Chemo in Nov 07

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  • crystal1
    crystal1 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2007

    Hello all...it's snowing heavily here & looks beautiful. I'm thinking I might try that exercise thing and take a little walk around outside...sounds more inviting than my treadmill, anyway!

    Susan-yes, I work every day (or at least on weeks that I don't have a dozen doctor appts.!) I have a full time aide in my classroom with me (I teach special needs children), which is a blessing, and probably the only way that I can work every day. 

    Did everyone's scalp hurt as your hair began to fall out? Is that from the chemicals dissolving the roots? I had heard that it might feel "funny", but didn't know that it actually kinda hurts...

    Crystal

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    Hi Crystal! Yes! My head is aching like crazy. I'm looking forward to it all being gone!!!!

    Enjoy that snow! We were hoping for snow, but have wind and rain here instead. The perfect day to stay inside and decorate the Christmas tree that my parents surprised us with. Thank God I have energy again! Laughing

    Be well everyone!

    Sharon 

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  • mrs7148
    mrs7148 Member Posts: 225
    edited December 2007

    crystal- it was snowing hard last night and we had about 4 inches on the ground at 330am when i woke up, but it is raining here now and everything is slush!  Makes me feel good cuz you dont have to shovel slush, but you are west of me and if you are snowing again then this is all going to refreeze!  YUCK.  I better get dressed and run a few errands before it hits.

    Today is day 4 after chemo so I am running on low energy with neulasta aches but I can push myself thru it.  Tomorrow will definately be a day on the couch.

    Best wishes to everyone, and Sharon...enjoy that live tree~

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  • mrs7148
    mrs7148 Member Posts: 225
    edited December 2007

    crystal- what a diff a few hours can make!  we are deep in a white out now with about 3 inches on top of the ice from the morning rain.  I made it to one errand and decided to slide my way home! Nothing is worth being out in this stuff.  Dh and I are going to organize our video collection this afternoon, so maybe I will be able to find something to watch!

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  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2007

    Dear Georgias Mommy,

    Thanks for the shout out. Made it through....So, how did your hair cut go? What does Georia think?

    Sharon, one down, way to bust it up !

    I too still have brows, and some lashes, underarm and leg hair no new growth, and pubic hair definately thinned out. Just going with the flow......not much surprises me these days.

    Love and prayers to you all. xo cindy

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  • crystal1
    crystal1 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2007

    Finally stopped snowing here..it rained last night, so there's ice underneath several inches of snow!! I did go out & enjoyed it a bit...since I didn't actually have to drive anywhere!  Could be fun going to tx first thing in the morning (tx #2). Started the steroids today & baked cookies...thought this might be the last chance I'd have (or feel like) before Christmas...Onc. warned me that I might feel worse this time around...Did those of you on Carboplatin/Taxotere/Hercepton have more severe se w/each tx? Every day just seems to be full of surprises!!

    Crystal

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  • mommy_mia
    mommy_mia Member Posts: 81
    edited December 2007

    Hi all,

    It's a winter wonderland here...we had about a foot of snow today.  So pretty when you don't have to go anywhere!  I do have to get out tomorrow for #3, so I hope the roads are cleared enough by then.

    Crystal - hair definately hurts before it falls out...isn't it weird?  I think mine started to hurt about 3-4 days before it really began to come out in chunks. 

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    The house is decked out and it only took 4 hours. Beat THAT Martha Stewart! I'm beat, but am feeling quite "festive" now.



    Cheryl, hang in there and relax tomorrow. I haven't had Neulasta, but I understand that the bone pain is really bad. (((hugs)))



    Crystal, good luck tomorrow. You're in my thoughts and prayers! Check in when you can.



    Cindy, Georgia was right there when my husband shaved my head. She kept saying "whoooooa" and giggling. THAT'S my girl! I was afraid that she wouldn't recognize me, but it doesn't even seem to phase her. We had the television on in the background and "It's a Wonderful Life" was on. How appropriate!



    Enjoy the winter wonderland everyone. Be well!



    Sharon

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  • my2girls
    my2girls Member Posts: 54
    edited December 2007

    Haven't checked in for a few days.  Alot of activity going on around here.  I did my final AC tx on Thursday.  Can I get an amen???  I am so happy about that.  And I get a extra week off before I start Taxol on Jan 2.  I am thrilled about that.  I don't feel good until a day or two before my next tx so the thought of having a whole week is just so great.  My red bc were down so they gave me a shot for that.  Hopefully I will be better this time.  Feel really bad today and I am at work.  Pretty sure I won't make it all day.

    Re:  constipation - After the nightmare of my first tx, I decided to be proactive if possible. I took the metamucil tabs everyday and then starting about two days before each tx I took an otc laxative.  Works really well for me.

    Re:  hair - Haven't had to shave my legs, underarms or pluck my eyebrows since I started tx.  My u-no-where- hair is very thinned out.  I still have stubble on my head.  I wonder why it didn't all fall out too.  I was told that AC doesn't make your eyelashes and eyebrows fall out, it is the Taxol or the other t drug.  I am really going to cry over that one.  I have bought some false lashes cause I don't think I will be able to handle not having them and going out.  Why does this have to be so hard?

    Re: periods - I have been spotting for well over a month.  Very irritating.  I did have a period in there somewhere. 

    I hope everyone is doing well with their Christmas activities.  I am starting to feel overwhelmed and behind.  I hate wrapping too.  I am determined though to make this Christmas the best for my girls.  So that means a whole lot of sucking it up for the next week.  Again, why does this have to be so hard?

    I really admire those of you managing to exercise.  And it really makes you feel better?  Honestly?  I get out of breath doing the simpliest of things sometimes.  Maybe with Taxol I can give it a try.

    To those of you in the middle of AC, you can make it.  You can you can.  And it feels so good to kiss it goodbye.

    Love to you all,

    Lisa in VA 

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  • mommy_mia
    mommy_mia Member Posts: 81
    edited December 2007

    Congratulations, Lisa!  I'm celebrating with you...I had my last FEC today (I think that's the Canadian equivalent to TAC).  Like you, I start Taxotere on Jan. 7. 

    Hope everyone is doing well...don't get too stressed out over what isn't getting done for Christmas!  Everyone will understand.

    Hugs,

    Mia

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  • 3boys4me
    3boys4me Member Posts: 319
    edited December 2007

    Hey everyone - I really need to check in more often as it seems so much goes on with this board.  Just had AC tx 3 of 4 (but really 7 of 8 as I had the first 4 back in March before my surgeries).  Only one more to go on 1/7 - yeah!  I'm good for now, but know it will hit me in another day or two, but should be back up and in good shape for Christmas.  I really think the neulasta shot causes me more discomfort than the chemo?!

    For those of you starting taxotere, it can cause bone pain like when you have the flu.  Just know that you may hurt a bit. 

    Like some of you, I thought AC would knock out my periods for good, but I just had one, so I don't really know what to expect.  Though I'll be getting Tamoxifen which I'm told will take care of the rest.

    I also thought I'd lose all my hair, but so far still have eyelashes and eyebrows.  I hope to keep them.  My head has a bit of stubble, but not much.  Pits and legs are pretty clear and "down there" is pretty thin.  I was hoping to experience the brazilian without the waxing ;-)

    take care,

    Lisa in CA

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  • roxygirl64
    roxygirl64 Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2007

    Hi Everyone

    I had my 3rd A/C tx last Thursday and it wiped me out.  When I went back on Friday for my shot they ended taking me and giving me fluids and nausea medicine throught the IV.  So far this has been the worst of them.  I have not missed any work up until today and I could not even get up.  I am feeling alittle better tonite, but I am so glad only one more of the A/C.  Everytime I think of the next tx I start getting sick.  I just pray I will be better on Xmas.  Sorry to wine but I guess I am feeling sorry for myself.

    Hope everyone else is doing good.

    Jodi

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  • jay66
    jay66 Member Posts: 112
    edited December 2007

    Hi everyone just checking in. Lisa in va AMEN, finished my last a/c too (happy dance) just got 3 taxol and heaps of herceptin. Had that nuelasta shot and felt crappy for a couple of days. But dosen't matter feeling better every day xmas should be good, not to much sickness hooray. Kids are getting excited which is good as this year we have no nana mac staying with us for the first time in 16yrs. Sadly she passed away the day after I got home from hospital (mastectomy). Will feel different with out her but I will light a candle for her xmas eve. Take care everyone may your tx go smoothly.

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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2007

    Hello everyone!!! OK first tx done. Am I supposed to be feeling tired and sick now? I thought the tiredness and sickness isn't supposed to kick in until after the 2nd or 3rd txs. I wake up with a headache, I'll eat a piece of toast and drink a glass of water and I'm through for the morning. It is so depressing! This isn't me, I didn't expect this so soon. What am I doing wrong or what should I be doing to get some energy back!!!

    Thanks.

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  • loopyloulee
    loopyloulee Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2007

    Hi!  Sorry you feel so bad.  The thing is this, everyone will react differently!  I felt lousy the first week, but was able to work as long as I took my compezine for nausea every 4 hours.  I was glad to go home!  Keep your fingers crossed that you will feel better tomnorrow!

    Lou

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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2007

    Thanks Lou, I needed to hear that! I just assumed that I would be this incredible woman that couldn't be stopped no matter what the docs through my way! What a reality check, hugh!

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  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2007

    Sharon, you ARE and amazing woman, who IS taking whatever the docs throw at you ! Hang in there, I promise, it will get better. During my last tx, I really wondered if I would ever feel good again. Finally, most side effects lifted, slowly but surely. Don't doubt yourself fellow bc warrior, you are tough, and you are going to kick some bc butt ! Rest, drink plenty of water, and rest some more. Hope you are feeling better soon. Warm hugs. Cindy

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  • sue_blue
    sue_blue Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2007

    Sharon, I thought I could go to work on day 5 after treatment. I never should have gone, I left early, came home and it took me hours to get a grip on myself again. For me it seems the week of tx is very tiring, and the week before the next one is pretty good. Although, I'm somewhat concerned about tx 3 that I have coming up on Thursday. It seems to hit some pretty hard and with Christmas Eve day on day 5. It will be what it is... we have to fight this disease first, so we can have those better days ahead. It's all more than we thought it would be, but we have to be as strong as we can be and fight. Please get rest and feel better soon. (((hugs))) Sue

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  • my2girls
    my2girls Member Posts: 54
    edited December 2007

    Jodi,

    No No No you are not feeling sorry for yourself.  This is hard on our bodies and our emotions.  Its an awful thing to have to endure to be healthy again.  I know just what you mean about thinking about the next infusion.  My dr gave me ativan to take b4 my next tx because I was getting what he called "anticipatory nausua".  The thought of the iv just makes me sick and wanting to cry.  You complain all you want to baby.  Take a day off here and there.  It is a good feeling to

    be able to rest.  You should pick up a couple days before Christmas and be fine.  Well fine for someone undergoing chemo.

    Sharon,

    I hope that you breeze through.  Some people do.  Just in case you don't, don't be hard on yourself.  My first tx I think was the hardest.  The day after a tx, I just feel really weird and bad.  The next two days, I am in the bed and sick.  Even with the Amend and the phenegren I feel poorly and sleep practically the whole time.  I just designated those two days as my down days and that is the way it has been with all four txs.  My family knows and all my plans or whatever revolve around it.  The day after that (Monday in my case) is back to work if I felt like it.  Two times I took off.  I wanted to take them all off, but I am fearful of what the Taxol will be like and don't want to waste my sick leave.  Plus I have expanders to go and getting my ovaries removed which will use up leave.  Hang in there gurl.  You are strong. 

    Cindy,

    I love looking at your avatar.  Your smile.  Does something to me.  How you can smile so big with the ravages going on inside.  Awesome.  People tell me I have a great attitude and so on, but my smile hasn't been that big in quite a while.

    Jay66,

    Sorry about nana.  I'll pray for your peace.  My kids are excited too and are so hyper.  Boy they got on my nerves last night.  Tell me about your comment about getting 3 taxol.  Do you mean 3 txs.  How did you get yours and what did it do to you?  I won't be getting herceptin.

    To the rest of you ladies,

    Take gentle care of yourself.  Surround yourself with people that uplift you.  Be selfish.  Its okay to do that sometimes. 

    xxoox,

    Lisa in VA

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  • crystal1
    crystal1 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2007

    Hey all,

    Had my 2nd tx yesterday, neulasta shot today...feeling pretty tired, but otherwise, not too bad (yet!) I just hope to get through till Thurs...that's our Christmas parties with my class! Then I can crash on Fri. (except for getting the Herceptin then.)

    Hair is coming off tonight. Can't take it anymore. Trying to style it this morning, and it was coming out by the handfulls!! Having thick hair to begin with is the only thing that has kept me going this long, I think. Oh well, time to let it go....

    EVERYONE, take care. It sounds like we're all Super Women...doing what we have to do to get well, while still trying to give our families a "normal" Christmas season! Have peace, my friends! 

       Crystal

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  • roxygirl64
    roxygirl64 Member Posts: 32
    edited December 2007

    Well I had not such a good day today.  My son called my husband and told him he would probably be suspended from school because some other kid hit him in his privates hard and he hit him back.  We have been talking with the counsler the last month so they know what is going on.  My son is 15 and in the 9th grade.  My husband immediately called the school and had over the phone conversation with my son and the counsler.  She is a life safer and told us this is what kids do to release their anger when they are upset.  They are working with him and his teachers to help him with anything he does not understand.  They also sent home a paper of the signs we need to watch for on depression.  I assure him everyday that I am ok and we love him very much.  It just hurts to see your kids hurting.  I know I have to keep a positive attitude so they keep positive.  The  funny thing is I told my son to have a good day and not get in a fight (just jokin) when he left this morning.  I guess I spoke too soon.  Sorry to vent but I am not feeling good, it is day 5 since my 3rd A/C and I am really feeling sad.

    Hope everyone is doing good!

    Jodi

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  • Karyll
    Karyll Member Posts: 235
    edited December 2007

    Everyone really IS different how they are affected both immediately and the following week. What does seem to be consistent though is that somewhere in there, there are a couple of really DOWN days. (mine were when the steroid was finished) and then usually after the 7th day or so, you wake up in the morning and think OH - that's better. Still not great - but Better. I had my chemo's on Thursdays, was able to work Friday, wound down Sat and Sun and finished my steroid Monday morning and so worked that morning. By 5pm Monday I was nearly a zombie. I took Tues and Wed off work and on the 7th day, went back to work. I was fortunate, I never threw up but did have some gnawing nausea occasionally. I lost my tastebuds for about ten days in there ( I had FEC every three weeks) and my hair starting falling out on day 14 after my first treatment. Had it buzzed on the 16th day, and that created relief of at least one pain. I have just started on the Taxotere a week ago Thursday and unfortunately did not have a good reaction. (the Doc is checking the lot number because about 4 ladies had similar effects). Needless to say I am extremely anxious about the next taxotere on the 27th. AND it is day 12 and all my hard earned head bristles that had grown back are starting to hurt... a very familiar hurt... LOL.

    But you know what? I have had 4 out of 6 total chemo treatments - I crossed past the halfway line and know there are only about 7 weeks left of feeling like crap before I start radiation....In retrospect the time has flown since surgery in August but every third Thursday it feels like time has stood still. You can do it! Keep keepin on! Remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and all those things you thought you could never ever handle in your life - you are handling. Every step is a step forward. Ladies drink drink drink - it helps and I need to follow my own advice more I think.

    I hope every single day, you feel just that much better, and remember on the day you feel really low? It is just ONE day, and anyone can get through one day, one day at a time. Hour by hour if you need for a bit! Take all the prescribed meds, rest when you can as much as you can, keep the faith and remember to ensure you are taking something for your bowels.....(prunes work).

    Blessings to all.

    Karyll

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  • sue_blue
    sue_blue Member Posts: 416
    edited December 2007

    I did find a water called Smart Water by Coca-cola, I think. It has electrolytes added. It comes in liter size bottles and goes down very easily and makes me think its good for me.



    Karyll- thanks for the prunes reminder. My husband just left to go get some for me. I was out.



    Jodi - my son had in-school suspension for about the same thing at 15. It's hard to think before you react at 15. I see it all the time teaching 14 yr. olds. A better day is coming.



    Love and blessings to all,

    Sue



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  • CarrieDee
    CarrieDee Member Posts: 233
    edited December 2007

    Hi Ladies

    I am from the November 2006 group and just wanted to pop-over to send out some positive, healing vibes. I know it seems like a long road, but you too will be on the other side of all this. Allow to feel sorry for yourself and then get back in there staying strong! I wish you all the best!! Stop in anytime to our group if you have any questions

    -Carrie

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  • jay66
    jay66 Member Posts: 112
    edited December 2007

    Gee sounds like we are all finding it rougher the more txs we have. Onc said to me it builds up she wasn't lying.

     Lisa in va I don't start taxol until the 3rd of jan and then they are giving me herceptin with it, but I will let you know how I went.

    Good on ya karyll, must feel great being over half way. I'm at my half way mark now and I love it.

    Jodi, it's hard for our kids I have a 15yr old boy who keeps to himself. I am waiting for him to explode as he nevers seems to be any different, where my 12yr old girl will cry. Boy we have had some good cries together.

    Stay strong everyone, we are all one step closer to finishing this torture.

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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2007

    Thanks fellow BC Warriors. I'm starting to feel a little better. Even though I sleep most of the time. I wake in the mornings with bad headaches and sometimes in the afternoon also...anyone else? I'm already tired of being tired all the time! I'm even hating the next tx! I can sometimes smell the chemo drugs when I think about them. Yuck! I know I have to finish this if I want to be better, I'm glad to have a group of women going through the same thing to talk to. My husband tries to help and he does a very good job taking care of me, but even he doesn't know what it's like to lose a breast and to have to go through this crap! Ok, enough self pity! Next tx 4 Jan and then two more to go before taxol and herceptin weelky. Yippee!

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  • mommy_mia
    mommy_mia Member Posts: 81
    edited December 2007

    jay66 - you are so right...this is torture.

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    Hi everyone!

     

    sharont68 - I'm so glad that you're feeling better, but sorry about those headaches. I've been lucky so far, but I've read about other women having the same issues. I know that Cindy had a whopper of a headache after her last treatment. I wanted to let you know that a book was recommended to me while I was at Johns Hopkins. It's called "Breast Cancer Husband", subtitled "How to help your wife and yourself through treatment and beyond". I bought it off Ebay for pennies and it's been a great help for my husband in understanding the physical and psychological issues that we BOTH deal with. Some of the statistics are old, but the important stuff is right on target. 

    Carrie - Thank you so much for the encouragement and inspiration!

    Karyll - I'm sending you positive thoughts today for when you meet with your managers. I'm praying that they are just concerned and not trying to force you out. Please let us know how it goes. 

    jay66 - I sure am not looking forward to the cumulative effects of this chemo. My brain has turned to mush with the first one and I'm afraid I'll be a complete idiot when this is all over. Yesterday, I finished up the dishes and when to the grocery store with my mother. It wasn't until I got to the store that I realized I had brought the wet dishtowel with me. I put it right on the center console next to me like there was a reason I needed to take it. My mom just smiled. She's currently on a different type of chemo so she completely understands.  Laughing

    I'll have my second TC treatment today at 1:00 PM. I went to the oncologist on Wednesday for blood work and my counts are all back up on their own. I didn't have any Neulasta or Neupogen, but since they dropped so low with the first one, he wants me to try something this time. The decision came after I told him that my brother was going to be visiting and he hadn't had his flu shot. After reading about the severe bone pain that most women experience with the Neulasta, I asked if I could give myself the Neupogen shots (one a day for five days). Had I not been diagnosed, there is NO way in HECK I'd even consider giving myself an injection, but I think that cancer makes us fearless to some extent. At least it has for me.

    I've felt really good now for about five days since my last treatment on November 30. I'm sorry I've been so scarce. I was able to get the house decorated on Sunday (not like Martha Stewart, more like Little House on the Prairie), I made cookies on Monday, Christmas cards on Tuesday, Full day at the oncologist on Wednesday, and grocery shopping and preparing for "chemo days" yesterday. Now I have three hours before I have to go back. I feel like I want to make up an excuse to get out of it, but I'll be halfway through all of this and feeling better by next Friday (hopefully).  I'll let you know how it goes.

    Prayers and hugs for everyone!

    Sharon 

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  • crystal1
    crystal1 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2007

    Happy Holidays, everyone. I hope everyone is feeling "better" tonight....

     My 2nd tx was Monday, Neulasta shot on Tues., Herceptin today...I just feel dead on my feet. I am so tired I can't even think straight, and my body feels like it's been used for a punching bag...But on the plus side, I've had very little nausea or that type of thing. I'm just hoping to have a little energy to do Christmas with my kids...

    My hair is now completely gone. I wore my wig into my classroom, but I wanted to prepare my young students in case it ever came off accidentally. So I explained it all to them & took the wig off to show them my bald head...bless their little hearts, they loved it! One little guy looked at me in awe and said, "You're like MAGIC!" They kept coming back to me throughout the day wanting me to take it off again (I didn't) Another little guy told me he thought that I looked beautiful with or without my "hat hair"...It just made my day. Something I thought would be really difficult for me ended up being a very sweet blessing! There have been lots of reasons that I love my job, but this has gone straight to the top of the list!

    Be well,

    Crystal

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  • 3boys4me
    3boys4me Member Posts: 319
    edited December 2007

    Crystal - what a sweet story.  I pretty much go bald at home and I've asked the kids (and the neighbor kids) if it bothers them - they really don't seem to mind.  I sometimes even go bald at work or out in public - I just hate these scarves and hats and I'm just not a wig kind of gal.

    The se's hit me hard this time.  I hadn't had too many problems with stomach upset and I really thought it was the anti-nausea meds that were causing me more harm than good.  I found out otherwise this week as I was poised over the porcelain bowl.  I will take my meds as directed next (and last) tx. 

    I have a follow up appointment on the 28th.  I think I'll ask if I can just quit now.  I am so tired of this.  I know I shouldn't be whining as you are all suffering the same, but like Sharon68 said, I dread the next tx and I smell like chemo and I just want to stop!  Even though I only have one more left, the thought of it makes me crazy.  Well, thanks for letting me vent. 

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers,

    Lisa (in CA)

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