Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2011Hey Connie, all comments in reading go hand in hand with my chemo . It's been a year since my last treatment, you too will make it through this part. I use to make jokes about how much you didn't realize why you needed hair in so many areas. Well when you loose it you realize why.... Eye...
Hey Connie, all comments in reading go hand in hand with my chemo . It's been a year since my last treatment, you too will make it through this part. I use to make jokes about how much you didn't realize why you needed hair in so many areas. Well when you loose it you realize why.... Eye lashes..... Keep tears in N trash out... Nose....keeps the drips in your nose otherwise your setting there and it just keeps pouring out.... Under arms and legs don't have to be shaved. Yes! Funniest for last..... And don't mean to sound vulgar or unlady like.... But "Miss Kitty" starts loosing first, and when gone from that area there was no control of hitting in toilet... Almost like one of the boys everywhere! Like I said you have to make best out of this part but that laughter is truly the best medicine. Best of luck lady let me know if you need to talk or a good laugh. Donna
Hi Connie. I'm currently going through chemo. My oncologist told me most women will start losing their hair within two weeks of their first treatment. She was right. I began losing my hair within 13 days from my first chemo. Losing your hair is understandably upsetting but I will tell you this...
Hi Connie. I'm currently going through chemo. My oncologist told me most women will start losing their hair within two weeks of their first treatment. She was right. I began losing my hair within 13 days from my first chemo. Losing your hair is understandably upsetting but I will tell you this and most women will say the same.....I was so upset about the prospect of losing my hair. The fear of losing your hair is truly worse than actually having it gone. I never would have believed it...but it's true. When my hair began falling out ( my hair was really long ) I had my boyfriend give me a buzz cut. It was difficult but I felt more empowered that way. It was easier than watching it come out in clumps.
Hugs and best wishes in your journey,
Diana. :)
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientYes, that is what I'm going through right now. I've done 2 treatments so far. I'm tired the first week and increasingly feel better until the next treatment. I haven't had nausea, but more of an unsettled stomach. I started to get a yeast infection from the antibiotics and/or steroids so am...
Yes, that is what I'm going through right now. I've done 2 treatments so far. I'm tired the first week and increasingly feel better until the next treatment. I haven't had nausea, but more of an unsettled stomach. I started to get a yeast infection from the antibiotics and/or steroids so am drinking kefir or yogurt to counteract.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerHi Lisa,
Try to think of the chemo as your path to getting back to a normal life and wiping out that nasty BC. You have a lot of company with your mix of chemo., and the combination of drugs is pretty common. Even though we may have diagnosis that sound the same, there are always differences in...
Hi Lisa,
Try to think of the chemo as your path to getting back to a normal life and wiping out that nasty BC. You have a lot of company with your mix of chemo., and the combination of drugs is pretty common. Even though we may have diagnosis that sound the same, there are always differences in many components of individual cells. The steroids are used as a preventative to some reactions to the chemotherapy drugs. Steroids can cause weight gain but so will lack of normal exercise. You aren't on the steroids all that much. You only take them around and during your treatment. Did your oncologist have a port placed for the delivery of your treatments?
I can only tell you of my experiences with chemotherapy. I started losing my hair about 2 weeks after the first treatment. I never had nausea but the first few days after my treatments, I felt very tired kind of like the flu. After about the 4th or 5th day, there was a big turn-around and I was back to normal. I was taking a different combination of drugs than you, but my taste changed. Before chemo, I LOVED coffee and chocolate. During chemo, I craved greens! I used to consume bags of spinach and salads. After chemo, back to the coffee and chocolate. I lost a little bit of weight.
The time I spend in the place where the chemo is given was like a little party room. Much laughing, talking, and eating with the other patients. I loved the people and had a great time.... no kidding!
I would take something to read, MP3, or other electronic thingy, or a crossword puzzle... anything that you enjoy. I always slept through part of my treatment which lasted about 1.5 to 2 hours. I ALWAYS asked questions and I think you should bring a list of things you want to ask for tomorrow. Be your own best advocate. If something doesn't seem right, speak up! Be polite, but be sure and check when that inner voice says "Something doesn't seem right." I always dealt with the entire breast cancer thing with a whole lot of humor. It seemed to take the place of my fear. Hang in there.... you will be ok. Tomorrow will be one treatment checked off on your road to recovery. BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS! Take care, and God's blessings, Sharon
I had both of those drugs. The steroid you are taking is to help with the nausea. It really worked for me. It kind of makes you wired fir a couple of days though. It did make me put on a little weight. If you feel well enough, walking might help with that. As forth drugs, the taxotere caused some...
I had both of those drugs. The steroid you are taking is to help with the nausea. It really worked for me. It kind of makes you wired fir a couple of days though. It did make me put on a little weight. If you feel well enough, walking might help with that. As forth drugs, the taxotere caused some numbness & tingling in my fingers &
Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2012My chemo nurse said not the night before or the day of otherwise yes eat and drink as normally as possible. We are beer nerds and love micro brews and we home brew beer. I had real taste problems so I didn't want anything to eat or drink. The day I had my head my head shaved because my hair...
My chemo nurse said not the night before or the day of otherwise yes eat and drink as normally as possible. We are beer nerds and love micro brews and we home brew beer. I had real taste problems so I didn't want anything to eat or drink. The day I had my head my head shaved because my hair was coming out in clumps I went straight to a double on the rocks.
I was told an occasional glass of wine is fine Anjanette. Enjoy
1 comment 2Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerSorry to hear about your reaction. When I was on the "cocktail" of Taxotere. My Onc prescribed steroid pills to take the night before and the morning of my chemo. Then of course....steroids and Benadryl via IV. She told me this was due to so many women having a reaction to the Taxotere. Was this...
Sorry to hear about your reaction. When I was on the "cocktail" of Taxotere. My Onc prescribed steroid pills to take the night before and the morning of my chemo. Then of course....steroids and Benadryl via IV. She told me this was due to so many women having a reaction to the Taxotere. Was this done by your Onc? If you are not able to tolerate those two drugs...not to worry. There are more chemo drugs used. I completed my rounds of Adriamycin, Cytoxin, and Taxotere and then had my surgery. Afterwards due to extensive lymph node involvement I am on chemo again using the drugs Carboplatin and Gemcitabine. These two chemo drugs are used for later stages of breast cancer as well as lung and ovaian cancer. Talk to your Onc about your different options. Best wishes and prayers to you in your fight!
I am stage 1 and will soon be on cytoxin and taxotere as well. What kind of reaction did you have? Did you lose any hair or has it thinned?
2 comments 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI read about a baking soda and water rinse. It was also suggested to eat things like yogurt, broth, toast and stay away from sodas and acidic drinks. I start my first round of cytoxin and taxotere tomorrow.
2 comments 1Hi Barbara....yes those are painful. Has your Onc told you about magic mouthwash? It's prescribed for mouth sore from having chemo. It has Several different things that help heal the sores. It's really helped me!
Comment 1Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerAngie, I think after all of that treatment, it's PART-TAY TIME! You have completed your treatment so celebrate. I don't know if you are going through reconstruction, if so, that process is probably on the horizon for you. I can only tell you how my care has been because it depends,...
Angie, I think after all of that treatment, it's PART-TAY TIME! You have completed your treatment so celebrate. I don't know if you are going through reconstruction, if so, that process is probably on the horizon for you. I can only tell you how my care has been because it depends, specifically, on the type of breast cancer and the pathology report. Breast cancer treatment isn't the same for every breast cancer patient. Your appointments and follow-up care depend specifically on your type of cancer. I had follow-up appointments at 3 month intervals for the first year, at least. You will probably have a short physical with the usual blood pressure, weight, checking lymph nodes under your arms, checking your belly, & blood tests at those appointments. Your doctor will probably take a detailed history of how you have been feeling, and any unusual pain or anything unusual you have sensed. If yours was an estrogen-receptor positive cancer you will probably be taking one of the drugs that block estrogen for the next 5 years. You probably already have an appointment set up with your oncologist. Write down any questions that you have. In the meantime, rejoice at the return of your hair! My hair came back in curly and for 6 months, it was VERY cool! Get yourself healthy, try to get some exercise and enjoy your life!
Angie, my treatment plan is identical to yours except I'm receiving the chemo part first (same drugs). I have six more treatments then bilateral mastectomy is planned very soon. Then six- eight weeks of radiation. After that is the big question? Then what? I will look forward to the answers...
Angie, my treatment plan is identical to yours except I'm receiving the chemo part first (same drugs). I have six more treatments then bilateral mastectomy is planned very soon. Then six- eight weeks of radiation. After that is the big question? Then what? I will look forward to the answers you receive here. Congratulations on making it to the end of your treatments . Good luck !
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2B PatientVicki, I think you treat it as you would with any other kind of chemotherapy. They all work on the relately same principle.... killing fast, dividing cells. When you are given your treatments, I used to have to come in the next day for a Neulasta injection. The infusion nurse would ask how I...
Vicki, I think you treat it as you would with any other kind of chemotherapy. They all work on the relately same principle.... killing fast, dividing cells. When you are given your treatments, I used to have to come in the next day for a Neulasta injection. The infusion nurse would ask how I was doing and I would report what happened in the last 24 hours. The schedule you will be on is dependant on the decision made by your oncologist. It is not uncommon to have fatigue, bone or joint pain, nausea although it is generally controlled with anti-nausea medication. I just felt like I had the flu for about 4 days. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay hydrated.... drink plenty of fluids. Try to eat diet of healthy foods. Food may not taste the same. Lots of people say they have a metallic taste. Try to do some kind of exercise.
It is impossible to predict how you will feel or how you will react to your chemo. We are all different and so are our breast cancers. Don't be afraid to contact your oncologists office if you have questions. They are there to help make you well and to power through this treatment. I sure hope and pray you have a better time with the new combo. of drugs. You will get through this! I was also a 2B. Hang in there and take care, Sharon
Vicki, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I just feel like we, on this board, are all in the trenches together. Our lives were going along, normally, and then we suddenly find ourselves in a health crisis of gargantuan proportions. We are faced with making choices that impact our lives and our families...
Vicki, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I just feel like we, on this board, are all in the trenches together. Our lives were going along, normally, and then we suddenly find ourselves in a health crisis of gargantuan proportions. We are faced with making choices that impact our lives and our families lives in huge ways. Nobody can really understand it like a fellow breast cancer person. We live with the fear of the Sword Of Damocles over our heads regarding reoccurance. I feel very compassionate for my sister's and know, too well, our fears that wake us up in the middle of the night. I also know how important it is to be able to reach out and have someone there to listen and understand.... been there, done that. I always felt I received the special gift of breast cancer because I am such a blabber-mouth and hope I can remove some of the pain of this disease by, at least, listening. We hang together.... propping each other up by sharing our experiences with love, compassion, and understanding. Take care, and again my sincerest thanks for your kind words. Sharon
Asked by anonymous
PatientHi Celien,
I also broke out in red spots all over my torso, arms, and face due to Taxotere. They itched and sometimes hurt. I found Gold Bond lotion made them feel much better. I'd put it on damp skin as I was getting out of the shower. Also, my oncologist gave me some low-dose steroids to...
Hi Celien,
I also broke out in red spots all over my torso, arms, and face due to Taxotere. They itched and sometimes hurt. I found Gold Bond lotion made them feel much better. I'd put it on damp skin as I was getting out of the shower. Also, my oncologist gave me some low-dose steroids to deal with it.
I had body aches for a week after my first three or so treatments, then felt much better before my next treatment. As I had more treatments, though, the pain lasted much longer and finally didn't end between treatments. Make sure you get good pain medication from your doctor, and don't be afraid to ask for something strong. You have to stay on top of it or you end up miserable all the time. I took Percocet, which also helped me take naps during the day. It eased the pain and made me sleepy.
A word of caution, and THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE, ONLY. As my treatments went on my reaction to Taxotere got worse. Please listen to your body and speak up if any of the symptoms get worse or if you develop new ones.
Best of luck on your journey. Just remember that it's not going to last forever.
I did taxotere/cytoxan 6 rounds from March thru June 2011. It wasn't a picnic but it was doable. I worked through 1-4. 5&6 I was on summer break. Use the meds for side effects. Talk to your doctor. It wll be over and you will be better and alive.
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Stage 1 PatientDrink plenty of fluids! Don't let yourself get dehydrated. Get plenty of rest. Good luck to you!
Comment 1By now I imagine you've had your first treatment or are close to finishing it. Congrats! The first one is behind you!
I had TC plus Adriamycin, and I always had a Neulasta shot the next day. I got pretty bad bone pain from the Neulasta. Claritin didn't work for me so my doctor gave me...
By now I imagine you've had your first treatment or are close to finishing it. Congrats! The first one is behind you!
I had TC plus Adriamycin, and I always had a Neulasta shot the next day. I got pretty bad bone pain from the Neulasta. Claritin didn't work for me so my doctor gave me prescription pain meds. They took away the pain and helped me sleep!
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