Too Pooped to Pop-and Flying next Thursday

natly15
natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Finished my first taxotere a week ago this past Tuesday. My chemo brain had my days confused. Completed A/C and one taxol. My body is not rebounding like it did in the beginning. I know chemo effects are cumulative and I didnt get out of bed till this past Monday. I went from constipation to the Big "D" this time. Doing a lot of drinking - that is water and gatorade. Ate something substantial last evening for the first time since last Tuesday.

Have no energy, fatigued, exhausted, sleepy, stomach discomfort and just too pooped to pop.

I pray my body rebounds by next Thursday 2/25 because hubby and I have plans to fly to NC for our granddaughter's first birthday. I purchased a compression sleeve just to be safe and will wear a mask if needed because I think my WBC have tanked again. Left a message for my onc this morning.

Wondering if my body will get back to some kind of normal by next Thursday. Based on past experiences I could be weak and tired next Thursday. Any suggestions for this fatigue?

Purchased cancellation insurance just in case. Sure hope we dont have to cancel. So looking forward to seeing our little adorable Brooke.
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Comments

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    I hope that you can go to
    I hope that you can go to celebrate your granddaughter's birthday! So sorry that you are having such a rough time Natly. I will be praying for you!

    Lex♥
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    Hi Natly,
    You are describing pretty much how I felt on Taxotere. It kicked my butt. Each infusion the symptoms lasted longer and longer until the last couple I was pretty much in bed the whole three weeks. Big "D" was one of the worst. My onc finally gave me an Rx for the generic of Lotomil to take 4x daily and that really helped.

    If you have the energy to fly, be sure to take Poise pads and changes of clothes on the plane in your carry on if you are having "D" because mine would come out of nowhere. It was very humbling to say the least.

    If you are super fatigued etc. when it's time to fly next week, think about how wonderful the visit will be when you are thru with Taxotere and can feel yourself again and REALLY enjoy your visit with that little baby doll. I was feeling pretty good in about 4 weeks after I was thru with the chemo and was able to start eating again!

    When I had read you were going on Taxotere I was worried you'd be pretty sick and I felt bad for you. I'm hoping you are feeling good next week...you have had 1 or 2 cycles so far?

    Sorry I can't be more helpful, I did not find any quick fixes, just Rx's to help with symptoms. Sleep was the best thing cause you need it. I couldn't believe how much I slept! Second benefit of sleep...you don't feel sick when you're sleeping!

    Keep us posted on your progress toward next week.

    Hugs, Judy :-)
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    Skeezie said:

    Hi Natly,
    You are describing pretty much how I felt on Taxotere. It kicked my butt. Each infusion the symptoms lasted longer and longer until the last couple I was pretty much in bed the whole three weeks. Big "D" was one of the worst. My onc finally gave me an Rx for the generic of Lotomil to take 4x daily and that really helped.

    If you have the energy to fly, be sure to take Poise pads and changes of clothes on the plane in your carry on if you are having "D" because mine would come out of nowhere. It was very humbling to say the least.

    If you are super fatigued etc. when it's time to fly next week, think about how wonderful the visit will be when you are thru with Taxotere and can feel yourself again and REALLY enjoy your visit with that little baby doll. I was feeling pretty good in about 4 weeks after I was thru with the chemo and was able to start eating again!

    When I had read you were going on Taxotere I was worried you'd be pretty sick and I felt bad for you. I'm hoping you are feeling good next week...you have had 1 or 2 cycles so far?

    Sorry I can't be more helpful, I did not find any quick fixes, just Rx's to help with symptoms. Sleep was the best thing cause you need it. I couldn't believe how much I slept! Second benefit of sleep...you don't feel sick when you're sleeping!

    Keep us posted on your progress toward next week.

    Hugs, Judy :-)

    I just reread your post..
    This was your first Taxotere...I felt really good after of week of being sick on my first round of C/T and had two really good weeks before the next one. You may be feeling really good by next week. Fingers crossed.

    Hugs again, Judy :-)
  • Sunrae
    Sunrae Member Posts: 808
    Skeezie said:

    I just reread your post..
    This was your first Taxotere...I felt really good after of week of being sick on my first round of C/T and had two really good weeks before the next one. You may be feeling really good by next week. Fingers crossed.

    Hugs again, Judy :-)

    Natly, sorry to hear you're
    Natly, sorry to hear you're not doing well. Seems like this just goes on and on. I'll be hoping and praying that your body settles down and gives you some needed rest. Also be praying that you can make that trip to see your little granddaughter and celebrate her birthday together. Take care of yourself and let us know how you're doing.
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    I'll hope...
    You'll feel good enough to get on that plane. A visit with your much beloved little granddaughter would do wonders for your heart and soul. Especially to celebrate a very special occasion, first birthday.

    Unfortunately, there are no "quick fixes" for how you're feeling, nor to rebound from it faster.

    And if you go - please continue to take care of yourself, even while away from home. Realize that while there you might not be able to do all you'd like to (as in "under normal circumstances").

    Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    Natly, I, too, hope you get
    Natly, I, too, hope you get to go on your trip and celebrate your granddaughter's first birthday. Maybe now that you are able to eat you will get some of your strength back. I'll keep my fingers crossed anyway. Rest up and take care of yourself. ((((Hugs))))
  • Flakey_Flake
    Flakey_Flake Member Posts: 130
    Wishin' You Well
    You sound like me when I was getting dose dense A/C. I was just a lump in the bed. I just got done with Taxol, but couldn't get all 12 doses because of nueropathy in my hands and feet. Do you get anything for nausea? I was prescribed prochlorperazine, which is a kind of steroid. It affected me like speed. I couldn't sleep, but I had more energy than my body really wanted. But there is nothing to take the place of well needed rest. Are you getting chemoed again before your trip? Taxol gave me the big "D" too, but I just put up with it because I was more afraid of the big "C". When you aren't eating right it is a good idea to at least drink some meal replacements like Ensure. And rest all you can. When you feel fatigued it is your body telling you you need rest. I hope you feel well enough for your trip, it sounds like you will probably go even if you don't feel 100%. Hopefully you can sleep on the plane, and your travel plans include rest when needed. When my WBC taked, the onc prescribed levaquin, and within a week I was good to go again. Hopefully your doc will give you something to get you on your feet and off the porcelain throne. Enjoy you grandaughter.
  • Marlene_K
    Marlene_K Member Posts: 508
    Oh do I wish there was a
    Oh do I wish there was a quick fix for exhaustion! I'd be the first one on line. I know you remember me saying I wasn't bouncing back as quickly as I did in the beginning. After my 4th treatment of TAC, I never fully recovered. It's been 2 weeks since my 6th & last and I am still trying to regain my energy. I hope with all my heart that you feel better by next Thursday, Nat, and that you get to hold that baby girl in your arms... now THERE you go... there's a quick fix :)) Most definitely a quicker picker upper!!

    Wish I could give you advice, but I'll most assuredly be checking back on this thread to see what others say and I'll be praying that you can make you trip.

    Lots of hugs, Mar
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    Taxotere
    Natly,

    Taxotere is what I was taking when I was sooooooo sick. I usually started feeling better the later part of my second week after chemo and by the third week was almost myself. Hope same is true for you and you can make it to see your grandchild.

    Hugs and prayers coming your way.

    Donna
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294

    Taxotere
    Natly,

    Taxotere is what I was taking when I was sooooooo sick. I usually started feeling better the later part of my second week after chemo and by the third week was almost myself. Hope same is true for you and you can make it to see your grandchild.

    Hugs and prayers coming your way.

    Donna

    Natly
    Sorry and wish you get better and will be able to go There is no a special treatment for fatigue from Chemo drugs just a lot of rest, liquids and good nutrition if you can. Sending positive thoughts your way.
    New Flower
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member

    Natly
    Sorry and wish you get better and will be able to go There is no a special treatment for fatigue from Chemo drugs just a lot of rest, liquids and good nutrition if you can. Sending positive thoughts your way.
    New Flower

    Hoping you get to feeling
    Hoping you get to feeling better Natly and can make your trip.

    HUGS
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    Nat
    Nat, sorry you are not feeling yourself. Taxotere kicked my butt too and kicked it really hard come my 5th and 6th round. My energy level was virtually non-existant and my WBC were low too. It will get worse before it gets better. Don't let it stop you. Go to NC. You can have those guys at the airport drive you to the gates in a cart and wheel you down the aisle of the plane if they have to. Use those services to conserve your energy.

    Best wishes.

    P
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    Sisters thank you for all
    Sisters thank you for all your encouragement. It is helping me focus more on seeing Brooke and less on how tired I am.

    Yesterday I mentioned to my husband that perhaps I should postpone the trip. He just looked at me and said you can't be serious, there will be no one at home to take care of you. That is his sense of humor showing. He is also being very encouraging and supportive. I feel better this morning, and have been eating the past couple days. That always helps, but I'm still fatigued. I havent had the big "D" since Tuesday, but I'm sore. My thinking is also a little clearer this morning. I get exhausted discussing or thinking about things and cant absorb info as well. I know that is chemo brain, sometimes I feel like my brain is living in outer space.

    I'm going to keep reading your encouraging posts, continue to rest, try to keep a positive attitude and focus on the prize, seeing my little Brookie who is now walking and getting into everything.

    Aztec thank you so much for suggesting the wheelchair at the airport. I hadnt even thought of that. Hugs to all you wonderful ladies.
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    Natly
    I hope you feel up to making your trip, I think it will be good for you and give you energy just to be able to go.

    As far as the fatigue, I think since this is your first round of Taxotere, you may well be feeling much better by next Thursday. Just get as much rest and take good care of yourself between now and then. They do also make CDs with visualization to help with fatigue. My aunt sent me one she ordered through the mail from healthjourneys.com, but you may also be able to find one in a store that you could try to use earlier.

    I just finished my last round of Cytoxan/Taxotere, and am feeling a bit more fatigued with each round, but I do remember recovering pretty quickly (within about 4-5 days) after the first round. I also tried one of those 5 hour energy bottles when I first went back to work (I only drank 1/2 a bottle at a time) and it did seem to really help.

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member

    Natly
    I hope you feel up to making your trip, I think it will be good for you and give you energy just to be able to go.

    As far as the fatigue, I think since this is your first round of Taxotere, you may well be feeling much better by next Thursday. Just get as much rest and take good care of yourself between now and then. They do also make CDs with visualization to help with fatigue. My aunt sent me one she ordered through the mail from healthjourneys.com, but you may also be able to find one in a store that you could try to use earlier.

    I just finished my last round of Cytoxan/Taxotere, and am feeling a bit more fatigued with each round, but I do remember recovering pretty quickly (within about 4-5 days) after the first round. I also tried one of those 5 hour energy bottles when I first went back to work (I only drank 1/2 a bottle at a time) and it did seem to really help.

    Take care,
    Cindy

    Praying that you feel good
    Praying that you feel good soon Natly! Hoping that you can celebrate with your family!

    Sue :)
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    Ritzy said:

    Praying that you feel good
    Praying that you feel good soon Natly! Hoping that you can celebrate with your family!

    Sue :)

    I finally got out of the
    I finally got out of the house today. I'm still tired, but I am moving around again. Had to find a winter coat to wear to NC, so hubby and I went shopping. First we went to Perkins for breakfast, and then on to JC Penneys and Belks. There were some great sales today.

    Found a coat, a warm nighty, and even some closed casual shoes for that cold Greensboro weather. It was great to be out of the house and planning for my trip next week.

    I'm getting motivated and excited and really looking forward to seeing my son, his wife, and Brooke. I will continue to take it easy and if need be I can also rest in NC. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Next week at this time we will have celebrated with all of Brooke's little friends.
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    natly15 said:

    I finally got out of the
    I finally got out of the house today. I'm still tired, but I am moving around again. Had to find a winter coat to wear to NC, so hubby and I went shopping. First we went to Perkins for breakfast, and then on to JC Penneys and Belks. There were some great sales today.

    Found a coat, a warm nighty, and even some closed casual shoes for that cold Greensboro weather. It was great to be out of the house and planning for my trip next week.

    I'm getting motivated and excited and really looking forward to seeing my son, his wife, and Brooke. I will continue to take it easy and if need be I can also rest in NC. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Next week at this time we will have celebrated with all of Brooke's little friends.

    enjoy your trip. seeing your
    enjoy your trip. seeing your family will give you a boost. I am glad you felt up to going out. rest when you need to and have a great time.
  • Marlene_K
    Marlene_K Member Posts: 508
    natly15 said:

    I finally got out of the
    I finally got out of the house today. I'm still tired, but I am moving around again. Had to find a winter coat to wear to NC, so hubby and I went shopping. First we went to Perkins for breakfast, and then on to JC Penneys and Belks. There were some great sales today.

    Found a coat, a warm nighty, and even some closed casual shoes for that cold Greensboro weather. It was great to be out of the house and planning for my trip next week.

    I'm getting motivated and excited and really looking forward to seeing my son, his wife, and Brooke. I will continue to take it easy and if need be I can also rest in NC. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Next week at this time we will have celebrated with all of Brooke's little friends.

    I'm so glad!
    It'll be a really great distraction for you. I'll be happy if they want to spoil 'grandma' just a bit ;) I'm so glad you're up to going!

    Love, Mar
  • Sharon40
    Sharon40 Member Posts: 93
    happy
    So glad that energy does come back! I hope NC was good to you!
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    natly15 said:

    I finally got out of the
    I finally got out of the house today. I'm still tired, but I am moving around again. Had to find a winter coat to wear to NC, so hubby and I went shopping. First we went to Perkins for breakfast, and then on to JC Penneys and Belks. There were some great sales today.

    Found a coat, a warm nighty, and even some closed casual shoes for that cold Greensboro weather. It was great to be out of the house and planning for my trip next week.

    I'm getting motivated and excited and really looking forward to seeing my son, his wife, and Brooke. I will continue to take it easy and if need be I can also rest in NC. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Next week at this time we will have celebrated with all of Brooke's little friends.

    Take pics Natly! So happy
    Take pics Natly! So happy to know that you are getting some rest and feeling better.

    Have a great trip!

    Hugs, Angie