Back to Taxotere..

Options
stagefree
stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
edited June 2017 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

My brief encounter with Navelbine lasted merely 4 cycles :/

One gigantic tumor with numerous other nodules in the liver & lymph nodes made it almost too easy a decision for MO to assign me back to Taxotruck second time..

I gasp for breath with my nine month to twins belly fo the past two weeks.. she sounded rational, My organs function normally, despite the crappy test results! A+ on that at least, DH takes great care of me..

And I was planning to get my roots done.. saved on that..

will be asking for mood med adjustment asap. Taxotruck is an old friend, I know how to get along with him well ;)

Hugs all

Ebru

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited May 2017

    Sorry to hear that. Not sure which is worse - the known or unknown.

    You are very strong. Give yourself some time to wrap your head around it and yes up your mood meds.

    Sending big hugs your way.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    thanks dear. I was really determined not to lose my newly shoulder length great hair so soon, but as they say 'life is what happens when you have other plans'

    Tonight I started Kordexa, and Zrytec which really help with SEs.. Already feel better, as we now have a sound plan..

    I will be continuing writing frequently as there are so many newbies, and experience do help.. I have used plenty of that on BCO boards from great sisters, now it's payback time..

    Navelbine was really gentle, the c-buggers knocked it out on the fouth round. MO had mentioned possible Gemzar&Carboplatin combo, which she ruled out today as not strong enough in my current situation.

    I trust MO's experience and guts, she knows me very well in person and doesn't push hard till it's really needed. And now is the time to put on my big girl pants, no rant, no crying and act along.

    DH says I'm an Eagle :) I like being told that and hope to be reborn soon!

    Hugs,

    Ebru

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited May 2017

    Ebro, your DH sounds like a prince. I couldn't do it all without mine....Good luck with the new Tx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kandy
    Kandy Member Posts: 1,461
    edited May 2017

    Ebru, I hope your old friend, taxotere, does the trick and kicks the buggers back to hell. Wishing you the bes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    Thanks Kandy!

    Glad I could sleep well on day one. Woke up early today. So far so good, still on steroids.

    Will be on steroids until 14th. Visited pain doc this morning, all seem in accordance with the circumstances in ha ha :) easy appointment that was!

    Can't decide weather to just shave off the hair myself or waiting in misery for it to star shedding.. slight hope of it staying on my head still is my hope. I offered taxguys my leghair instead.. see what happens soon.

    Cut off salt, mainly live on crackers, yoguhrt and fresh fruit the first weeks adjusting to the chemo. Navy was mild but the pill form gave me reflu anyway.

    I am glad the choking feeling is already gone, and can breath normally again. Probably a placebo effect as I just received the chemo yesterday. The bloated belly remains.

    I also had my bimonthly Zometa yesterday, took the day before, on the day of and will today Zrytec which helps with it's SEs greatly.

    That's it for now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • froid89
    froid89 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2017

    Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited May 2017

    I'm sorry you've bid the Navy good-bye. I really hope that's Taxotruck working already with the easier breathing. Hugs, Ebru.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,527
    edited May 2017

    Ebru, Rats! I had hoped that you would be able to stay on Navelbine for a long time, but on to Taxotere. Our lives are full of detours, but I do hope that this one takes you directly to NEAD. I admire your strength and appreciate all the support you give to everyone here. I was following your Navelbine thread for my own education, and I will now follow you on this thread. Your reports of your personal experiences are helpful. Thank you.

    Sending you hugs, Lynne

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited June 2017

    thanks, froid :)

    Hey Heidi, know me, I like driving :) mostly classy cars, but hope to get along even better with Taxotruck this time.

    Lynne, thank you, a lot. It was a hectic perod of 4 months, progression, Navy not really responding and meeting my liver mets. Yet, with MO's assurance, I am confident there's still good qol full of days ahead.

    Those who know me well, yes I am looking forward to moving down to my summer house by the Aegean sea, right after school ends :) hmm most probably will be bald again.. not yet revealed the news to DS, who loves my Marilyn Monroe hair. Just ordered my first new wig yesterday.. will probably not use it much, as I prefer scarfs in hot weather, yet it is needed at times. imageWell, currently my hair is not as long, yet this is almost what I looked like at dx. She is prettier though ;) DH liked the photo. Hope the wig is as good as it looks here.

    MO keeps me longer on steroids this round of Tax therapy, as I don't have much appetite, yet, due to my bloating. She said I'll shrink back to normal, soon. I had the night before, on the day of and the following 3 days of steroids planned. 2 more days on that, then will have more feeling of SEs.

    As I also got my Zometa infusion, I keep taking Zyrtec with steroids, balance it's insomnia SE along with helping Zometa SEs.

    glad watermelons are ready! Time to eat the white peel for supporting blood counts! And of course a big bowl of strawberies each day for cleaning the bloodsystem..

    Ebr

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited May 2017

    Ebru,

    You know you're in my thoughts. Inshallah, inshallah, things will turn around.

    C

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited May 2017

    I enjoy following your posts too Ebru and appreciate your lighthearted approach, it's comforting. Have a great summer at the sea with your new beach babe look! may the Taxtruck ram those mets. Thanks for the fruit pointers! Happy Mothers Day to all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    thanks all! Exactly a week later, I feel normal. And 2 more weeks of holiday. No hair shedding yet..

    my appetite is back. The dizziness and the choking feeling of bloated belly caused anxiety has been immediately put under control of upped mood meds.

    Nothing is impossible, I know this.. we all need a bit patience.

    Now looking forward to my TMs dropping! ;)

    Hugs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bestbird
    Bestbird Member Posts: 2,818
    edited May 2017

    Oh Ebru, although I am sorry to hear you had to switch Navelbine for a taxane, I am glad it seems to be working!

    In the US, there are patients who are beginning to use "cold caps" to preserve their hair. Whereas I'm not sure whether they may be available in Turkeye, perhaps something similar may be of help to retain your lovely mane!

    Sending you tons of love.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited May 2017

    You are an inspiration, ebru! Hang in there, those TMs are on the way down!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    Hey Anne,

    I'd researched about the cold cap, the possible results of which weren't very promising at the time. And I am on a high dose right now, in survival mode.. got used to the idea of showing off my scalp once again;) but, I do seriously think about long term makeup to my eyes and brows.. waiting for my first wig, definitely will post a picture with it :) also spotted 2-3 other models. Not to mention my huge scarf collection. Thing is, religion is manipulated these days, son I prefer wigs this time..

    Heidi, you are so sweet. I feel much better today, yet tax made me tired, literally.

    I might go back to having a fulltime maid :/ really hate it yet but can't do much on my own.

    Strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, watermelon etc with lean protein is my main diet now. Try to avoid carbohydrates as I don't want to bloat any further, being on steroids. Light youghrt bananas are preferred sncak. No salt.

    Hugs

    Ebru

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited May 2017

    Ebru, wishing you the very best and that you tolerate the taxotere well enough. I am glad your dh treats you so well and that your ds is so loving, too.

    Btw, both my neighbor and one of my sisters in law had eyebrow tatooing and it is remarkable. The process is referred to as microblading and single individual hairs are tatooed so that the results are simply amazing and look absolutely natural. Neither woman had chemo, they just had thinning brows. I would like to get it done, too, tho it is pricey, $400 and up, and it only lasts about a year. Still, I may pop for it sometime. But do consider it and find a reputable cosmetician who has many photos of before and afters.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited May 2017

    More good advice to tuck away Divine thanks. I really do work about no hair and especially brows someday. Ebro you are inspiring me to clean up my diet even more and i appreciate that. I've let the stress of the disease and working full time steer me off the rails and it's time to get back on. Post the wig picture when you can so I can get more inspiration!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    you bet! Sisters :))

    Now I've switched on the enjoing mode.. as if I really pitiied myself before.

    Microblading is my aim, though Dh is against it .. need to persuade him.

    My wig is on the wayyy!!! And I've spotted a few others too. I always found it weird to wear someone else's hair, so I prefer synthetic ones !!!

    Today a bit still tired yet up! And guess what? My old maid already found me a new one.. lucky I am. She is self confident, inititive taker and a smiling woman!

    Maybe I can even take her to my summer house as her children are grown up.. still early for such plans. ;)

    Life is good.. today.. ı have appetite! God bless!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited May 2017

    Ebru you are an inspiration to me. Hope taxol treats you well. Gentle hugs and positive thoughts. Thanks for sharing all your experience.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited May 2017

    Ebru, if you need help at your summer house, just say the word! I'd "sacrifice" my summer plans for yours.

    I used cold caps 4 years ago and they worked, even with Taxotere but as you said, you've already adjusted to the idea of scarves and wigs. Anyway, wishing you a relaxing summer, inspite of the new/old treatment plan.

    Take good care -

    Amy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited May 2017

    Me, too, if you need help in the summer. I am strong, self-confident, and smile a lot. But you may have to order me around as housework is not my favorite thing. Glad you are feeling better. And yes, please post wig pics!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited June 2017

    ha ha :)) gals, hubby's not around so we can all fit in!

    Btw almost two weeks completed, I feel fine. Just can't fall aslerp at night, a problem to be fixed by the psh on monday.. need a stronger sleeping pill..

    imagenever tried redhead before, so this chemoportrait is red!

    ;)

    Hugs all..

    ebr

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cling
    cling Member Posts: 333
    edited May 2017

    Ebru, I always picture you in my mind that you are a red head just like your avatar! Now I have to adjust my vision. 😍

    After 6 years on AIs, I am put back on chemo Halaven on 5/22/17. It is with a little anxiety on the anticipated GI tracts discomfort and falling of the hair. SEs haven't been too bad. My hair is still hanging on. During my first Taxotruck my hair started falling about 14 days after injection. Hope this time Havalen will keep it a bit longer. I may try to be a blonde this time. 😊

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited May 2017

    Ebru, you are quite beautiful, the red looks great on you! Your presence here adds so much to this forum. Many positive thought from me to you!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    Dear DivineMrsM, you got me blushed! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited May 2017

    oh well, my 2nd cycle is in two days, but shedding this fast, my hair probably won't see it :/

    Good news is MO is very happy hair is falling out-meaning chemo working..

    it may be an advantage to live in a muslim country, I shall maybe wear hijab! Haha ;))

    Decided to skip the first TMs, since just started Taxotruck, losing hair and no expectations of TMs from 3000 to 0 on just the first cycle. Today will meet MO and tomorrow will have the second cycle.

    Btw I hope all are doing fine! Hang on people!

    Hugs

    Ebr

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited June 2017

    Absolutely gorgeous photo, Ebru!

    Once when I was wearing a scarf on my head (Taxol) a lady came up and said, "Shalom" to me. After a one-second pause, I replied, "Shalom". She said, "You're Orthodox, right?" And I had to say, "Um, no, I'm chemo." But it's always nice to wish people peace in all the languages we can think of, right?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited June 2017

    Oh my you girls have me laughing here! You are a very striking woman Ebru which is pretty good luck if you have to lose your hair! Me, I will look like a drowned mouse.....

    You are absolutely right Shetland!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited June 2017

    ha ha.. now I tindey swinson-a like.. I am moving on to Halaven.. even less hair.. summer heat has come any way.

    ;)

    Hugs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cling
    cling Member Posts: 333
    edited June 2017

    Ebru:

    I just started Halaven with two injections! See you in that Thread.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories