Newly diagnosed and scared

lisenbysl

update

I haven't been on here for awhile so I just wanted to give you guys an update. I just finished my last round of A/C chemo. The first was the hardest. I was extremely nauseaus, and I was prescribed several meds before I realized the only med that worked was Zofran. My last 3 were a little more tolerable. I was feeling almost back to normal within 5 days. I've been off work on short term disability. I am able to get out and about sometimes. I start 12 weeks of Taxol on August 19 so I have a little break. I'm a little bit worred of the side effects that come along with that, although a nurse told me it's more tolerable than the A/C. we'll see.

Teach76

lisenbysl said:

update

I haven't been on here for awhile so I just wanted to give you guys an update. I just finished my last round of A/C chemo. The first was the hardest. I was extremely nauseaus, and I was prescribed several meds before I realized the only med that worked was Zofran. My last 3 were a little more tolerable. I was feeling almost back to normal within 5 days. I've been off work on short term disability. I am able to get out and about sometimes. I start 12 weeks of Taxol on August 19 so I have a little break. I'm a little bit worred of the side effects that come along with that, although a nurse told me it's more tolerable than the A/C. we'll see.

Thanks for the update

Glad to hear you are able to cross something off your list.  Enjoy the break - do something fun!

Kathy

peony

Bravo!

That's good news.  I was on Taxol and it was more tolerable for me.  You're doing great. Just keep moving forward.

lisenbysl

I just had my 1st dose of

I just had my 1st dose of Taxol today. No allergic reaction. A little tired from the Benadry, but I'm doing ok so far.

kakennedy

lisenbysl said:

I just had my 1st dose of

I just had my 1st dose of Taxol today. No allergic reaction. A little tired from the Benadry, but I'm doing ok so far.

I had my first dose of taxol

I had my first dose of taxol today as well.  Yesterday, I had my first dose of Herceptin.  For the next 11 weeks, I will take taxol and herceptin together.  Like you, I tolerated it well so far.  I was instructed to take a steriod pill - 5 pills last night at 10pm and 5 pills this morning at 6am, then they put some in my premeds at the cancer center this morning.  I will take the steriods again next Thursday/Friday before going to my treatment on Friday.  I'm praying all will continue to go well for both of us.  I have been told I will lose my hair so I have wigs ready to go!

Kathy

Happiness Republic

Finding Balance

Hi, 

Since you recognize the benefits of being able to work from home I can tell that you're on the right track to keeping a positive attitude. You just need to keep going with that. Four years ago I had a double mastectomy, 6 rounds of chemo, and a year of herceptin treatments. There were days I was tired, so I just watched movies, but I was able to keep my social life in check. If being there for your son's games is important to you, prioritize it, be realistic and let your spirit carry you. 

On the realistic side, you are going to know your chemo schedule in advance. The days around your chemo, you'll be tired. Consider setting your son's expectations in advance based on his game schedule and your chemo schedule. You may not make all the games. Let him know in advance.

On the spirit side, I belive that we all create our own vibrations. When you think positive thoughts, positivity is attracted to you. One technique I've started to use, which actually works, is visualizing. Visualize yourself at the game. See yourself there. What are you wearing, where are you standing, what do you see? Do this between now and when there are no more games and you'll be surprised at how many games you attend.

Good Luck, 

Vickie

lisenbysl

Happiness Republic said:

Finding Balance

Hi, 

Since you recognize the benefits of being able to work from home I can tell that you're on the right track to keeping a positive attitude. You just need to keep going with that. Four years ago I had a double mastectomy, 6 rounds of chemo, and a year of herceptin treatments. There were days I was tired, so I just watched movies, but I was able to keep my social life in check. If being there for your son's games is important to you, prioritize it, be realistic and let your spirit carry you. 

On the realistic side, you are going to know your chemo schedule in advance. The days around your chemo, you'll be tired. Consider setting your son's expectations in advance based on his game schedule and your chemo schedule. You may not make all the games. Let him know in advance.

On the spirit side, I belive that we all create our own vibrations. When you think positive thoughts, positivity is attracted to you. One technique I've started to use, which actually works, is visualizing. Visualize yourself at the game. See yourself there. What are you wearing, where are you standing, what do you see? Do this between now and when there are no more games and you'll be surprised at how many games you attend.

Good Luck, 

Vickie

Thanks for your kind words. I

Thanks for your kind words. I believe in the power of spirit as well. My son has only had a few games so far, but I have been able to make them so far. I've had to sit in the car to get out of the sun and get some air a couple times, but it was close enough the watch from the car. My 2nd Taxol treatment is tomorrow. Since my first treatment I find that I have alot of energy during the day, but by about 2pm I'm pooped. But I still get myself up and take my son to and from soccer practice if my husband is running late. My nail beds are darker, I have a little pain in my lower back (probably from my bed) and I just lose energy at times. That's about it.

lisenbysl

kakennedy said:

I had my first dose of taxol

I had my first dose of taxol today as well.  Yesterday, I had my first dose of Herceptin.  For the next 11 weeks, I will take taxol and herceptin together.  Like you, I tolerated it well so far.  I was instructed to take a steriod pill - 5 pills last night at 10pm and 5 pills this morning at 6am, then they put some in my premeds at the cancer center this morning.  I will take the steriods again next Thursday/Friday before going to my treatment on Friday.  I'm praying all will continue to go well for both of us.  I have been told I will lose my hair so I have wigs ready to go!

Kathy

Thank you. I will have to ask

Thank you. I will have to ask about Herceptin. I was given 2 steroid pills to take the night before my first Taxol and 2 halves to take for 2 days. So far I've only been tired here and there throughout the day, night sweats on my head, dark nail beds and a little back pain. That's about it. Way better then A/C so far. Praying it continues. My hair is already bald from the A/C. I was told my hair should start growing back in a few weeks.

lisenbysl

cati0314 said:

Afraid of chemo

Hi, most of us have been through the fear of chemo.  It is not easy but it is doable.  Your team will be able to help you with the symptoms.  My first chemo got me quite sick.  They added a shot of neulasta the day after each treatment and I was able to handle the rest of the chemo.  All of our experiences are different but you will get through this.  You didn't mention the type of cancer, if it was in your lymph nodes, or if you are hormone positive or negative.  These facts will impact which drugs you will be prescribed.  Best to you, Sharon  

Hello. I have Malignant

Hello. I have Malignant Neoplasm of the left breast and I had 6 cancerous lymph nodes under my left arm. Had both breasts removed and lymph nodes removed. I believe I am hormone receptive. I had 4 A/C treatments w/ Nuelasta and 1 Taxol so far. 11 more to go. I will probably have radiation and 5-10 years of hormone pills. Bone and cat scans were negative. Genetics test was negative.

lisenbysl

ryansmith said:

Hi everyone

I am diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast, a few month ago. It was at stage 3. Though I already have double mastectomy, but I am afraid of chemo. I have heard that the effects of chemo are different for different patients, so i am just afraid that how it is going to affect me.

Hello. I was very afraid of

Hello. I was very afraid of chemo as well. I just finished my last round of A/C chemo. The first was the hardest. I was extremely nauseaus, and I was prescribed several meds before I realized the only med that worked was Zofran. My last 3 were a little more tolerable. I was feeling almost back to normal within 5 days. I've been off work on short term disability. I am able to get out and about sometimes. I just started Taxol last week and have 11 more to go. So far it's been much more tolerable than the A/C. Prayerfully it will continue to be. I have to keep reminding myself it is all temporary. Hope this helps.

peony

The darkness in your nails

The darkness in your nails will grow out with your nail. My nails were completely black, but six months after chemo I was back to normal. I lost the nails on my big toes and they're about halfway grown back. You're doing great! Do what you can when you can.  During chemo I was aware that my refridgerator needed to be cleaned out, but I just couldn't handle it. I'm happy to say I completed that task yesterday and felt a huge sense of accomplishment.  It's the little things. Best wishes.

Kathy

kakennedy

Second Taxol Treatment Today

Hi there,

Had my second taxol/herceptin treatment today.  I'm taking herceptin because i am HER2+.  Doing great so far....only a few side effects such as headache and a little indigestion but nothing that isn't manageable.  I've been drinking a lot of water....at least 80 ounces the day before my treatment; 80 ounces the day of and 80 ounces the day after; then about 60 ounces until the next week.  Chemo in....chemo drug out is my theory!  I was told today that my Taxol treatment is not dose cumulative as far as side effects.....meaning they should not get worse because the drug doesn't stay in your system for a week. I receive 138mg of Taxol over an hour infusion......I understand the amount is weight-based.  Guess I need to lose some weight!

Praying for both of us to remain positive and be able to lead a somewhat normal life through this process.  We can do this.  God chose us for a reason and we have to figure out why he put this cancer diagnosis in our path.  He has a bigger purpose for our lives....I'm convinced of that!

Kathy

CarieSec

lisenbysl said:

Hello. I was very afraid of

Hello. I was very afraid of chemo as well. I just finished my last round of A/C chemo. The first was the hardest. I was extremely nauseaus, and I was prescribed several meds before I realized the only med that worked was Zofran. My last 3 were a little more tolerable. I was feeling almost back to normal within 5 days. I've been off work on short term disability. I am able to get out and about sometimes. I just started Taxol last week and have 11 more to go. So far it's been much more tolerable than the A/C. Prayerfully it will continue to be. I have to keep reminding myself it is all temporary. Hope this helps.

Help to cope with Chemo/Radiation(allergies/Asthma/nasal drip)

Hi, hope you are feeling better.  I would appreciate your help becaues you are going thru the same I plan to have next week.  Nobody writes to me so really really need anybody's help.

Thanks,

Carie

Happycamper1

Starting chemo

I was just diagnosed with infiltrating ductall carcinoma. I start 8 weeks of chemo tomorrow Carboplatin with paclitaxel every third week. I am reading all the side effects and am wondering if there is an alternative to chemo? I'm afraid to take it and afraid not to take it.  Once that 8 weeks is over, I have another 8 weeks of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. I'm so scared I can't sleep

lisenbysl

kakennedy said:

Second Taxol Treatment Today

Hi there,

Had my second taxol/herceptin treatment today.  I'm taking herceptin because i am HER2+.  Doing great so far....only a few side effects such as headache and a little indigestion but nothing that isn't manageable.  I've been drinking a lot of water....at least 80 ounces the day before my treatment; 80 ounces the day of and 80 ounces the day after; then about 60 ounces until the next week.  Chemo in....chemo drug out is my theory!  I was told today that my Taxol treatment is not dose cumulative as far as side effects.....meaning they should not get worse because the drug doesn't stay in your system for a week. I receive 138mg of Taxol over an hour infusion......I understand the amount is weight-based.  Guess I need to lose some weight!

Praying for both of us to remain positive and be able to lead a somewhat normal life through this process.  We can do this.  God chose us for a reason and we have to figure out why he put this cancer diagnosis in our path.  He has a bigger purpose for our lives....I'm convinced of that!

Kathy

Having my 4th taxol treatment

Having my 4th taxol treatment tomorrow. Like you I'm doing pretty good. I do get headaches, indigestion and little constipation. But I've also gotten 3 styes on my eyes since I started chemo. I've never had so many. My eyes are pretty dry and I'm wondering if the chemo clogs up my tear ducts. All of my side effects have been manageable thank goodness.

lisenbysl

Happycamper1 said:

Starting chemo

I was just diagnosed with infiltrating ductall carcinoma. I start 8 weeks of chemo tomorrow Carboplatin with paclitaxel every third week. I am reading all the side effects and am wondering if there is an alternative to chemo? I'm afraid to take it and afraid not to take it.  Once that 8 weeks is over, I have another 8 weeks of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. I'm so scared I can't sleep

I've never looked into

I've never looked into alternative chemo. Chemo can be very scary but it is doable. You just have to remember it's temporary and stay positive. If you decide to have chemo make sure to report all your side effects so that they can be treated. Doctors and nurses do not want you to be constantly sick. Prayers out to you.

jessiesmom1

lisenbysl said:

Having my 4th taxol treatment

Having my 4th taxol treatment tomorrow. Like you I'm doing pretty good. I do get headaches, indigestion and little constipation. But I've also gotten 3 styes on my eyes since I started chemo. I've never had so many. My eyes are pretty dry and I'm wondering if the chemo clogs up my tear ducts. All of my side effects have been manageable thank goodness.

Damage to Tear Ducts

I don't want to be the bearer of unpleasant news but you can most definitely suffer PERMANENTdamage to your tear ducts after taking taxol/Taxotere. It happened to me. There are a couple of threads on this discussion board that address this subject. 

My last round of chemo was six years ago and I still suffer from excessively watery eyes. Unless I am sleeping my eyes water - sometimes to the point that tears run down my face. I should have bought stock in the company that makes Kleenex. 

I mentioned the watery eyes during chemo and my oncologist said it would go away when chemo was done. It didn't. He offered no advice on how to prevent the problem while it was happening. I have since consulted an optometrist, a general opthamologist and an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. This last doctor specializes in problems with tear ducts. I was told told that tear duct issues are not uncommon with the Taxane class of drugs. She said that during her fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital the oncology and Opthamology departments work together closely in a effort to prevent these problems. She said thorough flushing of the eyes before, during and after the administration of taxol/Taxotere would have gone a long way in preventing the problem I am having. The puncta of my eyes have become scarred closed. Puncta are the tiny holes in the inner corner of your eyelids that permit drainage. In my case the surgical option to reverse this didn't work because the damage done was too severe. 

My advice to you would be to immediately consult with an Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Don't wait until chemo is over. There are not a whole lot of doctors with this specialty but this is definitely the way to go. If you are unable to personally meet with this specialist then ask your General opthamologist to consult with the specialist over the phone or Skype or videoconferencing, etc. 

You can look at the website for the American Society of Opthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery which is www.asoprs.org. 

I wish you the best of luck. Please let us know how things go. 

IRENE

Kathy85

Stage 4 breast cancer

I am new to this discussion board my daughter set it up she thought it would help me. I had stage 3 seven years ago in my early forties I had it then in both breasts the chemo back then was so bad I was hospitalized 5 or six times. I was told I was cancer free so being that young I had reconstruction done through my adomon I asked them to remove my other breast during this surgery which they did. I was put on the drug Femara but I kept throwing clots so the first 2 years I was on nothing but tried it again with a blood thinner for the next 5 years I begged them not to take me off of it but they said after 5 years it doesn't work as they told me after being off it for only 7 months at a check up they tested my tumour markers and they were above normal they ended up doing a pet scan and found a tumor on my chest wall but this time my lynodes were involved making me stage 4. I was in shock and stayed that way and a part of me still is. I was so angry because I asked them not to stop the Femara.  I was told I cannot be cured but through new treatments pending if it works or it doesn't spread outside the wall they will try and give me as much time as they can or in my case how long God has planned for me. I just started the chemo drug taxol I go every Tuesday for 3 weeks then I have a week off. I am having a ct scan the following week after this one I am so scared because I now have new symptoms and they always do my chest, adomon and pelvic area this time he wants to do my head as well which scares me so much as this is where my mother's went to at the end.  I would appreciate anybody responding to this post with stage 4 cancer and how they are coping or anyone who knows someone who has this diagnoses for encouragement.. it is so hard to talk with my children even though they are married and older they are trying to deal with this themselves I can't talk to them honestly about my fears because as mothers we still try and protect them at any age. I hope that someone can help me through their own experience or from someone else they know that is trying things that might help me. I appreciate any one who reads this even if they can't relate input 

peony

Kathy85

I was Stage 3, but I was moved by your posting. I can feel your fear in your writing. I'm no life coach, but I know you have to push fear aside to deal with the problem. Your prognosis is so dire that I would think a second opinion would be in order. Is there surgery along the line or is that not an option? Radiation? Soldiers are afraid when they go into battle, but they go in and get the job done. This is your battle. Be strong. From one Kathy to another- my very best wishes.

Kathy

peony

CarieSec said:

Help to cope with Chemo/Radiation(allergies/Asthma/nasal drip)

Hi, hope you are feeling better.  I would appreciate your help becaues you are going thru the same I plan to have next week.  Nobody writes to me so really really need anybody's help.

Thanks,

Carie

I'm a little late; you've

I'm a little late; you've probably already started treatment. If you're taking Taxol, they include a portion of Benedryl in your chemo round. I've got asthma and allergies too, but those treatments had me breathing more clearly than I had in a long time. It made me sleepy, but I didn't mind at all.