Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?
Comments
-
Hey everyone,
It's "old diarrhea of the fingers" here. The boards been quieter than normal lately and that worries me that many of you are currently struggling. Extra hugs, prayers, and cyber back rubs to you all.
I so wish we had some word about DeAnn. I'm currently practicing the 'old adage' that says, "no news is good news".....you know, cause you ALWAYS hear if it's bad news.
Well it's back to the cancer center for Taxol #2 tomorrow. The good thing is that it's number 6 of 8...so after tomorrow I am 75% through chemo! I am really having the neuropathy in my hands and feet (really numb and burn) and also edema in hands and feet.
Will see what they have to say about it tomorrow.....hey ladies, I made a joke..'as if they really will say anything! :>
We went to the Surgeon and Radiologist Wed. for another ultrasound. Good news and bad news. The lymph are still shrinking, the tumor under my breast has had no change since the last ultrasound on 9/28. Surgery for lumpectomy around 12/12. I asked Betsy (my surgeon who I adore) point blank if my outcome and continued tx. depended on:
1. the results of the pathology report after surgery
or
2. clinical trials
She answered, it's the recipe hon, always.
Meaning that it's basically a Bell Curve based on same or close diagnoses to yours and same exact treatment course. The highest percentage will be successful and will meet the 5 year survival, a small percentage will reach and/or exceed the 10 year survival, and a small percentage will not have a successful outcome and not reach the 5 year survival. However, for all of us....we're gonna blow that Bell Curve to PLUTO!!!!!!
I had to laugh because I always loved school (except for geometry and trig :>) and tried really hard. I remember in high school and college that a few people did not appreciate me because they said I blew their curve. Well... I'm hoping and praying that this time my body will 'blow the curve' cause my pitiful little brain cells are "back in the 60's" again. LOL All in all, at least up to this point (hear me hedging ladies?) the Taxol has been much easier than the A/C.
Angie: I know you're excited about your next step with your surgery next week. I also know you're going to do it 'with bells on.' Yes, please have your sister post for you and Kaye and I especially (oldest and biggest worry warts..sorry Kaye) won't have a case of 'worry-itis.' Go get em' girl!
Debbie: So sorry to hear that you get to the end and then have to have all those lousy side effects. I can't imagine dealing with a difficult real estate transaction right now. BUT.....you've already done one of the hardest things ever....gotten through your chemo.....there aren't enough accolodes or congratulations to give you!!!! Take care of yourself, somehow everything else will fall in place. A dear and wonderful old mentor of mine told me this decades ago....and how right she was; ' only worry about things that you truly have some control over, otherwise you turn your life over to frustration and miss so much along the way.' I realize how tough this is to follow, but my heart knows that truer words were never spoken.
Jackie: BUMMER BUMMER BUMMER!!!!!
I'd say something...really a lot.... much stronger but I'm sure this board has censors and I've become much to much attached to all of you to get 'kicked off at this point.' :>
This IS going to pass, they WILL figure out what's going on, and THEY will fix it. I know it and want YOU TO BELIEVE IT. Believing it hon is 60% of the battle, even when it is so very very hard. I promise I'm not playing 'people in glass houses' here.....because this board and my chemo sisters have held me together more times than I can count. We are here for you.
Nash/ Chemo Mom/ All of you 'new chemo sisters' (sorry it only takes me 1/2 of a decade now to remember a name) How is everyone doing? So glad to hear that Mom is doing better Nash.
Kaye: Just what the hell do you mean you're just sitting on the sofa "blinking and drooling???" I know for a fact that you've produced some of the best comedy of your life while sitting 'quietly contemplating.' Right girls???? I told you I think you've got another whole career out there! So there!!!
It's time to dish up supper (out of the crockpot) yea, I actually managed to put short ribs and potatoes and sauerkraut into the crockpot today. Ahhhhh, life has it's little
rewards, doesn't it? LOL
A wonderful and blessed weekend to all of my sisters....be well.
June
-
Angie, do you have a date yet for the bilat?
"Wishing you many neutrophils!" that's great!
Jackie - Are you doing any better yet?
ok - update. Eyes still twitchin'. Spots still itchin'.
But feelin' really good
! (Not Normal, mind you, but as close as I've been so far.)
-
June, you are truly QueenChemo - you absolutely, positively ROCK.
And I want that recipe - pm me with it, will you?
hugs (but only if you scratch my shoulders for me.Thank you..little more to the left, up...)
-
Kaye, thanks for that blood work link. That was very informative, although I'd just as soon been reading about ferretts.
Jackie--I really hope you feel better soon.
Angie--good luck with surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just checked DeAnn's caringbridge page, and it sounds like she's stable. There is one part of her WBC that isn't coming up as hoped from Tuesday, but Lanny's post from yesterday didn't mention anything about it, so hopefully no news is good news.
June--You're going to be the valedectorian of Cancerland. I know it.
I went in for my weekly CBC today. WBC were way down, but the onc didn't want me to get more neupogen. She says she doesn't like to give it mid-cycle. Mind you, last cycle she gave it to me mid-cycle, and the nurses were standing poised with the injection as she was telling me this today. This is what frustrates me so much about her. She's like the Jekell/Hyde of oncology. She can turn a 180 so fast it makes one's head spin. And she doesn't tell me things like, check your temp a couple times a day while neupogenic. I have to read these things on my own. It's annoying.
Plus, last cycle she wilingly ordered an extra chem panel to check the liver enzymes, but this cycle she did it grudgingly. Of course, the levels are almost 5x higher now, but seem to be of less concern to her.
Then I have the nurse supervisor making noise about possible liver mets and how I should get scanned. The nurse also had the nerve to ask my mom if I drink heavily, as this can make the AST/ALT rise. Jeez. I need a drink, but no. She also asked if I "pop a lot of Advil". Um, no. What is especially annoying about this is, once again, neither the nurse nor the onc have said to me, "With your liver enzymes elevated, it is important to not take a lot of OTC medications such as Tylenol, and please refrain from drinking alcohol". Again, it's good I vaguely have my wits about me (heavy on the vaguely).Boy--two rants in two day. I'm on a roll.
-
Kaye - I appreciated reading about the blood counts also. The ferrett part kind of threw me there for a minute...I wasn't sure if it was blood counts for ferretts or humans!
I thought that I should sign on here again and leave one last post in case I'm blown away in my sleep tonight. I live in the middle of a flat prarie in the middle of corn fields in Indiana and it's about as windy as it's ever been around here. Thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches have been issued all around me and the ole farm house is creeking all over. It might end up in the middle of Oz or something they way things are going! We have had the weirdest weather this month that I can ever remember. Of course, DH and my son are both gone tonight so it will just be my dog and me who get to take the trip! With all the drugs I'm on though, it's like taking trips everyday!
June ~ I'm impressed that you can cook and eat...lucky you. At this point, I believe the smell of sauerkraut would put me over the edge! and I LOVE sauerkraut! Also, thanks for the advise about not worrying. I learned that lesson last year when my son was stationed in Iraq. I don't worry unless I know theres some good that can come from the worry. Believe me when I say, there's plenty of things to worry about when you have a son stationed for the second time over there. I found out I had cancer the day he came home. Talk about trading one worry for another!
Well, I need to get some stuff done around the house. Just wanted you all to know that if I don't check in again soon, I'm either blown away or else the nausea has come back and I'm sitting on the couch drooling and blinking like Kaye!
Take care chemo sisters!
Debbi
-
Kaye (et al...)-- my bilateral mast and sentinel node biopsy are next Thurs (10/25). I am hoping to be out of the hospital by Saturday, maybe. And I will hopefully get the results of the path by 10/31 (is it bad luck to get path results on Halloween? It seems like it was definitely bad luck getting a biopsy on Friday the 13th).
If the path report shows any cancer left, then I have 4 more chemo. If not... on to rads and then weekly Herceptin. I'll try to keep you all posted! Thanks to everyone for being there. You ladies are wonderful and it's nice to have such an extended support system. It's true-- no one can really know what it's like for us unless they've been there. I have gotten so much knowledge and comfort from everyone here. Glad I have ya!
Angie
-
Debbi
CONGRATULATIONS!!! on finishing chemo!!!! YAY!! YOU DID IT!
hugs,
Harley
-
Nash, Your onc/nurse etc. is making me crazy. We SO need to have confidence in our chemo team...or facility at the very least. I THINK there is (supposed to be) a really good liver division at UCSD? Dh & i both have HepC, and someone who had gone to UCSD recommended we get a second opinion there. Maybe a phone call or something? To ask them what they think about your situation...I don't know. I just wish you had someone who you could trust.
It's mind boggling.On a lighter note, here:
http://images.google.com/images?q=ferret&hl=en&client=
firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=7DY&um=1&ie=
UTF-8&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title
And try to have a good day... {{hug}}
(I had to "break-up" that link because it was tweaking my view of the board.)
-
Debbi! - See you in Oz! (That's my vacationland paradise destination.) BTW...is your dog's name "TOTO"? (I AM the wicked witch of the west.)
Ok...enough. Is your house still attached to terra firma? I think I'll take earthquakes to tornadoes ANY DAY. Even on chemo.
Angie - We're glad we have you, too. We have cried for you, and rejoiced with you, and laughed with you. You are precious. And re the results on Halloween, I don't really believe in LUCK, necessarily...I do believe in God, however. He doesn't always do what I want Him to do, but I believe that He exists, and that He has a plan. I'll be banging on His door on your behalf: for good results from the path report WHATEVER day it arrives.
Have a great day, girls
OH - Btw...Coffee tasted like COFFEE this morning!!! I think it did anyway.
-
Good morning, ladies!
Great link, Kaye! I think I'm going to get me an attack ferrett. Might even take him to chemo with me.
Funny you should mention the UCSD liver division--I'd just looked into that yesterday. I really don't know what I'm going to do yet. I just wish I trusted the onc. If my surgeon told me not to worry, or for that matter, my kids' pediatrician, whom I adore, told me not to worry, I wouldn't worry. But my onc.....did I also mention she works part-time? When she called my mom with the results of the CT on Tuesday, she was in the car with her kids screaming in the background, on the way home from school. It's insane. That's the other scary thing--both my mom and I are under her care. But there's nowhere else for us to go for treatment that's close to the house. Since we're at the cancer center every frickin' day practically, that's an important part of the equation. Big sigh.
DeAnn's website was updated, and Lanny said she'll probably be home by Saturday. Yay!
Hope everyone has a good day!
-
Kaye, I'm still here in Indiana. I didn't worry too much until the tv announced that if you lived between location "x" and location "y" you'd better take cover immediately. I live exactly in the middle of the two places! We had a few limbs down, but no other visable damage. It was a little bit scarey though! My dog's name is Chelsea and she looks nothing like Toto! She's a black lab. She's a lot of company on those nights when I'm here alone though. My son said that he tried to call me on cell and land line and neither one rang so he came home to check on me! At least someone cared!
Take care all!
Debbi
-
Hi Ladies,
Sorry I've been away for so long, but I was unavoidably detained. Somehow I got on the Nuetropenic bus, and by golly, they didn't even let me go home to collect a few items for the trip! But I'm home with my family, and a day earlier than expected! Whoo hoo!
Well, what a ride it was. Kaye, thank you so much for your post on this issue because it helped make this far less of a shock for me. Just let me get on my little soapbox here for a minute. I'm only 5 ft tall so I kind of need it in order to be heard. AHHHEM! (clearing throat) Let me state, emphatically, that you REALLY do not want to go nuetropenic. So, if your neutrophil counts seem on the low end of things (mine were 2.7 before my last treatment) just go ahead and ask for the Nuepogen rather than the old trick of "waiting and seeing". I obviously will be getting it from now on, but my mine got down to a low of - are you ready for this - .05!!!! Yes! That means I had maybe 50 of those little buggers when a healthy person has at least 2,400 or so running around. Very scary. OK. I'm getting down off my soapbox now.
Girls, I have never been so scared or cried so often as I did in that little isolation room. While you can, technically, have visitors, you are mostly afraid to, because they might give you an infection. Fortunately, I did not have an infection, and my husband came in to visit, but we didn't dare bring my son or anyone else in. And no internet service in the room. So there you sit with nothing to do but focus on every ache and pain you have (plus they do ask you how you are feeling a lot so you kind of have to be dwelling on it). And don't even get me started about hospital food. Shudder. But, I knew I needed to get out for my family and I needed to get that awful "cancer patient" image out of my head. I think visualizing my bone marrow as a popcorn machine popping out the neutrophils was helpful.
I haven't had a chance to catch up on all the posts, but it's nice to be back and chatting again. I hope all is well with everyone! Thanks so much for your prayers and good thoughts while I was away! A big hug to all of you!
DeAnn
-
DeAnn & Lanny,
I'm so happy you are home!! And a day early!! I'm sorry you had to go through all that. It sounds very, very scary. I'm thrilled you are starting to feel better. Thanks so much for thinking of us girls and for your husband getting in touch with us. We really do worry. I just love the popcorn machine analogy. It's perfect. I'm sure you must be so happy to be back with your son. I hope you and your family have a happy, healthy, blessed weekend.
Love and hugs, Jackie
p.s.- you look great with red hair and platinum blonde!!!
-
Girls,
My blood pressure is back to normal and I actually feel like a real "human" today. I'm still short of breath, but I'm used to it now. We get used to so many things that no one can account for. Thanks for all your concern and support.
I'm going to join a friend for a breast cancer walk in Point Pleasant, NJ on Sunday. Hopefully.
I hope you all have a great weekend!!!
Love and hugs, Jackie
-
GOOD GRIEF, LADIES!!! Busy few days, eh?
Debbi is still in Indiana - and not OZ, (or SPACE, for pete's sake) HOORAY!
DeAnn is home and not in the hospital - Thank you, Lord! Ok, girl. YOU WIN THE NEUTROPENIC LOTTERY. I thought .1 was low....I was wrong. .05 wins. Wow. I'm dumbfounded. Ok, everybody...Let's not play this game anymore. It's way too dangerous and I don't think it's fun. at ALL. What are the oncs thinking when they want to "see how you'll do"? Are they not aware that people DIE like this? Why don't they pay more attention to regular blood work? I'd like to hear percentages about blood counts staying up without Neulasta or Neupogen. They must in SOME people, or the oncs would give it always. But is it really that rare that we end up in the hospital? Or worse? that they would risk NOT giving us Neulasta? I am baffled beyond words.
And Jackie is finally feeling human again - Oh my gosh - If I wasn't covered with itchy red spots, I'd take my bald head out and go dance in the streets. I may anyhow. It's time.
Stay WELL, girls. (If you don't hear from me, the neighbors had me arrested for that whole dancing thing.)
Have a Great Weekend!
-
We do have cause for celebration! So glad you're home, DeAnn! Confetti all around! And I enjoyed the photos on your caringbridge site.
And Jackie, that's great that you feel better and plan to do the bc walk! And Debbie didn't blow away. It's all good.
And on the liver enzyme front....I don't know if it's the milk thistle, my mother's novenas to random saints in hopes of hitting on the one who's the patron of livers, or my threats to take it to a specialist, but my liver is behaving itself. From one week to the next the AST/ALT went from around 200 to the mid-20's, which is normal. Go figure.
My WBC ain't so hot--neutrophils were .5 on Thursday (although, yes, DeAnn wins the neutrophil contest with .05--yipes). Last round my crazy onc felt compelled to give me extra neupogen when they were 1.4, but for some reason .5 doesn't bother her. One could scream.
Anyhoo, hope everyone has a good weekend!
-
Hey All,
Please forgive the bold, but the old eyes are giving me fits these days. Yep, I'm still high as a kite from the steroids yesterday but I did manage about 4.5 hours of sleep last night with my 'handy dandy' Ambien CR. Well, yesterday was #6 = 75% through chemo!!!!
I actually got to see my oncologist yesterday before treatment (miracles never cease). I went in all prepared to demand a neulasta injection since my counts have been on the low side the last 14 days. And guess what???
My shot to hell bode decided to steal my thunder ( oh thank you thank you thank you)
and my WBC was 6.9 (4.8-10.8) and my neutrophils were 72.5 (42.2-75.2)!!!! I just know that even though I'm probably the poster child of all bitches, I've got a guardian angel someplace. Had to go back on the antihypertensives this a.m. It has crept back up each day and leveled off in the high 150's, so have to do something. I did not take the diurectic though, will wait and see what happens. I woke up this morning with a spiked temp and it has crept up (funny huh with the great counts yesterday). I knew that I probably should have gone to the ER but I decided to cheat and just call the NP. They have ordered Levaquin for me a couple of times after tx due to sore throat and ears. Soooo, I basically lied and said a repeat of that and would you please order some Levaquin. She did and my temp is already down 2 degrees and I'm awash in fluids (almost 2 gals. since 7:30 this morning. GAG!
Other than that I STILL feel about 1000% better than I ever did on the A/C. Just hoping and praying it lasts.
Kaye: How are the eyes, and mouth, and spots doing? If you decide to do that dancing in the street thing.....could you get dh to maybe film it for the rest of us? What a treat that would be. Sorry Kaye, but is PM like post menapausal or something? Anyway, guess I don't do that. So here's the recipe, that really isn't much of one. Brown your short ribs slightly in skillet, rinse 2 cans of sauerkraut and throw into crockpot, peel and quarter 2-3 potatoes and throw in on top, lastly put ribs in and add one can of chix broth. Cover and cook on slow for 10-12 hours or high for 5-6.
Deanne: Oh, how we've missed you missy! So glad you're home.....stay well. BTW, this is one place we all can get on our soap boxes.
Nash: You just may have a sorrier example of an oncologist than I do and I'm sorry hon. But I truly do understand the traveling bit especially when we have to go so often and we feel like crap so many days. Glad to hear those little devil enzymes are getting back to normal. 'Two rants in one day'????...honey, you're barely scratching the surface...go for it girl!! You so often speak for the rest of us.
Debbi: So glad to hear you're not 'gone with the wind' :> Sorry, it's the effect from living in Atlanta (home of Gone with the Wind).
Angie: Please know that all of us will be holding you in our heart next Thursday. With this much love and support you're gonna' fly through this honey. Have someone post please if you're not feeling up to it, okay?
Jackie: Glad to hear that 'ole b/p is finally behaving itself....I know how scary that is. How did the b/c walk go...was it fun?
Sorry ladies that I don't post individually to you all...just more than I can cope with right now. The best weekend to all...be blessed and be well.
June
-
Nash - I am so happy for your liver I could kiss it! (wait...could I just do an extra curb-side two-step for it?) And then I'm going to go on a murderous rampage straight to your onc with an Attack Rodent of Unusual Size. Did you ask her why no Neupogen this time? Did she respond? What if it keeps going down??? - do you have masks? PLEASE be careful this week. ("One could scream"...sounds reasonable. Try that. It apparently works for her kids.)
June - Are we calling #2 Taxol, #6 Tx? ...the math would add up, 4tx + 2taxol = #6...but the circles in which I travel know me well as a "math-idiot" and they never let me do anything having to do with numbers. I try never, ever to think about them.
Yes, "pm" is Post Menopausal, it is also Personal Misery whereby I lay awake in the PM (there it is again) and worry about Nash and her oncologist and what evil I'd like to inflict upon her, but on the boards here, it is Private Message. I don't know why i suggested it, because I always forget to check and see if I actually HAVE any PM's, but it sounds so techy and hip I like to use it. Sorry. Thanks for the recipe!!! Now we can all enjoy it!
Hugs again to DeAnn (Thank you again, Lanny!) and Jackie, and Angie and Debbi and everybody..don't make me name you all...I will and you'll be sorry. ok, you asked for it.
CAROL, Michelle, Kidsmom, Harley,Barb, Cindy, Sarah, Keri, Mom42, Charlene, Wibeaglemom, Hope, Eve, Fancinehay, Irma, Tami, have I missed anybody?...You all have a great weekend and stay healthy.
An "Angie-ism": Wishing you many neutrophils!
-
Debbi - Hi, I havent checked in here the last couple of days and while catching up I read your post about finishing chemo. YEA !! Thats a true blessing. Especially with all the side effects you discribed YUCH
.Just wanted to congradulate you.
Hope your feeling better.
Kim
-
Chemo mom - Just read your post abput your upcoming mast. I have it coming in December. I will sure be thinking of you. I'm having more trouble thinking about that than any other part of my treatment.
Let us know how you are , when you can.
Huys from Virginia.
Kim
-
Nash - Just read your post and you have my complete sympathy with the waco, onco. Actually I just went thru some woes of my own and switched onco. I only had 2 treatments left out of 6 but I really needed to feel more confident about my care. I mean when has that been more important?
In the end the most important thing is that your getting the BEST treatment.
Hang in there this to will pass.
Thinking of you and sharing your frustration.
Kim
-
katomato - O.K. after reading all the post lately I have to ask. Whats Neutropenic? I have had 5 rounds of Taxol/carbop. and so far (knocking on wood) I havent had any extra shots for low blood counts. But reading these makes me scared
-
OK, One more post.
Katomato - You are Sooooo Funny! your posts make mr LoL and that makes my day.
Thanks
Kim
-
Hi All,
Just got my little guy off to bed and will soon be headed that way myself, but wanted to check in with you all.
Jackie, so glad that you are feeling normal. I vaguely remember what that feels like, but as I recall, it is a wonderful place to be.
Nash - so glad to hear that your liver is back in the pink (or rather dark red, I guess, since its a liver we're talking about). However, I'm aghast that your onc would not give you Neupogen with as low a count as .5. They wouldn't even let me out of the hospital until I got up to 1.5. I hope you had a neutrophil productive day and are back up in the good range.
Kimmie, I know you asked this of Kaye, but having become a reluctant student of neutropenia, basically, it means that your neutrophils (which are a type of white blood cell and are your first defense against infection, etc) are too low. When they drop below the 1.5 mark you are extremely susceptible to getting an infection, and if you do, your body may not be able to fight it off. Hence, the big concern. Most people don't drop as low as I did on Taxol, but maybe I'm particularly sensitive to it in that regard. I'm very glad you haven't experienced any problems.
It feels so good to be back and reading all your posts and making sure you are all OK. I really missed you guys and I just knew if I had a computer to chat with you all, I would have felt ever so much better. I have to admit I'm still a little fuzzy, so I'm probably going to have to call it a night, but just wanted to send you all a bunch of love!
DeAnn
-
Kimmie!! (I'm sorry - i missed your name before! I knew someone was missing!) DeAnn did a good job of explaining neutropenia - the only thing I'd add is that it occurs from about 7 to 14 or so days after your last chemo treatment. Depending on the chemo drugs used - the actual days may be different. With Taxotere & Cytoxan they start dropping around day 7.
The time when they are at their lowest is called the "nadir" of neutropenia. That's when you're at your most vulnerable to catch anything. You really should take your temp every day during that time just to keep on top of stuff. If you run a fever of 100.5 one time or 100.3 two times in a 24 hour period you need to call the dr. Mine didn't even get that high. I ran 100.1 & 100.2 all night and felt like I had the flu, but when I had my cbc checked the next morning at the local hospital - by that time I felt fine - my wbc was ".1" and they refused to let me leave, and kept me for 3 or 4 days. The normal range for them to be is between 3.8 and 10.8. It is extremely dangerous to be walking around among people when you're low..or if you have kids in school and they bring a cold or the flu home - it could be VERY serious. Masks and gloves are a part of the wardrobe.
Sometimes onc's will give you a shot 24 hours after your tx to help your blood cells regenerate. Those shots are something called Neulasta, another one is Neupogen. With those regenerating shots your wbc's will still drop but not go so low nor stay down for quite as long.
During neutropenia you should watch what you eat - no raw meat, sushi, no uncooked vegetables, you shouldn't garden or do anything that might puncture your skin because if you get the slightest thing that normally would be ignored, it will get infected, and your body has nothing to fight the infection. I had something i thought was a spider bite, and the infectious disease specialist (!) told me it was "foliculitis", a tiny bit of bacteria at the base of a hair follicle that was infected!
THEORETICALLY onc's order a complete "cbc panel" to check your blood counts every week. At the first tx, my onc said she typically didn't order Neulasta for 3 week treatments, only 2. She said she wanted to "see how I did". After my neutropenic episode they ordered Neulasta after every other tx and I haven't had a problem since.
I have been amazed at the cavalier attitude some oncs have about this - I don't know why this potentially fatal situation is not discussed with seriousness - my onc or nurses never brought it up at all, and I was at a big name cancer center. I first heard about it on this board - and then later experienced it firsthand. So now DeAnn and I are on soapboxes. With Megaphones. It may be true that SOME people have no problem without Neulasta, but I think there should be weekly blood work to be sure - and always the discussion - because if you DO have a problem, it could be fatal.
I don't mean to scare anyone, I just mean to alert everyone - so that you can protect yourself.
I don't know about Taxol - maybe they don't knock your wbc's out like the others. If you haven't had a problem after so many tx's - you're probably fine.
Thanks for the kind words, Kimmie - I like to think of people laughing.
And I'm sorry this is so somber, but it is really, really serious.Tomorrow when my dh is awake, I'll have him attach a link about it.
-
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks,
You gals are the very best.
I havent had a problem so far BUT my oncol. doesnt check me but every three weeks just before my chemo.
Well it does make me think.
I will definitely take your advice in raw meats, veg and fruits. I do however have 2 small children one in preschool and one in elementary school. Should I be taking extra precautions during my low point ( 10 - 14 days)?
As far as Im concerned you can soapbox it away!! Whos going to take care of us if we dont? I really do look forward to talking to you gals and beyond that I have received VERY valuable information here.
Okay new question.
Have any of yall found a good way to explain to "healthy" people what the fatigue feels like after treatment?
My husband tries but being "healthy" really doesnt get it. Example.. today after a 2 hr nap I felt pretty good . Then after about 2 hrs up I was totally exhausted AGAIN. When I mentioned this to my husband he says" sometimes the more sleep you get the more you want" I wanted to break him in half. LOL
Question # 2 - Usually in the middle of my cycle I get short of breath and my heart beat speeds up just doing the smallest thing. Truly I can get off the couch to get a drink and my hearts racing and I feel strangely winded. Do any of you get like this and have you been able to get an explanation?
Well off to bed for me.
Hope all is well with everyone.
Hugs from Virginia.
Kim
-
Hi, girls. Hope everyone's weekend was nice.
Kim--I'm with ya on the exhausion thing. My mom and I went to our annual HER2support.org brunch today, which we do every October for BC Awareness Month (because Lord knows we're not aware of bc enough as it is
). Anyhow, it was very nice. However, you'd think I'd pulled three all-nighters in a row, then run a marathon. It's ridiculous. It's beyond Mommy of a Newborn Tired. I don't think there's anyway to explain it to the Healthy People. One of the onc nurses asked if I wake up refreshed and I just laughed at her.I get short of breath with a rapid heartbeat also. I think it's just from the strain our systems are under.
I took Kaye's advice and wore a mask on Saturday, as we were going out in a crowd. I have no idea why my idiot onc wouldn't give me neupogen last week, Kaye. I think it's because she's an incompentant crazy person. Anyhow, I do worry about contracting something from my kids, too. Mine are 5 1/2 and 9, and are exposed to every germ on the planet at school.
I have this perverse desire to have my counts go down even lower, so that by Thursday I can't get chemo. Then I'd be functional on the weekend so I could go to the San Diego lunch on Saturday. Especially since Kaye will be there.
Every ill wind blows some good, you know! So we'll see...Hope everyone has a good night!
-
Well so far so good with the #1 Taxol. I felt great on Thursday (tx day). Harley, I went downey ocean, hon. My Dad was visiting from FL and I was glad I was able to do something with him. Friday I had lunch with a friend. Then the nausea set in Sat pm. I guess my stomach didn't get the memo about less nausea with Taxol. All in all it has been better. Very tired today and some leg pain and believe or not my lips are numb, not fingers or toes but lips. I also started my period, I thought that dang thing had stopped. Aren't we suppossed to have some good se's?
After reading the posts, I have more confidence in my onc. I'm still on the neulesta and he tried something new for nausea. I think he is determined to get me through a tx without nausea.
Does the runny nose ever stop?
Welcome home DeAnn, you're a trooper. How did the walk go Jackie?
I'm thinking a group dance in the streets sounds like fun. Let me know when, don't forget some of us are on the east coast.
Have a good week ladies!
-
Hey Tami,
Glad you were able to get downey ocean, hon
, at least for awhile. Sorry to hear about the nausea! I am glad that overall, your 1st Taxol tx went well. You are ONE closer to being done!!
Hey ya'll!!!
Harley
-
Monkeygirl - Sorry to hear about the nausea. I have finished 5 rounds with little nausea. Im glad your oncol. is trying to help there are alot of VERY good meds out there and I'm sure you will find one that provides relief. Do you get anti nausea meds via IV before Chemo?
Its so refreshing to hear there are some of us still out there working and socializing, going out is the last thing I want to do these days.
I'll check in later with yall.
Kim
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team