January 2016 Chemo!
Comments
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buttaflydiva I have been doing THP first, and I'm getting #11 tomorrow. If you're scheduled for weekly, it's not that bad at all. However I am indeed nervous about the upcoming AC!
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I had my first Taxol last week, and my side effects haven't been that bad, but I have had the worst cold for almost 2 weeks now. My MO's office has said to try Flonase and Advil Cold and Sinus, neither of which have helped at all. I never get sick (haha - life sure has changed), so this is super frustrating to me. Thankfully I haven't had a fever at all - just lots of congestion, a bad cough, and a sore throat. I've passed it on to both of my kids too.
I had some nerve pain from the Taxol, which was unpleasant, but I think that if I didn't have this stupid cold, it wouldn't be that bad. Here's hoping it clears up before next Tuesday when I have my next treatment. Only three more to go!
By the way, I really need to post more. I have read through this thread, and it's been incredibly helpful. Usually it's at night when I can't sleep, and I'm on my ipad, which I don't like typing on. I'm going to make an effort to participate!
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kellychameleon I also got a bad cold that took forever to go away. Check the sore throat mine turned out to be Thrush and I had to get meds from MO for that. If you tongue is white call them.
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fightergirl-thanks for the input. I hope you have minimal side effects on AC, the se's seem to vary by person. a lot of us have have made it through AC and you will too, just take your nausea meds on schedule
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Round four today...bring it!
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love your hat Wendi! Good luck today.
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Wendi...you are adorable‼️ Hope today flies by uneventful for you.
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Love your hat Wendi! Hope everything went well today
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Wendi you look gorgeous!
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awesome Wendi
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Wendi: You are as cute as EVER!!!!!!!
Jen: Yay!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you got some good news.
Taxol Newbies: When I told my MO how tired I was getting last week, he said I wasn't supposed to be getting that tired and is referring me to the fatigue clinic! /sigh At least I know I'm not the only pooped one, and I'm 7 in. Tomorrow is #8 and I'll be making a 4 hour drive on Friday. At least I get to go home, though. For neuropathy, ALA and B6 if your MO says it's ok. I have had zero problems with it. I don't even take the ALA every day. It's a proven treatment for diabetic neuropathy in Europe, not completely proven for chemo induced neuropathy. For the B vitamin, better if it's isolated, not in a B combination from the articles I read.
I went to get my nails done today (I know, I know, but I'm still going to do it) and the ladies just bust out with, "Do you have cancer?" "What kind?" "When did you find out?" "How many mammograms did you have before you had cancer?" "Did they already take your breast?" "Are you on chemo?" "How long?" This was after I had scheduled a facial, got there, and was told, "Nope, sorry, no facials if you're on chemo." It was just a big CANCER in the FACE day. I think I'm in a bubble a lot being at my sister's, work, and the hospital and that's it. I've dealt with someone asking too personal questions like that at the hospital(!), but this was ridiculous. It's almost like I'm pregnant, anyone can walk up at any time and ask me whatever they want. At least they don't touch me, lol.
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Hi beautiful ladies!
It's been a long time since I posted here, though I've been reading and appreciating you all throughout. For whatever it's worth I thought I should at least pop in with a report of how it's been going these last couple of TC treatments (I think I'm one of the last ones to have made it in to the January group, I started on 1/28). I'm on Day 7 after TC treatment #3 today and am thrilled to report that I'm already feeling mostly okay again, which is sooner and better than I expected.
I have one more to go on 3/31 and then I can turn my attention to obsessing about mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries. Right before my second round on 2/18 I had gotten sick and it turned into bronchitis (!), so I was concerned at the time that I wouldn't be able to do chemo that week. But I rallied and my bloodwork was okay the morning of chemo so I went ahead with it anyway (though let me tell you, trying to heal from being sick at the same time as you are trying to heal from a chemo blast is no fun). I also did a Neulasta shot 24 hours after that second round. I lost my taste buds again for a few days, and had some issues with both constipation/diarrhea, but that all resolved within the first week or so. I definitely had issues with feeling exhausted, sore, achy, foggy and queasy for a good solid week to week and a half before things got better, but it did get better (as did my bronchitis cough, though I *still* have the remains of it even now, 5 weeks later) and I was even able to go on a road trip to a weekend music workshop that I'd been looking forward to for months. Of course, when I got back I was super tired for another few days, but it was worth it!
Last Thursday 3/10 I had infusion #3, but my blood counts this time were high enough that my MO had me hold off on the Neulasta shot for a week (I'll go in and get more bloodwork tomorrow to see if it's even still necessary). I have to say, I think not having to also deal with the Neulasta SEs made a huge difference in my recovery from this third round. I still lost my taste buds and was constipated for a few days, and I felt exhausted, sore, achy, foggy and queasy again from about Day 3 (when the steroids wore off) until today, but not as much or as badly as I did after Round 2. I'm crossing my fingers that my bloodwork comes back showing that I can skip the Neulasta this round! The one thing I have noticed this round more than others though is that I'm having much more urgency when I have to pee (when I have to go, I have to go NOW), and that if I don't make it quickly enough I leak a little. Is this a chemo side effect or just another one of those "getting older" things? Anyone else experience this?
Starting with that weekend workshop I went to after Round 2, I also started wearing wigs more regularly. However, being the crazy artist lady that I am, I have been entertaining myself and others by wearing silly colored costume wigs. So far I have blue, purple, pink (with purple at the back), auburn and two shades of green (emerald and mint). I've been having fun and feeling proud that I am doing cancer "my way" (which is clearly a loud and colorful way. Your mileage may vary.) I have to say, the responses I've gotten have almost all been great and occasionally hilarious. (I was wearing a green one in Target yesterday and a little girl nearly lost her mind, asking her mom "what's wrong with her? Why did she do that?" Mom was embarrassed so I didn't really get a chance to talk to the girl and explain, but I did smile at her and say that yes, I had green hair, and that I did it because I thought it was fun.) I've had old men give me thumbs up, I've had kids compliment me, and I've had many other parents and even strangers at the grocery store or wherever say "I like your hair!" Many of them probably don't realize I'm doing this because of cancer, but that's fine by me.
I did discover that the wigs are much more comfortable (and stay on more solidly) if I wear a soft stretchy thing underneath them. I use a "Buff", which is a thing you can buy at REI and is a moisture-wicking, stretchy comfy tube of fabric that you can wear as a scarf or a headband or a hat or in my case, folded up into a wig cushion!
Below are a few pictures for your entertainment, I know how we all appreciate the pictures (and speaking of which, Wendi, I LOVE your Wonder Woman hat!) Hope you are all having a great week and getting some spring sunshine like we finally are here in Northern California (after two weeks of much needed rain)!
And I'm saving the best for last...I had a friend give me a pink sparkly unicorn fleece onesie which is great for lounging on the couch and watching tv...and looks especially cute with a green wig!
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Anyone else get a bad rash, I just broke out with big bumps in the tops of both legs.
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dear all, long time without posting but glad to read that you are moving along. Yesterday was my third round, and could not sleep. I asked for the steroids dose to be cut in half since I have been able to tolerate the side effects but cannot handle my weight gain. I couple of things that i bought that have helped, compression socks help with the tingling on my feet and Yonanas (they were selling it at Costco) to make sherbet out of frozen fruits, so good for my mouth sores and it tastes great.
Quixhobbit, love the colorful wigs.
Wendy, love the hat!
I just received the following links, i wonder how long before it makes to the US
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307800.php http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3485772/New-breast-cancer-treatment-wipes-tumours-just-11-DAYS-staggering-trial-reveals.html
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EmilyJane--Thanks, going to that link as soon as I finish here, you described my symptoms exactly. I mentioned this last week at my treatment and was told it was related to the neuropathy. With the cream I was using it was getting better, starting to dry up and peel. I still have some slight swelling.
Jensgotthis-- I messed up on the water for a treatment, too. My belly bloated bad the day after & I just couldn't hardly put anything in. Probably only drank 1/3 of what I should have. Glad you had some shrinkage, keep on giving that cancer heck!!
Geeper-- the LGFB session I went to was great. I've had clogged nose pores and chin pimples, too. How are you supposed to use the aloe and ice chips? Spot treatment? ice then aloe? One lady asked but the presenter just said she should ask her physician for something. Mine is not bad but is annoying. I've used the clean & clear spot treatment but it is drying. That massage you got sounds great!! Hope your appointment went well and you enjoyed your friend time.
zinny-- that is strange you're turning orange. If you haven't yet you should mention the fingertip thing to your dr. My dosage has been reduced because of neuropathy.
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LoveMyVizsla-your day hike and pictures are beautiful..what a great day!
Quixhobbit-You are rocking those wigs..love them all!
Wendi-I know you rocked #4 treatment in that Wonder Woman Hat....you looked great!!!
Everyone is pushing thru the journey in class and style. I had Taxol (weekly) #2 today. Feel okay tonight and started the L-Glutamine and amino acids per MO to combat neuropathy and wore my icing gear today so taking the right steps. You gals starting AC will do fine...just different SE's hut can be managed.
Onward and upward
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Cathytoo, my numbness in the fingertips gets so bad sometimes its painful like I got frost bites. my onco also said its due to neuropathy and some exercises would help so I got myself a little palm / finger exercise ball.
Rockstarteach , I'm so sorry to hear about the fatigue you are experiencing. It really sucks to have all the energy sucked out of our body. Try more fluid intake, it may help. Tiredness that bad usually lasts a week for me then I'm usually climbing up and I almost feel like myself again.
Jen, so happy to hear that the chemo drugs are working. Hang in there girl and keep the good fight going. Stay positive!
LoveMyVizsla , love the photo, keep 'em coming. It sure inspires me to go out with my camera. But not for the next few days, still very tired from last chemo.
Wendi, is that a Wonderwoman cap? heehee so cute!
Julia, love your colourful wigs. Sure makes this whole thing much much fun
Robyn, BIG CONGRATS !!
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Robyn, BIG CONGRATS !!
I just finished my last chemo yesterday too. I was so ecstatic or maybe high from the medicines, I danced in the chemo clinic as soon as they said I was good to go heehee felt quite good!
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Quixhobbit: I *love* your wigs. Love, love, love!!!!!!! And I'm totally lusting after your unicorn hoodie. Total awesomesauce.
Up way too late the night before chemo. Maybe it's because I've slept a zillion hours the last two days and finally feel human just in time to have it smacked down again. >.<
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SarahSunflower..awesome on your finishing chemo!!
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For those of you starting Taxol or any other, I hope you sail through! I'm weekly and have had varying se week to week. The most recent development being neuropathy. If reducing dosage didn't help I was told I might have to switch to another chemo. I was afraid it might be something you guys have been posting se about! So I understand being worried about moving on to something else. But, you are moving forward!! So far the reduced dosage is helping. I have 4 more to go.
LovesMyV amazing shot, I can see there's a fence, are there any buildings there?
Wendi cute hat!
Quix You are killing it with those wigs. And that onesie? Awesome
Sunflower I wish I could have seen the happy dance! Congrats!
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Has anyone else developed a pavlovian response to the smell of rubbing alcohol? It's like the second I smell it my body starts to go "No no no no! Not this sh*t again!" My heart starts racing and I have to work not to be sick. I hate it because mentally I know I can do all this but my body has other plans.
I had a very rough day yesterday. I met with the radiation oncologist for the first time and received some hard news. Apparently, although I should be receiving it, I am not a candidate for radiation due to my RAD50 genetic mutation. RAD50 impacts the body's ability to repair damaged DNA and since that is exactly what radiation does I would actually be at high risk for developing a third cancer; thus I cannot have it. I'm scared because it means I'm at higher risk for breast cancer returning. I didn't really know this about RAD50 but it also means I'm at risk for other serious complications as I age, since my body cannot repair itself correctly.
I had a complete breakdown in the car on the way home, calling my mother slightly hysterical sobbing that I don't want to die. I'm just so sad that what I thought would be a routine visit instead delivered more heartbreaking news. I can't cry forever so I'm doing better today, but I feel like it just keeps piling on, like a never-ending waterfall slowly trying to drown me.
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I'm so sorry missbee
I don't know enough about it to know what more to say, but at least you are doing chemotherapy, and chemo is a badass cancer killer right? After three days of migraines, I started running a fever yesterday afternoon. It was nine days after chemo, so I know the point when my white blood count would be low, so I went to the ER. We were there for five hours! They took blood, did a test x-ray, and urine test. My blood work was all excellent, he and urine test. He said I have completely normal white blood counts and neutrophil counts. I guess Neulasta is doing its job! There was no indication of a bacterial infection, most likely it's just a virus, a cold or something. I kind of suspected that but knew I had to go in, better safe than sorry. I'm still feeling gross, but relieved that I went in and I know that my counts are OK, he said to treat at home and come back if I developed a high fever that won't go down.
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So sorry MissBee
I had to respond about the Pavlovian response thing, right before I read your post I was going through my closet to find something to wear, pulled out a shirt and my stomach started rolling, then I remembered that it's a shirt that I've worn to chemo a couple times. So bizarre how that happens.
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MissBee, you're not alone. I think most of us have an aversion to that smell. I absolutely dread the saline solution because you can smell and taste it as it goes in. During AC, I also got nauseated just thinking about chemo or anything that was a red liquid.
On Monday during chemo though, I was chewing gum and I did not smell or taste the rubbing alcohol at all! I'll definitely be trying that again next time.
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Miss Bee,
I hear you on the aversions and I'm sorry about the news for radiation. Did they discuss possible alternatives like Proton therapy or one of the newer targeted radiation techniques where they place radiation inside you at the site and therefore keep from damaging too many cells? Can you ask your former doctor in NYC? They might have more experience with the newer options....
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MissBee, so sorry about the radiation news. I know what you mean about how you're just trying to get better and you just don't want any new problems to deal with.
Jill, I was scared when I ran a fever last time too and I think it ended up just being a cold. But my husband was not helping with his alarm. He's very good at non-urgent bad news but he tends to rile me up when he's worried I'm sick enough for the doctor.
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Jill-those viruses can knock you out....hope you rest and get better and glad your counts are good!
MissBee-I am with you all on the aversions but like Veronica I chewed a sour lemon gum during chemo to try and distract my taste and smell buds
I am sorry to hear about your radiation news. I am with Jen...would another option be available (immunotherapy?) -
I take Altoids with me to chemo and use them during the alcohol rub and during cytoxan.
There is a building behind me in that photo that is all windows, but it is hard to see out when it is raining sideways.
MissBee, this photo is for you, with calming thoughts attached.
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MissBee...so sorry to hear your news. I think no matter what is happening to us, good or bad, we reach low points where we just sink to the bottom. I want to give you something to think about. I'm way older than most of you and so I have friends who have had breast cancer years ago. Only two of them are gone. Three of my friends were TN when it was just thought to be "garden variety BC". In fact, they were the exact words my friend's doctor said to her. For one friend, she refused a mastectomy and had a short duration of CMF Chemo. She's still here!.. Another friend had TN 15 years ago and did a clinical trial for ACT..just a lumpectomy. She's still here!.. The point is...it's all a crap shoot. We do the best we can do for our individual treatment and hope for the best. When I feel scared or sure I'll be dead in two years, I think of my friends who basically had inferior treatment and are here living good lives. I'm trying my best to not think past TODAY. It's really all we had before we had BC. None of us on this earth knows what lies around the corner. You are so strong and have been thrown some bad curve balls. Hit them out of the park and plan on many many good days ahead. ❤️
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