Starting Chemo December 2015

hey ladies, Cindi, sorry about your echo results. I also went on Monday for my first. I originally had a Muga scan done with my first oncologist. The nurse assured me they could tell if I have lost any function. I should know on Monday when I go for my first FEC treatment. I know what you mean Sammy. What an exhausting process. It is exhausting just explaining to people. I was so naïve before this happened to me. Praying for you all!!

I'm not sure why the MO's seem to think Taxol is "easier"! I'd rather be back on AC.

hey Lou, I can't speak about the all the tests but the BRCA test was ordered by my surgeon. Also, the cardio tests were done on some of us that are HER2 positive. The drug Herceptin can cause heart damage so they check your heart function after 3 months to make sure the meds aren't hurting your heart. I think there are a few chemo drugs that do this. You may not have had to have one if you aren't taking one of the drugs that cause problems with the heart. I would ask your doctor about getting the BRCA test done, just make sure.

Stotamom, hang in there!!!

Lou, I think 10% Ki67 is good. The oncotyope test is used to help ER+, node negative patients determine if there is a benefit to getting chemo in addition to hormonal therapy. You would not be a candidate because you are ER-. You also have to be a candidate for the BRCA test. A family history of BC or being diagnosed young enough are a couple things that could make you eligible for the test. I was diagnosed at 42 so I can get the BRCA test. I haven't done it yet. I already scheduled my port removal. I guess I should talk to my MO about that.

Stotamom, I'm sorry that you're fnding Taxol harder than AC. I'm the opposite, although I switched from Taxol to Abraxane. Our bodies are so broken down. I hope it gets better for you.

Thanks ladies! Just getting really frustrated with all of this. Lots of nail and finger problems happening and I am getting very tired and grouchy.

Cyndinic-

Being that we both just finished 12th taxol, Im wondering if you are feeling like I am. It got bad after Taxol #11.

Skin on arms and face HURTS.

Teeth hurt

Head hurts

Legs are tingly and hurt

Runny nose and pain/sores in nostrils

Tongue numb

Red spots on arms

My mo said its from the steroids and decreased by 1/2 on my last Taxol....no change. AND...Im wiped out. This is the worse I've felt through my whole treatment. I also got 3x the Herceptin with my last Taxol.....do you think Herceptin is giving you se's??

Thanks so much!!

Jodi

I'm sorry to hear some of you are having it real tough. It is really tough. Each one done is one closer to being done.

We've all had to be so brave. And we just have to do this thing. Keep going. We're all here.

Jodes - #11 was tough but #12 has been brutal so far. Everything aches from head to toe, I have never had a headache like this in my life. Nose issues, metal mouth and my face has broken out again. I am completely wiped out and I was not able to have Herceptin on Wednesday so I'm blaming the Taxol.

I just keep reminding myself that chemo is at least done - and it will get better from here.

cyndi

First time posting....I did THP and started AC. I had an allergic reaction to the A "red devil." They said it was unusual. Anyone else here get itchy while getting red devil?

Jodes & Cyndi - I'm experiencing all of those same symptoms (except breakouts) and feel it has to do with the steroids. I'm only on 1 of 12 and I have panic attacks just thinking of 11 more weeks of this kind of pain. Hope your both feeling better soon.

Hello all

I haven't posted for a while, I've been having a few issues. Finished AC, thank goodness, it really knocked me around. Then I had two of my weekly rounds of taxol and my liver decided it couldn't cope. Round three was cancelled and my liver function monitored. The numbers have come down, so I did number three last Thursday. So far I'm doing ok - very tired, but not as unwell as I was while my liver was playing up. We think it could have been a combination of some strong antibiotics my onc put me on and the taxol.

I've been sucking ice the whole time I've been having the taxol infusion, and so far my taste change has been not too bad, and confined to the evening of infusion and the day after. It might be worth a try if you can do it.

With regard to the MUGA or echo. Yes - if you are doing Herceptin you have to have it monitored. If you are doing AC or FEC the A and the E can cause heart problems, so the heart is monitored. You can only have a lifetime dose of six A or E, that's the reason I only did three rounds of AC - I'd done three rounds of FEC five years ago with my first cancer.

I've been lucky so far, with only minimal pain - usually in the lower back or a headache. I have been getting very restless legs though, and find that magnesium helps with that.

Wishing you all gentle ses with treatment!

Trish

xoxo

Jen ,not sure if this is the reason but I was told to keep my nails painted a dark color during treatment. I did and have had no problems with them.

So sorry there are so many of you feeling bad right now. Hang in there ladies. 💕

Good luck tomorrow Twirp!!!

Thanks Sammy!! I'll keep you posted on echo results;) praying I'm good to go!! Hope you and everyone here are doing well!! This Cancer fighting is tough work but we can do this!!

Twirp, good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you. I'm stuck in the ER right now, but not for me this time. With my daughter, she has been having stomach issues for past two weeks. Going to be a long week starting off tired.