Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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I don't think I get cold sweats but the hot flashes are increasing. I used to really only feel them at night, escpecially in bed, but like you Rebecca, they are creeping in during the day now too. It must be because the weather is warmer.
It's a busy Dr. consultation week for me. Wednesday I went to the radiation onc, today dh and I are driving into Boston to see the plastic surgeon. He is only 1 of 2 that do DIEP in Mass. I have my list of questions. But even more fun, we're then meeting my oldest daughter (22) and going to dinner in the North end (Italian section) of Boston. I am so excited. It will be a long day, but I'm ready!
It's warm and sunny and I'm feeling good today! Amazing the difference just a couple days makes! Sometimes it feels like I whole different world.
Anyway, have a nice day everyone! -
Caya,
We love hearing news like yours, thanks for sharing! -
Caya my heart is filled with joy after reading your post. Not too much else for me to say L'Chaim!
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good morning
Congrats Caya good news ! feels good eh to get that and have some good weather here . The birds are singing for sure The steroids will keep you peppy for sure then the days after sleepy time.... but its also easier than FEC .... such good news for you yey spring ......
Lynn have fun in Boston enjoy your dinner .
Another fine day today I am off to my garden and deck ........ -
Quote:
Is anyone experiencing cold sweats?
I am only 41 and only did 4 rounds of AC. After my 3rd round I missed my period. It has not come back this month either.
I have been experiencing MAJOR hot flashes. At night, it's hot flash, then cold....hot flash then cold. WTF.... I still have another 10 years before I hit menopause.
I sure hope this was just an medical induced, temporary menopause!!!!!!!!!! -
Robbin, you are ER+ right?! You're going to need anti-hormonal therapy to prevent recurrence; anti-hormonal therapy is the MOST SUCCESSFUL of all cancer therapies when women are ER+ like us. You will probably be on tamoxifen. I think most women who go through chemo experience chemopause, but it is temporary. But your hormones are will never be the same after this...it's something we all to face.
Tamoxifen will coat your ER receptors to prevent them from accepting estrogen, and that way, prevent cancer cells from multiplying. But there were also be menopausal-like side effects, but nothing unmanageable. Did you read my earlier message about menopause? It is really nothing to fear, even if it's early. It's not going to change your life adversely. Promise!!!
Mizsissy -
Lynn..you fly out of Hartford? I used to fly out of Hartford. Where do you live in Mass? I went to school in South Hadley & Amherst at separate times and positively loved the Connecticut Valley. It took a lot to tear me away to graduate school in Michigan.
I lived in Sunderland for a number of years...I really miss it.
Mizsissy
PS...Congratulations CAYA on your great onc meeting!!! -
Caya,
That is great news! Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the encouragement.
By the way, when I mentioned to my oncologist if I should be concerned that my her2 score is 10.5, she said that there are no studies that say anything about scores over 2.5 as being more aggressive. As to what they know now, it doesn't make a differece if you are 2.5 or 12. The only thing they look at is if you over 2.5 and you need herceptin. I also asked her what she meant when she told me that my 10.5 score was impressive. She said it meant absolutely nothing and that I should not make anything of it. She also said I that was getting the best treatment that is out today, and with a bilateral mastectomy in August, coupled with Tamoxifen or Arimidex, my prognosis was also very good. So, I also felt good after I saw my oncologist yesterday. It is certainly getting great new for all of us!!!
Lynn, Good luck with your doctors appointment today. Have a nice time with your daughter. That should be lots of fun.
The weather here is also finally sunny and warm. Time to get the beach chair out on the porch.
Viddie -
Viddie,
I asked my onc. about my 10.9 fish score, and he said pretty well the same thing - it's over 2.5, you get Herceptin- again, the best treatment there is out there for us.
I went out for about a 45 minute walk in the gorgeous sunshine - felt great, but now I'm pooped - quick shower and a nap. We're having Friday night dinner tonight at my mother's, and I want to try to go.
Caya -
Caya, I am excited to hear this about Herceptin. Although I'm not getting it myself, a dear friend is. I think it may make our current statistics irrelevant! What will the 5 and 10 year stats be 10 years from now due to Herceptin - and who knows what else may come along. I'm envious of your weather - we have 6" of snow - AGAIN!
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Hi All,
I am at my older daughter's house relaxing. She and her husband will be home in a few hours. I had fun with my younger daughter yesterday, and both business meetings went well. I feel much better after my first taxol than after ac, less toxic somehow, but since I have 11 more to go, I imagine the se's are cumulative. Still, I am grateful to feel well.
Viddie, no herceptin for me as I am triple neg. That also means no tamoxifen, and sometimes I worry about that, but I can't change the diagnosis. I just hope for the best.
Caya, my onc also talks about 'cure'. I questioned him on it and he was surprised. He said of course he intends for this to be curative. I nearly hugged him. Some of the stuff on the internet is so scary, and so politically correct, that I thought for a while that no one spoke of cures. But he assures me that indeed they do. So I have decided to believe him!
Stay strong all, and have a good weekend. I see my son tomorrow and then home, quiet day on Sunday, and then back to work. I am still upset with my husband for not being willing to take a trip with me to celebrate the end of treatment this summer, so the break has been good for me. I need to get over it. For those of you who don't know, he is a marathoner and is training for a race at the end of July, so won't break his training for a four day weekend. Hmmm, a race vs chemo. Really????
Melia -
Thanks Rebecca. I hope they do give me some numbing cream and I'm planning on taking a Xanax. I probably will not have slept all night the night before the surgery. I went through two childbirths with no meds so I know I can do this, but it isn't as rewarding that's for sure.
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Mary...not to worry about your surgery. A mastectomy isn't that big a deal; just think of your breasts as excess fat tissue; they don't have a necessary biological function anymore, and they don't have a lot of nerves, and if you had to have any part of your body removed, this is the least traumatic, except of course for the cosmetic effects. I didn't have a full mastectomy but I had a lumpectomy and reexcision and it wasn't bad. The worst part is the lymph nodes they take from your arm.
Of course you'll be nervous, that's why they suggested Xanax but I don't think in a million years they thought of it as a substitute for anesthesia...they were surely use some kind of local anesthetic to prep you. I'm quite sure you'll have all the meds you need to avoid most pain, mental or physical. In fact, I remember how I felt in recovery after my first surgery after I had morphine...I was just floating around in a very happy place!!! (Despite a miserable sore throat from being intubated!).
BTW, if you have ANY kind of problem with acid reflux, make sure you took your stomach meds or else they'll intubate you!!!
It's important to have your arm raised after surgery,and your arm may be numb and sensitive in places, but that should away after a few weeks. You'll be amazed at how fast you recuperate.
Have you decided on reconstruction, when.. how?
Sorry if this is not up-to-date, but when I check in there are SO MANY new messages I just can't read them all..
Mizsissy -
Hi Viddie,
Tae will get her next taxotere and final chemo on May 11th, 3 weeks. Today's session was anything but dull. But first, b4 I forget, Tae wants to thank Joni, Shorti, and Skye and anyone else that chimed in about the cold sweats. Misery loves company, but aside from that, it is comforting to know that you are not alone in a particular problem. The onc today proclaimed that it is the hormones. Of course, like most men, when you mention hormones, my eyes glaze over. So, then, it is inexplicable. That answers that question.
During today's session of taxotere, Tae had a reaction. The nurse started out at 50 (drips per minute?), then after half an hour went to 100 and then to 150. So far no problem, but when she went to 200, Tae started getting tight in the chest and short of breath. That caused a flurry of action. They came over with oxygen and a steriod shot and a bag of saline drip. Checking vitals and got the onc in there stat. Well everything turned out okay for Tae, but then the lady across the aisle started her reaction and she is about 85 or 90 years old. Not so fortunate for her, they took her to the hospital to continue treatment. Several folks got emotional at that point.
Well anyway instead of an hour long session this turned into five hours. But THERE IS ONLY ONE MORE! Here's hoping this taxotere will be a little more gentle than the taxol was. No more Neulasta unless the counts next Friday are very low. Tae got a Procrit shot today to boost her red counts. Wonder what other chemicals they can pump into a bc patient? And some folks complain about the cost of a barrel of light sweet crude. HA!
Terry 4 Tae. -
Caya, I thought I posted this morning to say thanks for a great way to start my day but I don't see it so I must have hit the wrong button or something. Viddie I was glad to hear from you, too, that the FISH score doesn't mean it's more dire if it's over 2, since mine is 9. I really got the impression from my onc that this was bad, so I'm going to question him closely about it on Monday. I like your doc's explanation much better!
Those cold sweats...I thought were from Taxol but who knows. They come at the strangest times. I think the huge variety of substances and meds we all take probably have our body rhythm system going, as that latest saying of choice goes...wtf?
I had a call from my art rep whom I've known for ten years, and learned that he is going through a painful divorce. I said I was sorry, and he said he had taken this as his motto: I can live every day in happiness and contentment, if I choose to. I thought that was a pretty good survivor attitude for any situation.
I was out for Friday night fish fry with my two best friends this evening, it was great to be out and about. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend as best as possible - Skye -
T4T, your post came in while I was writing my last one. I'm so glad they were vigilant and ready when Tae had her reaction, and so sorry it happened! Thank goodness you only have one left, then! The poor elderly lady, too. It must have been upsetting for everyone. The elderly lady that's been in the chemo room with me the last time is actually getting visibly better, it's kind of cool and everyone is noticing and glad to see it. Anyway, hopefully Tae's staff should be on top of her situation now so no surprises for next time - Skye
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Terry- Tell Tae Congratulations on getting through it, and I pray it is easier on her. She has been through enough.
I had an emotional day, I saw my onc. and guess she could see the sadness in me. I have had a weird rash and she looked at that and said it was yeast. EWWW just growing there on my skin. Crimamny! She prescribed a cream and said to use it even if the rash goes away keep putting it on. I had a good cry and she suggests I get more support from groups and such. But I'm not or ever was the kind of person that could put myself out there, Kind of shy I guess. I went into treatment and got Taxol #6, came home and slept several hours. When I got up I cleaned house like the white tornado. It is suppose to be a beautiful weekend and the flowers places are opening. That should be a lift in my mood, but on the other hand I feel to overwhelmed and tired. Plus I'm scared of being in the sun, I wasn't really told to avoid it, but has anyone got any knowledge about the sun and chemo?
I am as usual home alone tonight. DH friends took him out ( can't deny him that I guess) Kids out doing their thing. So this is empty nesting? I'm not sure I like it. Well I'm reading a really good book and almost done so I guess I'll curl up with it. Thanks for hearing me out. Good Night -
Hi everybody. Caya, what wonderful news you got today - and how nice to sit down with your onc. and go over everything like that. I'm thrilled that he is thinking cure for you, and it does give hope to all of us. It's easy to forget that we can actually think of bc and cure in the same sentence - but we can.
Lynn, I'm anxious to hear your impressions from meeting with the PS today. I think the DIEP procedure is so exciting and so miraculous, especially now that I've seen some in person. Mine is scheduled in six weeks.
I'm recovering from my last Taxol - I'm a mess but it feels so good to be able to say I'm done! I am so swollen from the waist down that it's just grotesque - has anybody else had this? I went out and bought compression hose today, to see if that will help. I have two purple toenails and they all are sore, as are my fingernails. I just feel puffy and bloated and totally unattractive right now. To make it worse, I went up to work today to turn in my short term disability papers, and our receptionist gave me a hug and said "oh you poor baby, you're on prednisone, aren't you?" She was looking at my face, so evidently that has rounded out like my feet have. Oh well...guess I'll just laugh and hope it goes away soon.
The good thing that happened was that I got my disability papers turned in and let my supervisor know, and that went well. I was feeling so guilty about not going back until after my mastectomy, but they were all very supportive. Evidently, I was the only one to whom that decision was not obvious. So I guess I'll stay home and rest up and do what I need to do now.
My husband is going on an almost 200 mile bike ride this weekend, fundraiser for MS, so I'll have the whole weekend to myself. I plan to get up whenever I wake up, put on my compression stockings, and just totally veg out all weekend. That's the plan, anyway.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Melinda -
Nancy,
I think we are supposed to avoid the sun. Or at least wear strong suntan lotion. I will still enjoy the sun tomorrow- all that vitamin D and sunshine lifts all moods. I hope you feel better tomorrow.
Terry,
What a hectic day for both of you!! I hope the taxotere agrees with Tae than the taxol. One more left- that is great! I hope you two have a nice weekend.
Melia,
Sounds like you are having a great weekend with your kids. It is nice to get away and be able to enjoy your kids. I am glad the taxol went well for you. For me- so far, so good.
Good night,
Viddie -
yes, if you use it at home before your surgery, you'll need a script for it.
Cindy -
"Plus I'm scared of being in the sun, I wasn't really told to avoid it, but has anyone got any knowledge about the sun and chemo?"
Nancy, I've been told by the onc.'s staff that for the next year I have to be hyper-vigilant about being in the sun. Not to go out without at least SPF 30 sunscreen on. That's after AC and Taxotere.
It's going to a long summer worrying so much about the sun. I love to be out in the yard.
Cindy -
Terry,
hope that the Taxotere is much gentler on Tae.
Cindy -
Mel,
That sounds like a wonderful plan. My dh is retired, and when he goes away for a few nights, I have a grand happy time alone in my house. I put my pj's on early, eat light meals, watch tv and the house stays clean. I end up missing him, but not after a few days of bliss.
Are you swollen because they gave you steriods? When I got taxol yesterday, they only put it in the IV. I didn't have to take any at home. I had to take decradron with the A/C, but not with the taxol. I would call your oncologist if this is the first time you are so swollen. It's great that you are done.
Have you researched the Diep surgery.? How did you find out about it? Are you having two sides or one side done? How did they decide if you had enough stomach fat?
I am having bilateral surgery, but I have not met with a PL yet. My BS does not think I have enough tummy for 2 C breasts. I have DD now and do not want to go lower than a C, so I do not think I will be eligible. I might meet with a Diep surgeon just to see what he says, but I will probably end up with implants.
Have a great weekend,
Viddie -
How you must have appreciated having such a conversation with the doctor!
Sometimes I've found it a little hard to break through that official presence and connect so they 'see' me and talk to me at my level. Doesn't matter that I have any medical background. This is my health and I want them to know my name and relate to me personally.
I'm happy for you with your doctor's report. Gotta claim that cure!!!
Cindy -
"Are you swollen because they gave you steriods? When I got taxol yesterday, they only put it in the IV. I didn't have to take any at home. I had to take decradron with the A/C, but not with the taxol. I would call your oncologist if this is the first time you are so swollen. It's great that you are done."
I didn't take any steroids with my AC but was given decadron to take one day before, the day of and the day after each Taxotere. I was told it wasn't just to manage possible allergic reaction but to prevent swelling. I never noticed any.
Cindy -
today.
When I stopped at the onc's office today for lab work, a woman in the lab room mentioned she's a year out from treatment. She had a nice head of hair!
She mentioned Tamoxifen to the lab nurse and I asked her if she could tell me if she had any s/e from it. She said it will be a year on Tamo next month and the only problem she's had is about a 5 pound weight gain that she can't seem to manage. But she's satisfied with that - she's happy 'to be here'.
I've gotta get busy and get moving. As soon as I'm over this last treatment!
Cindy -
Viddie, I assume the swelling is from the Decadron I got with the Taxol, yes. For the first 9 treatments I only got 4 mg, but they increased my dose the last three treatments due to the fact that I was having side effects (neuropathy, rash, etc.). I had swelling as soon as they increased the dose, but it's been worse each time. I think it will go away with time, but I'm not afraid to call if I think it's not going away.
I'm having a bilateral mastectomy. I am a D to DD cup right now, but have always wished for more like a C or even large B so I have no regrets about going down a couple of sizes. I've got enough tummy for a B or C, according to the surgeon, I guess from too many cookies - anyway, I just took her word for that.
I researched the DIEP surgery on the internet, then started talking to people who had had it. I've seen someone now who had the DIEP done by the same surgeon, and it was just incredible - flawless. If mine is half as good, I'll be thrilled. It totally looks and feels like a real breast - you'd never know it wasn't a real breast. She even has sensation. I decided to have the bilateral done because if I would be having a reduction done on my healthy breast, I figured I might as well just do the bilateral and then not have to worry about this happening in the other breast. I had good surveillance all along, never missed a mammo and did my self-exams, and still ended up with a 3 cm tumor that nobody caught.
Anyway, I'm really thrilled with the DIEP - I think you should at least meet with a DIEP surgeon and see what they say. You might be surprised what they can do, and once it's done, there are less complications down the line.
Melinda -
Viddie, I'm glad you had a good "day 1" w/hercetin/taxol". That's a good sign... you'll probably do OK...
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Well the sun is out again and i am going out in it . We just have to be extra special careful about the sun . I wear a hat all the time light long sleeve top and put on spf 30 sunscreen . On my face and especially the back of my neck . I have to garden thats my hobby ,
Tae : yikes a little scary with your infusion , i had no reaction to mine but the nurss were keeping a close eye on me .... its good that they are there , now with your next treatment they will know what to do . I have my last treatment on Monday and sunday nite i start with the zophran and decatron , steriods for the reactions and swelling.
Mel : when i had a rash the dr put me on predisone a steriod to get rid of it (another steroid ) and it helped but again as with any steroid it makes you perky and its hard to sleep on them . Keep an eye on it hope that you feel better .
DH has the boat out and is getting excited about fishing, spring cleaning weekend gotta get going and go outside .
Check in later . -
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