Starting Chemo May 2015

Cats--I get morbid, too. Especially when I start reading everyone's tag line and see a first diagnosis similar to mine then a second one that says stage 4 with mets. But I tell myself that the whole reason I'm putting myself through this is to lower that chance of recurrence. Chemo was an option for me but I didn't like the 12-15% chance that would come back without chemo.

I'm a week past #2 so I'm half way there and the worst SE's are behind me for this round. I actually felt kind of normal today except for acid reflux induced laryngitis but as long as I don't talk, I can pretend that alright

Mangolia I hope you start to feel better today. it's was your last one, congrats on that! Here's to you feeling better real soon. I am sitting right now receiving #3. I cried all the way here but I'm ok now. After today one more to go. I talked to my doctor today because I have been on my cycle for over a month now. He is calling my OBGYN to schedule an ablation. That destroys the lining of your uterus to slow or stop bleeding. That should like so much fun. But at this point I will do anything to stop this blood flow. Sorry if I'm too graphic today. Everyone today try to take your mind to your happy place.

good luck to everyone in the chair today! Hang in there. At least we know what to expect and are prepared to deal with the SE's when they come.

Tiffree--not too graphic at all. And I don't blame you for wanting it to stop. It can't be good for your immune system not to mention blood loss causing anemia--we're already exhausted from the chemo and you don't need that added on top. Hugs. You've got this

magnolia, glad you are feeling a little better. One lady told today told me that the Taxol was a piece of cake after the AC, so I hope the same hold true for you. My MO told me to use nail hardener, I use Sally Hanson, and they give me iced mitts to wear during the Taxotere infusion. A couple of the chemo nurses have asked me if I am using nail hardener and have said 'good' when I responded that I was.

Just finished my last AC yesterday! Woohoo! Now onto paclitaxel and Herceptin in July. Thanks for the tips on the nails. My nails now are a bit discolored already and slightly sore as well. I have also heard from my MO that putting dark nail polish helps just to cover it up.

Magnolia, glad that you're feeling slightly better today. Good job on finishing your last AC!!!

Tifree, hope you feel better and hope your menstrual issues resolve soon.

Marlana, no changes in nails here either. I call myself kiwi head. I go for #3 on Wed 7-1 so about a week ahead of you. Experiencing some foloculitis but the phisohex (chg) wash along with some cleocin gel has that back under control. I tried on a new wig that has wefting and may have reacted to it, alon with all the record hi temps is not a good combo.

Biotin will be good for the hair and nails.

Titree- I'm sorry you cried all day before your treatment, but I know exactly how you feel. I'm sick of it all already. But! We will get thru this. I'm still having my cycle, but I haven't had a heavy flow since starting chemo. In fact, I should be having it now, but I just have a very heavy snotty discharge. I feel like my body is full of air. I'm tired. My mouth is dry. My lip is cracked. And, I'm getting a muga tomorrow (to check to make sure my heart can withstand #4, I guess. Anyway, you look GREAT! And, soon this will all be a memory.

It's been a while since I've posted, mostly because I'm so tired all the time...having five kids doesn't help! Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else was having hyperpigmentation issues from AC. I have what look like liver spots all over my face and torso (I'm quite fair skinned but have a lot of freckles normally). I'm hoping that they go away eventually. I am at my halfway point next week, #4, awwww yisss!

Tea tree is antibiotic and anti-fungal.

Cats--I do the same thing! My first time in the chair, I was so nervous I picked a couple until I bled. A week later, I got an infection in one and then got bronchitis a couple of days after that so I'm really trying to be very careful and not pick!

Holy Hot Flashes, Batman! I think I've just hit chemopause! They've been coming on for the last 24 hours and if standing in my backyard at 2 am in 59 degrees, sweating a stream isn't a hot flash then I don't know what else it could be.

mysunshine- yes! All the time! I used to run miles every week, and now I get winded going up the stairs. I rest a lot...not naps, but just resting in a chair or I read a book with my legs up. It stinks because I'm not used to it. Hopefully it passes for us asap once chemo is over!

Wanted to chime in with a few thoughts -

rosesrx - you asked about disability being automatic for a cancer diagnosis.  There are several types that are usually employer based - either/both short term disability, long term disability and FMLA.  There is also SSDI, which is federal disability linked to Social Security.  SSI is a different thing, also linked to Social Security, but is income based assistance.  Usually short term disability runs concurrently with FMLA, if it is available to you, and if there is no short term disability you may go directly to long term disability, which can also run concurrently with FMLA, but the FMLA runs out after 12 weeks.  SSDI is usually an automatic acceptance only for a stage IV cancer diagnosis.  It is very difficult to get for a lesser stage cancer diagnosis unless you are permanently disabled, and your docs will verify this.  SSDI is not meant for short term situations - it is for those who will not usually return to work.

For taxane chemo and nails this is what I did: On the day of infusion (or night before since I had a long day at my center) I painted with dark, opaque, polish - navy or dark gray.  This is so that light cannot penetrate the nail bed.  The next day I removed that polish and painted a coat of clear nail hardener on.  I did that every day for the next seven days.  Then I removed it and started over.  The clear hardener was in a kit given to me on the first day of chemo and sponsored by Sanofi Aventis, maker of Taxotere - this seemed to be an indication that I should use it.  On the day of infusion I brought 4 bags of frozen peas in a cooler and an insulated Tervis Tumbler of ice chips.  I put a bag of peas on the front of each foot shortly before they started the Taxotere, and kept the other two on a towel in my lap.  I dug my fingernails in to the two bags of peas on my lap like a claw, but periodically removed my right hand to pick up my cup and get a mouthful of ice chips.  Taxotere is known to cause nail lifting and loss - I did all of this to prevent that.  I had no lines, dark spots, or ridges.  This SE can be permanent and/or long lasting.  Adriamycin does not seem to have nail issues, other than darkening and sensitivity, as a particular SE.  None of this was suggested by my MO, I asked if I could ice based on reading on BCO, and I did not really run the nail polish thing past him, I just did it.  I did not use Tea Tree oil because it is estrogenic and I didn't want my skin to absorb it - I used Aquaphor or cocoa butter on my feet, hands and cuticles, lips, up my nose and a few other spots   A number of people use organic coconut oil and find it very moisturizing.  I slept with cotton socks and gloves on also after slathering on the moisturizer.

Melasma (dark skin pigmentation) is common during chemo and usually goes away with time.

I am tired all the time....it seems to be taking longer to bounce back each time. Hopefully tomorrow I will be up to taking DD to the movie. As far as cooking, it is hard to cook and eat with limited sense of taste