice since then; I just feel like POO!!! I love it when you get the "4th round is easier"....really?!!? Ha! I am learning to gauge the SE's by what happens not what is pre-warned or Not pre-warned. I am having tummy cramps, extreme fatigue and stiffness this time. Nausea every morning however nothing I can't manage....the chemo brain is rediculous!! If I'm not better Thursday they want me in for blood count and fluids again this Friday. Praying I feel better to dodge that one!
I have my echo 4/2 and then supposed to start Herceptin and Taxol weekly 4/9; I'm nervous about the neuropathy and pain; however it's the next step so I'll take it. Praying the echo shows no damage so we are good to go....just ready to get this over with; I am so exhausted from it all. I am having Hot flashes from Hell and can't sleep because of them; I'm moody and emotional and it makes me nuts!
Sorry if it seems I'm whining but I am; I turn to this site to whine because you all get it! I hope you are all having a "good" week; they become so few and far between I think the further we get.
I am also so worried about Lymphodema; does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid it? I had all my lymph nodes removed from the left side as well as a tram flap; Still can't feel the majority of that area and just want to know if there is anything I can do to avoid getting it?
Thanks....again, I pray you are all having better weeks than mine and enjoying some good days and sunshine and outdoors and laughs! I think about y'all every day and just know we are all in this together!
Fight Like a Girl, Never Give Up!! (even when you feel like Hell!)
Lara
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Hi Ladies. I feel your pain LCH. I had my 4th round of chemo on March 16. The side effects this go round have lasted so much longer than with the other three treatments. I don't know why. I am still nauseous. I don't want to eat or drink anything. I have two more chemo infusions to go. I have to have a MUGA on Tuesday. Hopefully my heart has withstood this torture. Sending prayers up for all of us.
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Beachbum, Did you see your MO today?
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Sweethope, yes it means I'll end up with 11, instead of 12, Taxol treatments.
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Brandi, Wow! I like your MO. Hope this reset does the trick.
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Apparently I spoke too soon about Taxol being easier so far. Today was horrible! I woke up nauseous and it went downhill from there. I was nauseous all day, with joint pain and fatigue, and I spent a lot of the day in the bathroom. Spending that much time in the bathroom after being constipated is a rather unpleasant experience. It was weird to feel bad so many days after an infusion. I was used to A/C where I felt bad immediately and it lasted for days.
Cheryl
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Hi stillstruggling, sorry you are feeling so crummy. Sadly the chemo is cumulative, and you are already sick of being sick and the fatigue just piles on top of a very exhausting treatment schedule. Try to eat and drink something, you need to hydrate. Have you tried popsicles or fruit, or maybe some juice or Jell-O? When I felt like roadkill, I just ate and drank the same things over and over. Mac and cheese and cottage cheese seemed to work well for me. Frozen grapes were pretty tasty too. I just wish I could do so much more than send you a big hug.
You will get through this, it is always darkest before the dawn.................I am sending good news vibes for your MUGA! And I am coming over there with my big cancer killing butt kicking boots and we are going to stomp it like a bunch of bad asses! Take Care
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Aw, Cheryl, I'm so sorry. Did you have a Neulasta shot with this taxol? Is this from infusion two weeks ago?
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Hi Cherylfg, sorry you are feeling so rough today. Are you dense dose Taxol? While a bit easier than AC, it is not walk in the park either. And you are so exhausted already, snuggle on the couch! I was super thirsty on Taxol, but my hair started to grow back after the first infusion. You may have some little fuzz soon! Keep putting oil on your nails, all of them. Mine discolored, and the toenails looked like they should have been on a lizard. Have you had any issues with neuropathy in your feet? The skin peeled off the bottoms of my feet in layers. I slathered on cream and kept them in soft socks. You can try rubbing Vick's on your feet, it may help.
I had big issues with joint and bone pain, the Claritin did not work for me. I had Tylenol #3 with Codeine. I couldn't deal with that pain. My last infusion of Taxol, I only took half the Neulasta the day after. I wish I had a magic wand to make all this stop, in a good way. I am sending you a huge pile of hugs, use them when you need them
You have come so far, you got this! Cheryl
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