Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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Oh, Amera I hope you can get this straightened out. Can't another onc cover your visit? There must be something they can do?
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Nandy, I am worried about your #3 too. Hope it goes well. My three was a bit tiring. If it weren't for my cold, #4 would probably be a breeze. Right now I just feel like I have a bad cold, can't tell the difference between the chemo fog & the cold.
Weight: each week I lose a pound or two and then gain it back. I could easily lose if I made a point of it. I think this taxotere increases my metabolism. One of the reasons I've been losing weight is diarrhea from antibiotics though. I'm determined to lose ten pounds after seeing myself in a full length mirror at the hotel...ten pound by rads!!!!
Jeez, I am jealous of all you gals who REALLLY lost weight. Why didn't I get that PERK!!!
Monday in the waiting room I read that women who lose 22 pounds after menopause and keep it off have a MAJOR REDUCTION IN BREAST CANCER...the fat in your bodies makes estrogen which feeds the cancer. How's that for incentive?!!! We'll be the stylish girls of Breast Cancer, the ones that IMPROVED!!! Also, regular aerobic exercise keeps the beast away too. Porn star boobs, tummy tucks, turbans, cuter hair styles...hey, let's do it. I'll lend you my web site!!! We can have before & after shoots. We'll make BC women look glamourous!!! How's that for turning a negative into a positive?!!!
You know, a lot of olympic stars got going with physical handicap!!!!
May be we should set up a weight chart and get everybody going!!!! Have a SPA group.
Mizsissy -
Oh Amera!
My Onc won't be in for my next chemo either but he had me schedule time with another Onc that day so I can stay on schedule. They have plenty of Onc's at Dana Farber, I think you should insist on keeping your schedule.
Lynn -
I just got a call from my insurance carrier wanting to schedule me for a routine mammogram. I told them to check their records, I was diagnosed in nov with bc. I was furious.
Melia -
Well phew! It was a glitch. The secretary didn't realize I'd been in March 1st and was on a 3 week schedule. I'm back on track.
Funny though, you'd think they would have their act together. Thank goodness I have my wits about me. Otherwise I'd just have gone with their date. Sheesh!
Amera -
Great news.
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Quote:
I just got a call from my insurance carrier wanting to schedule me for a routine mammogram. I told them to check their records, I was diagnosed in nov with bc. I was furious.
Melia
urg...Ain't insurance great! That is on about the level of the call I got when I first got diagnosed...they wanted to tell me as a wonderful beneft that I could go to "premium cancer centers" whether or not they were in network (provided these centers were on their list....so what is the difference). Of course that would require me to go to philadelphia (about a three hour drive) or in to Manhattan (not much better, about 3 hrs door to door using public transport). I told her that if I chose to do that, the problem of whether they needed to cover my expenses would be solved because my husband would likely lose his job because of the time he would have to take off to make these trips! Geeze. You can imagine where I told her stick that particular perk...cover more doctors in my geographical area instead! The list of network doctors in my area was distressingly short...and there were NO plastic surgeons so I had to go out of network. yuck
as far as runny nose and eyes...I too have been suffering with that. My nose is like a faucet (yuck) and I continue to have a cough complete with rattle and loogies. yeck. At this point I am just resigned to dealing with it for the duration.
To all of you ladies approaching the end (lots now...the 4 cycle crew is all finishing up!) I am so happy for you, and at the same time jealous! I have three more cycles to go. My halfway point was definately a point of celebration, though...it is all a coast downhill to the end from here.
Amera..that really stinks. ok..scratch that...new message in . Glad to hear that it all worked out! I was ready to go into full rant! -
Good news Amera. I'm just back from #4. The nurse got the IV in first time and all went well. I'm Done! But right now I just feel a little foggy.
I had lost 8 lbs after I was diagnosed, and I've gained back 6 through chemo. It's funny that as awful as chemo is I can gain weight!. I just don't want to go over my pre-diagnosis weight, which had taken me a year to get to! I find that sometimes only sweets taste good, plus something on my stomach keeps the rumblies at bay. Then, the last few days when things actually taste good, I want to eat! But I'll have to get back to regular eating now. -
Amera - glad it was all an error - you really have to be on your toes - I have called about a couple of things - like my onc. said I needed a MUGA scan before chemo - so I waited, and figured it was due to the Xmas holidays. The radiology dept. was supposed to call me and never did - so I called the onc. office and spoke to the secretary - Somebody had screwed up - only after my call was the appointment set up... lol.. another time the onc. nurses forgot to give me the requisitions for blood work between chemos - again I called, they faxed them to me - like we don't have enough to worry about.
Tomorrow is FEC # 3 (my final FEC - hurray) - halfway through chemo for me, then a year of herceptin.
Regards,
Caya -
I just got back from my Skin Class which had a real Dermotologist MD Doctor. It was cool. Better than the Look Good Feel Better make up class!!
I am now going for my 3rd round of AC in an hour.
I go for my abdominal ultrasound next week. (For my high liver counts)
I'll keep ya all informed. -
I skipped out of work for an hour today (the perk of working from home) and took the dogs for a walk at a local park and had lunch there too. It's a beautiful 70* here today. Lots of folks stopped to say hi to the dogs and chat. I've noticed that the #1 location for the turtle faces is at the grocery store. But so far NO turtle faces with the outdoors crowd.
I'm off to go pick up the girls from school. Evenings are tough with getting dinner ready, homework, baths, etc. Even though my husband tries to get home as early as he can to help I am exhausted by the time we get them into bed. But, at least I got out and enjoyed the great weather today.
I'm dreading chemo on Friday. I feel like I'm off to prison for the next week. I usually can't even remember the first few days and I know I'll be totally out of it for a week. At least I'll get to catch up on some sleep... -
Dar, you are finished with the AC right? Yippee on that and finding a good vein. I have had lots of problems with that as well. One time it was 5 pricks. I'm getting needle-phobic. They have me use the hot packs and run my arm under hot water and it doesn't seem to help. I get that they need to start low but I can tell them that it will not work. Very frustrating indeed.
Jan, good luck tomorrow. I guess it does feel like prison. I remember someone last week saying that by this time next week, you will feel better. Keep that in mind. So hard though.
Caya, good luck with the FEC. Half way through-yeah!
Sorry I cannot remember who else goes this week. I will have to look it up.
Amera -
Saw a link to this article in another thread and thought you all might enjoy it: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/27/AR2007022701360.html
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A friend just emailed me about radiation. She went through chemo 6 years ago and then rads. I realize it was eons ago in breast cancer land, but she said that she totally underestimated radiation. It really wiped her out. AND she had a hard time with wearing shirts and bras and was uncomfortable.
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but I keep thinking rads will be a breeze. I suppose, though, that we will all be different in how we react--just like the chemo.
Also, there's something called "jean's cream" or something or other, that was recommended by the rad nurse I spoke with. Apparently it's very expensive--$40 a tube-- and you can only get it at certain centers. She told me today though that they have done studies where I am going and have found that it is no better or worse than the usual creams they recommend. I am going for staging on April 3 so I will let you know what I find out.
Early, yes, but I want to get a handle on all of this.
Mizsissy, when do you start rads? Do you know yet?
Amera -
My onc says the average chemo patient gains 5 - 10 pounds with chemo, so don't feel bad. Blame the steroids and thank goodness for the anti-nausea medicine or we'd all be a lot sicker.
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Think of me. I go tomorrow for my 2nd Taxol, hopefully with less Benedryl this time.
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I went for chemo #3 today, so only 1 more to go.
They told me I'll get a year of Herceptin.
No word on rads yet.
Feeling a little worse earlier, this time than the previous 2. -
Amera, I read somewhere on the Rad's thread that you're not supposed to wear a bra. Not sure if that's true but if it is, I'm in big trouble. I only have one boob and it will not be a pretty site if I have to go without my fake boob AND bra-less!
Dar, Congrats on finishing!!! Good for you!
Lynn -
Hi Amera and Other Soon-to-be Chemo Grads,
I started a thread a few weeks ago to start thinking about Rads, wanting to know how bad it would be, and most people said it was little tiring but nothing like Chemo. One person in particular recommended that you set up a late afternoon schedule, so you can go home and and sleep it off in the evening.
It's probably causes you to get sleepy just like too much sun does. Here's a bunch of responses from women who recently went through rads:
http://community.breastcancer.org/ubbthr...&PHPSESSID=
Another thing about RADS: in the waiting room Monday, I read an article about Red Blood Count and rads. Rads brings your red blood count down, and that makes you tired. However, aerobic exercise can prevent this. The article reported a study with two groups of women undergoing RADS. One group did stretching exercises 3-4 times a week, while another group did moderate to fast walking or running, for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week. The group that did the aerobic exercise scored modest increases on RBC, whereas the group that did stretching had substantial decreases in RBC...so you can probably combat the fatigue substantially by keeping up your aerobic activity.
I go for my simulation on March 19.
Mizsissy
A *BIG CONGRATULATIONS* to Dar and Brenda. I'm may have had my last chemo, but I am not having fun with my chemo cold. Uck! -
hiya Robbinjaye!
so...what did you learn from your skin class? Share the wealth girl! -
RSheehy,
I don't know if this class is nation wide, but in my state and county, I found out about it through The American Cancer Society. It's called, "Brighter Days"
Brighter Days Skin Care Meeting Maximize the health of your skin hair and nails while undergoing cancer treatment,and enhance self-confidence and self-image by support of trained skin care professionals and peer support. Get free,trade size samples of skin care products.
He was a real dermotologist MD Doctor and he went around and talked to everyone in the class individually. Felt your skin, looked everywhere and gave individual suggestions. My skin is pretty good so far (have not started rads yet) so here's what I got:
A cool Life Is Good hat.
Large jar of Cetaphil moisturizing cream
Large jar of Cetaphil Skin Cleaner
Neutrogena sunblock lotion
Mimyx Cream (for when I start rads)
Everyone got different stuff due to their spacific skin type and/or skin problem. There were other woman that had way worse problems than me. Rashes, brake outs, etc...
He also suggested we all order for free an 8 cd set for us. Here is the link and number to call for them to ship it for FREE: It's called, "The Cancer Survivor Toolbox".
web page
He recommened using Rogaine (the mens black bottle type) before (pre chemo) or after chemo (post chemo), but I don't know about that...
He talked about sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin, moles, etc... very interesting.
For women with sensitive skin, watch your laundry detergents, take shorter lukewarm showers, watch the soap you use, keep house humid.
Don't use lotions or creams with alcohol, don't use fabric softner, wool clothing, nylons and watch your diet.
I am lucky I have good skin right now. Some women really have some problems in that area.
OH.................. check this out.... my nails are growing like crazy. What's that all about??????? Isn't the chemo suppose to be affecting my nails?? I hope the chemo is doing it's thing. Well, it did for my hair...
If you are having skin problems and have the chance to go to this class, GO!!!!! -
I started chemo on January 5 and am looking forward to my last one tomorrow, March 9th!!! Praise God! I was diagnosed in November with one part invasive and one part in situ tumor, 2 cm. Her2neu was present and I am estrogen receptor positive. I had to go through 4 cycles of AC! There is light at the end of the tunnel!
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One tip that helped me through chemo was working out, using Leslie Sansone tapes and weights. I drank a lot of water and ate well. I have lost about 7-8 pounds since I was diagnosed and am very happy about that because I am estrogen-positive. Hang in there girls, you all can do it. Keep positive!
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This last chemo was a monster. I have a terrible cold. My whole throat is sore from front to back and my neck is stiff, and my urinary symptoms are back and I have a little fever. My face is swollen and I'm losing my eyelashes. I almost didn't do this last one and I wish I hadn't.
And my laptop died...so I have to come down to this cold creepy basement to post on an old clunker. DH is staying home to take care of me today, so I don't have to drive myself for my neupogen shot; that certainly helps. It's 5 degrees out. Sorry, but I am bummed. I just want this OVER!
We just spent $120 on tickets to a Midori violin concert on Sunday...I sure hope I get to go!!! -
Mizsissy - that sucks! I had a cold after my first treatment and it freaked me out. I think I took my temp. 8 times a day. I also drank lots of fluids, used steam and a saline spray for my sinuses and didn't leave the house for a week. I didn't get an infection, but I did take over two week to really get over it.
When I first got my chemo schedule, I marked off March 7 as the day it would be OVER! But after a couple of treatments, I marked March21 - now I know it will be longer than that, especially as for fatigue.
You have done so well, and it will soon be OVER! Hang in there and take very good care of yourself. -
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When I first got my chemo schedule, I marked off March 7 as the day it would be OVER! But after a couple of treatments, I marked March21 - now I know it will be longer than that, especially as for fatigue.
Dar, I completely agree. I have March 22 in my head as "THE END" but realistically, it won't be over until I feel okay--which at this rate, will take a while.
Still feeling kinda yucky on and off 8 days out. I'm sure it will take longer after #4. Pretty tired still too.
Mizsissy, sorry about the cold. Those chemo colds stink. In fact, I don't think the word "cold" does justice. It's more like flu or pneumonia, I think.
Amera -
Mizsissy - sorry to hear you are feeling so badly. I'm glad you don't have to go back for any more. Get lots of rest and feel better soon.
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Just got back from Oncology for my Nuepogen shot, and managed to get the paperwork in place for a urine sample (before 9 in the morning, kind of a miracle since most med offices don't open until then).
Nurse there told me my temp was spiking and if it gets higher I have to go to ER...I hate going to ER, sit for 4-5 hours all day and get seen by an inexperienced intern and exposed to germs. Last time I went on oncology's instructions I got a letter from my insurance provider that this visit was unnecessary. Called my PCP and have an appointment there today later this after, but the most important PCP's nurse wanted to make is that she was *documenting* the fact I had been told to go to ER, and would hardly let me get a word in edgewise (just to tell her this was IF temp spikes). She was practically shouting at me. All anybody wants to do is cover their butt. -
Mizsissy,
I can't believe how much flack your providers give you! What happened to common courtesy and compassion? Although when my insurance plan called yesterday to tell me it was time for a routine mammogram I was so angry (yes, I had one last march, clear as a bell, and then diagonosed in Nov with a 4 cm tumor!). You would think one of the first qualities that would be required in health care providers would be kindness.
Feel better!
Melia -
Sorry for being so cranky...Yah, I've gotten at least two mammogram reminders in the last month...
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