Starting Chemo March 2015
Comments
-
Hi to March chemo group. I have been learning, shy to post but I had to respond to Katy. I ran a low grade temp after Neupogen, had 3 shots the week after my first TC but bottomed out with neutropenia so for my second round, they gave me Neulasta. I had a low grade temp that night, hit 102 the next day and was sick as a dog, chills, aches. The next 2 days I had low grade temps and then gone. A fever is not listed under Neulasta but because I had the shots at different time each round, I am pretty sure it was my reaction to the shot. So Katy, look out for round 3, be ready with the Tylenol/Advil or whatever your MO allows. I am hoping they let me go back to Neupogen to avoid the horrible temp/chills/aches but I doubt it.Sorry I have hidden up to now! I am 48, work part time as a PT because I have a special needs 20 year old at home, 2 in college and a 16 year old in High School. I have a rare subtype of IDC, micropapillary. It is aggressive. So only 4 mm tumor, only part of that was invasive (actually removed in core biopsy!) and still had already spread to a lymph node. Yikes. I have tolerated chemo very well, managed to power through any eating issues - go figure, am doing Zumba with my XBox and spending a lot of time on the couch. I have appreciated everybody's wisdom, honesty, humor. Blessings to you.
Jenny
-
Sending hugs, hope and healing thoughts to Sharon and Leigh.
Stay on your docs, ask for options, alternatives, research, experts, etc.
Big hug!!!
-
Sharon- so glad you are home! your own bed probably never looked and felt so good.
I am, and I'm sure you are, a bit disappointed that after all that the pain isn't under control still. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through, and how tempting it must be to stop. Like others have wisely said today, try to focus on - Just. This. Minute. No further. You know we all love you and are suffering (of sorts- of course nothing like the real thing, baby). Best wishes and gentle hugs going out to you. I can see the two of us on the Oregon cliffs looking down and listening to the seals and taking in the majesty this world has to offer. Close your eyes. That's me, holding your hand.
Diane- so glad to hear you are getting some relief from the burns and you can taste a bit. I know, just in time to do it again. Can't wait to see you post pics of your virtual bed charm! You will be holding Shaz's other hand.
Leigh- this is definitely the place for the rant. It's quite lucky that so far not everyone has had the bad day on the same day! Your young body will bounce back. Try to just give it what it asks for. I'm so sorry.
Angiel- I like what your surgeon said. And I thank you for sharing it. I totally agree there is a grieving process and there are so many different losses it's hard to know even which to process. Important take away for me is to let it happen. I was never much for suppressing emotions, but now is surely not the time to do it!
-
I'm late to this conversation, but my MO never said anything about restricting my diet either. Interesting... In fact, I mentioned at last weeks appointment that I'd been worried about my (slight) weight gain. He said it was normal due to the steroids, and that if I have an appetite, to just keep on eating. So, I've admittedly been eating just about whatever I want. Although I've made a better effort over the last few weeks to be healthier. You all are definitely putting me to shame, though! Maybe my younger age is a blessing in this department, too. My WBC have been fine so he hasn't taken any foods off the table. I just wish I craved healthy foods rather than the chili cheese fries I ate for lunch last saturday
Coffee is still the only thing that has lost its flavor to me. I was drinking it out of habit, but now I've given it up completely for the duration of chemo. Mostly because I'm not sleeping well, and I'm trying to see if giving up the caffeine helps. So far, it hasn't made a difference, but it's only been a few days.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one whose mouth tastes like the kitchen sink. I keep brushing my teeth and tongue, and still it tastes gross. Yuck.
-
Jenny, welcome! And thanks for coming out into the open for my sake!
I have just finished 3/6 of TC. Every 3 weeks. Neulasta the day after every time. The Claritin (and a few other goodies at my disposal) have kept most of the predicted pain at bay. But I will heed your warning. The fever, in combination with falling, really scared me.
Today is day 5. I definitely had a mixed bag. Got out a bit in the garden, but spent hours nibbling on the shit sandwich on a heap of fatigue. Like I just didn't want to move. I am dealing though.
-
Angie, I really liked your surgeon's mortgage analogy. Thanks for sharing it. I still feel like a whiner if I let myself get down and out for a day. It's good to get a reminder that it's not a sign of weakness but a sign of normalcy and actually healthier to allow oneself to reside in those feelings of loss and despair in that moment in time.
I appreciate that this group can swap food lists and offer amazing encouragement depending on the situation. I find myself thinking about this group each evening while I'm driving home from work and I look forward to reading posts from all of you who are sharing the sandwich with me.
-
It's nice to have a place to go where we can drop the false bravado and be able to say, "I'm miserable. This isn't fair, and it really sucks." Sometimes, I feel that so much of my time is spent reassuring family and friends that I'm doing ok that I forget to give myself permission to mourn.
Right before I got my diagnosis, we were trying to adopt a little 2-year-old girl. We had consulted a lawyer, but there is a lot of red tape since she's not a direct family member. My diagnosis has made it even more difficult, but we still plan to pursue the adoption as soon as I can prove my health in court. She is our sunshine. I got to visit with her tonight, and it gave me so much joy. She calls me "Mama" often, and we continue to grow our bond. I almost bawled on the way home. She makes this harder and easier all at once if that makes any sense.
Heading to the spa tomorrow with my friend, JP, that I've known since 7th grade. We'll probably be laughing all day. My first and second chemo were equally awful with different side effects, so I have no idea what to expect. It'll be a fun surprise in every bag!
I'm dreading this with every piece of my body, literally, but this is 3 of 6. I'll be halfway done. Some days, I cling to these milestones for dear life. I know you all know where I'm coming from in that one
-
Hang in there ladies - chemo is a bitch, but you all will get through it. It is hard when you are at the point where you are really starting to feel the side effects and you wonder how you will make it to the other side - take it day by day, hour by hour - minute by minute, if necessary. Celebrate every victory - even if is just changing into clean pajamas. I found it easier if I released any expectations of myself, and just took it as it came. Please don't put pressure on yourselves - it is counterproductive. I have no magic words of advice that will make it easier - it just isn't.
mysunshine -
Clean Fifteen (don't need organic) - onions, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, sweet onions (like Vidalia or Maui) My personal exception to this list is the corn - I don't eat it because most is GMO.
Dirty Dozen (buy organic) - celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, cherries, greens like kale, spinach and collard, potatoes, imported grapes, lettuce.
-
SpecialK- thanks once again for your valuable input. It's really all so overwhelming. So much information. I have always been eager to learn and never stuck my head in the sand once since this all started- and yet I continually am being "surprised" by new information that I realize I really should have known already. The two lists you shared above are very useful indeed.
Indygal- your news about potentially adopting and having to "prove your health" made me, like you, happy and sad. And even a bit mad. I'm so glad you have this light of sunshine in your life. Especially now. It is among the saddest of cases I've felt about "vitus interuptus" (I just made that up haha but I'm sure you know what I mean). Clearly, you need each other and I will devote my most positive thoughts to bringing about this positive and wonderful change in your lives.
I am so glad you have your old and dear friend accompanying you to this dreaded spa day today. I can almost hear you two yucking it up. I hope you can truly stop time and enjoy, and leave your false bravado at the door.
This place is always safe for the rant. As often as need be. I have found that by having all of you here to understand - truly understand- has taken a lot if pressure off of other important relationships. I was previously very frustrated that loved ones didn't seem to be interested in the details of treatment, decision making and the like. Now I find I need them to understand those things less, because that need is being fulfilled here. Consequently, there is more "healthy air" around the other relationships and I have less feeling of abandonment and aloneness. I have tried to describe this before, but always feel I come up a bit short. Suffice it once again to say this group is a lifeline. Love you all.
Katy
PS- it's about 3am and I just woke up with a fever of 100.4 again.. Took it again and it's 100.5.
Calling the MO.........
-
I've been AWOL. Reading the posts it seems we are all in the same boat. SE on AC #3 were/are hard. I'm still feeling shitty 5 days out. I have forced myself to go to work while I have a job (long story) I'm dreading infusion #4 on the 30th. Dreading it so much I feel like telling them to F it and let's move to Taxol. I won't, I'll do it, but the idea AC makes me nauseous.
Pity party...huge. My house is a mess and I just can't deal. My father who is retired and comes by everyday to sit in our home and watch TV has reminded me twice to get cat food. I almost screamed at him today to spend the $15 and pick it up himself and I will reimburse him. He's rich and is planning on being buried with all his money. Seriously. I will not be shocked if that is what his will states. Here I'm dragging myself into work and god forbid someone pick up some damn cat food or a vaccuum or some pledge. On a positive note....my K came in.
-
Mary- so glad you checked in! Missed you.
The bracelet is mahhhvelous!
I hope you make it through ok today
PS you're Dads a di$k
-
Katy, how is your fever this morning?
-
Angiel - I love what your surgeon told you. Thank you for sharing this with us. I found this helpful.
Katy - keep us posted about your fever situation. Let's hope the MO nips it in the bud already.
Ninjamary - I've never liked the F word, but somehow I like it on your bracelet.
I'm off to the spa in a couple of hours. Number 8 today - I will be 2/3 done after today. Now if only I could stop worrying about my job. There were some dramatic changes over the last week, and I'm not sure what lies ahead. Cancer is stressful enough, and unfortunately I need this job to pay for the cancer to go away.
-
Ugh, Katy. What did the MO say?
Indy: What you said about reassuring everyone else. The only person I feel (besides you guys) I can truly vent to is my sister. Even my DH just says you'll get through it. He can't deal. It makes total sense about the little girl making it harder and easier at the same time. My kids make me feel the same way. I often rock my 11 year old to sleep. She has trouble shutting her mind down some nights and for some reason can fall asleep on my quickly. The other night I couldn't stop crying thinking about loving her so much and wanting to be here for her college, wedding, etc.
Sharon: I was so hoping there was something they could do to get those damn migraines under control. I am sorry.
Ninja and Leigh: I am so sorry you are having such a hard time on the AC. Praying Taxol is easier for you.
Special: I like your suggestion about little things. Today I am thankful that my scalp is no longer trying to kill me.
Jenny; Welcome to our group.
-
Has anyone experienced bleeding during bowel movements since treatment? I have been constipated and then hit with the runs for days on end and then a semi normal movement with blood. Scaring me but I feel its probably a fissure of some sort since the area is delicate and sore.
-
TerryMarie, it happened to me a few times. It was bright red blood and most likely from a hemorrhoid. I told MO and he said to let him know if it kept happening more often. If it's occasional, then he was not worried.
-
Thank you BB, I won't worry about it. It's always something for crying out loud.
-
Off to the spa today. Nervous.
-
I forgot to add, that my platelets were normal, so that could be the factor that made him not worried.
-
BB- thinking of you this morning. I know you hate it, but I hope you will find some small satisfaction in meeting this important milestone of 2/3 done!
I know it must be very hard to not worry about your job and the changes going on. You must try to practice (because I know we never get perfect at it) not worrying about things that are beyond your control. There is absolutely nothing you can accomplish by using your precious energy this way. You need every bit you've got to fight your private battle. Don't do it to yourself.
Trvler- you're a good mom. It was a nice image for me seeing you rock your daughter to sleep. I can only imagine what it must be like to fear the future for their sakes and for yours. One day at a time, my dear. What is happening today is rocking her to sleep, you will both always remember. Try not to peer into the future right now. Having said that, I'm all for a good cathartic cry. You deserve it. You need it. We all do.
TerryMarie- I have had such problems you've described. I have been made raw from straining constipation then diarrhea. There has been blood in the stool. Since it is bright red and it's pretty obvious to me what the cause is, I have been quietly monitoring. It doesn't happen every day, and this intermittent nature seems to support my conclusion. However, I still plan to mention it at my next appt. I have gotten some relief from using a squirt bottle with a soothing body wash with aloe. Instead of continually wiping with tp, I squirt the body wash into the area to clean and drip dry or pat very lightly. It is an old trick women who have episiotomies during birth use. Very soothing.
My temp is back down to 100. My MO really prefers me not going to ER. His office will be open soon, and I'm to call if it spikes again, and they'll check the wbc there if need be. It really is strange the way it keeps going up and down. And I feel very tired and the swollen glands/sore throat have returned right on schedule. At least the rash near my hoohah doesn't seem to be acting up this time
-
Trvler- special thoughts going out to you now for a quiet and uneventful day in the chair.
Hugs
-
Thanks for your responses, blood from that region freaks me right the eff out.
-
YES! I just had 3 rounds of blood/clots in my stool in the past few days. I just talked to the NP, and she agreed that it is probably an internal hemorrhoid that is inflamed due to the violent diarrhea/constipation cycles. She said they can send me for a GI consult if it keeps up or gets worse. Gee. All I need is another person examining more private parts.In the chair today. Been hanging out with my buddy, JP. We've been laughing all morning, and we are watching The Price is Right. We haven't done that since our lunches back in high school. Ha! His mom is dropping by later, so it will really make the day better.
This pic is vulgar, but it beautifully describes how I've felt the past few days. At least you know you're not alone!
-
Some of this journey is so awful it warrants buckets of tears. Other parts are so ridiculous, I just have to laugh--I thought I'd share some of these in case it brings anyone a smile and I hope you'll add yours. (These are a bit TMI, but I think this group can relate)
1. After 3 mammos, 3 biopsies, 2 MRIs and surgery, my previously prudish self is perfectly comfortable being topless around strangers.
2. I just marked the Constipation Discussion Board as one of "my favorites".
-
Isn't that the truth, about being topless around strangers. I have always been really modest too and now I'm like, "you aren't going to do a breast exam? Are you sure you don't just want to look at it?" In the beginning I kept a tally of how many new strangers were looking at my boobs but I have now lost count.
-
Bleeding after a bowel movement is pretty typical - especially if constipated. Daily Miralax is what my BIL the gastroenterologist recommends, but since I tend toward the Big D - I didn't need it. I had a lot of irritation, and actually used either Aquaphor or A&D - the diaper rash ointment. I also used non-alcohol baby wipes because they were gentler then toilet paper. Stay hydrated - for either constipation or diarrhea, of course. The blood can come from hemorrhoids, which in many people are asymptomatic until chemo. It can also come from fissures or skin cracks - especially when what you see is bright red, pinkish blood on your toilet paper, which happen because chemo dries everything out. Chemotherapeutic agents also irritate all soft tissue - and there is a lot of it in the GI tract - that is also why so many have heartburn.
After this diagnosis modesty is gone - I had an interesting experience during my surgery last Nov. for fat-grafting to my flat left side to prep for an eventual expander. I needed to be painted with betadine 360 degrees, so needed to stand in the OR on a sheet so they could paint all the way around me, then be laid down on the table in a sterile field. This meant that I received no happy medicine before going into the OR since I had to stand under my own power. So there I am standing on a sheet - naked as the day I was born but wearing an unflattering paper shower hat - with one flat side and one 650cc implant on the other side, so looking pretty weird, right? - being painted by people so garbed that only their eyes were showing!! They looked like ninjas - it was Fellini-esque. I also just had a chat the other day with my new PS, and her NP, standing in her exam room while wearing dress pants with cute heels and no top, still with one flat side and one big-ass implant. For like 15 minutes.
-
Have any of you lost eyebrows & lashes yet? My head is shaved and I don't need to shave my legs anymore but my eyebrows seem to be hanging in there. I'm getting scared to wash my mascara off at night, though, imagining that one of these days the lashes are just going to come right out.
-
Hi all. Checking in. Been MIA because AC#4 hit me like a ton of bricks and I haven't have the energy or motivation to do anything other than sleep. I did get a 1 hour window of time when I felt decent so I hopped on the lawn tractor and mowed the lawn. Big mistake and got 20 pseudo-lashings from DH for doing it (while he was at church). Also still dealing with a loss in the family. Normally, I would go complain to my sister, but it's her FIL that passed so I'm kinda giving her some room.
Sorry, but all your food posts make me want to vomit. The only thing that sounds remotely good is salty stuff - like french fries, fried rice, or saltines.
Weight is down to 101 today. Most likely due to some diarrhea but I'm not too worried - it will come back up. Don't freak - I'm only 4' 11" tall so my normal is around 105-107
Have been running a 99.2 degree temp for a few days but that's as high as it's gone so I'm not worried. Actually, I think I might be a little too high on my thyroid med since I have the slight temp, diarrhea, and I'm very restless. So I'm dropping my dose in half for a few days to see if that helps. Thyroid is weird and my supplementation needs change with the weather it seems so I might just be running a little rich on that end right now?
I think I'm looking forward to the Taxol/Herceptin/Perjeta but I'm no fool...those nurses aren't always right and they sometimes flat out lie! They tell me that on the weekly Taxol dosing:
- I won't lose any more hair and my hair will start to grow back
- I won't lose my eyebrows or eyelashes
- I won't get any nausea or vomiting
- The fatigue won't be as bad
- I don't have to have the Neulasta (that's the only one I believe so far)
- I MIGHT have some nail problems (I'm translating that to I WILL have nail problems)
- I MIGHT have some bone pain or achiness (considering it was horrific on Neulasta, I'm kinda counting on this)
So...anyone started or completed weekly Taxol/Herceptin (and Perjeta every 3rd week) care to comment on these claims?
Bekah
-
Hi Molly, I had DD Taxol, and they were the last to go, but grew back in quick. If you haven't gone to Look Good Feel Better by the American Cancer Society, try to go. The make up is great, and they show you how to compensate for missing eye brows and eye lashes.
-
Unfortunately the next Look Good Feel Better is tonight, which is my husband's birthday! We have dinner plans at a fancy restaurant. I am going to try to go to the one at the end of May, though.
Bekah, I am on weekly taxol/herceptin and I did have to shave my head around week 4 but my hair loss is not complete, so yours may start growing back. All of the other things the nurse told you are true for me. The only persistently bothersome symptoms I have are a dry bloody nose (not nosebleeds, just blood when I blow it) and mild diarrhea. My appetite is fine and I am able to go for walks and live life relatively normally except on Day 3 of my week, when I am pretty tired and go to bed early. It really isn't so bad, though. My main worry is developing neuropathy but I am half done and none of that so far. I am keeping a good basecoat and polish on my nails and they are completely normal so far, too.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team