Anyone starting chemo in June 08

I am not on TAC but my second chemo went quicker than my first because they gave me a megadose of Herceptin during my first treatment. I don't know if they do that with any of your meds or not. I think mine was about 30minutes-1 hour quicker.

Sarah, My TAC was about the same time.  I just think it is determined by how fast they get your bloodwork done and if you have problems with your port or veins. At least that has been the way it has been for me so far.  Seems to be a good portion of the day anyway. 

Wyoming, It is quite a shock for me to have all these pill bottles all over.  So far the Prilosec for heartburn is the most expensive thing I get.  Insurance doesn't cover it well.  I don't know if its because you can get it OTC or what.   Good evening!  HunkyD  

  I have also heard about using Claritin so I bought a giant 2 pack at Sams club for $11 and I have had no bone pain at all.  I do also have seasonal allergies so my dr approved taking two a day even though the bottle makes it sound like you can not.

I have done very well with the AC and asked the oncologist about how the T would be and he said probably even better except more numb fingertips because I will take it weekly for 12 weeks.  Some regimens call for it every three weeks with a bigger dose but then there are more side effects.

He also mentioned that the first T appt you get a loading dose of Herceptin so it was a longer appt.  Does anyone know the side effects of Herceptin? 

OK I am going to figure out how to post my photo....   I never thought I would be so happy to have a non-lumpy head but I am.  Now if only I can keep my eyebrows!!    Kelly

Hi everyone,

I did my first Chemo today. It all started at 10:30am. The first thing we did is meet with my oncologist. She gave us the news that my cancer had NOT spread. I spent all last week in tests.. you all know how that goes.. soooo my nodes has protected me. Since I am doing Chemo first then surgery, I will never really know my stage.. but she guessed , with all my stats in... I would be about Stage IIa or IIb

Anyway

Chemo went ok, when the A of the C went in.. "red devil" I was terrified.. seeing it.. wondering if I was the one it was goin to burn through..ugggggggggggggggg

I was ok.

I had four family members with me ( they gave be the "big"room).. and that help for the first time.

My right lower legs and toes swelled to the size of a small thigh last night by midnight... ( freaked me out as I am a small gal).. Dr. did a sono today on the viens in that whole leg and it looked great.. no blood clots. I will ask here what the heck else it could have been.. I was not taking chemo or xanax ...

I have not gotten sick... eaten before, during and after.. drank much waters... had ice chips and possicles tonight.. and had family over.. wore my mask  .. anywhoooo.. I feel tired now.. but it is 11pm here and I took a sleeping pill...

I don't know what tomorrow will bring.. I get my "shot" at 3pm...

So, I feel hopeful and maybe there is a light at the end of ALL OUR TUNNELS!

Love and Peace,

Laura

ps I am also interested in taking with someone who is stage 4 due to cervical lymph on the side of neck closest to the breast cancer.   if you see someone send then to me please      Kelly

Vinogal, I have some clariton on hand but wanted to check with onco before using it.  I didn't ask last time I saw him,  So far so good, although by the end of this week will correlate to when I got hit worst with the pain last time.  I guess I can always call in.  I need to get the lint roller out after a few stubble stragglers I have left.  Gosh, what a great plan for a Tuesday.  Lint rolling my head!  Have a good one...HunkyD

Good Afternoon.

Couldn't sleep last night as the night sweats were all night long. I have them for years but man these were the worst. Stood on the deck in the middle of the night trying to cool off, AND I have air conditioning!!!!

I haven't taken a picture of myself yet but plan to so I can post.

SuePeet good luck with laxatives.

Good luck everyone.

kellke,

You are the closest to me I've seen yet.  I do have spread in the neck (nodes), they haven't done any tests, but I have to have radiation there, however it is most likely the IDC there.  I'll be getting ovaries out (ER+) hopefully by the end of August, soon as I find a new ob/gyn surgeon, and that will tell what's going on in the basement (I've had problems there since I was 18)....  (would I be a stage 4 because it's in the neck? when my first Onc told me they didn't see anything in any major organs, I was so happy I never asked, what about "non-major" organs? I just said, so I remain a stage3 then, right?   she looked at me, and just said "ok".

I started my Chemo in April.  I had my 5th one (TACx6) and I can tell you it sure seems to be cumulative.  For me at least.  Neulasta.... too hard for me to take. Neupagen was a good alternative. The "T" of the TAC  (Taxotere which may be similar to Taxol) does cause some swelling.....  and I hear it polishes off the brows if the AC didn't get them.  (mine have been mostly gone since Tx#3)

Sorry you guys had to come to this site, but everyone on it is so kind, understanding & so so very supportive!  It's the best place to be!    (I have not joined any face to face "group support".)

Hugs to you all in your journey!

Hunkydory, I didn't have nausea the second time around. My doc gave my Decadron twice a day for five days. Took first one when I got home from treatment. It is my miracle drug. I didn't take my antinausea as long as last time. Hope you feel better. Having nausea is the worst. I can take the tiredness.

I have to make sure to eat a lot of protein as my red blood cells tanked. Had to get two units of blood after chemo. Taste buds are getting back to normal so food and drinks taste like they should. 

Have a great day.

Hello Ladies,

Has anyone else "failed" her blood work and been sent home without chemo ( TAC)? I was mentally ready for round 2 and instead I worry that my neutrophils (whoever they are) won't recover quickly enough. Sheesh, I had my summer all planned out to be done with all this and then KABLOOEY, my body revolts! Now would be a great time to WANT to eat M&Ms, but they taste odd. Another affront to my happiness!

On the plus side, I ought to feel well for my birthday. 

Has anyone else found oddities on your scalps? Scars and dents from childhood? 

 Sarah 

Hi Sarah,

I must say that I worry a bit about failing the white cell count, as the protocol here does not use Neulasta or anything routinely, but only if your WBCs don't come back up themselves.  I will not know until the day before my next treatment what my white cell count is and whether I'll be able to keep on schedule.  I sure hope so, as I've planned so much around the original schedule.  Did they give you anything to boost your cell count?  Were you postponed for another week?

Gina_M

On friday, I have my third TAC, and I'm dreading it already.  Everyone says, I'm so strong, but I must be covering it up, pretty good, cause this is the hardest thing I've faced, in a long time.  My chemo treatments, go on for five more months, how do you keep your spirits up?

Wow.......had to go to page seven to find you guys........I'm hoping that means everyone is doing well.......and are out enjoying some sunshine.........I feel even better than the first time........the heart burn hasn't been an issue this time.........but I've cut down on the snacks and comfort foods......so now wondering how much the heart burn actually had to do with the chemo......went without the dexamethesone just fine......no different than with the first time......so that's a good thing.........that combined with the healthier eating.......always was a good eater before this rollercoaster........I am determined not to gain wait this time...........fingers crossed.........please check in even when you are feeling good........I miss you guys.........hello.....hello......hello....(echo......I know......I'm not the funniest person in the world).... anybody there?........

Cheers

Jax

Vinogal, I too am hoping not to gain.  I had the pukaria syndrome this last treatment worse than before but that seems to have subsided so I didn't gain anything this time.  I am only taking two of the three anti nausea pills they gave me....Zofran and Ativan.  I am skipping their #2 choice of puke meds called Compazine as I had read the side effects and they (rarely?) seem to cause the facial twitch and other seemingly ugly side effects.  Hell, I'm already bald and don't need to be walking around with facial tics combined with my long standing turrets syndrome.  Going to have to get the Zofran refilled before Trt#3.  Went to work with my wig for first time.  It wasn't that bad as we have big air conditioning at work.  Got compliments.....maybe they were only sympathy compliments but I didn't really care.  One more day of work and then I hope for a normal weekend.  Husband is at mens golf league tonight so I am on my own.  Got my first chemo bill.....$20000.  My part a little over $2600.  I should hit my major medical stop loss after that.  I hope!!!!  Those nasty drugs are spendy.  Glad you are enjoying the sun and fun. You are such an out going person. This whole group is going through pergatory and I salute each and every one of you.  God bless ya all.....HunkyD

I can be in Vegas in 8 hours by car....if I can afford the gas!  HunkyD