Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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I have to go back to work 2 weeks after my surgery (what a way to take vacation days!) so I don't think the no bra idea is too good for me. I'll figure something out.
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I think I am one of the few here having neoadjuvent (chemo before surgery). I think chemo before surgery is easier because your body is well (blood counts good, etc.) before the chemo hits you. I think that is why I've been able to work through this and exercise. It should be interesting to see how I recover after my surgery. They are giving me 3-1/2 weeks to recover from chemo before the surgery.
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IowaCindy, it is so exciting to hear you only have one more TX after this. You were so depressed a few weeks ago, and now you're such a short time from being done.
It would be fun to have a real live post chemo party!!! Maybe if we couldn't actually get together we could do it the way the WC girls do...get drunk together and post!!!!
Taxotere, I think, is one of the first line of attack drugs, it is newer than Taxol. I am surprised to hear there is more neuropathy with Taxol. I didn't have any...however I do think chemo changed my vision. My glasses don't work as well, and when I go to the mall my eyes tear and tear so much I have to leave. Anybody else experience this?
Nandy, 1 mg is the standard dose I think; it's what I have and it sure works!!!!
On the Tamo...anybody know how it works for post-menopausal women?!!! I know it helps with bones and cholesterol, and I hope it helps down south as well... -
Nandy, I've always had 1 mg Ativan. Didn't use it on Wednesday night and I was awake for 3 whole hours. The next day I was miserable, especially since the bone ache kicked in. Used it last night and I slept like a baby. Today there is still the ache, although the soles of my feet are less sore. I'm trying out Aleve tonight. See if that works better than Ibuprofen.
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Quote:
On the Tamo...anybody know how it works for post-menopausal women?!!! I know it helps with bones and cholesterol, and I hope it helps down south as well...
Mizsissy,
I got this info from ACS website:
Women not having periods, or who are known to be in menopause at any age, and have hormone receptor-positive tumors will generally receive hormone therapy with an aromatase inhibitor. (Monitoring levels of hormones such as estradiol and FSH may be required to make sure that a woman is truly postmenopausal.) If the aromatase inhibitor is given alone, the period of treatment is 5 years. If the woman cannot take an aromatase inhibitor, an alternative is tamoxifen for 5 years as adjuvant therapy.
Some women may benefit from receiving both drugs (although not at the same time). Recent studies have shown that postmenopausal women who take an aromatase inhibitor after taking tamoxifen for 2 to 6 years may further lower the risk that their breast cancer will come back. It is not known exactly how long the aromatase inhibitor should be taken, but in current studies it has been taken for up to 5 years. Other studies have shown a benefit for an aromatase inhibitor given after tamoxifen. Postmenopausal women were given the drug for 2 to 3 years after receiving tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years. These women had a lower cancer recurrence rate, both local and distant, than did women who took tamoxifen for the full 5-year period. You might want to discuss these new treatments with your doctor. -
Getting over drug dependency: that's another post chemo problem. I haven't entirely weaned myself away from all those meds. I had gotten off Ativan pretty well when life got tough (mainly friends in trouble), so I took them a few nights after I'd been weaned. Night before last I used a Zyrtec instead, and slept 'til 11 am! I feel enough like a total degenerate just doing chemo, but now, it's worse. I feel better but still looking for pills to pop at bedtime, and drinking every night!!!
It's just another thing that makes me thing how irresponsible those oncologists are...OK, keep 'em doped up, make sure they don't freak out on our (onc) watch. Once chemo is done, it's their problem.
It's probably also the way our health system works. People used get a lot more nursing care, a lot more hospitalization, and now everything has to be outpatient. One way to deal with that is lots of meds. -
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now that I've gone through chemo and am recovering I am wondering if I did enough. I had a binodal tumor or two tumors; one was just about 2 cm (which puts me between Stage I and Stage II), and one was "invisible" and less than .5 cm, but identical histologically to the first. I had clear nodes, and my oncotype score came back at 36, which put me in the High Risk range. My oncologist has never really discussed the pros and cons of different chemo therapies or even offered anything more to me than the 4 session regimen. He didn't even discuss my change from AC to TC (that went through the good nurse). My chance of recurrence, according to the test was 25%, which is a lot. He did say chemo would cut that roughly in half. I was very strongly ER positive, HER negative, PR negligible...I do not want a recurrence. If I do get a recurrence, it will be aggressive. Any ideas on what I should be doing (other than changing oncologists, which unfortunately doesn't seem to be an option)
Mizsissy,
I think you should feel good about the TC chemo regimine. As you know, I am taking TC as well. See study results that compare AC to TC that shows that TC has a slight favorable result to AC.
http://www.breastcancer.org/research_chemotherapy_021706.html -
Lynn, thanx for your post on tamo..it didn't show up until I'd finished that last post.
I have a pretty good idea about the survival rate with AIs vs. Tamoxifen, and I know AIs are better...in fact, many women who are pre-menopausal will have surgical or chemical hysterectomies in order to be eligible for AIs. I didn't think I was going to do chemo at all for a while, so I spent that time doing a lot of research on AIs, and while they are more effective, most women have terrible side effects. Their bones ache, they talk about turning into old ladies over night, and there are studies that show lots of women don't stay on the medication because of the side effects, that even stopping for a day or so is beneficial. Even Fitchik, one of the fittest, most pro-active women on this site complained a lot. And...you know how excited we are to get our hair back...AIs cause severe hair thinning and some of us might NEVER get hair back on AIs.
It is more a quality of life issue with me. I know there is greater risk with tamo, but I need to weigh the benefits against the risks. AIs are relatively new, and it just seems to me that post-menopausal women need some sort of estrogen in their bodies to protect bones and lower cholesterol, and I am wondering if it makes sense for overall health to take tamoxifen, even if you are post menopausal. Cancer recurrence is a concern, but not my only concern.
Mizsissy -
Lynn,
Thanx for link on taxotere, I know it is a really good chemo drug, one of the best available, which makes me wonder why AC is still the standard. I just wonder if 4 infusions is enough; other women are getting herceptin as well. I really DON'T want a recurrence. My oncotype score indicated that I NEEDED chemo more than the average woman with an ER positive tumor....
I probably should change oncologists, but that would mean having to go to a totally different health provider.
Mizsissy -
Herceptin is only indicated for tumors that are her2/neu positive. I don't know the answer about 4 vs. 6 chemo tx, have you asked your Onc that question? I had a very large tumor (7.5cm), but I'm not sure if that is the reason I have 6 tx or if that is the standard from my Onc.
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well just lost my post!!! It was long too. Dag nab it I am having a crappy day!
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Lynn,
Your right about herceptin; I realized that but it slipped my mind. My tumor wasn't as big as yours...but there was more than one, and I didn't get a clear excision first time. Maybe I'm OK...did you have an oncology test too? If so, what was your score? Did you have clear nodes?
I would LOVE to have a different oncologist, one who I could talk to, but he is the head of the ONE oncology dept in my health plan, and every other health professional I talk to agrees that this guy never offers information unless you pull it out of him. And when I talk to him, he seems forgetful, forgetting words for things like "Arimidex" or other things that I remember easily. His wife is also the head nurse and I get the feeling that she is the Hillary Clinton who is running everything. They are the king and queen of oncology in my health system. I've discussed changing with other doctors, and it seems to be politically totally infeasible.
Maybe I can find another oncologist in the same health plan in a different community. I wouldn't mind traveling..I could change to a different health plan but I would lose a number of other doctors I really like.
Mizsissy -
Well, I had my last chemo on Thursay and should be starting my Rads soon. Yay.... Hey Hair...hurry up and grow back.
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Congratulations RobbinJaye...our graduating class is growing larger and larger!!! How many are there now. Robbin, you have a few days of chemo fog and fatigue ahead of you but it will soon be over for good!!!
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Mizsissy,
You seem uneasy with the care you have gotten, and like you need to talk to another dr. Have you tried going outside your plan for a second opinion? I know it's expensive, but I worry that your peace of mind is adversely impacted by your (justified, it sounds like) lack of confidence in your care. This is such a battle, and maybe it would be worth paying for another opinion? Just a thought.
I have read too many postings about taxol and have pretty much scared myself silly, so have decided to try not to read any more of them and to trust my doctor. I start 12 weekly treatments on April 11 and am working hard to drum up the courage to face going into that building 12 times. My dr says that it will be much easier than ac, and I did fine on that. But some people really seem to suffer. Oh dear.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend and sweet dreams tonite.
Melia -
What a day, my appt for taxol #3 was a t 1:00 today and after sitting in the waiting room for an hour!!! I realized something was wrong when people were coming in and going right in. I went to the window and the lady there didn't even pull my chart!! and she knew I was there as I told her twice in that hour my name. She didn't even apologized, she could of cared less that she made a mistake. Why can't folks do their jobs right? My next issue was the Dr. said I was anemic and needed a shot every two weeks. I told her I got one last week and she said it wasn't written in my chart. Geez, if it wasn't for this forum and website and getting my associates degree in cancer care via it, I would be in big trouble. Dr. also told me taxol is VERY constipating and I can validate that statement. With softeners, laxatives and fiber I still need a stick of dynamite. EWWW miserable and the hot flashes omg please make them stop I can't stand it! This has been a difficult day, I am feeling the neuropathy, but Dr. wants me to have at least 4 full doses before she considers cutting the doses if the neuropathy gets worse. I am scared, my feet burn and she never has mentioned anything to help like that Glutomine stuff (sp). Have a good weekend my sisters, time to step outside and cool off.
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Hi all - hope every one is having a reasonably good day! We are headed to Calgary to see some friends' new house.
Lyn, I didn't have any tests before starting the Tamoxifen. Sorry about the grapefruit - I understand that there are other meds that you can't eat grapefruit, but you probably don't take them for years!
Mizsissy, Tamoxifen is your only choice if you are pre-menopausal because it "coats" the cells and keeps your natural estrogen from getting at them. AIs keep your body from making estrogen if you are post-meno, I guess that explains the difference in side effects. The sheet I got said that Tamoxifen could cause and increase OR decrease in vaginal secretions - go figure? Tamoxifen is best for me because I was having regular periods before, and even had one between treatments #2 and #3. I say, little ovaries - go to sleep now, your job is done! I hope to change to an AI in 2-3 years. The only way you can tell how you'll feel on either is to try them. It's a bit scary to take that first pill, but so far so good. I'm pretty hot at night, but I think I'll go today and find a lighter blanket - we have a super fluffy winter duvet on now. -
Robbinjaye, big congrats on finishing! It's great to know every time someone else makes it to the end.
Melia I was nervous about the Taxol at first too, but it really is more tolerable than the AC and I'm sure your staff will monitor you closely for allergies to it. I had no allergic reaction at all. But like Nancy says, stock up on stool softeners and such. It can also cause diarrhea (go figure!) but I only had that one day the first treatment. True there is bone pain, especially if you are also getting Neulasta, and heavy duty fatigue, but that goes away for the most part after the first week and by the second weekend I feel pretty good.
Rebecca I rejoice with you in the taste of that veggie pannini...we have to take those small successes and savor. Here is the weird thing I've noticed during both my Taxol infusion weeks so far, I have had a strong craving for green salad smothered with cheese and sour cream. So, I eat it! - Skye -
Lynn -
My onc has already told me that after chemo, after rads, I will be on tamoxifen for 2 1/2 yrs, then AI (aromatose inhibitors) for 2 1/2 yrs. I also have started reading about this - and so far, seems like the best "next step" for me - FYI -
Rebecca - Looks like you and I are on a similar time frame for rads - I just met with my rad onc last Monday and I will be starting rads shortly after May 8th. He wanted me to wait 4-6 weeks after chemo - I chose the 4! Anxious to get this behind me!
Jen -
Good Morning Ladies,
Just checking in. We're celebrating my birthday today (a week late) because I was all in the fog last weekend. All 3 of my children will be here. We're grilling out and then having cake/ice cream. I'm so excited to spend time with them. Shelley will stay the night and then drive back to Boston tomorrow.
Hope everyone has a lovely day! -
Oh, and Congratulations RobbinJaye! Way to go girl!
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Melianne, Lynn, Dar:
Thanks for the discussion on Tamo and Chemo, these are serious questions for me and I've discussed your ideas with my husband. Lynn, thanx for the reassurance about taxotere. Melia, I had not thought of seeing an oncologist out of my health plan, but I think that's a great idea. My husband has a special tax-sheltered fund for non-covered medical expenses and we over-padded it this year, so there will be plenty of money to cover a consultation, and I have an elderly friend who's had BC for 15 years who loves her onc, and I'll give him a try. At least I could discuss my treatment plan with him and implement his ideas back in my own health plan.
Dar, thanks for the dope on Tamo...are you already starting? I think I'll give it a try.
Melia, I am sorry you are worried about Taxol...and I can understand your fears. Just keep yourself in as good health as possible, eating well, exercising; I think that is the best defense against any of the chemo side effects.
Happy Birthday Lynn...you deserve a special day after your downer last week!!!!!
Mizsissy -
Huzza huzza...congratulations to all the new graduates!!! The list keeps on growing!!!!!
This is based on my list from page 27....it may not be the latest, but the only one I could find. Let me know of changes & additions. I know some new women are here, let me know your data and I'll put you in.
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Aladora, Victoria,7-May WHERE'VE YOU BEEN?
Amera, Mass, AC, 22-Mar DONE, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Brenda ????? DONE, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Caya, Ontario, FEC-T, 10-May
Dar1, Alberta, AC, 7-Mar DONE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!
I82jem(Jan), NC, FEC, 11-May
Ihopeg (Ilene), Penn, TAC, 2-May
IowaCindy, AC/Taxotere, 13-Apr COMING UP SOON!!!
JoniIMB, Alberta, FEC, 20-Apr COMING UP SOON!!!
Jungiee
Kids123
Lucy, TCH/Herceptin, Dec
Lynn12, Mass, TC, 8-May
Melianne, Cal, AC/Taxol,30-Jun
Mer1957 (Mary), Michigan
Mizsissy, 4 cats, Mich,TC, 5-Mar DONE!!!! RADS April
MrsShea NO CHEMO!!! RADS starting this week
Nandy, Missouri, 2-Apr ALMOST DONE!!! Hooray!!!
Nancy AB, 3 cats, AC/Taxol, 10-June
Ritajean, Illinois, CMF, 30-Mar DONE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Robertin, Kansas, 8-May
RobbinJaye, California, AC, 29-Mar DONE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Rsheehey (Rebecca), NJ, TAC, 2-May
Sandra7inCA
Shorti, Ontario, FEC/Taxotere, 23-Apr COMING UP SOON!!!
Sirgin, Mass
Skydivine, Midwest, AC/Herception, 23-Apr COMING UP SOON!!!
t4t(Tae), Alabama, AC DONE!!!, Taxol Started
tcl60 (Tammy), California, TC/Taxotere, dose dense! 25-April COMING UP SOON!!!
Viddie, Mass, AC/Herception, 19-April COMING UP SOON!!!
Vlfr, LA, Braxane/Herceptin, 3-May
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Nancy, you know, you've got me totally confused with all your new pix (but they are so much fun!!!). I didn't know you were you!!!!
Mary, somehow I never got your data...Jan, I had your data but lost it..update me!!
Mizsissy -
Skye!! Are we long lost sisters?? I crave salads after taxol tx too, only I want tons of hard boiled eggs on it! That's sooo funny.
Nancy -
Mizsissy, Just keeping you on your toes, to help remedy the chemo brain. I found this little dude sending kisses to all my BC sisters for strength and hope.I couldn't resist. And yes I still am bald everytime I looked at my old avatar it scared me. BC has really made me ugly. I finally got my cooler hats today from TLC, One of these hats is a bandanna that you soak the front band in cold water and it keeps you cool all day, it has something in the head band called miracool. Yeah, bring on those 90's I'm ready! I ordered them on the 10th and was getting worried, Dang that was serious snailmail. Love Nancy
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Hello all,
Well, it's Sat. after my first infusion on Thursday of Taxotere - still feeling not too bad very tired yesterday, probably because I have barely slept the previous 2 nights due to the steroids. Only got in about 5 hours of sleep last night, but at least I finished the 3 day steroid regime so hopefully tonight will be better. Otherwise no other major side effects - yet. Thanks to all of you who gave me warnings on what to possibly expect.
Lynn, I hope you have a nice belated birthday celebration with your family.
RobbinJaye - congrats on being finished with chemo. waiting for that hair to grow back, I can relate there.
Mary, good luck with your neoadjuvant chemo. I'm sure it will be a great success.
Rebecca, go for another veg. pannini - and skye, eat those green salads with cheese and sour cream to your heart's content. If we can actually enjoy some food, go for it.
I'm just being lazy again today, although I did make some matzo balls this a.m. to freeze because Passover starts Monday night.
Have a nice day everybody, I'll check in later today.
Caya. -
I sent it but that's okay, here it is again. LAST TAXOL 4/5. Yahoo! I also get a CAT scan that day, say a prayer, it's scary waiting for the results. Mastectomy 5/1 then rads probably 3 wks later then Tamoxifen.
My little toe has gone numb (Taxol?) even though I'm taking the glutamine. Now I am going to add B6 because the dr had said it helps nerve function.
My dh and I are going on a "date" tonight. He has it planned. We need a pick-me-up. Too bad I can't have any wine!
My brother-in-law got rushed to the hospital last night. His liver is worse than they thought. He is still trying chemo on Thurs. My dh and I are suppose to go on a little mini-vacation on 4/13 to see my son who moved to Houston in Jan. I hope we can still go.
Congrats RobbinJaye, soon will be joining you. I hear the hair takes about a month to come back. These wigs and hats are sure getting hot and old!
Everyone, have a good day. Jan, hope you're feeling better. -
Happy Passover in advance to you and other BC Jewish friends we have found here. Can you send me some matzo ball soup?
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Hi all,
Still in a fog. Can't write too good right now so i will keep it short. Last A/C was Thursday, and first of 12 weekly taxol,/herceptin will begin on April 19.
Lynn, Happy belated Birthday. I hope you are having a wonderful day.
Mizsissy, It is a great idea to get a second opinion. I know the benefits to that firsthand.
Congratulations Robbin and Cindi on finishing chemo. Now you will have to celebrate.
Nandy,
ativan comes in 2 strengths, --.5 mg and 1 mg. I have both strengths. I take .5 when I want to get off them at the end of my first week.
Getting foggier and tired. I Think I will lie down now.
I hope everybody has a nice night.
Viddie -
Congratulations, RobbinJaye!
Cindy
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