TCHP Ladies Late 2014 / Early 2015

Hi Amy—thanks for asking! Yes, surgery was last Friday and what a difference a week makes! I still have soreness, of course, but it is definitely getting better each day. Still have my drains, which are a nuisance. AND I gained almost 15 LBS of water weight. They did not tell me this is common after surgery so I was very concerned that the swelling in my arms was due to lymphedema. I had a SNB back in January (negative) so I didn't think that any more nodes would be removed. When BS came in my room Saturday to check of me—I was so out of it, I didn't think to ask. I couldn't even feel my elbows, my arms were THAT puffy and swollen. It's much better now, the swelling is migrating downward to my midsection. Yay, me. I sure wish I would've heard from BS with my pathology report, but I guess I'll have to wait till next week.

Do you still have your TE's in? I can't wait for my first fill! I got 60cc's at surgery, which doesn't seem like much, but at least I am not totally flat! --Lorie

Hi everyone! I am on the TCHP treatment with neulasta the day after. Doc said he thought my tumor shrunk 30% after 1st treatment. So I would say it is working. I had expected the worst after my 1st treatment and it wasn't as bad I expected. Nausea, fatigue and itching mainly day 2-8 and then started feeling great. I did have D too. My girls bought me a handheld bidet for Mother's Day and it has saved my bottom. Just hose it off and it even feels good. Never would have thought I would be so excited over a bidet. 2nd treat not so good. More nausea, headache, my jaws even ached, intense itching, rash and more fatigued. It lasted 10-12 days. Still have rash and itching. Doc prescribed fluocinonide and does not last long. Any better suggestions? Day 16 I started feeling a burning on the bottoms of my feet. I am puffy and swollen. My finger tips tingle a little. This really sux , but I know it could be worse. Just can't imagine what 2 more treatments will bring. My blood counts have been good (thanks to neulasta?). The plan is 4 treatments (#3 Monday) surgery, 12 weeks Taxol, herceptin and not sure of rest. I know 52 weeks total. Anyone with this plan? Prayers and ((((((hugs))))))) to all. Hope this helps to show you are not alone. We will persevere! Onward Charge!!!haha

Thanks, Jill!

Looks like our treatment plans are similar, so that gives me hope. My last chemo is scheduled for 6/30 now, and I'm getting my quarterly MUGA tomorrow.

Best of luck on your upcoming tests and check-ups. I'd love to hear your perspective on chemo vs. radiation SE's nd how herceptin-only treatment compares to full chemo.

I'm on Herceptin-only now and have been for about 6 months. Like Loriekg, it is practically a non-event compared to chemo.

I had an MX in January and finished rads in April, and the whole left side is still sensitive and feels sort of bruised (although it's not). It's very tolerable, but I am surprised that it's taking this long to heal up. I guess I shouldn't be. It was quite an assault.

I have 2 more tchp to go! I had a reaction to the taxotere #2 and #3 but we got it right this time had to increase steriods and Benadryl before infusion. The only bad thing is I need to receive taxotere first which is out of order hoping it doesn't hurt my chances for a pcr. I do still feel a small pea size lump in my skin my tumor was quite superficial but my dr believes it was mostly dcis and warned me that I may stillhave dcis left there at time of surgery because it doesn't respond as well to chemo which is fine with me as long as that invasive cancer is gone! So happy to say I'm over halfway done!!

Paddymom, congratulations!!!

PJay

Congrats on being done. I wanted to reply and tell you I don't know about the fingernails. I was told to ice mine during the taxotere portion by Special K. She is a wise and knowledgeable BC survivor from a few years ago. She saved my toenails and fingernails with her advice. I hope yours heal and you recover fast. I am 14 weeks out, but struggle with the Herceptin every 3 weeks.

PMR53

Stephmoen--it's funny but so far my toenails are just fine.  My fingernails didn't have any problems until after treatment #5. I noticed that they were really tender while I was doing laundry one night.  They got progressively worse after my last dose. Good luck--I hope you don't have any issues!

PJay - I also had problems with fingernails and toenails. Three fingernails turned purple and I thought they were going to fall off, but they didn't. Later they started lifting off the nail bed, just like yours. I put bandaids on two of them because they were barely hanging on, and I was afraid they would catch on something and rip off. The fingernails are much better now, but it looks like I may end up losing one of my toenails. The strange thing is the nail issues were mostly after chemo. I was done with chemo by March, it's now June, and I'm having toenail issues. Good grief!!!

Just finished surgery for BMX at Sloane Krettering. The sentinal node was clear so I did not need an axillary node dissection. The surgeon said everything looked great and he believes I will have a complete response. I'm so happy that the surgery is over. The anxiety was the worst part!

I am one week PFC today and looking forward to being SE free. Although this has been the toughest week for me, I can see a better future just ahead. Meet with surgeon tomorrow to discuss options and schedule date.

raleighgirl, congratulations!

Paddymom, you'll get there! Soon!

Stephmoen, I had a PET scan about two weeks after finishing chemo. I was NED at that scan.

stephmoen, I asked MO about a pet scan. She said no bec too much radiation for early stage BC. Although frightening for me I'd prefer to have it done. She said they monitor through blood work.

April25 did you have a SNB done or just pet scan only before chemo??

PJay, I hope you're doing well after surgery. Check in when you can.

Congratulations, Raleigh. It's such a long road, and it's so encouraging to get each mile marker behind us!!!

As long as my counts are good, I'm ringing out tomorrow. Of course, I'll still get the year or Herceptin, but I'll be so glad for the horrible chemo drugs to be done