Cypress Cynthia How Are You Doing?

Hoping all is well -  )))))  perhaps you are busy with Kathleen and wedding preparations --- how's that soon to be granddaughter of your's ?  Bella, right?

Post when possible ..  Doris,  and I worry like two,  90 year old spinsters - when we don't hear from you every few days.

Vicki Sam

VickiSam said:

Eileen, ... How are you dear Sister ???

Hoping all is well -  )))))  perhaps you are busy with Kathleen and wedding preparations --- how's that soon to be granddaughter of your's ?  Bella, right?

Post when possible ..  Doris,  and I worry like two,  90 year old spinsters - when we don't hear from you every few days.

 

Vicki Sam

Pinky68 said:

wondering too

Im wondering how you are doing too!

Joyce

Eileen how are you?

It has been I ppreciate your recent very moving comment to honor Linda

CypressCynthia said:

You are all so sweet!!!!  I

You are all so sweet!!!!  I was hit hard by chemo #5.  I just have to keep telling myself...only one more taxotere! 

I was hit hard first with terrible shoulder pain--could barely move my arms.  Then fever, aches and chills.  Saw onc last week and he thought it was taxotere/neulasta flulike syndrome.  Fever of about 100 persisted for 10 days and it has worn me out.  CBC this am looks good and my wbc's are back up. 

Today was first day without fever.  August 15th is last taxotere.  Hoping I am stronger by then.

I have also been weepier than normal which may be a combination of being worn out and depression.  Thinking I may have to take more than 1/2 low dose lexapro...Lol.  I am sure the sad news on the board, plus my weakened state might be some of this, but my family has a bad history of depression so I am not going to let any of this get me down.

Cancer can just go right to ....!!!!

CypressCynthia, it is so good to hear from you.  I am so sorry to hear that you have had such a rough time with Chemo #5.  You are such a strong woman and you are always there to encourage all of us with your comments and advice. Hang in there CC, we are all pulling for you and praying that you will gain your strength back to move on to your last taxotere round.  You can do it--we all know that you can! We are here for you.

Grannabeth

VickiSam said:

CC ... unbelievable how changes us ...

 I am not with you, but please know thIat I am there with you,  via cyber space -

Chemo therapy infusion was a total unbearable NIGHTMARE for me. I had ......severe reactions to my chemo drugs (TCH). -- Insomnia, depression. and chronic
fatigue appeared to be my only friends for so long. I was unable to leave my home for weeks at a time, due to low blood counts.

I cried daily, had many very dark days and nights, I did have family around - but found myself lonely and
unable to convey my feelings. I was no longer the Vicki I remembered.  

PUSH, PUSH, PUSH yourself to the finish line --  I will be waiting on the other side with the other PINKs - sipping a sour apple-tini -  Cheering away -- 'YOU MADE IT' CC

Gentle hugs my dear sweet sister,

Vicki Sam

 

My first round of chemo 26 years ago was tough on me.  I remember not thinking I could make the second round because I was vomiting so bad.  My elderly dad (a retired physician) showed up in his car with a blanket, pillow and emesis basin and made me go!  He practically had to carry me in; it was that bad.

A few hours later, chemo again, but IV fluids really helped and we worked hard to get my nausea under control (always one of my big problems).

I share all of these horror stories as I think they help others realize that they will get through it.  Thank you for sharing Vicki Sam.  It is lovely to hear from someone who has been there, done that and is now thriving!  I have always been told by physicians that it was ok to take my little 5 mg lexapro, but to understand that that was usually a subtherapeutic dose.  My reply was that I would know now if I got depressed again.  I am boohooing too muc.  Lol, it isn't like my eyes aren't tearing enough from taxotere.  Talked to my doc today and he said to up my dose to 10mg tomorrow, so I will let you know if some of the blues let up. ;-)

I am like you in that I seem to get every single side effect and reaction (but my muga is still ok :-)).  But I am a stubborn cuss and I firmly believe my adherence and dumb luck, no matter how freakin' hard, has kept me alive for these 26 years since diagnosis.

To others, I implore you to get through it somehow, someway, if you can!  I know it is not easy, but my scan being clear makes it worth it. Love to you all!

And Doris, how are you doing?  We have been neck in neck with yucky side effects.  I hope you are doing ok?

camul said:

So glad to hear from you!
I too was getting more worried by the day, and one thing I would never worry about is you not adhering to your doctors advice. So proud of you for having the strength and stamina to continue with the chemo when it has been such a tough go.
I believe it is that stubbornness, along with adherence, that has kept some of us going so much longer than our doctors ever figured possible!
Hugs and hopng last one is better than the first 5.
Carol

Carol, how are you doing?  I think of you and your courage and grace often.  Love your attitude!  Hope you are feeling ok?

SIROD said:

To CC

Hi CC,

Glad that you posted and relieved us from worrying.  I am so sorry that you have had all this to deal with in the past few weeks.

I like everyone else have felt the passing of Jamie, Claudia and Linda.  On going complaint is fatigue, some due to iron but it wasn't low enough out of normal range for an infusion.  I have a ct scan next week.  I am hoping that the wheezing doesn't mean it's failing.  

My mother had a major stroke a few weeks ago.  She is now childlike and under hospice care in her Assisted Living place.  Until now, I never realized just how much I counted on my parents as my major cheerleaders in this struggle with this disease.  I lost my dad in April and for all purpose I really lost my mother now also.  She has Alzheimrer and with the stroke, she remembers who I am but not much else.

Glad that Taxotere will be over on the 15th.  Then it will be herceptin and the bone strengthener only?

Best,

Doris

 

 

Doris, I am so sorry to hear about your parents!  When it rains it pours.  Please ask for help with depression if you need it.

As far as the board goes, I take what works for me and I ignore the rest.  When I was first diagnosed, I couldn't hear the dark side, so I can understand.

Depression has reared its head with me again.  I think my body and mind are overwhelmed.  I never have a problem asking for help with this now.  I went up on my lexapro today as suggested by doc.

Years ago, when I first had a bout with depression, it was so hard for me to get in and see a psychiatrist (no idea why).  There were a lot of circumstances contributing: my dad was dying, issues with my daughter, etc.  I went in blubbering and came out with meds.  Doc said I was going to feel better.  OMG, within a few days the sky looked bluer and my tears were gone.  It was a miracle for me and definitely improved poor Danny's life...Lol.

Getting a little worried that I may have a UTI or something else going on.  Keep having a low-grade temp in the afternoon or evening.  I haven't done this before.  Usually, I have a little temp and diarrhea for about 3 days after chemo and then bounce on back.  I am not bouncing anywhere :-(.  I am going to call in the am.

One onc says herceptin and xgeva and the other (my onc for 26 years) says herceptin, perjeta and xgeva.  Going to have to discuss this when I get through next cycle.  Of course, just herceptin sounds better to me, but, of course, it is my longtime most trusted onc who is suggesting leaving perjeta onboard...sigh.