CMF Question

I've had some pain but it's been totally manageable.

So late this afternoon, I decided I had enough energy, so we hit the carpet store, Lowes, and Menards with a stop at Monical's for pizza. I'm completely worn out!

We are moving to a house in the country near the small town we live in and it needs so much updating. We've had to hire so much done because breast cancer and farming got in the way! Got a little burst of energy and got a few things knocked of for the endless lists...

Sure hope I sleep tonight because I'm not sure I did much more than catnap last night.

Laura

Mandy, do you remember if your WBC count hovered in the 4-5 range?

My onc used ANC, Absolute Neutrophil Count

My WBCs were always low, but my MO went by ANCs as well.  There were two times that chemo had to be deferred for a week so my counts to increase.

My ANC was pretty low. I think it's the number they were using to decide if I got chemo or not...

Laura

Sue, I had my last infusion two weeks ago and last week had feet that looked like I had on a pair of Miss Piggy slippers if you know what I mean. I couldn't even wear my heel-less crocs for days and the tops of my feet had indentations and felt bruised when I got home from the Drs office to see if I was in major trouble. I was carrying about 6 extra lbs of water so I will watch that particular s.e. the next time before trying to squash my feet into shoes again.

Finally they went down after I spent a lot of time on the John emptying my bladder. This week, I have swollen legs but my feet are quite normal tho' they feel a bit 'tight' and stiff on top and around the ankles. I am having a hip replacement next week and I don't want to have to spend my days with my feet in the air not able to walk again afterwards when I start the CMF a month later.

Apparently this s.e. is normal for some of us.

Sheila.

Sheila, thanks for the info. What a drag to need a hip replacement at this point in time. I had one a year ago and what a blessing. Was bopping around immediately. I'm curious as to what your WBC count is--good enough to not have to worry about surgery-related infection?

Did you say you were done with CMF or needed to resume after surgery? Be sure you have a raised toilet seat, especially if you'll still be drinking liters of water!

Hi Laura. How did you last treatment go. I think you're a week ahead of me---I had my 3rd yesterday. So far so good.

Oh Sheila, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope that she gets along O.K. You sure don't need that extra stress right now! Hang in there and just go one day at a time.

Sue...so glad to hear that your last treatment went well. That's what we like to hear!!!!

Laura....Unfortunately, fatigue comes with the program. Overall, it sounds like you are doing pretty well. Hang in there! The chemo just wipes out our immune systems and we are left with nothing to fight all the bacteria and viruses that surround us....as well as the fatigue caused by the low counts.

I have to see my onc on Tuesday for the usual "check-in" and I always get nervous. I went into the cancer center last week for the blood work and all the results will be back on Tuesday. Wish me luck. I am a worrier.....always have been and see no chance of changing at this stage in my life although I do try!

It's a nice day today so I'm headed out to work in the yard, trimming and attacking a few flower beds.

Hugs to all of you!

Rita - wishing you well!

Got a good report today! Now I can take a deep breath and move on with my life for another 6 months until I do this agan. I still don't think I will ever shake this nervousess that I face when these appointments roll around. If any of you have a solution for that....let me know! :-)

congrats Rita!!

such good news rita. I'm sure the anxiety is bad, but totally normal. Lots of deep breathing.

Amy

Round 4 for me tomorrow! I'm really interested in seeing my labs to compare to round 3...very low last time so there was a question if I would be able to do it. MO agreed to it bit I got a couple of Neupron shots, and haven't had it checked since.

I am getting frustrated because my SE's just keep on cycling around. Today my tongue is burning again...aargh! Tomorrow we start all over

I have everything counted out -- 2 weeks before round 4, then only 1 more before my final, celebratory treatment. Makes it seem like less than 3 more.

Ladies--found a fun new drink. It's called bai'5 bubbles. A sparkling, antioxidant infusion. The blood orange is really good. It is has antioxidant value of a cup of green tea. That 12 ounces went down fast! :-)