TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

Hi Vixie!

I felt much better after a scan which showed that my cancer was localized -- breast area + 1 lymph node. Once you know that your cancer is local, you know that there's a chance that you can beat the beast where it's at. ((HUGS))

Good luck, HapB! Hope it turns out better than you've expected. ((Hugs))

HapB

Good Luck today, hope goes well. Think positive thoughts, you got this!

Thank you, all, for your kind remarks. I wish all of us well in our collective and individual journeys. 

HapB - praying your chemo today went well and you have no SE's. Shelabela is right, stay positive and take it one day at a time. We're all in this for the long haul.

Vixie- so sorry you have to be here but this is a great group for support and information. We're all at different stages of our cancer journey and each journey is unique. The first couple of weeks after my diagnosis were terribly overwhelming but after lots of research, questions, tests and finally settling on the right care team I became proactive instead of reactive. Things do get better once you have a treatment plan in place and acceptance to beat this beast no matter what!

Stay strong and good luck with your appointments. Hugs

Hi!

I used Imodium, but sparingly. If I was teaching or would be far from a bathroom, I was sure to take my Imodium. But, if I was working at home, I'd skip it. The problem with Imodium is that if you take it too much, you may become constipated. So, I would schedule in some "cleansing" days when I would just skip it. Hope your diarrhea stops soon!

My first round of chemo contained a higher (double?) dose of Perjeta. My diarrhea was so bad that I had to get a prescription from my MO -- Imodium wasn't working for me. After round 1 I was able to control it with Imodium. Starting with round 2 I also had constipation. So like ElaineTeresa, I would use Imodium sparingly and if I didn't have to leave the house I would skip it. During rounds 2 - 6 I would alternate between diarrhea/constipation and it was so difficult to guess which would happen next. Sometimes I would take a stool softener daily in case I would become constipated. I would also drink "Smooth Move" tea (recommended by my MO) if I thought I was constipated.

I really had a rough time. Gas-X helped with my "explosive D".

I'm also on Herceptin. I just couldn't get it to post on my profile along with the Perjeta...

Thank you for your replies and support. I am happy to say my last infusion of herceptin,and therefore my LAST infusion (fingers crossed) is now done ! I don't celebrate with others here but I am happy to report it online to those who can understand ! My lovely nurses who have been great for the past 8 months (changed providers) were not there today, but I will stop by with a card and something sugar free.

Feeling like I can move forward. Still in limbo about doing that AIs but will decide soon (I started and stopped for a vacation, not starting yet again).

Thanks for your information and your sharing. Appreciate it! Ellie.

Hi, I did the switch to claritin and it helped me a lot. This is all anecdotal of course, but I had read here that some women on Herceptin regiman got help from taken the Claritin daily ( I did do that during my year, and I feel it helped) and I also heard that slowing drip down to an hour could help decrease some of the aches and pain. All anectodal, But it worked out pretty well from me. So looking forward to the large muscle group aches going away.

I did not have Perjeta as it had not yet been approved when I was treated, but Herceptin and the regular chemo drugs (in my case Taxotere and Carboplatin) can cause the Big D without Perjeta. I had problems for about the first 10 days after each infusion, except for the last, but never severe enough to really medicate very much. I was on leave from work, so had the option of not really going anywhere except to get Neulasta and weekly blood draws, so I just didn't heavily schedule myself for that first week. After that first 7-10 days I was fine and had no more problems until the next infusion. After I was done with chemo I was advised by one of the onc nurses to start a probiotic and I had no problems once I moved to Herceptin only infusions. I did eat bland foods and for that first week mainly ate a BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, toast) diet. I did keep Immodium on hand, but if that does not work for you ask your MO about using Rx lomotil.

Yeah!! Go Hap!
You give me courage to get through mine...
I'm doing what your doing .. having the port put in on Thursday and then my first chemo on Friday ...
Stress could play a big part in that BP ...
I've been on BP meds since I was 30 ... it stays in the normal range .. no problems .. but when I met the MD's two weeks ago ..it was sky high..
I'm scared to death that I'm going to have an allergic reaction ...
The port being sore I think would because it was just put in and then next day folks are messing with it ...
Hang in there ... one down...

Hugs from TN
Denise

HapB Glad to hear things went well. My port was put in and my first treatment next day also. It was tender, but within a few days I almost forgot about it. My second week has gone good, the Claritin really helped with bone pain. #3 coming up next Wednesday.

HapB

My MO suggested the Claritin to me. The first week the bone pain lasted day 3-5. The second week only minor discomfort day 3-4 with the claritin. I have had more issues this week with constipation. Have been taking Miralax twice daily. I have had no pain or numbness from my fort (left side)

HapB,

Definitely call your MO's office if you feel so lousy. There should be someone on call to take questions. Are you able to drink lots of fluids? Sometimes, even if you are drinking lots of fluids, you can end up dehydrated. Either way, MO has an interest in finding ways for you to finish treatment. ((Hugs))