Diagnosed siblings

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josiemac
josiemac Member Posts: 27
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone! Its been a few months since I've posted but I needed to vent. I'm halfway through my treatment (4 cycles of chemo out of 8) and I'm feeling really horrible. The chemo is taking such a toll on me. I just finished the last AC and going on Taxerol next week. The AC was horrible for me. Any advice on the Taxerol? Will it be the same? I was diagnosed in April 2005 at age 40. My sister was diagnosed in 2001 at age 46. She is currently a 5 year survivor. She's been super supportive of me during this difficult time and I wanted to say I love her very much. Please pray for both of us.

Thanks,
Josie

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  • DiO
    DiO Member Posts: 51
    #2
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    You are in my prayers! I was where you are a little over a year ago--as of today I am doing fine, almost back to before bc. Only current problem is some hand/finger joint pain from the Arimidex I'm currently on. For me the absolute worst part of my chemo was between the last (4th) AC and the 2nd taxol. The last AC hit me the hardest, and then the first taxol, which everyone said would be much easier, didn't seem to be. I've concluded it was because of the lingering effects of the AC on top of the new side effects of the taxol, which were some bone pain, fatigue, and skin rash. The 2nd and subsequent taxols were much easier--less severe taxol effects than the first, plus was finally getting rid of the AC effects. Each one got a little easier. So take heart, you could be on the way up! Of course everyone reacts differently, but I'm praying for an easier time for you as your treatment progresses. Good luck and God bless, Di
  • ever1
    ever1 Member Posts: 26
    #3
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    Hi, I just finished 4 treatments of AC & 4 treatments of Taxol. The 3rd & 4th treatments of AC were the worst for me. The Taxol was not as hard for me. I had a few aches/pains but Advil took care of it. Hopefully the Taxol won't be difficult for you. It's wonderful you have a sister who is there for you. Keep us posted on your progress.
  • LorettaB
    LorettaB Member Posts: 51
    #4
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    Hi, Josie,

    Just finished my chemo 2 weeks ago, 4A/C and 4 Taxol. In fact, me and Ever1 were one day apart on our chemo, Hi, Ever! Oddly enough, the A/C was not as bad as the Taxol has been for me. It just goes to show you that everyone responds to chemo differently. I have developed substantial neuropathy in my feet and hands: severe numbness and tingling...enough to make buttoning buttons, putting on jewelry, typing, and on some occasions, even walking, difficult. The Taxol wiped out whatever hair I had left...eyebrows and eyelashes are now gone. The bone and muscle pain were bad 2 days after Taxol and it lasted longer after each Taxol treatment. My oncologist said that I was just one of the types of people who react this way to "Synthetic California Yew Tree"; Taxol. She prescribed Neurontin for the pain...it really didn't help. The only thing that has helped is Hydrocodn. Fortunatley, the pain is subsiding now, but the neuropathy is not.

    But the good news is this...eventually, you are done with chemo and I have to admit, I have enjoyed the smoothest, hairless legs and underarms!

    I hope your reaction is the exact opposite of mine.

    Hugs.
    LorettaB

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