June 2007 Chemo

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Welcome Sharon. Regarding your vegetarianism, have you met with a nutritionist given your treatments to see that you are getting enough protein? Have you considered introducing either fish/poultry into your diet. I wonder if that might help with the fatigue and also rebuilding your body's energy stores. Just a thought.

    Debbie C.
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  • SharonInMO
    SharonInMO Member Posts: 26
    edited June 2007
    Hi Debbie,

    Thanks for writing. I'm not too worried about protein during chemo, since I get the same amount as most people around the world that eat meat in smaller quantities than in the U.S.

    Last year, my regular doctor thought I must be malnourished after 20+ years of vegetarianism, so she sent me to a nutritionist. I had to track every bite for 2 weeks. The nutritionist said I had the healthiest diet she had ever seen (7 servings of fresh fruit/veg each day, my own organic duck eggs, etc.), though I am at the lower end of the protein spectrum. To make up for this during chemo, I have been cooking with butter, eating more eggs, and eating more nuts and protein bars. And as always, I eat homemade muffins everyday that contain a LOT of flax seed for the Omega 3's.

    I am veggie for ethical reasons, but in an emergency, would consider eating some free-range chicken (a la Lance Armstrong) if my doctor finds it imperative. Actually, I think most of the side effects from the chemo came from the anti-nausea drugs!

    One thing I will say though is that vegetarianism certainly doesn't PREVENT cancer!

    Thanks again,

    Sharon in Missouri
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  • litig8or
    litig8or Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2007
    That was me Debbie---I checked out your site and it's GREAT! They are so easy to set up and maintain--I think everyone should have one--it really has cut down on the amount of email and phone calls I was having to send and answer! Everyone should have one. Mine is www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathyhall

    I'm two days out of tx #2 and am feeling pretty good. I'm gonna go get what's left of my hair shaved today. Then, I'll need a good cry and a nap!

    I hope everyone has a good weekend!
    Kathy
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Kathy, I'll be sure to bookmark your page. Thanks for reminding me. I tried to find it and it just didn't jump out for me. And, after that shave, don't forget the sunscreen.

    Sharon, glad to hear you got it covered. I know from my running that lots of water and protein are key for rebuilding and regaing strength depleted from the activities. I figure these treatments are no different. It sounds like you maintain your ethics, but as you say, you are a realist.

    Cheers!
    Debbie C.
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  • SusieSwan
    SusieSwan Member Posts: 111
    edited June 2007
    Welcome Sharon! I also read that article about the 8% effective rate. Did you understand that the Topoll-2 gene is expressed only when HER2 is overexpressed or is this someting other than HER2 related?

    My onc called me back and I feel a little better..he said don't worry about the "window" still plenty of time. He said patients can now have up to 12 weeks post surgery. This seems long and probably wouldn't be ideal but it is still possible.

    Best case is this MRI next week does not show any lump or mass where the calcifications are and I can start chemo on 6/14. If there is still an area of concern, he will present my case to the tumor board on Monday, 6/18 and they will decide what to do. He said be prepared for possible mast (due to multi-focal) and then I would do chemo after mast as that would be considered my last succession of surgeries.

    I guess that makes sense..you wouldn't want to start treatment and then have to stop it all for another surgery. I was just so worried about this chemo window but he assures me I do not need to be.

    I checked out Debbie's & Kathy's page. I might start one. I'd like to get my pic up so you all can put a face with a name!

    Susan
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  • burquie
    burquie Member Posts: 129
    edited June 2007
    Hello Ladies!
    I just had to share; just got a call from my onc office with the results of my PET/CT scan..... all clear!!!! What a relief!! So onward to the mediport on Tuesday and chemo on the 19th!!!! Cancer.... I'm kicking your butt.... I ain't got no time for your no more! GET OUT & STAY OUT!!!

    Bonnie
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Woo Hoo Bonnie!!! That's great news. The port will be nothing. It's been 9 days and I almost don't even notice it.

    Debbie C.
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  • miknikmom
    miknikmom Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2007
    Hi Everyone,
    I posted a week ago and the post are overwhelming. I had my oopharectomy and am scheduled for my first chemo on 6/14 I will not have a port and I thought it would be 4 rounds of taxotere but it is actually taxotere and Cytoxan then the next day I get a shot of neulasta and the onc has me taking clariton for 7 days so I dont get joint pain.

    I was tying to read post to she how other felt that were giving the same meds. It is so hard with so many posts. Do they put nausia medication in with the chemo. I know my doctor gave me steriods and some nausia medication to take at home but my friend says it is not a strong one so I thought it to be a back up. I am going back to work on day 5 I hope I can do it. I have been at home since my first surgery on April 17th. I am not sad for losing my breasts or ovaries, but my hair is really bothering me. I have cried when they cut my hair too short and now I will be bald. I bought a wig and scarves. I think I look awful in the wig and it is one of those natural ones. Maybe I am being to hard on myself. I am so afraid I wont be ale to eat and drink enough water and food. I had gastric By Pass surgery a few years back and lost 110 lbs. In the lat six weeks I have lost about 10 lbs and I like it but I can only afford to lose another 10 to 15 or I will be too skinny.
    I am not sure if I am having hot flashes yet but I can say I have heated up somewhat since the oopharectomy 1.5 weeks ago. I am out of sweaters and wearing tank tops now.
    Good luck to everyone else in their journey.
    Diana
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Diana, you should be all set. You've already undertaken some major challenges in your life. You sound like a very strong person. No doubt, we all have our days.

    I don't know about your mix of drugs. I'm getting the cytoxin and adriamycin with antinausea meds mixed in. for my first chemo, I was sent home with additional antinausea meds only. Got my neulasta shot before I left the day of chemo. No bone pain. No need for me to take claritin. I was surprised but happy about it.

    Your heating up description sounds like hot flashes. The good/bad news is those buggers don't burn calories. I, for one, would love to have that money in the bank. <tee hee>

    Now that I am on the chemo train, I have found it very easy to deal with work. Of course, I work at home, but I am on the phone and at my computer all day. I have one of those thinking jobs that requires the brain to be fully engaged while the rest of the body hangs out. I've been successful in getting my job done, if that tells you anything about what you maybe can expect.

    Warm regards,
    Debbie C.
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  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited June 2007
    Hello Everyone and welcome to all that have joined us on our June chemo train!
    Susan , sorry about the delay. I know how you feel. That happened to me so many times up to my surgery I could have screamed. But it sounds like your onc is on top of things. That is what my onc said to about the 12 week window.Good luck to you with your tests.
    Well , week one of work was good. Tired but not so bad. My nausea seems to have turned to heartburn. But all in all not so bad.
    Cheryl , I cut my long hair too. Everyone at work says they really like it. I wonder how long it takes for your hair to grow back in? Does anyone know?
    Well , I must go do some domestic goddess duties and get ready for my sons visit tomorrow. Its nice to have something to look forward to in all this bc mess. Take care everyone and have a great weekend. Hugs and Blessings.
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  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited June 2007
    Well, day 5 has been very good. We even went out with friends for dinner and I enjoyed a drink! The food all tasted good, and I feel almost normal! I sure hope the next treatments are as good. Day 3 was by far the worst day and then better each day after.


    Susan, I'm glad you got some reassurance from your doctor. When all is said and done, you will know they really took a good look and did what they felt was best, but I know how hard it is to think about another surgery and waiting longer for the chemo. I found out today I have to go in next week to have an ultrasound to see if there is still some fluid in the mast. site and then they will aspirate it if so. When I was told I have to check into the hospital for this procedure and will be there for 6 hours and will need a ride home, I was so irritated. I just do not want to have anything more done! Even though this is a pretty minor thing in the scheme of things, it really frosted me. I hope I will always remember these feelings so I can be sympathetic in the future with others who are going through this process.

    I hope you all are feeling well tonight and have a good weekend. Debbie
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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited June 2007
    Good morning, ladies! Welcome to Sharon, sorry you had to join our group but hopefully we can all help each other on this task. Your cycles are the same as mine except I'm not doing any hormone therapy afterwards since my tumor was ER - . I joined a CSA food co-op for veggies and fruits this summer hoping the organic foods would make me feel better, even if it's all in my head. LOL I picked up my first share last week and then wondered what I've gotten myself into.....I was sooo tired and this was just an added errand but I will continue to throughout the summer.
    Kathy, I hope you're adjusting to your new 'do'...have you purchased scarves, etc? I just bought a wig yesterday. My 20 y/o dd went with me and she was very quiet during the whole process. I think she's taking it harder than I am...so far.
    Susan, I'm glad your onc has assuaged your concerns on the later start for your chemo. Sounds like he's on the ball. Good luck and keep us posted on your start date.
    Bonnie, great news on your scan! I was so nervous about the port but it's been really easy for me. I fought it initially but I'm glad the onc dr convinced me it was the way to go.
    Diana, I am not having the same drugs as you but my onc did put decadron in the IV drip before starting the AC. It sure helps, I have not had nausea at all...in fact, the only symptom seems to be extreme fatigue and foggy brain. My kids will tell you that's a normal condition for me, don't listen to them. :-) My worst days seem to be days 3 and 4.
    You've been through a lot already, you're a fighter and you can do this!!
    Debbie C, sounds like you're doing great!
    DebbieK, I too have fluid in my tumor site but I'm still waiting on the results of my MRI. My onc dr was out sick last week so will try contacting him this coming week.
    I'm so glad you were able to enjoy a dinner out! And food tasting normal, what a treat! Good luck on your procedure, we ARE women!
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  • SharonInMO
    SharonInMO Member Posts: 26
    edited June 2007
    Terry,

    That's great that you belong to a CSA, but be prepared to learn to cook with weird veggies! I joined a CSA last year and got things like okra, squash, strange Chinese melons, etc. in addition to the more common fare. Luckily, my farmer used to be a chef, and provides recipes for the unusual items. Good luck with your treatments!

    Sharon in Missouri
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  • Leahrc
    Leahrc Member Posts: 459
    edited June 2007
    Hello, All.
    I am checking in on you from the February 07 chemo cruise to let you know that there is life after chemo. As I suspected, you are starting to lose your hair. It is the most traumatic part of all this. Some of our cruisers said it was harder than losing a breast. Don't know if that is true, but you feel the emotion at the moment they wrote it.
    You can check in on the Feb Chemo cruiser board to see some hair regrowth pix. AC stays in your body and keeps working for about 40 days, so even though I am 85 days past my last treatment, this is really like 6 weeks of regrowth. Please shout out to us who have gone before by posting on our board if you need anything!
    imageimage
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  • Terrilee2
    Terrilee2 Member Posts: 13
    edited June 2007
    Good Morning all,

    Susan, how frustrating for you.. Keep your chin up! Terri, Did your doc prescribe you compazine for nausea as a secondary medication? I love it! I am on day 3 of my second tx and although I felt a little nauseas yesterday morning, once I took the compazine my nauseau went away. If you are experience any queaziness... get a script for the stuff. It works great. I am glad to hear that you are calmer regarding your son. I have a 22 year old that has a severe Epelipsy disorder (finally under good management) and there is NOTHING like a mothers worry for her kids. I believe I worried more about her than I worry
    about my bc. Today, my second child graduates from highschool. I was hoping that I would feel well enough to not have to suffer through the ceremony, and so far, so good! Yeah!!!
    Debbie, nice site. I have several friends that use the site as well. I know I am probably missing someone, but to all of the sisters,
    Thanks for your posts, they are so encouraging and certaintly make me feel not so alone in this journey. Have a wonderful weekend. I am in northern wisconsin the the weather is beautiful today!

    Peace,
    Terri
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  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2007
    I never dreamed I'd be going through this but I have talked to people who know people who have gone through this. All things I have heard have been very positive about chemo. If anything I've heard more negative stuff about radiation.
    About the "wait" time for chemo, I read somewhere that three months is considered a safe amount of time to start chemo after surgery.
    Linda
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  • kath11
    kath11 Member Posts: 102
    edited June 2007
    Hi Everyone,

    I will try again to post. Yesterday I tried three times and it just wouldn't post.

    My first week of treatment wasn't too bad. Nausea days 3 and 4, and a terrible taste in my mouth days 4 and 5, but today, I'm feeling really great.

    I went to the Look Good Feel Better class and got lots of new makeup and moisturizers and a cute wig! Only one other woman was in my class, but we had a fun time. The wig from the class was free and I also received a gift certificate from Hats for Hope for another wig. Now I have two wigs, and I'm not sure I'll ever wear them. But it's nice to know they are there if I decide to.

    It sounds so silly to be annoyed by a bad taste in my mouth, but it was really awful. But once I started rinsing my mouth with either a salt/baking soda/water rinse or with the Biotene and brushed my teeth every time I ate I was able to keep it in check. Today I don't notice it much at all. My tongue also turned very white yesterday so I got a prescription for Fluconazole to get rid of what most likely is a yeast infection.

    We're on our way to a BBQ and I think my appetite is finally back, so I'm looking forward to it. I hope you are all having a great weekend and my best thoughts are with all of you.

    xoxo
    Kathleen
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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited June 2007
    Sharon, I did get weird stuff that I have no idea how to use. LOL The farm offered a cookbook with the first share pick up so I took one.
    I'm looking for a leek/potato soup recipe for tomorrow night, both of which are share foods. The potatoes are from last season but taste great.
    Kathleen, I'm so glad you're doing well. I too have a funky taste in my mouth and I've been using Biotene toothpaste several times a day. Might have to break out the mouthwash too. Have fun at the BBQ.
    And can you believe all the Look Good, Feel Better classes in my area are FULL for the summer. I am on the cancellation list but number 11. It doesn't look promising.
    Terri, congrats on your high schooler's graduation. Hope the day went splendid for all.
    My dr prescribed three meds for nausea, Emend, Zofran and Decadron. I quit taking the decadron, it was sending me into orbit. I have not experienced any nausea. :::knock wood:::::
    We used to live in Stevens Point many, MANY years ago, beautiful country!
    Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Good morning gals, I hope you all had a great weekend enjoying the weather, family and friends. I cerainly did.

    Saturday night I got together with a great group of friends. I was the guest of honor for a fund raiser dinner party to benefit the Susan Komen foundation and my participation in the Boston 3 Day walk. Check out the photos on my Caring Bridge site. We raised over $1K. Woo hoo! The best part is we had a ton of laughs.

    The blanket will be a wonderful asset when I go for my 2nd treatment on Friday. No hair loss to report yet but my hair is fine to start with so hard to tell.

    Debbie C.
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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited June 2007
    Good morning everyone!! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

    I can't believe how this group is growing!! Scary and wonderful at the same time and I KNOW you all understand my comment!!

    Leahrc - You look so cute!!! Thank you for sharing with us. I haven't lost mine yet, but i know it's coming soon and I am not happy about it - I think I may look like an alien!!!

    Hit my nadir this weekend - had a tempterature Friday night - topped at 99.7, Saturday night 99.7 again and Sunday 99.5. Made me feel "unwell" but still had a family dinner out Friday night for my daughter's 25th bday, hung out on the couch Saturday night watching movies with DH and went out with friends Sunday night for dinner to celebrate my DH's upcoming bday. Strange having a temperature for 6 hours or so and then it went away. Curious to see what happens tonight but did the treadmill this am for 1/2 hour and now at work.

    Anyone else hit their nadir yet? My first AC tx was 6/1.

    Have a great day!

    Dawn
    12/05 IDC er+/pr+ her2+ stage 1
    3/07 IDC er-/pr- her2+ stage 2
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Hey Dawn, I guess I'm not sure what you mean by hitting my nadir? Can you explain a little more?

    Sounds like you had a fun weekend with lots of activities in spite of that unwell feeling. Funny what we can push past.

    Debbie C.
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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited June 2007
    Hey Debbie!

    Of course my printout/paperwork is at home and I can't find the post that I printed out but essentially the nadir period is 7-10 days post chemo infusion when your white/red blood counts bottom out and you are susceptible to infections. My oncologists office wants a phone call if I hit 100.5 and I am so glad I didn't get there!!

    I did have a good weekend - baked cookies Friday after work (they ALL disappeard by yesterday afternoon!) even worked in the garden (damn weeds!!) a couple hours Saturday morning and attended a wedding in the afternoon, went to church and taught Sunday school on Sunday. I am trying hard to balance doing stuff and resting (I'm not very good at sitting still!) because I've read the fatique is cumulative so I know it's coming!! A lady at church said she walked and played tennis during her chemo and it helped a lot plus I'm hoping to NOT gain weight since I already need to lose 20 pounds!

    You are so right - it is funny what we can push past. Although my "button" is a migraine. Get one, I'm done. Otherwise I can deal pretty well.

    Hope I answered your question clearly.

    Dawn
    12/05 IDC er+/pr+ her2+ stage 1
    3/07 IDC er-/pr- her2+ stage 2
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  • allgone
    allgone Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2007
    Hi everyone, I am trying this post once again, (the last couple of times it said it was unable to post. Sooo I think I will do a couple of posts this time to fit eveything in.)
    Susieswan, I know it sucks having to wait for the chemo to start with possibly having another surgery pending. I went through something similar. surgery 1 was April 13th/07 and 6 days before that they found 2 suspicious areas in the other breast, and I couldn't get them out until May 17/07. But the onc said that the treatment for bilaterial bc is didfferent if it is only in the one breast. And once they use a certain drug comb on you they can't use the same one again, something similar to having radaition. Once you go through radiation treatment in one area, if it returns at a later date you can't have it done in the same area. So it is best they have all the right info prior to starting. Just for the record my right breast is clear, nothing to worry about the surgeon said!!YHAAA!!!!
    TerryNY - I live just west of Toronto, you and your son will be in my prayers that everything will be alright.
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  • allgone
    allgone Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2007
    Part 2 -

    I had TX#1 on June 7/07. I seemed to make out fairly well, I had a slight headache Thursday night, I took a tylenol and lay down for 15minutes and it went away. I think it was all the stress. I have been slightly nauseated nothing much to write home about (Thank God) My heartburn....man oh man, the only problem is that I don't know if it is my gall stone acting up or the chemo, but I have been eating a few tums!! Energy level has changed but just a little, but I think I have a chest infection so I am off to the doctor today for some good drugs before my white cell count drops. I have about 6 days to get it under control. All in all, I can't really complain. If this is what chemo is going to be like...Bring it On!! Today is day 4 post chemo and I am still feeling pretty good, other then the stupid cough!!! Anyway, hope everyone else is doing well, and I shall chat later.
    1 down and 5 to go!!
    Keep Smiling
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  • litig8or
    litig8or Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2007
    I'm on day 5 after Ac tx#2 and I am one worn out pupppy here at 9:30am. I got up at 7, brought my 21 month old to bed with me, he watched Mickey while I showered at 7:30. Got us both ready, packed our lunchs--easy, routine stuff. Rested. Took him to day care. Came to work (downtown, so I have a couple of blocks to walk to get to my office) and I am too tired to go get coffee! (Oh, but I FINALLY pooped! That's got to be worth something!) (I know, TMI!)

    Days 4 and 5 seem to be worst so far, so tomorrow shuld be looking up. I am just get a couple of letters and must-do things done and go home--hopefully right after lunch. We will see.

    Debbie---your blanket is BEAUTIFUL!

    I hope everyone has a great day!
    Kathy
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Allgone, were you told to pick up some Prilosec OTC or equivalent. I have it but didn't need for the first round. It's a once a day heartburn treatment.

    Good luck getting the chest infection under control.

    Debbie C.
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Kathy, The blanket was purchased. It has a tag on it. I think I've seen them somewhere in my Internet travels but cannot remember where. I don't want to seem rude and ask the hostess just yet. Maybe after I use it on Friday and she and I chat about all my messages I can't wait to read.

    Dawn, thanks for the nadir info. I'm sure I have the info but don't keep up. I ran upstairs (I work at home) and checked my temp (day 10 for me). It's 98.3. Normal for me. That's a good thing. If anything wanted to attack, it couldn't this weekend. I was too busy.

    Debbie C.
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited June 2007
    Kathy, get some rest. Will you have time to nap while your baby is at day care? I finally understood your pooped part and TMI. I thought you meant tired. <tee hee!> Are you taking any senna like in the form of sennakot? That may help. I also eat a heavy duty bran cereal every day.

    Get some rest.

    Debbie C.
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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited June 2007
    Debbie - my paperwork said to check my temperature once a day, in the evening - my DH told me I felt warm Friday when he got home from work so I took it a little earlier than usual and it was climbing so I carried my thermometer with me. Let us know where they purchased your blanket when you find out - it looks beautiful!

    Kathy - I used the Kmart brand of Senekot and it worked very well after my first tx. I can't imagine how you are doing this with a 21 month old, but we know you are getting some exercise chasing that baby around!

    Dawn
    12/05 IDC ER+/PR+/HER2+ stage 1
    3/07 IDC ER-/PR-/HER2+ stage 2
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  • litig8or
    litig8or Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2007
    Thanks guys--I will go get some Sennakot. And I love cereal--I should be eating that anyway!!!

    Lucky for me, I'm self employed, so yes, I will get to go home and take a nap and rest before I pick Christian up form daycare.

    I am feeling better as the day is going along. Desk job. Paper pusher. Lovely. I'll work for another hour and then knock off for the day. I know tomorrow will be better.
    Kathy
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