I am starting chemo in July 07. Anyone else?
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Hi, Abbey--
My treatments started out every three weeks, but now we're trying every two weeks. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I definitely want to try so that I can try to finish up early and be done with this whole thing!
I'm usually a little sick to my stomach by bedtime the night of my treatment, and then I don't feel too great for about 3 or 4 days. I normally take compazine for the nausea, as well as Ativan. I get Ativan during my infusion, and then I also take it in a pill form when I need it. This week was my third treatment and they gave me another drug, Emend, which made a world of difference. I've still been pretty sick to my stomach and have had a headache for a few days, but I haven't thrown up once, so do yourself a favor and ask your doctor for it before your next treatment. My prescripition is three pills--one an hour before chemo, and then one a day for the following two days. It's really expensive, but now that I've had it, I don't know how I survived without it.
I would imagine that being athletic will help you a lot because you're starting out in better shape then a lot of people. As far as believing in God, I'm absolutely a big believer, even more since my diagnosis, but I'll admit it definitely hasn't helped me in the crying department--I still shed some tears at least every few days! Let me know how you're doing, and don't hesitate to ask any other questions you can think of!
Maureen -
Hi Jean...it looks like you are around the same point in treatment that I am. I was diagnosed on July 3rd and started chemo July 26th. It's amazing to see how many differnt combos of chemo drugs we all have. I know that mine is a little different since I am taking part in a clinical study. How are you doing with your treatments so far? I have my third treatment on Thursday.
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Hi Margie...looks like we have a lot in common. I'm 26 yrs old and was dx on July 3rd. I'm also doing chemo first. My tumor was about 2-2.5cm and they found one of my lymph nodes was huge in my MRI, so they biopsied that too...it came back positive...so, I know that I have one lymph node infected. I'm going for my third cycle on Thursday (Taxotere, Gemzar, and Avastin). How are you doing?
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I thought I had posted yesterday, but it was either lost or maybe it was a figment of my chemo-brain.
Feeling better today after A/C #4 - Glad that crap's over with.
I'm VERY nervous about the 12 weekly Taxols. Fear of the unknown and all - and EVERY WEEK.... but I guess I'll work through whatever I have to, won't I.
My bigggest issue right now seems to be fatigue. I am just so freakin' tired, but I can't seem to sleep. 5 or 6 hours a night is a good one for me. I've mentioned the fatigue issue to both my Onc and Surgeon and I get the same blank deer-in-the-headlight look and "yeah, that's part of chemo" answer. So I guess I just have to deal, huh?
I was always a pretty high energy person, so this is difficult for me to accept. I don't like being "down". There's just too many things I want to do, but most days, just getting what has to be done and then walking across the room seems to be all I can handle!
I wanted to say "hello" to the other Abbey! This will get confusing, won't it! We have the Abbi with an "I" and the Abbey with an "EY"!
Hang in there, girls. We're one day closer to done! -
HI Abbey
I had my last TC on Friday. I am feelign terrrible today. I think it's the Nuelastia.I feel like I have been hammer on with a sledgehammer on every joint in my body. I will be having my mast/reconst in 3-4 weeks then back on chemo again. I didn't realize that I would be having my fills at the same time as my chemo...I am sure I'll be in great shape! Did you have surgery first or chemo first? -
Hi Abbey,
It does sound like we have a lot in common. I'm doing well so far, my 3rd treatment is on the 10th. I'm having 3 FEC (a combination of 3 drugs) and then 3 of Taxotere. I don't think anyone else on here is having FEC, I wonder why. Maybe because I'm in Canada the drugs are a bit different? I'm going to ask my onc. this week. I feel great this week, I've been able to run the past 2 days. Woohoo! It makes me feel so much better when I can run, lifts my spirits & makes me feel alive. Is anyone else doing the run for the cure? -
Hi Jean...I hope you start feeling better soon. I haven't had any side effects from my Neulasta shots...praise God! I am doing chemo first, then a lumpectomy, then radiation. I go for my third cycle of chemo on Thursday. This will be the first time that I am back to work on chemo..I'm a high school PE teacher. I'm a little nervous but excited to go back to school at the same time. Feel good!
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Hey Margie. I also think that you and I are the only ones doing Taxotere. Are you going to have a lumpectomy following chemo? Will you have to do radiation? I haven't run for a few weeks now. I hope to run the next couple of nights before my next treatment on Thursday. Once I have that...I won't have the energy to run. I hope to be able to bike though...I have been able to in the past...but I also had not been working. I'm a high school PE teacher, so I go back to work tomorrow. I'm sure that will take a lot out of me...but I'm determined to stay in shape..and get the drugs out of my system! Feel good!
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Hi Abbey!
I'm not sure yet if I'll be having a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. The plan was to do a lumpectomy before the lymph node was discovered, so I don't know if that will change the plan where it's a high up one. My docs are waiting to see how it responds to the chemo. If I do have a lumpectomy I'll have radiation with it. You're so strong to be going back to work during this, and a phys ed teacher at that! Best of luck to you. -
Hi everyone. Welcome, new Abbey! Sorry you have to join us, though. I wanted to respond to your comment about cotton mouth. I started using the Biotene mouthwash, and it helps a lot. One of the things I do to help me get through the treatments is to visualize it like running a marathon. When you look at the whole marathon, you think "Holy cow! That's far, and it's hard!" and you can psych yourself out. (Or at least I can!) So I take it a little at a time - the first 5K, then 10K, then 10 miles, etc. etc. (Sometimes, just from one water station to the next....) and my treatments are kind of like that. On the bad days, it's just getting through that day.
Although I'm excited to be moving on to Taxol on Monday, I can also relate to being anxious about it. This past A/C made me feel like crap more than any of the others! Couldn't stand the sight of food, tired all the time, and here is one more annoying thing: my eyes are dry, so it's hard to wear my contacts. And I hate the way I look in my glasses... as if having no hair and half eyebrows is not bad enough for the ego! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO hoping the taxol will be better! But yikes, what if it isn't??? 12 weeks of feeling yucky?? Well, I guess I will just try to take one step at a time. Heed my own advice about not looking too far ahead.
For those ladies who have started their Taxol last week: Do you still feel good? With the A/C, I always felt good the first 2 days and then the side effects hit. Please tell me you still feel good!!
Yesterday I was a volunteer along the course for a 15K race in my city. My SIL ran the race, and when she passed me, I started to cry. I was so sad and angry not to be able to be out there running it! Now I can barely finish 3 miles if I jog/walk, on my good weeks. Of course then I felt like an idiot standing along this race course crying. I wonder what the runners thought!
Feeling good today. Tomorrow we leave for a few days in Toronto for the Jimmy Buffett concert. I can't wait, and I'm sure it will lift my spirits.
Donna
P.S. My short term memory is absolutely shot. The other day I couldn't remember the name for a chipotle pepper. I was trying to describe it to my niece. It was hillarious. -
Donna, I hear you about the race. My sister is training for a half marathon, one I was supposed to do with her. I'll be volunteering at it but I know I'll cry like you did. I'm still running on my good days but like you much less than I could do before. I know it's all for the best of reasons but it's still hard sometimes. Oh yes, my memory is totally shot too. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten things lately.
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Donna -
I'll be anxious to hear how your first Taxol goes. I'm soooo freaked out about the once-a-week thing. My first one will be 9/20. Although everything I hear says it's much easier, I'm worried about feeling crappy 3 days out of 7 instead of 3 days out of 21, KWIM?
Kids started school today. DD came home with the "schedule of events" for the Fall which is also freakin' me out. Band rehersals, concerts, open houses.... lots of which fall on chemo days or the day after. I mean, how could they NOT when I'll be doing the darn thing every week? I keep telling myself that we'll work it out. It won't be the end of the world if I miss open house this year and lots of neighbors are always offering favors of pick-up/drop-off.... still...
Margie, my brain is also shot. The other day I turned on the washing machine, put in the clothes, detergent, etc.... then walked away without putting the lid down. Returned 1/2 hour or so later to put stuff in the dryer...ooops... We just have to laugh at ourselves, don't we? -
Welcome, Abbey!!!
I just wanted to welcome you to this wonderful group of women! These women are just great! We will get through this together!!! It is nice to know that someone else had been through the same things that I am going through...
Hugs
HARLEY -
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Margie, my brain is also shot. The other day I turned on the washing machine, put in the clothes, detergent, etc.... then walked away without putting the lid down. Returned 1/2 hour or so later to put stuff in the dryer...ooops... We just have to laugh at ourselves, don't we?
OMG Abbi, I did that yesterday! -
Is Emend a generic for another anti-nausea? I know I hear Zofran is expensive. Are they the same?
Abbi, I know your concerns about Taxol. I feel the same way. How will I teach going once a week for treatment? I can only hope what we've read is correct and that the Taxol will be so much easier than the AC.
My 3rd and 4th days after my last AC were not good. I hoped it would be better somehow. I guess in some ways it was because I knew the side effects so well. They didn't change, but today (day 5, I'm starting to feel better).
New Abbey...I also teach. Try to get treatments on Thursday and take off on Friday if needed. It helps immensely to have that cushion in there.
Good luck to all this week. -
What do you teach? I am getting treatment on Thursdays...so far, I haven't felt too bad on Fridays...it really hits on Saturdays...and then by Sunday, I start to feel a little better. I am kinda nervous for when I start AC...which isn't until Oct. 18th...it sounds way worse...yikes!
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Donna & Margie...def hear you both about the race. I had signed up to run the CRIM 10 mile on August 25th back in April before I knew that I'd be diagnosed with breast cancer in July. I was still hoping at the beginning of treatment that I'd be able to do it if I walked part of it...but race day came along and I just knew that I wouldn't be able to do 10 miles. I was really bummed...but I put my race bib up on my fridge to remind me that I will be running it next summer! Remember ladies...this too shall pass
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Hello everyone, hope your having a good week.
The fuzz on my head is driving me nuts. I never was comptely bald, just lots of fuzz. Has anyone take shaving cream and a razor to their head??? I'm terrified that I am going to cut myself. I have a co-worker that shaves his head on a daily basis and he claims that the chances of me cutting myself are very slim.
I went out yesterday and bought myself a wig. Just for those times when I just don't want to deal with the looks and stares. Funny thing is I put it on the stand up on my armoire so my cats can't play with it and it scared my husband last night...he screamed like a little girl:) Now I just need to get the bangs cut on it and i'll be all set.
I am doing my first Komen Race for the Cure this weekend at Disney World. We are staying one night at one of their resorts so the kids can play in the pool and just be kids for once. During the race they are going to hold signs, one will say "My Mom Runs for Life" and the other will say "My Mom Runs for Hope" decorated with glitter and ribbons. I have a feeling it will be a very emotional morning.
I have recovered pretty good from my first taxol. I have been eating like a horse, must be the steroids. Hopefully I have gained a few pounds. I've even had a bit more energy, finally got some housework done. The muscle/joint pain only lasted about 2 1/2 days but boy, the pain was not fun. Better then the nausea though.
And I got the funnest gift box from my chemo angel yesterday. It was a box full of goodies for a movie night. It included a movie, popcorn, candy and these cute litte plastic popcorn containers. I think Friday I am going to set the tent up in the living room and have movie night with the kids
Lori - Please check in and let us know how surgery went.
Jean - did you find anything out about the lump?? I have been having pain in my remaining breast and am terrified to have it looked at but I know I have to. I haven't even told my husband yet, I think secretly I am hoping the pain just goes away. Sending prayers your way.
Hang in there everyone, we are making progress!!!!
Ginger -
Does anyone know what happened to our picture icons and previous posts?? Just came online, and something is amiss!!!!!! What happened....peace, rose
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Hello Ladies
I had my surgery it went pretty good they kept me in the hospital until late tuesday night. They sent me home with anitbotics to take and I go the ps tomorrow to see about getting my drain removed (I hope they do). Then I guess if he says it all right chemo again on Monday (ugh)! I just feel like I need a break!!! This will be my third tx the onc on call said they were going to lessen my tx by 20% and he assured me it wouldn't make any difference he said they have a 33% leadway in amount of chemo given? To me that seems like a lot. I just hope I make it though without another hospital stay. Has anyone else experience anything like this? Infected tissue expander and they said they probably will never find out why.
I hop everyone else is having a better day!
Hugs and Prayers
Lori
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Hello everyone. I'm back from Toronto and the Jimmy Buffett concert. Boy, was it fun! You just can't be sad or grumpy when you're among Parrotheads! I was quite proud of myself because I went the whole day without a nap. It included walking to and from the venue (about 1.5 miles from our hotel), and staying up until midnight! WOW! There is a line in the song "Come Monday" that starts with "Well, it's been quite a summer", and I said to my husband, "yes it has!" and he got tears in his eyes. He said it was really hard watching me go through that last round of A/C. But now I feel great! And I'll be sure to report back on Monday after my first Taxol......... nervous but cautiously optimistic. I'll take just about anything over the nausea.
Ginger - I probably missed you as you are probably already at Disneyland for the Race for the Cure. I hope it is/was great! Please report back! Surely it will be emotional. I did shave my head with shaving cream and a razor. My husband helped with the spots I couldn't reach. It was fine - no nicks. I figure if we've been shaving our legs with one of those things for years and years, we know how much pressure to apply to get a close shave without cutting ourselves.
MMCP and Brst26 - I was going to try a 5K today because my SIL is the race director, but I chickened out. I was afraid they would close the course before I got to the finish!!! I even thought about taking a copy of the course map with me (knew I wouldn't be able to just remember it!) just in case. Oh well.
Yes, we do have to laugh at ourselves. What else can we do?!
Donna
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Hi Lori,
I am so happy to hear you are out of the hospital! I have chemo on MOnday also, but a different drugs than you do. Your in my prayers. We are getting there girls! Everyone take care and have a great weekend! Charlene
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HI everyone
Well I got my surgery date - Sept 26. I will be having a bilateral & reconstruction. I finish my TC chemo last Friday and still feel pretty lousy. (The bone pain stopped but now the issue is with my intestines.).
As I prepare for surgery, it difficult to be grateful I am over the chemo, as my new onc said I shoudl never have had it in the first place....surgery should have occured first.
After surgery, I still have to face more chemo, this time TAC,, the painful "fills", then it looks like RADS, followed by the finshing PS. And hopefully not more PS for repairs done by the RADS.
Guess my fight will be longer than I had planned....and I'll be bald longer than I had hoped for. It;s going to be a long cold winter for my head, and I live in LA. -
Jean,
Sorry to hear you sound so down. This does seem to get harder emotionally as time goes on, doesn't it?
You mentioned painful fills for your expanders. I have expanders too, and all my fills are done. None of them hurt! I swear! Everyone on the reconstruction board says to go slow. I got 50cc per side at each fill, although I think on this last one he may have given me 60.
I can't say the expanders are super comfortable - I can't quite describe what they feel like- but they are very tolerable. And usually, if I wear one of those stretchy cami things or a sports bra under my clothes, it feels completely normal. So hopefully you can at least take heart that the expanders aren't bad at all.
Donna
BTW - I just realized that a lot of you have new names because of the new boards and now I am very confused. How do you all know who is who now?
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Yes, this new format threw me also. I had to relog in with a new password they gave me.
Abbey, I teach 8th grade math. Had Open House last night. I was at school from 6:45 AM to 8:15 PM. That was a long time to have the wig on! I'm pooped today. TGIF.
One more AC to go. I'm hoping Taxol won't be as bad. Hope your first AC goes well.
Speedy recovery Lori.
Hang in there Jean.
Good week to all.
Jane
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Yikes... My brain doesn't work well enough these days to handle this new format.
Not much going on. Just living in my last few days of "off weeks" before the weekly Taxol begins (9/20). I really wonder what life will be like when chemo is every week..... sigh......
Sleep has become a memory. It amazes me how someone as tired as I am can be wide awake at 3:00 a.m. And then my head starts spinning. Last night I was pretty effective at focusing on my deep breathing/relaxation and actually dozed off a little. Though I did see the clock a 4-something, 5-something....
Does anyone else keep a journal. I've been doing this from the start of this nightmare and find it very therapeutic. I can vent all my fears and anger w/o dumping on my loved ones!
Everybody have a good week!
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Ugh, chemo tomorrow for me. At least after this one I'm half way through!
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Hi mmcp, Chemo for me tomorrow also, my last A/C..................woohoooo! I know I will be sick and tired better part of the week, but I will be half way done along with you. take care Charlene
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Jane...do you take off Friday's after treatment? This past Friday was the first time that I've had to go to work the day after treatment...I'll be honest, I got pretty darn tired at school. I made it through the day though. I almost think that it's more the anti-nausea drugs that make me feel so tired. How is your energy level at school? I have one more treatment of Taxotere before I start my AC. My onc gave me a script for Emend for when I start AC in October when I was there on Thursday...I hear from some of you ladies that it made a big difference for you. I just hate not knowing what to expect.
Lori...glad to hear you are out of the hospital!
Keep your chins up ladies...you are all in my prayers. We are one day closer to being done with treatment
. Good luck to those who have treatment on Monday.-Abbey
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Hi, Abbey--I'm so glad you asked for the Emend. I wish I had taken it from the beginning--I didn't get it until my third AC. Tuesday is AC #4 for me, and then I'll only have two left, thank God! As for the anti-nausea drugs making you tired, that definitely happens with me. They give me Ativan during my infusions, and it usually puts me to sleep for awhile while I'm sitting there. Good luck this week, everyone!
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