Starting Chemo in October 2015

Options
1…2728303233…46

Comments

  • TinaB71
    TinaB71 Member Posts: 17
    edited December 2015

    hallo Jedri, schön dich hier zu sehen. Was für eine therapy bekommst du und wann gings los ?

    Hello Jedri, nice to see you here. What for a therapy dou you became and when started this.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited December 2015

    Durham girl, as long as you don't feel badly while you use it, I think it's fine. I even have read that hot tubs are generally fine as long as you don't over do it. We have a hot tub but I haven't felt like going in it lately.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jedrik
    Jedrik Member Posts: 51
    edited December 2015

    Hi Tina,

    I just changed the settings on diagnosis and treatment. I hope it now all makes sense. :-)

    I should probably add that I have injections to boost white blood cells days 5 to 7.

    Just had blood taken and analyzed: All well within range. YES!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited December 2015

    Oh how I wish I had a hot tub!!!

    My nails aren't discolored but they are wavy looking. I guess that's from the chemo. Anyone else have that?

    Welcome Jendrik

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TinaB71
    TinaB71 Member Posts: 17
    edited December 2015

    Oh yes, I know. Get well every time that. At the last EC it was particularly bad, because I had a gastrointestinal infection. Since there was nothing Christmas - food with delicious. But now is better.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited December 2015

    In the chair for my 3rd taxol. Blood work was good and I'm actually in the chair 1/2 hour early.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited December 2015

    Hoping for a SE free New Years for you homeschool and a healthy, happy 2016.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2015

    I was curious about the answer to your question about sauna use, DurhamGirl. I have a girlfriend who has been suggesting a day spa day, and I've assumed it would probably need to wait until after my chemo is done, but I've been wondering if I'm being overly cautious.

    I did google this for a couple of minutes. Found one site that was talking about infrared saunas, and who should/shouldn't use them. I'm honestly not sure what an infrared sauna is, but it sounded like there were a number of medical conditions, chemo included, where using an infrared sauna wasn't advised.

    Then I found a site where people pose questions that are answered by medical doctors, and a doctor replied that a sauna probably shouldn't be a problem during chemo as long as the person's respiratory health is good and hemoglobin levels are ok. But he also advised getting the oncologist's opinion.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2015

    Hi Jedrik,

    I saw your post about heartburn. Heartburn has been one of the most aggravating side effects for me. I haven't noticed that bread, cakes, cookies, etc., make it worse. But for about two weeks after infusion, I can't seem to escape heartburn completely no matter what I eat or drink, though some things make it much worse (anything acidic, spicy, etc.). Usually, for those two weeks, I stick mainly to the "white food" diet to reduce heartburn and diarrhea, and a lot of what I eat is bread, english muffins, bagels, pasta, etc.

    It's funny--I had not even noticed that my nail beds are turning bright pink until you mentioned it, but they are.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2015

    Good luck, homeschool4us! Hope your infusion goes well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited December 2015

    Good luck homeschool4us!

    Welcome Jedrik! Heartburn has been the one SE that I have not had, luckily.

    DurhamGirl-Can you ask your MO? I have been taking baths with Epsom salt to help with my leg pain. I think personally I would skip a public spa (or pool) because of germs, but otherwise I don't believe being in the spa itself would be bad.

    The other thing to consider at the spa if you are getting a massage-my PT said to make sure the massage therapist is familiar with specific breast cancer therapy, especially if you've had surgery. (but probably already know this :) )   Hope you have a great day at the spa with your friend!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DurhamGirl
    DurhamGirl Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2015

    Well, I spent the day at the spa and did use the sauna and the steam room (no hot tub) and had a massage. I was nervous about all aspects of the experience, but in the end I decided not to let cancer take this away from me, too. People definitely stared at my bald head. I spent less time in the steam room and sauna than I would have normally. I felt a bit uncomfortable in the changing room. But the massage therapist was great, my kids weren't breathing down my neck all day, and I spent many hours just reading in a comfy chair with a view of the Blue Ridge mountains. So, maybe it all wasn't advisable, but I did it anyway.

    Happy new year everyone...may it be a year of abundant health and blessings for everyone

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited December 2015

    Yay DurhamGirl! I hope that you were able to forget about cancer for awhile and enjoy the relaxation. Happy New Year :)


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2015

    That sounds like an absolutely perfect day, DurhamGirl. Happy for you that you didn't let the cancer deprive you of a great experience. Sometimes you've just got to go with what feels right.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jedrik
    Jedrik Member Posts: 51
    edited December 2015

    Thanks for welcoming me. I'm trying to catch up getting to know all of you.

    homeschool4us: I hope today you're as ok as can be.

    Jclc: I have those ridges, too. Googling taught me they are common side effects called "Beau's lines", a sign that a few days after each chemo infusion the nail doesn't grow properly. For all our sakes I hope it does not get worse than that.

    DurhamGirl: That day at the spa sounds fabulous and I guess if you haven't been feeling any adverse effects you're good and maybe even stronger for it. It's a bit like exercise, is it not? We're supposed exercise as much as feels good, just keep the heart rate moderate, no?

    MDW1967: I feel a bit like when I was pregnant, always hunting for food that might agree with me hoping that once I find the right stuff, I'd feel better. Fact is, I feel best in the early morning, before I break fast, but that ends when I get to feel really hungry and a bit woozy and I need to eat. While there seems to be no escaping the heartburn, I have even gained a bit of weight *blush*

    AmyBeader: Seems like our therapy is nearly in tandem: my fifth chemo is scheduled for the 11th of january. Just out of curiosity: Is the neuropathy interfering with beading? It seems such delicate and precise work...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • twiggyOR
    twiggyOR Member Posts: 270
    edited December 2015

    I'm in the September group but I follow you guys also. I take Prilosec for the heartburn for about a week after each treatment. It helps me a lot.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ncsue927
    ncsue927 Member Posts: 57
    edited December 2015

    It sounds like many in this group are either finishing up chemo or moving on to the next round and at least finishing the hard part. I have finished the AC and finally recovered from my last infusion of the awful stuff. I have had my first of 12 weekly Taxols this week. I feel better than I have in a long time. More energy than before and food tastes a bit better and I actually want to eat. I have had a bit more trouble sleeping and the big D is still around. But compared to how I felt after AC, this isn't bad, so far. And I go back to work on Monday. I'm actually excited about that.

    To those of you in the middle of treatment and feeling crappy...there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will feel better, you will get your energy back and this will all come to an end. I know some days it's hard to try to power through, and, on those days, it's okay to succumb and just rest and be good to yourself.

    Here's hoping you all have a happy, side effect free New Years Eve and Day. And here's hoping health and happiness to us all in the 2016!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited December 2015

    Had #5 of 6 infusions yesterday Only one more to go! I could not fall asleep at all for hours and hours last night. But the steroids make me feel more normal at least for a few days. When people ask me how I feel I say "Great for a 90 year old." Anyway, there is light at the end of this chemo tunnel and my bone scan was negative! So I look forward to a healthy, happy 2016 and wish the same for all of you.



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2015

    ncsue927,

    I'm glad that you're feeling a bit better now that you're off the AC! And I can totally understand being excited to go back to work. I've been feeling so isolated since starting chemo, and I've looked forward to getting back to work, too, though that's still a ways off. Seconding your wishes for everyone for a comfortable, side effect-free NYE and a new year filled with health and happiness. I know my primary resolution for 2016 is to kick cancer to the curb and then have an amazing rest of the year.

    Jclc83,

    Congrats on getting your 5th infusion under your belt! Mine is coming up on Monday, and while I always dread going through the cycle again, there is something comforting about knowing I'll be able to say after Monday that I have just one more left. Congrats as well on the negative bone scan!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited December 2015

    Thanks MDW! Happy, healthy New year 🎉

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited January 2016

    I had my 3rd taxol on Tuesday and started getting a cold the next morning. Now I'm miserable with the cold and just waiting for the taxol side effects to kick in as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ncsue927
    ncsue927 Member Posts: 57
    edited January 2016

    Homeschool, I'm sorry you're not feeling well! Hopefully the cold won't stay long.

    MDW1967 and Jclc83....it sounds like you are seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. I know the last infusions can be a bear. Here's hoping yours will go off without a hitch!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited January 2016

    Thanks NCSue! Good wishes for you too!

    Homeschool must be hard to remain totally germ free. Kids are such little germ factories. I had gotten a cold from my grandkids last week. Feel better soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Andraxo
    Andraxo Member Posts: 410
    edited January 2016

    Hi All! Happy New Year!

    I'm back from 11 day Panama trip - it was fantastic (boat ride through the canal and seeing the locks up close, kayaking, zip-line, general sight seeing, visiting indigenous villages...). I caught a cold on day 3 though and it is still with me now.

    The worst though is that I took anitbiotics prophylactically during the trip as instructed by oncology and didn't realize that my last few days there I was having bad side effects from it - ones that are severe warnings (didn't know about them). My legs started stiffening and seizing up and it was becoming hard to even walk the last 2 days. I thought it was me being sick or just more weird chemo stuff since every round has been a little different. I came back with pitting edema in my legs and I can't seem to be able to exercise....my muscles aren't cooperating. I ran 8 miles on the start of the trip (yay!) but ended being stiff and not even walking much at the end. Read things on line at 4 this morning about this possibly lasting months to years to being permanent. Of course that led me to bad places in my head/thoughts - dark places that I should not go to....losing my love, losing my life. Angry at myself for not reading up on this antibiotic before the trip. I would not have taken it or would have at least stopped it at the first severe symptom. Trying to get back to my usual happy/positive self, but it is a challenge when I can't exercise and my body doesn't feel like it is mine.. Exercise usually fixes everything for me and is how I've done so well with surgery and chemo thus far. Lenny (my partner/love) just left to go skiing today. I would have gone snowboarding too, but my legs just can't do it. Aside from these awful antibiotic side effects, general chemo side effects have been minimal this round. Taste buds weird, but not as bad as last round.

    Two rounds to go - next one is Tuesday Jan 5th.

    I read back through the posts from the past 10 days. Welcome MDW and Jedrik on this blog/thread!! :)

    A few were asking about vision problems. I too have had problems with my vision since chemo started. Seems that my prescription just isn't quite right anymore, but it doesn't make sense to get an eye exam now since it may change even more with the next two rounds of chemo. I also just turned the corner for needing reading glasses, but will hold out until after I'm done with all these drugs. A woman I know had her vision actually improve with chemo! So much so that she said she didn't need glasses for distance anymore!

    Let's get 2016 under way and finish kicking cancer's ass!!

    love and hugs to you all! xoxox

    excuse typos...my ipad isn't flagging anything.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2016

    Thank you to twiggyOR for the tip on Prilosec. I've tried Pepcid and Mylanta for the heartburn, and they both offer some temporary relief. I might give Prilosec a try with this upcoming round, to see if I fare any better.

    I'm so glad I found this group. It helps to be in touch with other folks who are going through this chemo journey too, in real time.

    Andraxo--wow, how cool that you took a major trip while on chemo! Going to Panama and doing all those cool things while you're on chemo is inspirational. I'm so sorry about the misadventures with the antibiotic, though. I can imagine how daunting it would be to deal with effects like that, especially during a vacation--and then to read up on it and hear scary things about long-term impacts. It sounds, though, like you are a super active, healthy person, and I've gotta believe that that might help your body kick the side effects and get you back to full strength. I can understand going to those dark places in your mind--I've certainly done that at times since being diagnosed. I think that's part of the journey. It's impossible to be positive all the time when dealing with curveballs like the ones we've all been pitched.

    Good luck to you with your Round 5!

    And hell yes, let's all get on with this new year and with kicking cancer's ass!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MDW1967
    MDW1967 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2016

    Happy New Year to everyone!

    I had a couple of glasses of Prosecco with the hubs last night and we watched some of a marathon of Drunk History on Comedy Central. It was a pretty great way to ring in the new year, honestly--laughing until our faces hurt. And I'm far enough into my third week of the cycle that the Prosecco actually tasted pretty good. The only other time I've had alcohol since starting chemo was a glass of wine I tried to drink with our Thanksgiving dinner with friends (a few days before actual Thanksgiving, since I had an infusion at the start of Thanksgiving week), but that didn't taste good at all.

    One of the things I look forward to the most after chemo is over is going out for a really great meal and having a good glass of wine with it, and being able to really taste it all. I wonder how long after my 6th round it will be before things actually taste basically normal again? I've read that it can take months. :(

    I'm not really big on making New Year's resolutions, but I do have one this year--well, two, if you count kicking cancer's ass. The other is about really savoring life, post-chemo, and then again post-surgery. I want to spend more of my time doing the things that bring joy. Things like going for long hikes and going camping. Going dancing. Drawing and painting. Going out to hear live music. Going to the Farmer's Market and then coming home and cooking something amazing with all the fresh veggies. Eating foods I haven't been able to enjoy since chemo started--sushi, Indian food, Thai food. Traveling. Spending more time with friends. Taking a book to a coffee shop and savoring a great cup of coffee while I read. (I actually did that last one a couple of days ago, but coffee still tastes kind of crappy to me right now, so I mostly don't drink it.)

    2016 isn't going to be easy, I realize. I still have to finish getting through chemo, and then there's surgery and possibly radiation to get through. But I'm feeling optimistic nonetheless--and determined that 2016 will be the end of this unexpected journey with breast cancer.

    Wishing all of you a beautiful new year.

    --Meara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PatRN10
    PatRN10 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2016

    Hi Everyone,

    Sorry I have been gone so long. Welcome Jedrick.!!!

    I was just discharged home from hospital yesterday in time to celebrate the New Year.

    Last TC treatment was 12/10 and felt like I was fighting a cold but went back to work 12/21. Admitted to ICU 12/22 with pneumonia and septic shock. Was able to move to regular med-surg floor 12/24 but had issues with temp and Oxygen levels. I am on home oxygen now and need 1-2 liters while at rest and 3-4 liters to walk and talk. I think my MO and I got a little overconfident with my blood counts and skipped this last Neulasta shot. My counts have always been excellent and was not truly neutropenic so may have happened anyway.

    What a week!!!

    very grateful to be home.

    Pat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited January 2016

    Glad you're home and better Pat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited January 2016

    Andraxo, I'm so sorry about the antibiotic reaction. Did you call your MO when you realized it was a reaction?

    MDW1967, I'm with you on trying to enjoy life more. I've already been trying to do it since I've started chemo. I guess I have felt I deserved to treat myself to nice things and more relaxation since I have to go through all of this. But, I think it's really something to always keep up. Enjoy life's little pleasures, my husband and kids, my friends, etc. You never know when your time here is up so really take in the good things. Cancer really does a good job of teaching you how precious life is.

    Pat, that sounds just awful! I'm so glad you are on the mend and done with chemo. Onsorry.you

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited January 2016

    JCLC83, weird thing is, I got the cold first and passed it on to 2 of my kids so far! We had a stomach bug and another cold go through the house and I didn't catch those. At least the cold hasn't come with a fever so so far it's just miserable but not worrisome. I hate having to worry every time we are sick that we may end up in the hospital.

    I too have had vision problems since starting chemo. I'm hoping they clear up after!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories