Chemo in Nov 07

Just popping in from the Oct 07 group to say hi and to check on you wonderful ladies.  I see some familar names & faces.  It's nice to read your wonderful posts. 

I'm getting 4 tx of Taxotere and Cytoxan and have one tx left in Dec.

Lisa in VA - My brother and is family are in Forest, VA.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

hi ladies,,knocking ur door from oct chemoo too ,,to check u all wishing u r doing well,,just like kara i noticed some familier names and just wanted to say hi...

Hi Sharon.  I have not had bad side effects from the Taxotere & Cytoxan ... everyone is different.  I have prescriptions for nauseau that I haven't used yet (knock on wood, 3 down 1 to go).

I am on disability from work, so I can rest/nap if I need to.  I think I could work if I really had to.  I don't feel too fatigued, but then I don't have to keep up with a 16 month old ... that would tire me out even without chemo!! 

I was worried when I went for my first treatment and had trouble sleeping the night before.  The tx was pretty non eventful.  I ate lunch, watched a movie and just sat back and relaxed.  I hope yours goes the same.

You should add a small soft blanket to your list of things to take to your tx.  The room I was in was a little cool and my arm got cold from the IV.  It was nice to have something to wrap up in a little.

My onco told me that most people react to each treatment the same way. And for me that has been true.  Each one has gone well.  If I had any problems, they would have made adjustments to the tx.

I did ask for a prescription for mild sleeping pills because the steriods were keeping me awake.  But since I got them, I haven't had to take them. 

Just remember they can give you something to help you if you should need it.

My hair started falling out around day 14.  I have a nice wig that I bought ahead of time and I wear that when I go out.  Around the house a headband and baseball cap are comfortable.  Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Hope your tx and all the other ladies tx go well.

Hi Everyone,

I made it through the holiday much better than I feared I might. There were 10 people and 3 dogs for 4 nights, and I had my first chemo on Monday. I was tired and nausous a couple of days, but overall it went well. I was somewhat freaked about germs, but used Purell like crazy. The 100 oz of water seems like a lot, but I am constantly thirsty.



I made the decison on the wig, and I'm getting it this weekend. I think I'll start losing hair about then. I'm also going to try working this week. I haven't seen my students forever; since way before the mast and recon. I'm hoping to be able to work quite a bit through treatment.

georgia's mommy - I hope working and being a mommy goes well for you. Mommys' need a special break.

Everyone - prayers to all for the coming week.

Sue

I just read all the post from 11/16 - can't believe I haven't checked in for so long.  Sound like most of you are doing okay - relatively speaking, of course. 

I started shedding, so got my buzz cut last Sunday.  By Thanksgiving, I was patchy, so my friend took a razor and shaved my head.  Now I'm sporting all my various scarves and hats - making a fashion statement everywhere I go.   

Anyone else having any lymphedema issues?  My left arm and hand have been swelling so went to a specialist and got MLD.  They taught me how to do self MLD.  I also get to wear a lovely arm sleeve and hand gauntlet to control the swelling.  I hate the thought of having an elephant arm or hand

Like Crystal1, I'm having chemo tomorrow - #2 of 4 or #6 of 8 of you count the 4 I did last spring.  For some reason I'm more anxious this time than I've been in the past and I don't know why.  I tolerated the last one okay.  For me, the neulasta shot was worse than the AC. 

love to all,

Lisa

and water water water, don't forget to take some water with you too. And I dunno, the steroids make me immediately hungry... got snacks? while your taste buds still taste good!!

   And best wishes to all having chemo tomorrow and this week.

if sister power works - we all got it here!!!!!!!

Karyll

Oh, Sofie...I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I haven't started my chemo yet, but everyone here tells me to contact my oncologist if the side effects are bad/unbearable. They can prescribe medications to alleviate her symptoms. Call them as soon as you can.

Somewhere, somehow she will find the strength she needs. A few short weeks ago I felt the same way. Then I found this site and I feel like I have all the strength in the world. When she feels up to it, tell her that we would love to meet her!

Sharon 

Hey there ladies.  I haven't checked in for over a week and there are so many new people.  This is great!  I want to reply personally to some many of you.  I am on 4 AC then 4 Taxol or the other T.  I just did number two of my AC.

I have a BIG question.  Is anyone dealing with yeast infections or UTIs or anything like that?  I had a yeast infection after my first tx and a UTI with this second one.  And how about a couple of days of being really down.  I had a few really emotional days on or around day 6 and 7 after tx.  Weird thing is that it was the same time frame after both txs.  Wondering if that is medicine related also.  I am definately 'touchy' now overall, but these couple of days are extreme lows.  Also, I hate to ask this but has anyone gone as far as trying an enema?  OTC stuff does not work for me for those few days and it makes me feel really bad.

I guess I am normal as the rest of you.  I am almost ok on day 2 (day 2 as being the day after), on day 3 and 4  I am in the bed if not under it. Day 5 is very iffy, nausau turns to queasy over the course of a week.  I get so winded and shaky for a few days.  I have discovered what I like to eat on the bad days and how to eat on the days following.  Mouth sores come and go for me.  Being bald is so awful.  Never thought I would be that vain.  Can't bring myself to let my boyfriend see.  Ridiculous because he is as close to perfect as you can get and always always says the right thing.  Well, its not like I don't have time to adjust, right?  I have a very cute wig and that helps. 

Kara,

I live in Forest, VA.  OMG - that is amazing.  Do you feel comfortable giving me their name.  Chances are I don't know them, but ya never know.  I have two girls that go to Forest Middle and one at Jefferson Forest.  Do they have kids?

Talk to me people. 

Love to you all.  We will make it through this.

Lisa in VA

Hello everyone,

I just finished my very first chemo treatment...so far, so good. I was very happy that the infusion itself went well, no reactions to anything, so right now I feel right as rain (which we're getting a lot of, by the way). Just waiting to see what the next few days will bring....

Crystal

Have three treatments down and just one to go.  Has anyone expereinced numbness in the legs and fingers and if so how long does it take to recover from this?  And my other issue is shortness of breath.  Other than that I have managed thus far and will get through this last one.   Thanks

Hello Sue, Hello Crystal, Hello Everyone,

I'm glad everything went well with your first treatments.  I finished my 4th and final AC.  The first was the easiest.  Give yourself time.  The side effects really kick in after the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th treatments.  Just like you guys..Emend does wonders.  It's on day 3,when the Neulasta kicks in, that I felt the worst!  Just as you said, very tired, nauseated (but take your Zofran), dizzy, lightheaded.

Hang in there...Good luck to all of you and please let us know of other side effects you're experiencing.  I 've had a really, really, really, bad sore throat for 1 month now!  I thought it would go away...but after researching, chemo can cause sore throat...I've just been using throat lozenges, mouth washes haven't helped because it's all the way in the back of my throat.  Has anyone else experienced this??

I was supposed to start Taxol for 4 treatments total only....but my oncologist decided to try the "latest" study out there....I will be getting Taxol for a total of 12 treatments (1 treatment every week for 12 weeks at half the dose).  Apparently, us ladies fair better with this type of treatment.  Onc said that it is better tolerated this way by us ladies...no Neulasta, mild to no nausea or vomiting. 

Can anyone out there tell me if they've done this regimen before?  Is Taxol side effects as bad as AC ?  Please comment.

As for you ladies still continuing with your treatments...hang in there.  Prayers to everyone...we shall get through this too.

Helga

MeandPC - I had the yeasties first time around - none in my mouth but sore gums only. I actually went to the cancer clinic to ask if I could use some like canesten cream or the other brands to fight yeast infections. They told me yes indeedy, but if the Three day treatment didn't work, to go to my Doc for the "pill" that cures all yeast. Fortunately it cleared up pretty quickly but I was also getting my period every third week. Four days before chemo (FEC) without missing a beat. So far, it is Monday and no period. Hallelujah.

  I think I just barely missed a UTI as well - I had that burn ugggghhhhhh after you pee - I must have drank ten gallons of water and cranberry juice for a few days. It never really developed but it sure threatened too.

I am almost ready for my fourth treatment which will be Taxotere on Thursday. I felt this last one I had nearly three weeks ago (FEC) really kicked my butt. I am still suffering from fatigue and occasional nausea (nausea has not really been an issue till now).

  For contsiptation <----- see how I typed that? Chemo brain.

ANyway, the thing that worked best for me after all was said and done, was prune juice. I drank the whole bottle. (I was desperate)  I tried the OTC stuff, even bought some famous ex lax - and nothing was moving anything, till I drank prune juice. And then.. finally - it was a gift. I never thought I would be bowel obsessed but I tell ya, I am as bad as the seniors I look after.

My tx pretty much followed the same pattern as the first ...day by day but like I said, the getting back on the upswing took longer this third time. I have never thrown up - but have had the most amazing fire breathing dragon heartburn. YUK. So I didn't puke, and I didn't poop - I guess that waste had to get churned up somewhere.... lolol...

But at least it was something I could count on regularly. I was very well behaved and took all the drugs I was given, whether I thought I needed them or not and the Doc prescribed a prescription heart burn med called Pantaloc - thank heavens for that.

  Honestly - I am very very tired. All I do is work and sleep mostly and write a ton of stuff here - but I am halfway through chemo......and oh it feels good to be at least there. Thursday will be 2/3's of the way done. (then on to rads, but we are not going there yet)

  Drink that water!!! Pee that water!!!! Eat what you feel like you can eat but always keep something light in there!!! and oh baby, look after your mouth - be alert to symptoms that are unusual - but don't panic either. My eyes went nuts, I was sure I had an infection but it turns out it was just my eyes watering more cos my eyelashes were falling out after my second treatment. My hair cascaded and jumped out of my skull on he 15th day after first treatment, and it was a relief to have a buzz cut on the 16th day. I think my hair must be growing slightly because the whisker burn hair cut I had was hurting.. so I shaved off the bristles - and that helped.

Wow - sorry this is so long - trying to cover all my bases here I guess.

Are we not amazing? Who'd have thought we could all go through all of this and still type to tell!!!!!.

Blessings everyone - new folks? You can do it too and do it well!

Karyll

Hey Sharon!  I took no offense.  I understood that you meant me to be glad I found you guys!  There are so many new people.  It is nice to have support.  Well, my first treatment yesterday went well, no reaction, uneventful.  I feel kind of crappy today, a little bloated, Nauseous, and have that horrible taste in my mouth!  I've been eating Altoids 2 at a time!  Drinking tons of water.  Not really up to eating.  I did have a banana today.  To top it all off, I have allergies and my nose is stuffed and running at the same time!  I am at work, and will get through the day here, but I look forward to going home!

Lou

Hi Lou! I'm so glad your treatment went so well, but sorry that you're not feeling the greatest. I'm gearing up for mine on Friday morning. I'll stock up on Altoids too. I love the spearmint ones and they are really hard to find around here.

Well, here's an update on my work situation. I'll warn you in advance that I need to vent about all of this... After my surgery I had a few weeks where I wasn't able to concentrate very well. Yes, I goofed and didn't get as much work done as I should have, but I thought I had made up for it by working weekends and evenings without charging. I felt horrible about it. I've worked full-time for this company for seven years with excellent performance reviews. Regardless, I think my boss saw this as an opportunity to "force" me out on disability. She's been "suggesting" that I take disability ever since I first told them about my diagnosis. I design software and the job is fairly high-stress with lots of deadlines. It was always my intention to keep working and I was honest with them about not knowing how the treatments would affect me. I just couldn't give them a concrete work schedule and I know this made them nervous.

I need to add that my boss has had issues in the past with several of my coworkers. She doesn't seem to be the most compasionate person, but I don't know her very well since I am an offisite employee. 

With that said, she began requiring me to document (daily) every minute that I charged. I understood why I had to do this, but it added to an already stressful situation and felt pretty demeaning. I dreaded going to work and felt like a complete screw-up. One day I found out that my boss told a co-worker that if I screwed up again, she would fire me. I lost it. It was all too surreal. Could this really be happening? The final straw was the 30-day probation period I was put on yesterday. If my performance slipped again during this time, I would be subject to disciplinary action. I start chemo on Friday!!! I've called HR who did nothing but "encourage" me to take leave and I really feel like if I don't take leave I'll lose my job. I did tell them about the comment to my coworker and they seemed bothered by that.

I don't want a fight. I just want to be able to do my job without feeling like I'm under the microscope or constantly being threatened. The worst part is the horrible feeling I will never feel the same about this job that I've worked at for many years. It's like they are trying to blow this thing way out of proportion to cover their own butts. The stress has become unbearable and I've decided to take leave. There is no way that I can be productive feeling like this. I'm so brokenhearted. I can't sleep and I know that this is the WORST thing that could happen right now.

I was surprised to hear that this is not uncommon. That many companies try to build cases against employee's to show that they can't do their jobs in order to get them to take leave. 

God forgive me, but I hope Kharma kicks in REALLY soon. Shame on them!

I need to be able to look at this in a different way. Maybe this is the beginning of a new chapter in my life and something good will come out of this eventually. It's just really hard to believe that right now.

Prayers and good wishes to everyone. Thanks for listening!

Sharon 

Cheryl, THANK YOU so much. I am relieved (and also saddened) to know that you went through a similar experience. I do take a great deal of pride in my work and feeling that they thought I was deserving of probation was almost too much to bear.

Today is the first day of my leave and I've had a beautiful day with my daughter (who is napping right now so I can catch up on everyone's posts). I will cherish this time I have with her. I know that they are only little once.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. At least I don't feel like I'm imagining things!

On another note, your new hair looks GREAT! Now that I have all of this extra time on my hands, I need to make a decision about my own. 

Take care everyone!

Sharon