Starting Chemo in September?? where are you ladies

1…1112141617…31

Comments

  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited October 2007

    I'm still feeling good.  I'm not taking the steroids so I was expecting it to be worse.  And I've only had to take zofran and ativan.  So this treatment has so far been very different in a good way.  Don't want to jinx myself.  The only differnce is I've been drinking as much as I can.  Hard to believe that would make such a difference.  And I've been eating whatever I want which is awesome.  I get diarrhea anyway so might as well eat what I want while I can. 

    Be well everybody.  Thinking of all who are struggling.  Special hugs to you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited November 2007

    Ok roll call girls !

    Bluewillow,Urbie, karyll,paxton, marriettaj,livingb, gillkath ,goodvibes,delach(silent reader) are here and kicking b..tt of the C  crap !


    Janice, methusala,rxt774, EHSinSF,SusanB12,seacat,dibel  are you there gals ? doing ok ?

    nanc512 twin... give a holler !

    Anybody else out there from September chemo chicks ?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluewillow
    bluewillow Member Posts: 779
    edited October 2007

    Hi! I'm hoping we hear from the rest of the September chicks, Trigeek!

    I just got back from having my Echocardiogram after finishing up the red devil Adriamycin, and they told me I got an A+ on my test!  Whooppee!  Now onto the Taxol on Nov. 12-- hmm, wonder what that's going to be like...  This #4 A/C hasn't been too bad, but the SE's are definitely cumulative and I have actually missed 3 days of work this week Cry

    Paxton, I'm glad you're feeling better.  I do believe that drinking a LOT helps, for sure!  I'm glad to hear you're eating more too.

    Take care, everyone!

    Mary Jo

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited October 2007

    I'm starting to feel the nausea and fatigue a bit, but it feels more like my first tx which wasn't too bad.  I think not taking the steroids was the right choice (had the IV dose).  It really works for the nausea and fatigue, but when I stop taking it, I crash so hard that its not worth it. 

    Now, can I figure out what to do with the next set of taxol tx's before they're over Tongue out

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Karyll
    Karyll Member Posts: 235
    edited October 2007

    Checking in - I am on my upswing week so feeling GOOOD. Food tastes again, work is back to it's usual 'aholic' pace and I am putting in mega hours to overcome the day that I have to miss that is not one of my regular days off. They are being funky about being "able to meet my obligations" during chemo. This pay period I ended up putting in 102 hours (80 is the required) and I am on salary so do NOT get overtime, and they are bit*hin over 7.5 hours. Go figure. I think chemo has helped my assertive side, either that or they have gotten on my one last nerve.

      Yeasties.... anyone having trouble with that? my mouth is good but I have had the vaginal stuff happening. I did the three day treatment and that seemed to help to a degree but I know I am still not "right" in that area. No fevers, no real itch, no real symptoms of anything. Bit of a discharge, but nothing really bad. I know my menstrual cycle is in a mess... lol... so maybe it is just all of that still too.

     And for the first time ever in my life, my fingernails are long and strong. Seems a bit unfair that they too might fall off into my soup some day - specially during the Taxotere.

    Karyll

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mariettaj
    mariettaj Member Posts: 179
    edited October 2007

    Hey there ladies!

    Thanks for taking roll call Trigeek! Like Karyll I too am on my upswing week and feeling really good. I organized a halloween party for my son's 2nd grade class, it was a blast! He is chomping at the bit to start trick or treating, but it is only 4:00 here....

    Time is going by so fast, I can't  believe my 4th treatment is next Wednesday already...I just found out my parents will be here for Christmas and are coming the day before my very last tx....I am so happy about that.

    Karyll I am on Taxotere and have not had any side effects as far as fingernails go....yet.

    I agree with MaryJo, drinking lots of water makes a big difference.  I find it harder to drink water on my bad week, but end up forcing it down...

    Happy Halloween!!! Have a great night!!

    Marietta

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2007

    Hi Ladies ---

    I am still alive -- my last tx (cytoxan and taxotere) really has tired me out -- it was my third tx.  My next (AND LAST) tx is next week, Thursday, November 8.  In addition, I have to go out of town for my job for four days right before my next tx -- Ugh!  At least I'll be in a hotel room for those nights --

    The taxotere has darkened my fingernails -- I have little areas on each nail that are blackened and they are sore.  Hopefully, with only one more tx, they won't fall off.  I have been bothered after this last TX by chemopause -- hot flashes.  Anyone else suffering this?

    I find myself worrying about the fact that my chemo is almost done -- does anyone else feel that way?  My onc has never suggested any additional tests -- i.e. no CT scan, no PET scan, nothing. 

    I hope you guys have a great day.

    Laurie

    PS -- I finally figured out how to add my picture -- this is me wearing a wig -- my actual hair color is darker!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Urbie
    Urbie Member Posts: 154
    edited November 2007
    Hi - me checking in!  Laurie, you look great in your wig.  I have three and two partials; a long hat magic that I wear with my baseball cap to exercise and a fall that I haven't worn yet.  I have a bunch of nice scarves too, but I just can't seem to go in public with a scarf.   And about the fingernails.  Mine are very long right now and painted with dark polish so I don't know if they are turning black or not!  This I would rather not know anyway, so I will just keep them painted.   I will feel worse about losing my fingernails than I did about my hair!  Getting ready in the morning is SO quick when you are bald.  I just may stay this way Wink .   Happy day to all of you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • livinginboji
    livinginboji Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2007

    Hello to all,

    Yesterday I finally felt "normal". Didn't feel like napping, etc. Has anyone's hair started to grow back yet? I have about 1/4" to 1/2" fuzz but its not very thick. Hopefully it will fill in again. It would suck to go thru all of this and end up with funkier hair than I had before. I thought maybe it would fall out again with each tx.

    I see onc today and will ask about follow up tests. I'm curious about that too. It would seem weird to just be done and that's it! I have to do rads yet. Anyone else? How long before you begin after finishing chemo. My onc said to wait a month but I'd rather not. I'd like to finish before the end of the year as to not have to meet another deductible.

    Karyll, did you not say that you were having your cycle every 2 wks? Is that still happening? I was too but know its been a month since my last and hoping that its the begininng of the end of the cycles. I haven't had too much chemopause symptoms. Not really hot flashes but my head feels really hot and sweaty. When I'm home alone I can't wait to take of the scarf just to cool down. I haven't had night sweats or trouble sleeping either. YEA!!! Hope I didn't just jinx myself.

    Hope the rest of you are doing well. I'm really nervous about #4 on 11/15, trying not to think about it too much. It seems each tx takes longer to snap back and I want to enjoy turkey day with the my kids (not too mention I'll be doing the cooking).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    Good to hear from everybody (well, minus a couple), but glad to hear most are doing well. 

    I still have some fatigue and nausea but nothing horrible.  I'm hoping by the weekend I pull into my good week. 

    My computer went crazy this morning and I was worried I'd be out of commission.  I let it be for awhile and then it did some other weird stuff and rebooted.  Thank God!  Now, if I could just muster up the energy to clean up the dog barf by the door.  Our dog rarely ever has problems with that sort of thing, but I suppose bf gave him some scraps last night that didn't settle right.

    Karyll: I've had several yeast infections after tx's.  The 3 days of diflucan usually did the trick, but you can also eat yogurt and even try supplements with good stomach bacteria strains that will keep yeast down.  Good Luck...no fun.

    Everyone have a good Halloween?  I didn't do much.  I ate some candy. Does that count? Smile 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2007

    Hi Paxton,

    I just wanted to take a few seconds to let you know that your postings always make me laugh -- something that is so welcomed these days.  I don't know if I could muster up enough energy to clean up my dog's barf, either.  Or the kitchen or the dishes, for that matter!

    Laurie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Karyll
    Karyll Member Posts: 235
    edited November 2007

    I am on wait and see about the menstrual cycle. I certainly have been PMSing, so I won't be surprised to "see" something in the next couple of days. Usually the week before chemo starts and the night my boyfriend comes over... LOL....fun fun fun indeed.

    Have a good FRIDAY yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

    Karyll

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited November 2007

    Gals .. some ..  intimacy problems creeping up need your input.

    I was kind of proud that I did not let chemo interfere that much but after the 3rd tx I turned into ice queen(do not have any physical issues seems to be mental).. Will that let up ? Or is it going to be like that until end of chemo. Anyone else have this problem ?

    I am 45 and my last period was 5 weeks ago when I got my 1st AC treatment.. is this chemopause ? Do not have any other symptoms like hot flashes though.

    I am on AC and will be going on Taxol ..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Karyll
    Karyll Member Posts: 235
    edited November 2007

    I was kinda hoping for chemo pause or at least the cessation of my period on the short term but no such luck on either front. I am definitely not interested in any kind of sexual intimacy right after chemo - maybe ten days after - but then it is honestly more to reassure myself I can still do it. I would imagine (and I am only guessing) that it has to do with the extreme fatigue that hits. Even if you are working FT or working in the house - every little bit takes every little bit out of you. Even if I am not feeling it at the time, I know when it's bed time that all I want is SLEEP so that I can function through the next day. I am certainly no expert but I think there are some good articles around here. Surgery and all that definitely played havoc with my hormones - and from what I read, chemo has a little ha ha game with your body too. I did see a thread that said "I want my mojo back" so there might be some more info there.

    Karyll

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    Well, I def don't feel like doing it if I'm in the sick/fatigue mode.  But I'm still game otherwise, though its not like we do it all the time.  For me, the hardest part isn't the sex, but when I'm sick I begin to feel so far away from my bf and miss him terribly. 

    I'm beginning to feel better each day now.  No steroids seems to have worked.  I had a few days of feeling yucky but no nightmare days like last tx's.  Now if I can just keep drinking.  I'm getting tired of drinking and drinking.  But it must work.

    Happy Friday!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluewillow
    bluewillow Member Posts: 779
    edited November 2007

    Howdy everyone-- I thought I'd slow down long enough to check in-- the last two days at work have been unreal!  I had a major report I had to get out, have been going full speed after three days of the pure blahs, but I made it!  That made me feel powerful over this chemo stuff-- that it didn't keep me from doing my job the way I've done it for the past 16 years with this same report deadline!  I'm just right proud of meself! Cool  What I am NOT proud of is eating all the leftover Halloween candy at my house... but I did walk two miles today, with my daughter-in-law as my "coach"!

    Glad everyone is doing pretty well.  Trigeek, I can sympathize with the 'ice queen' feeling... you and I must be on about the same wave length or something because I started out thinking, ok, chemo is not going to interfere with the intimacy thing here, but now, after my #4 A/C, I really could care less.  Thank Heavens I have an understanding hubby... I am 51 and menopausal, and I think that has a lot to do with it too, and I even tried a product called Liquibeads which helped for the dryness. (and I have had an increase in night sweats) But I guess it's mostly a mind thing, especially when your body feels so weird from all these meds.  Paxton (hope you got the dog barf taken care of)-- I get that "faraway" feeling too- I've sure not figured that one out-- I felt closer to dh at first, but now, it's like we're just keeping our distance-- can anyone explain that?   We've just all gotta hang in there and like Karyll said, let's check out the "mojo" thread.  Laurie, you're gorgeous, and good luck on your job trip-- hope you feel well the whole time!  Urbie, I've considered keeping my new "look" too-- so easy to style!   Cheryll, I have noticed some very fine fuzz growing back too and it's increased just this week.  I wonder if it will leave again once I start the Taxol tho.  My husband says it looks like rabbit hair on the top of my head.  Whatever!

    Everyone have a great Friday night and pleasant weekend!

    Mary Jo

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • emmapeel
    emmapeel Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2007

    Hello All,  I only now found this site and sure wish I had found it earlier.  Stage IIB, ER+, HER-, 1 node.  I started chemo on 9/15/07, FEC for 3 cycles and then Taxotere for 3 more.  Anyone else doing FEC?  Had the port installed the same day I started chemo and would not recommend that as it made me feel quite "oogy".  No vomiting and have felt pretty good.  Only problem that is really bugging me is my slow digestion and a feeling of fullness (like a stone) in my abdomen.  Is anyone else feeling like this?

    Lastly, I wanted to mention that I travel every week via plane for business and am wondering if anyone else is doing that as well.  Sometimes it is really quite lonely traveling among strangers with a damn wig on your head.

    Anyway, I am enjoying reading this thread and wish everyone the very best.........you all are inspiring.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mariettaj
    mariettaj Member Posts: 179
    edited November 2007

    Hi all!

    Well I was wondering when the subject of sex was going to come up. I too at first didn't think it would interfere....well, I'll go for ice princess title since MJ and trigeek are the queens! LOL The liquibeads was good advice, I was just going to suggest picking a fight with your hubby, that always works for me LOL :)

    Welcome Emmapeel...I get that full feeling too, due to constipation and indigestion...I take nexium and laxatives and basically ride it out...it usually lasts one week.

    Did I mention that I got a new wig? It has made me so much happier than the first one, which I hated. This one looks exactly like me. A few girlfriends noticed immediately and love it, my hubby never noticed...just like a man! 

    Have a great weekend all, I'm dreading Wednesday...

    Marietta 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    Well, I'm joining the eating too much club.  I haven't had diarrhea in quite awhile and can eat whatever I want which is exactly what I've been doing.  I ate nearly a whole bag of kit kat halloween candy over a few days.  I have to keep reminding myself I can't eat as much as I did before since I'm so inactive. 

    I downloaded some songs played where I used to go dancing at the bar and danced around the house.  Today I can barely walk my calves hurt so bad.  I can't wait until til this is over and I can start getting back in shape. 

    Bf is deerhunting this weekend.  I have a doe permit for next weekend so I'm hopeful I'll be able to hunt.  I heard a few shots awhile ago so we'll see if he got one.  He keeps saying it doesn't feel like deer hunting season yet and he's not very excited like usual.  I wonder if its not just from moose hunting. 

    I think our men are probably in a slump like we are.  Its hard to see us going through this I'm sure.  They're prob going through some emotions and you know how men are with those (and they're not talking to anyone like we are).  It makes me feel good that when I'm doing well he tries to include me as much as possible.  And I've found that if he gives me a big hug and kiss when he leaves if I'm not feeling well, that I don't sit and cry that I'm missing out. 

    Well, hope everyone's having a good weekend!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2007

    Hi Everyone,

    Ice Queen, Ice Princess, and now I guess that leaves me to be the Ice Maiden!  Intimacy has been really difficult for me -- at first it wasn't because when I first heard that I had cancer I wanted to be really close with my dh.  Then I had the mastectomy with the tissue expander and fillups and now chemo .... the bald head ..... then I'm facing the implant surgery .... I haven't exactly felt sexy!  My dh is great, though, and he is very patient with me.

    As far as eating too much during chemo -- I think we do it because we can't taste food for so long that when our tastebuds come back we just love to eat.  I have been lucky and haven't really gained much during chemo -- expect for this spare tire feeling around my middle.  Must be the chemopause?

    Welcome Emmapeel -- there is a great group of women here!

    Laurie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    OMG, I don't think there's anything I haven't eaten today.  I got my usual week after chemo feel like crap day, but without diarrhea I've been on a rampage with food.  I've got to get a grip.  A few weeks ago, I would have been happy that I was getting to eat real food, but this is ridiculous.  Where is the middle ground, people??

    Bald, sick, and fat....who wouldn't feel like having sex??

    Nothing else to do but laugh Tongue out

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mariettaj
    mariettaj Member Posts: 179
    edited November 2007

    Paxton, I look and feel like a buddha....

    Laurie, I can identify with the spare tire feeling...

    My doctor says it's water retention...I didn't realize you could retain water in your butt...yeah, let's go with that!

    Marietta

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited November 2007

    Pax gal you are too funny !

    Gotta add something tho:

    Bald, sick, fat and with alien boobs with a car tire psi ( expanders) and no nipples Surprised sometimes I feel like hollering 'ET PHONE HOME'

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited November 2007

    Hi Ladies,

    I'm glad I'm not the only one with the spare tire -- I feel a little like a water balloon that has been forced into a tight sock and is bulging out over the top of the sock! 

    Trigeek -- I totally relate to the ET feeling!

    I attended a conference on breast cancer yesterday and one of the lectures I attended was on breast cancer and the environment.  It was fascinating -- One of the reasons for increased cancer is endocrine disruption.  Well, one of the main causes for this is the amount of estrogen that is in everything.  That's not to say that everyone will get cancer from this but if you are predisposed to cancer (like we ladies are) this can be very bad for you. 

    Did you guys know that the government does not monitor what toxins are in our personal care products -- like makeup, deodorant, etc.  I have a link to a website which I can't list here but if you have estrogen positve cancer you might want to visit the site.  MY MAKEUP HAS ESTROGEN IN IT!  Very bad for me.  If you go to google and type in "skin deep cosmetic database", the link should come up.

    I hope you all have a good day!

    Laurie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    I think I may actually make it through this tx without going thru hell.  This past weekend was usually when I got sick as a dog and I only felt a slight bit yucky in the evenings.  And I never even got diarrhea. 

    Now I have all week to perk up for deerhunting next weekend.  My bf didn't take one this weekend so he'll be with me.  I'm so excited.  His dad got a buck so last night we were over there butchering; I didn't do a thing but eat supper and visit Smile . 

    A girlfriend I used to go dancing with passed thru town with her bf on their way home (they moved about 2 hours away) so I met them at the bar for a bit.   She hadn't seen the bar since someone drove thru the wall and the kitchen fire.  Gotta love small towns. 

    Well, I'm exstatic to feel human again. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluewillow
    bluewillow Member Posts: 779
    edited November 2007

    Hey Paxton,

    I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better!  It's about time you got a break, girl!!  And enjoy your food, finally and don't worry about the xtra lbs-- it'll be ok!  And I'm really glad you get to hunt next weekend! I know you are so excited!  We just happened to find some hunting lands to lease this past weekend and I'm excited about that, tho it will be next year before I get to hunt it.  I'm still depressed about missing this year's hunting season, although I'm glad dh has gotten to go quite a bit, although he hasn't harvested a thing.  He didn't think he would be able to hunt at all because he thought he'd be at home playing nurse to me while I was sick as a dog, which thankfully didn't happen.  I plan to go turkey hunting in the spring though.  That's hard on an old body though-- sitting on the ground and trying to be motionless and quiet (that's really hard for me to do!!!) 

    Take care,

    MJ 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited November 2007

    Pax and MJ

    Have to tell you this.

    I am learning a lot from you, you are changing my views on hunters.

    Aylin - eating everything in sight that is NOT moving and does not have a skull and crossbone on it Sealed

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    Well, the good times don't last.  I felt so good the first part of yesterday and then about midafternoon I, BAM, back to the couch feeling like crap.  My goal for the day is to drink, drink, drink, and stay hopeful that I'm gonna have a good week if it kills me Yell . 

    Tri: I wasn't always into hunting, but I too started to see it differently.  I have always had an interest in being more self-sufficient and now part of that is hunting the meat we eat.  We try to be respectful and not to be wasteful.  And the animals we hunt at least lived life freely unlike being raised in captivity and sent to the lovely slaughter house. 

    Aggggggggggggghhhhhhhhh...I want to feel better!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joykeeperorg
    joykeeperorg Member Posts: 154
    edited November 2007

    Hi ladies I started chemo Sept 2 of this year im on a dose dense of 4 AC and 4 T. I just had my first taxol and of course I had the neulasta shot after words. The pain was horrible I ended up going to the ER on Sunday my fever was 100.3 and I felt like I was getting shocked all over my body.  They did blood work and I had 60,000 white blood cells they said that a "normal" person has anywhere between 4 to 10,000. Has anyone else had this problem? When do you know to go to the ER for a fever? Is there a cutoff point?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    Around 100.3 is when u go to the ER.  But if you're having other symptoms, I'd go.  And even if you're temp is lower, I'd at least talk to your onc.  The ER's are usually more understanding toward cancer patients so don't worry if you're not sure its an emergency.  Better to be safe.

    I, too, am doing dd 4AC 4T.  I just finished AC and next tx will be 1st taxol.  I'm kind of nervous.  I didn't know your white cells could go too high.  Mine were under 900 after one tx and I was immediately put in isolatin for a week and had nuepogen shots each day until they were up. 

    So, what did they do for you with too high counts? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories