Starting Taxotere

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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited February 2018

    Lynne--

    I was on gemcitabine before taxotere. I was on it for 10 months and found it to be very manageable. I had some fatigue and other minor side effects but continued to work full time, travel, and do most things "normally". Of course everyone reacts differently, but if/ when the time comes for you switch to gemcitabine, I hope you find it to be manageable as well!

    That Disney trip... it's gonna be a blast! Make sure you plan your breaks, take it easy, and take tons of pictures!

    I've been struggling with my side effects and need to have a conversation with my doctor about taking a chemo break and maybe reducing the dosage. I'm glad the treatment is working, but my quality of life has changed drastically. All the info we share here helps arm me with info to bring to my doctor to see what options I have.

    Lisa-- Hoping you are doing ok! Maybe you are too busy having fun (ahh, if only we were all too busy having fun)

    Take care, everyone! Always hoping the best for all!

    W

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited February 2018

    Crazy weather here! It was 76 yesterday, and today it's snowing. We have about an inch already, not sure how much we're suppose to get! I don't think the mountains are getting any though. Southern NH storm.

    I'm not as dizzy today, thankfully. Hopefully, by Monday, I'll be back to myself, and enjoy 1 week before I have to start the steroids again. I'm having pain in my neck and shoulder for the past few days. I even took a muscle relaxer this morning (I usually only take them at night). I'm just so sick of being in pain all the time.

    I hope you all are having a good day and have sunshine on your faces!

    Lynne


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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited February 2018

    Ugghh!!! I just wrote a long reply to you wonderful ladies while I was getting my infusion and then lost it when I clicked back to check on a prior post. I'm done with the infusion so I'll recreate later today. Lesson learned haha! Never been a huge fan of technology.

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited February 2018

    Hi again,

    Here's my update: So, February has been a very busy month for me. We had friends from New York visiting So Cal for three weeks. They didn't stay with us but there were lots of outings which I enjoyed. We also spent the long weekend in Northern CA with friends. I enjoyed the time with them but also felt isolated. I know they get updates from my partner but they didn't ask how I was doing and I let it get to me which caused some upset between partner and I. I know there are a variety of reasons people don't ask about the Big C. and I know these friends love me and in the end it was a good opportunity for reflection and learning for both partner and I. While I am enormously grateful to have had the energy to enjoy the busyness of Feb., I am looking forward to a quieter March.

    I hope I get to most of what you ladies shared since I last posted. My cognitive function has declined some.

    Lynne, sorry to hear about the neck and shoulder pain along with the back stuff and hope you are feeling better with it now. How's the sciatica? CRAZY New England weather? I can imagine how excited you are about the Disney plans and the chemo break! Maybe you can post a picture or two.

    Wilma, good to hear you got some clarity on the SDI. I hope you get a chemo break. Quality of life is big with me too and what I worry about. When do you see your Dr? I think I mentioned my bad days are lasting longer too and in general I have more fatique. The fingernails falling off- ugghh. That's something I don't want to have happen. I weighed 131 lbs on Friday which is a 9 lb gain since Starting Taxotere in Sept. My dose was 92 mg. the Neupogen- like shots I give are Zario and I do 7 days. That's up from the 5 days I did with Doxil because I developed the neutropenic fever after the first Taxotere.

    I don't know what's up next for me after Taxotere but onc has mentioned both Xeloda and Gemcitabine (I think) I got a little more than a year from Femara but not so with Faslodex and after Doxil we tried Ibrance with Femara again but that didn't work although I was happy he wanted to try one more time with a hormonal. I want a good long run with something.

    I love Wilma's last paragraph too. One aspect of mindfulness I'm learning in my class is noticing the pleasurable moments even the tiniest of ones. For me last night was just the cushy-ness and warmth of my bed.

    Wishing you ladies ease, happiness and pleasurable moments!

    Lisa

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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited February 2018

    Hi Lisa, I hate when that happens! (writing a long message that disappears!) Thanks for taking the time to redo it! Glad you had the energy for all the February activities. And I think many of us feel that same disappointment when friends bypass us to ask other people how we are doing, because they are afraid to ask us things directly. I guess we have to try to see it from their point of view sometimes, but it doesn't feel good a lot of the time.

    I am schedule for my next treatment next week but I am sending an email to my doctor today to request postponing. My side effects have been so intense that I can't do much. I feel so weak, exhausted, and more pain, along with mouth sores, bloating, numb hands and feet, burning hands, shortness of breath, basically every negative side effect! I just need to feel normal again! Surprisingly, the nails coming off has not been as awful as I expected it to be. Maybe because my fingers are already numb? But I don't have any pain from it and just try to keep them covered so they don't snag on anything. Five gone, so I'm waiting to see if the other 5 follow! They are growing in already.

    I do have to say that I've been fortunate with my past treatment and that I did not do any chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery during my first 5 years after getting diagnosed. The anti-hormonals were good for me and I actually miss getting a shot in the butt for Faslodex! My first IV chemo was gemcitabine and I guess I got spoiled by how easy that was for me. This past year has been my biggest struggle with treatment so I'm just trying to find that balance again.

    Lynne: Are you buried in snow again? I hope you're having a good week before your next treatment! I hope everyone is! Will you guys tell me a little bit more about your CBD usage? Thanks!

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited February 2018

    Hi Wilma,

    It certainly sounds like you need a break. Your side effects are much harder to live with than what I am having for sure!

    Regarding the CBD I have been using a tincture under the tongue. At first I thought it would help with sleep but it doesn't work for me that way and now I just take it for the potential benefits but truly it may be all a placebo effect. A friend of mine who doesn't not have cancer but has COPD says she feels better overall. A cancer patient in my support group says CBD patches have helped a lot with pain. The National Institute for Drug Abuse (part of the NIH) website has an article on promising pre-clinical research that shows a range of potential therapeutic effects: anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-tumor, and neuro-protective benefits. The NIDA is interested in the potential for pain relief as an alternative to opiods. My oncologist is okay with it and said several of his patients say it helps them but he didn't say with what. It isn't cheap at least the stuff I've been buying from a medical marijuana dispensary so I'm not sure I will continue with it. The spouse brought it home one day so I decided to try.

    Let me know what comes of the request for a break.

    Hugs,

    Lisa

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited February 2018

    Hi everyone,

    Lisa-Glad you wrote again. I've had that happen to me too! I'm glad you get to spend time with friends. I too have friends that call others to see how I'm doing. So annoying because it's not always correct. One friend will not even mention cancer, unless I bring it up first. She says she is trying to give me a break from it, which I am grateful. It seems everyone I see asks me how I'm doing? I usually say "I'm still here". Drives me nuts! My sciatica is better, it still has it's moments though. Neck and shoulder is still hurting off and on too. We did get another 6 inches of snow last week, but have had warmer than normal weather (40-50s), so it's pretty melted now. I have some patches in both the front and back yards, but a lot of the grass is showing. I was on Xeloda for 2 1/2 years (a year and a half on Falsodex, this one has been the only other long one), I hope it works as well for you. It's a pill, and the side effects for me were minimal. Nothing like this! We are getting excited about Disney. We got our airline tickets as well as the park tickets on President's Day. He finished paying for our house rental this week. All we have left are the 2 mini van rentals and our limos to Boston, which we pay that day. Kaching!

    Wilma-It sounds like you could really use a break! I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. When my finger and toe nails fell off, my hands and feet weren't numb then, and it did not hurt at all. There were smaller nails growing underneath them. The weather here has been nice since the last storm (we got 6 inches), most of the snow is melted, it's been in the 40s and 50s. I hope I didn't just jinx myself! I also take a tincture under the tongue for my medical marijuana. I had told the dispensary people that I didn't want the high and was using it for pain. They gave me the one with the lowest high, and that was too much. They had me start with 4 drops, it was too much (I had never tried marijuana before, I probably second hand smoked at a few parties though, LOL). I got off it for a week, and started back up with 1 drop a day for a week, then 2 and worked my way up to 6 drops. I finished the tiny bottle ($30) last week (after starting it in Oct, and if I was driving that day, I wouldn't take it). It did help a little with the pain (I too had her the oil shrinks tumors), but I did not like the high. So when I went to get more, they changed it to a different strain for daytime with no high 4 drops twice a day and another kind 2 drops at night (which gave a little high). I was going to start it today (after my hell week) but I ended up in the ER Sat night.

    Yes, my husband and I had quite the "hot" date night Sat night. I started having chills around 3 Sat afternoon, I took my temp and it was 96.8, the chills stopped, but I felt warm. My temp was 100, then 101. I took a cool shower to bring it down. It was 99. I took it again and it was 101, and again it was 103. I took tylenol and I called the oncology office and the on call dr called me. I told him what was going on. He told me I should go to the ER and he would call them to let them know I was coming, I also told him I did not want to stay over like the last time (after my first treatment of Taxoter, I had to stay 2 nights, only other time I stayed overnight in a hospital was when I had my 4 kids, and my hysterectomy), he told me he couldn't promise me anything but would try. We got there at 5. It was 102 when I got there. My heart rate was 130 (I told the dr it's always over 100 and maybe because I had a fever it was higher) so they gave me an EKG (normal) and hooked me up to a monitor. I had a urinalysis (normal) and chest xray (clear) and of course blood work (white cells were low, but not below 500). I was also given a painful flu test (swab up your nose to your brain, at least it felt like that, it was negative). The first nurse I had, I told him I wanted the iv in my port, so they could use my good vein in my only arm for blood work, if I got stuck staying over. He tried twice, I screamed in pain (that was with me putting the numbing cream on before I left home). I said no more and had him put it in my arm and prayed I would have to stay over. The ER dr talked to the on call oncologist, and he looked up my past heart rates (guess he wasn't taking my word for it) and found out I was telling the truth and said he felt better about letting me go home. At 11pm they started me on 2 iv antibiotics, one a half hour the other an hour and a half! We had to stop at a 24 hour pharmacy, and pick up 2 antibiotics. I got home at 1 am. Yesterday, everything I ate, tasted awful. I also felt icky. No fever though (I was told if I had another fever before my appointment on Friday, I would have to stay over). Diarrhea started yesterday (darn Augmentin!), worse today, but I feel better and the food tasted normal today (I swear it was that flu test, messed up my nose which messed up my sense of taste!). I just ate my first real meal since Sat morning at breakfast. It's funny how all this happened, and she lowered my dose for this treatment! Who knows? They still don't know what kind of infection I had. I have had an annoying cough for a couple of weeks, but my lungs were clear. Maybe a sinus infection? Crazy.

    It's school vacation week here. Tomorrow, I'm planning on going with my daughter and grandsons to our timeshare (about an hour away) so they can go in the pool (I'm not going in, bald head and all). There is a big pool, a kiddie pool (both with water slides) and a big hot tub. Hopefully, I don't have as many trips to the bathroom tomorrow. Two weeks of diarrhea is toooo much!

    Hope everyone is having a good week!

    Lynne


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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Wow Lynne! Not a good date night for sure. So glad you didn't have to stay over. I've had that nose flu test thing and it isn't fun and when I had fever/hospitalization they weren't able to determine cause of infection either and I got the sense that it wasn't unusual not to know. I hope the time share day was good!

    Weekend not good for me either. I fainted on Sunday! I think I was dehydrated (had a day-long meditation class on Saturday and didn't drink enough) plus being tired from all the activity of the month and I hadn't eaten before the fainting. I felt weak all day and a bit freaked out and chemo week just seemed even worse. I saw my oncologist yesterday and he ordered hydration yesterday and again next Monday and after chemos. I feel much much better today!!!

    I am a bit freaked too about what he wants to do if my tumor markers rise again. We are testing next Monday and if they are up he wants to add Xeloda and docetaxol!!! He's very aggressive and is looking for a complete response like I had with Doxil and Cytoxan. He's very smart and caring and I like him a lot. He is concerned about quality of life and I said somewhat reluctantly we could try and if it's too much we will stop. He didn't elaborate and I didn't pursue, but he mentioned I won't "feel good" the day of the infusion. I'll wait to discuss further what he means if we actually move forward with this. One question that came to mind after I left was if we add Xeloda and stop can I use it later as a single agent.

    Wilma, I hope you are having a good day.

    :-)

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Wilma-I had a good day with the grandsons, their mother (our younger daughter) and our younger son. We've had the timeshare for 20 years, and I used to take our kids up there, with their friends, on their vacations and days off from school. They loved the water slides and the pool. They boys had a ball. I didn't dare go in, but I watched them having fun. I'm so sorry you fainted! Scary! I'm glad you are feeling better. My tumor markers have been going up slowy. They are 148, but the past 3 have all been in the 140s. My oncologist doesn't worry unless they have a big jump, then she would do the scans sooner than every 3 months. I was on Xeloda by itself, and it worked for 2 1/2 years. I was also on Doxil, again by itself, for 3 months, it didn't work at all. I would hope he would let you do Xeloda by itself, if it didn't work with the other drug. That was my first chemo. I felt good on that one. I was mad that it stopped working.

    The on call oncologist called me on Sunday to see how I was doing, I had no fever, but felt icky, he said I should have an appointment sooner than later. On Monday, one of the nurses called me to see how I was, I felt better although the diarrhea started from the antibiotics. She said she'd tell the oncologist that. Tuesday they called while I was gone, trying to make me an appointment for Wednesday. I got home after the office had closed, so I couldn't call them back. They called me at 9 on Wednesday, wanting me to come in. I told them I didn't have a ride, and not driving for a month I really didn't feel comfortable driving that far. I told them I hadn't had fever since I was in the ER Saturday, and I already had an appointment on Friday. She said you want me to tell them that, and I said yes. I would not be able to come and I'd be in on Friday. If I had felt bad or had a fever, I would have gone in. I'm just so sick of going there, and though it was crazy to go in.

    I went to the oncologist today, and my white cells are normal. She was surprised and said that since I was low on Sat, they should be low still. My red cells were low, but not too bad. She ordered a prescription for the diarrhea. I've been taking probiotics and immodium and am still going a lot. It's less than Monday, but she thought I should try the prescription.

    I asked her about the dosage for the Taxotere. She said it goes by your weight. Height x weight divided by 3131 square root. I. was on a dose of 116 and she lowered the last time to 106. I told her I thought it was funny that I'd have a fever at the lower dose.

    We are getting a Nor'easter here. Lots of wind, and so far only rain. It's suppose to change to snow tonight. They are saying 1-3 inches. Hopefully, that will be the last of the snow. This time a year, it melts quickly though.

    Going out to eat with my friends who I worked with for 15 years, tonight. Then I'm suppose to go to a friend's house, with a group of friends afterward. It will be fun!

    Have a great day! Hugs!

    Lynne


















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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited March 2018

    Hey there! Wow, sounds like everyone is going through lots of different things right now with fainting and hot dates to the ER! I've had a busy week, so let me try to keep you updated:

    My doctor said it was OK to take a chemo break and skip this upcoming cycle. Yay!

    I vomited on Monday night, out of no where! Not sure what it was, but I think my body is at a point where I just have too many toxins from the chemo.

    My hemoglobins were so low (7.3) that I needed a blood transfusion which I got Thursday and Friday (since they had to squeeze me in at the end of the day, I got one unit of blood Thurs and another unit Friday). I think the low hemoglobins definitely contributed to my feeling so exhausted. I had a blood transfusion once before in August 2017 and felt a lot better afterwards.

    The swelling in my legs has increased A LOT, even while taking lasix. It's very uncomfortable. I hope it goes down soon. I have an echo cardiogram scheduled next week to check if the fluid is causing any problems near my heart. I've been using my wheelchair outside of the house because I can't walk very far with my heavy legs. I get out of breath easily.

    I was going to skip my appointment with my doctor next week since I don't have to do the chemo, but I guess I should see him to talk about these other things going on. I hope that I can feel better over the next few weeks so I can feel strong and ready to tackle cycle 8 of taxotere.

    Thanks for the info about your taxotere doses. I will also be talking to my doctor about the possibility of lowering my dose. I hope your rising tumor markers are not true indicators of cancer growth. Hope you can both stay on taxotere for as long as possible!

    Hope you guys enjoy the weekend with minimal discomfort! Take it easy!

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Hello ladies,

    Wilma, Great news about taking a break! Yea. Hope you are feeling better after the transfusions. I'm glad you decided to see your doctor and let him know what else is going on. Those swollen legs don't wound fun at all.

    Lynne, it sounds like you have been having some good times. That's wonderful and I hope it continues.

    I will be talking to my dr tomorrow about the tumor marker results. Keeping fingers crossed they have gone down.

    Hugs to you both!

    Lisa

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Wilma-glad to hear that you are getting a break! Sorry about you vomiting and your swollen legs though. I hope they can find something to give you some relief for your legs. That's awful. Glad they gave you a blood transfusion, it sounds that you are less fatigued! Boy you have been through a lot! I would definitely go see the oncologist, to see if there is something else they can give you for your swollen legs. I hope there is!

    Lisa-Good luck at the dr's tomorrow. I pray they are lower!

    We only got rain, last week, during that Nor'easter. We are expecting another one, starting tomorrow. They are saying 8-14" (my husband's happy, he plans on skiing this weekend), I hope they are wrong again (probably not, temps will be too low). I know it won't last long, but early next week we may get more snow. I know the first day of spring isn't until March 20th (even later here, LOL), but I was hoping no more snow at least, Easter is April fools, and the grandkids would prefer my yard snow free the Easter egg hunt, LOL!

    I hope you both do well at the dr's, and you get good results. I have chemo on Friday (I may get a few days diarrhea free before it starts again on Monday, "hell week"). I just started my pre-steroids today, so, very little sleep until Monday too. Oh well, I'm still here, as I tell people who ask how I'm feeling! I'll be thinking of both of you!

    Lynne

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Lynne, thanks for the reminder that we are sill here and that's why we put up with all the SEs!

    Sadly, my tumor markers are up. I'm starting Xeloda tonight. We'll continue with the Taxotere too. I was scheduled to have my chemo next Friday the 16th but we will postpone for three weeks until I start the next cycle of Xeloda. So that's at least a bit of good news. I hope it works well and with no hand foot syndrome!

    Thinking of you both and sending lots of love.

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Lisa, I had some hand foot syndrome with Xeloda, but not that bad. I take 100 mg of B6 that my oncologist ok'd when I saw someone posted it helped with it, and it did, With the first cycle my entire foot peeled and my hands did too. I use "Udderly Smooth" cream, during the day (right after my shower), and "Aquafor" (an ointment) at night (I put cotton gloves and old cotton socks on after I put it on). I've done this every day for years. It works. The peeling was minimal, after I started doing that. When I first started Taxotere, it was worse again, and she actually got me a prescription cream (I can't remember the name, it's upstairs, I'll post it later). Of course the insurance didn't cover it, and it's pricey. It helped though, and I eventually went back to my regular ritual. I hope you don't get it too bad, or even better, at all.

    I'm sorry your tumor markers were up again. I only did Xeloda by itself, so I don't know if you SEs will be worse with it. I hope not! At least you will get a break from it all for a few weeks. You can recharge your batteries! I can't wait until next month when I'm taking a break.

    I had my chemo yesterday. Number 13 treatment. I've had diarrhea now for 3 weeks (because of the antibiotics they put me on for 10 days), now it will keep going through next week, because it's my "hell week". The prescription she gave me for it, doesn't seem to slow it down any better than the immodium. I can only take 8 pills (2 at a time) a day for the prescription. I asked if after I take those 8 pills (4 runs to the bathroom), I can take the immodium, if I'm still going. She said yes. I hope it's not too bad next week. I have one of my cousin's 60th birthday party Fri night, and we are getting together with our mini cooper friends for dinner (since the weather is not good enough to ride yet) on Sat. I am hoping I'm feeling up enough to go to both. I have been feeling cooped up in the house (it's called cabin fever here), for too long now! Today we are going to take a ride up to his parent's home (it's about an hour away). Their microwave above their stove died right before they left for the winter, so we're bringing it up and installing it. I'd love to stay over but we have company for the week. Our youngest's girlfriend came in today for her spring break. She is staying here for the week. She lives in Rochester NY and attends RIT. It's her senior year. Our son (who will be 23 in July, it's her 22nd today) will be moving up there over the summer, and will be looking for a full-time job. I'll be down to just the 30 year old daughter (who's been in and out, next time she leaves, she stays out, it's time!). We've never had and empty nest, after being married almost 35 years! I'd hopefully will be able to experience and enjoy it before I go!

    I'll be saying a prayer that the Xeloda works with NO side effects!

    Hugs!

    Lynne

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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited March 2018

    Lisa-- How was xeloda been so far? I was on xeloda on briefly (three months) because it was not working for me. It was not too bad, though my hands were a mess for sure. I hope you are tolerating it well.

    Lynne-- Wow, treatment #13? It's great that Taxotere has been doing it's job! The diarrhea, though, sounds terrible. I hope they find something to alleviate that so you aren't always running to the bathroom.

    I'm trying to enjoy my break, but the swelling in my legs and abdomen have not gone away. It's so heavy and annoying! I'm on diuretics that don't seem to make a difference and I am elevating my legs as much as I can. I'm hoping the extra fluid finds it's way out soon!

    Just wanted to check in and I hope everyone is doing alright! Take it easy, and find something to laugh at this week! =)

    W

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Lynne, thanks for all the suggestions! I'm using the udder cream with urea. Fingers crossed for no H/F or very minimal. Thinking of you during your sleepless nights. And all the diarrhea! Yikes. How's your bum holding up? Have you heard of Balneor cleansing lotion? It really helps with sore rear ends. I had a little chuckle about the next time your 30 y/o moves out. 😊 Hope you were able to enjoy the mini-cooper gathering and your cousins party. If I am very active for one or two days I really crash the next day. I'm getting better at considering that when making plans.

    Wilma, I hope the extra fluid springs a leak very soon and glad you are trying to enjoy your break anyway. So far so good for me on Xeloda. It's been 4 days and only very slightly more pronounced acid reflux. I am starting to swell though from the Taxotere. My left foot and ankle and both thighs and somedays my face. I look like an egg. I'm cutting way back on salt and putting my feet up and that does seem to help. I notice some slight discomfort/sensation in the ankle and foot.

    My teary eyes are making me nuts. Whaaaa!!! But I did laugh at my dog last night who was snoring like a freight train and continue to practice gratitude as often as I can. Last night I ate at our neighborhood Italian restaurant. The salad tasted meh but I thought about how I have plenty of food to eat even if it's meh and I can keep it down. Then the main course came- filet of sole with checca sauce and it was AMAZING! Simple for sure but tasted so so good.

    Hugs and here's to hanging in there and finding the pleasurable moments!

    Lisa

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Wilma-I sure hope those fluids go away soon for you! How awful! My dr gave me a prescription for the diarrhea. Today, it wasn't too bad. Last night was bad though. Of course, this is my first day off the steroids, and I once again have thrush, so eating is now an issue. I spent the afternoon in bed, because I felt so dizzy. I'm downstairs now, but will be heading back upstairs soon. I ate a tiny baked potato and some cabbage from the corned beef and cabbage our youngest made (I don't like the corned beef). I also had a banana. I had a yogurt for lunch, and my son made me a waffle for breakfast. I'm still hungry though. Maybe some ice cream.

    Lisa-Yes! Urea was the prescription cream, I was thinking of ,that they gave me. I'm glad you have both! I hope you don't get H/F at all! My bum is sore. I've been using vaseline (on both the front and back, the Taxotere seems to bother the front too). Thanks for the info on the Balneor cleansing lotion, I'll look for it! The party and gathering are this coming weekend. Depending how I'm feeling, I'll see if I attend. I was having a issue with the teary eyes for awhile. The eye dr said to put a moist facecloth on them in the morning and at night. I didn't try it though, LOL! Maybe it will work for you! Funny about your dog snoring! Glad you got to enjoy a nice dinner out! It really is the little things, isn't it?

    Hope you both had a wonderful day and enjoy tomorrow!

    Lynne



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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited March 2018

    Lynne, I hope you are feeling better. Remember to drink alot of water.

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Meow-Thank you! I've been trying to drink as much as I can. Still dizzy, day 3 post steroids, but not too bad. Halfway there! It gets better with each day. By the weekend, I'm usually feeling ok.

    Well, the latest Nor'easter ended up dumping 2 feet of snow on us.It was beautiful yesterday! Now they are saying number 4 Nor'easter should hit next Tuesday!, Hopefully, this snow will melt some more (already has started melting) before then! More snow the month of March then the entire winter! Enough already! First day of Spring is Tuesday! Of course here, it's usually late April, early May, but usually the snow is almost gone by now. Getting kind of stir crazy!

    Lynne

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Hello ladies,

    My onc is saying he doesn't want to continue with the Taxotere. I'll ask him why when I see him on Tuesday but I can't say I'm sad about it. Between the increased fatigue, watery eyes (warm washcloth did not help) and dyspepsia I've about had it.

    I've been thinking of you both- Lynne another Nor'easter, good lord! Wilma, how are your legs?

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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited March 2018

    Lisa, I could see how you wouldn't miss taxotere. I hope xeloda has been good for you! Keep us posted on things!

    For me, this chemo break isn't the break I was hoping for! The fluid retention and swelling has gotten worse and moved into my abdomen. My tummy is HUGE and uncomfortable. The swelling in my legs is causing weakness in my legs and I struggle to walk. I fell twice in the last week and had the hardest time getting up because my legs were so weak! I have a paracentesis scheduled for tomorrow and I hope that brings some relief. My doctor wants to test the fluid to see if there is any cancer activity. He's concerned that all this is going on while I've been on a break from chemo. Kinda sucks!!! I'll let you guys know how things go!

    Lynne, how are you feeling these days? I hope you're having more good days than bad. You must be looking forward to the family Disney trip next month! That will be a lot of fun!

    Take care and I hope everyone's taste buds allow them to eat something yummy today! =)

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Oh Wilma, I'm so sorry about all you are going through. You are in my thoughts and please let us know how the parenthesis goes and what the dr says. FWIW, my "break" from Taxotere wasn't much of a break either probably because of the Xeloda. Too many side effects!

    Sending hugs to you and wishes for healing and ease.

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Lisa-The 4th Nor'easter, missed us. We just got a dusting, thankfully! Still have plenty of snow on the ground, but a little is melting each day! I don't blame you for being happy to get off Taxotere. After almost a year on it, I too have had it. I am going to take a break for the month of April though. I will be due for chemo the day before we leave for FL. I'm postponing it 2 weeks, which will bring us into the first week of May. I can not wait for the break. I am due for scans the second week of May. We'll see if it's still working. Xeloda was so much easier for me.

    Wilma-I'm so sorry that you are having so much trouble with fluid! I hope they can figure it out soon! I am feeling good right now, of course I have chemo on Friday. LOL Downhill from there for a week! Last treatment it lasted more than a week! Oh well, I have to enjoy the time I feel "good". I am looking forward to FL, Just to see the granchildren's faces will be awesome! We are leaving on the 21st, less than a month away! Taste buds are great and I'm enjoying eating until next weekend!

    This weekend we stayed at my in-law's home on a lake (the winter in FL from Jan until May). No tv and no internet (they shut off the cable for the winter), we watched the fire in the fireplace and played games. Just enjoyed the quiet! Just the two of us! We did take our younger daughter (she turned 28 on the 22nd) out to dinner Sat night. She lives 1/2 our from our house, and a 1/2 hour from my in-law's. She met us up there with her husband.

    We should have an interesting Easter Egg hunt here. The kids will have to wear their boots and snow pants! Easter will be here with our kids and grandkids. I used to invite my 3 younger sisters and their families too, but it's just too much. 10 people (11 if Mom comes), is plenty!

    I hope you both have a good week!

    Lynne

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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited March 2018

    Hey there! I ended up NOT getting the paracentesis on Friday. They coudn't find enough fluid to safely drain! The swelling and fluid is built up in my skin and tissues, so no pockets of fluid. So I was disappointed with that, but I guess it has it's pluses too; more fluid might be more cancer activity. Who knows! So today I saw my doctor and he extended my chemo break so that we can get control of this swelling. He added another diuretic and a referral to cardiology. The weird thing is that today I started having some "leakage" of fluid coming out of the pores of my skin in my hip area! I've never had that happen before, but I've seen it in others and heard about it, especially when the fluid has no where else to go. I put a call in to the on call doctor who was able to reassure me it's nothing to worry about, but to keep an eye on things to make sure I don't get an infection. I suppose if that's how some of the fluid wants to get out, then it should! As long as it's safe. Anyhow, just wanted to give that quick update. My laptop is low on battery so more later, but I hope you guys are doing well and feeling good! Take care!

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2018

    Wilma-Sorry they couldn't do the test on Friday and you're off of your chemo break! I agree, if your excess fluid wants to go out through the pores, then let it! Anyway to get rid of it! I hope something works for you, jeesh! Big hugs to you (maybe the big squeeze will help some more, LOL)! Thanks for the update!

    Highs in the 50's today! I'll take it, even with the clouds! I can see grass finally. I'd say it's still half snow though. It should be interesting for the grandkids looking for eggs on Sunday! I went out to lunch with Mom and one of my sisters yesterday. I already told Mom she was invited to Easter. Well my sister asks what I'm doing for Easter. I said my family (meaning my kids and grandkids) were coming over. She said that she talked to our youngest sister (there are 4 of us daughters, I'm the eldest, no sons), and she wasn't sure. I kind of felt backed in the corner and told her she could come if she wanted to, as well as her son, but he's going to the Boston Comicon, so he probably won't be back. Now I was really stuck between a rock and a hard place. I now had to call my other 2 sisters and invite them too. One is a nurse and is working, but she says she'll tell her 2 kids, who usually have brunch at her son's in-laws (she does this all the time, they come she doesn't). Our youngest sister (who can see both Mom's and my house from her's, yup we bought houses in our old neighborhood) said that they would come. Her husband, her 3 kids (maybe her daughter's boyfriend) and she asked if her husband's sister could come, because her and her husband have split (yet again) and she was staying with them. I said what's one more! I did Christmas, and now I have Easter too? Next year, I'm not doing either. My mother offered to have it at her house (she's 80!), and I said no. She moved her bedroom downstairs, and it takes a lot out of her (even if we all bring something)! None of my sisters help out, I do what I can, and my husband gets the brunt of it. We stay after they all leave, and end up doing all the cleaning up. Thanksgiving, we had our own at our house, and my mother had it at her's, she told me the next day she really missed my husband. They didn't help at all. No more! I can deal with my 10 (yes, I have the biggest family), but why do we have to deal with another 16, if everyone shows?? I don't mind doing one holiday, but both? Sorry for the venting, but I really can't vent to my family about it, now can I?

    I've got to finish getting ready. I'm heading out to lunch, yet again (yesterday, and the day before too! That will make up for not eating next week!), with a friend today.

    I hope you both have a good day!

    Lynne





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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2018

    Wilma, thanks for the update. I hope they get this fluid thing under control. Are you feeling any better with the break from chemo?

    Lynn, I have no words about your family! They do not get it!!! But it's almost Disney time- whoo hoo. The picture of the kiddos having their Easter Egg hunt in the snow made me smile.

    Hugs to both of you!

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  • Groovywilma
    Groovywilma Member Posts: 450
    edited March 2018

    Thanks, you guys, for your words of support and encouragement! I really appreciate it! I like being able to check my messages and get this support from you guys, knowing you know what I'm really going through. Family and friends are supportive, but it's entirely different talking to others in the same situation.

    Lynne-- that's too many extra bodies for your and your husband to have to feed, entertain, and clean up after! I know how much you were looking forward to watching the kids hunt for eggs in the partial snow! I hope the extra bodies don't cause you too much stress that you don't enjoy it as much. The rest of the family does not seem to understand what your body goes through with this treatment. Time to delegate and give the extra visitors some jobs to do while they are there!

    Lisa-- So are your off taxotere completely? Are you doing OK/ better on xeloda? I hope xeloda kicks the cancer outta there! Keep us posted!

    Take care!

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited April 2018

    Yesterday went well. It ended up 16 of us. Only one of my 6 nieces/nephews (on my side) came with his wife and new baby. 2 of my sisters (with one husband) and my Mom. My poor husband did most of the work. I had my chemo on Friday, and was pretty wiped out. I put the two kids who are still at home to work too. They cleaned and made the desserts. There was only a little patch of snow left in the backyard. Nobody thought to take pictures for me though! My older daughter (who watches the boys for our younger daughter) and I took the boys (brothers Aiden 5 and Matthew 7, tomorrow) to the mall to see the Easter Bunny on Thursday (they had a parent/teacher conference day). Here is a pic. I wish I had a pic of our granddaughter she looked cute dressed up yesterday. Oh well. I hope you both had a great Easter and are doing well! Lynne

    image

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  • intothewoods
    intothewoods Member Posts: 449
    edited April 2018

    Lynne, so glad it went well. Your husband sounds wonderful and those two boys!!! They are so so so cute. thank you for sharing the picture. I'm a retired elementary school principal and I visited my former school for a "kid-fix." No doubt the egg hunt in some snow was a great time.

    I'm doing better now that I'm on just the Xeloda. Less fatigued and so far no major hand foot stuff. I started my 2nd round on Friday and noticed the fatigue increase but It's not as bad. We are taking a few days to visit San Francisco next week. Hoping hand foot stays at bay and I don't have to wheeled up and down those hills :-)

    Wilma, thinking of you. Please check in.

    Much love to you ladies.

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  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited April 2018

    Lisa-Glad you are doing well on Xeloda. That was my first chemo. Aside from the hand and foot thing at the beginning, and the fatigue, I felt good on it. As I have said, I was on it 2 1/2 years. It's the one that worked the longest too. I hope it works as well for you, with minimal side effects. I love how you go in for a kid fix! I don't blame you! They are just wonderful. Enjoy your getaway to San Francisco! Maybe we'll get to CA someday. I've only been to Seattle on the west coast. Beautiful city. We were there only for the day before our Alaskan cruise left, but that day was 80 and sunny in Sept! First I want to go to the Grand Canyon. Hopefully next year. I'm trying to get my bucket list done! My husband prefers going to the Caribbean (he scuba dives, I snorkel). Every summer we go to a lake for a week here, and in October we go for our anniversary to the Caribbean. This year it's our 35th, and we are going for 2 weeks to Mexico (after all the hurricanes, we'd figure we try that). It's in the Rivera Maya. A couple hours south of Cancun. Last year we picked Jamaica (before the hurricanes hit), luckily, it didn't get hit. Our favorite island is St John's US Virgin Islands. Half the island is a national park. Most beautiful beaches you will ever see! I hope they can rebuild it all.

    Wilma-I hope you are doing well. Thinking of you! Hugs!

    Lynne

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