chemotherapy anything you can tell me.
Comments
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Good luck on Tuesday
Good luck on Tuesday , I hope you will tolerate the port procedure well. E veryone is different as far as Chemo side effects. I did feel very tired. I also had constipation and was taking a stool softener medication Colace. In Chemo clinic the nurse should give instructions. Please drink a lot of water and rest after Chemo session. I hope you already asked somebody to drive you on Tuesday. you need relative or friend to drive you to and from on your first infusion, much better if the person can stay with you a whole day.
I really hope that Chemo will be effective and stop your cancer. Sending positive thoughts your way.
New Flower
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I did 12 weekly Taxol
I did 12 weekly Taxol (Paclitaxel) from early Nov '09 and late Jan '10. My port had been put in the day before my first neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C. No one can tell you what your experiences will be - we are each unique. We can only give you OUR experiences which may or not be what you experience.
For ME - Taxol was much worse than A/C was (though it often the reverse for those who do both). Other than the usual hair loss, loss of appetite, taste and sense of smell, A/C did not really slow me down at all - a bit tired on days 3 & 4, but a few short naps took care on those days. With Taxol, I was basically 'one my back' the entire time, completely and utterly EXHAUSTED. Never had any issues with nausea or pain.
I started my journey along the IBC highway as a 'healthy', very active woman at 63 - only health issues were arthritis in upper back, ADD and SAD.
For me the actual infusion of Taxol was easy and seemed to take no time at all - as soon as they started the IV Benadryl I'd go "nighty night" and wake up about 20 mins. before infusion was over. My body temperature dropped and stayed low for quite a while after chemo was over - it's always been a bit low and still is but it was really bad during that time so I was given one of the glassed in cubicles with a bed instead of the curtain fronted cubicles with lounge chair I'd had during A/C. The RN's would also bring in heated blankets for me and turn the thermostat up in my cubicle. The Center I went to had all sorts of stuff to feed you - fruit, crackers, fruit juice, tea, soup, etc.
Again - every one is different - my choice was to take myself to all my chemos as there was n9 way I wanted Hubby or Son sitting there watching poison be put into my body, They both had gotten permission from the companies they worked for which disallowed cell phones durin work hours to have there phones on on days I did Chemo just in case.
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My prayers and thoughts areRague said:I did 12 weekly Taxol
I did 12 weekly Taxol (Paclitaxel) from early Nov '09 and late Jan '10. My port had been put in the day before my first neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C. No one can tell you what your experiences will be - we are each unique. We can only give you OUR experiences which may or not be what you experience.
For ME - Taxol was much worse than A/C was (though it often the reverse for those who do both). Other than the usual hair loss, loss of appetite, taste and sense of smell, A/C did not really slow me down at all - a bit tired on days 3 & 4, but a few short naps took care on those days. With Taxol, I was basically 'one my back' the entire time, completely and utterly EXHAUSTED. Never had any issues with nausea or pain.
I started my journey along the IBC highway as a 'healthy', very active woman at 63 - only health issues were arthritis in upper back, ADD and SAD.
For me the actual infusion of Taxol was easy and seemed to take no time at all - as soon as they started the IV Benadryl I'd go "nighty night" and wake up about 20 mins. before infusion was over. My body temperature dropped and stayed low for quite a while after chemo was over - it's always been a bit low and still is but it was really bad during that time so I was given one of the glassed in cubicles with a bed instead of the curtain fronted cubicles with lounge chair I'd had during A/C. The RN's would also bring in heated blankets for me and turn the thermostat up in my cubicle. The Center I went to had all sorts of stuff to feed you - fruit, crackers, fruit juice, tea, soup, etc.
Again - every one is different - my choice was to take myself to all my chemos as there was n9 way I wanted Hubby or Son sitting there watching poison be put into my body, They both had gotten permission from the companies they worked for which disallowed cell phones durin work hours to have there phones on on days I did Chemo just in case.
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Take it one day at a time don't look to far ahead... that would overwelm me. Staying strong and positive really helped me alot. Don't hesitate to ask for a shoulder... we all need one from time to time.
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Thank youNew Flower said:Good luck on Tuesday
Good luck on Tuesday , I hope you will tolerate the port procedure well. E veryone is different as far as Chemo side effects. I did feel very tired. I also had constipation and was taking a stool softener medication Colace. In Chemo clinic the nurse should give instructions. Please drink a lot of water and rest after Chemo session. I hope you already asked somebody to drive you on Tuesday. you need relative or friend to drive you to and from on your first infusion, much better if the person can stay with you a whole day.
I really hope that Chemo will be effective and stop your cancer. Sending positive thoughts your way.
New Flower
Thank you very much, for the advice. I have a lot of pain and have to use the shuttle to come home. I will have my home health aid with me. I am on oxygen and my chest in the cancer area is swollen. I can see it change and become worse every day. I hope this chemo goes okay, they said this was my last chance to prolong the cancer for a while. They say Angiosarcoma takes your life because there is no treatment that works against it, and because it is rare and not enough is known about it. I have had the four surgery's and a mastectomy and still comes back. Thank you again so much for your help. May God Bless you...
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Thank youRague said:I did 12 weekly Taxol
I did 12 weekly Taxol (Paclitaxel) from early Nov '09 and late Jan '10. My port had been put in the day before my first neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C. No one can tell you what your experiences will be - we are each unique. We can only give you OUR experiences which may or not be what you experience.
For ME - Taxol was much worse than A/C was (though it often the reverse for those who do both). Other than the usual hair loss, loss of appetite, taste and sense of smell, A/C did not really slow me down at all - a bit tired on days 3 & 4, but a few short naps took care on those days. With Taxol, I was basically 'one my back' the entire time, completely and utterly EXHAUSTED. Never had any issues with nausea or pain.
I started my journey along the IBC highway as a 'healthy', very active woman at 63 - only health issues were arthritis in upper back, ADD and SAD.
For me the actual infusion of Taxol was easy and seemed to take no time at all - as soon as they started the IV Benadryl I'd go "nighty night" and wake up about 20 mins. before infusion was over. My body temperature dropped and stayed low for quite a while after chemo was over - it's always been a bit low and still is but it was really bad during that time so I was given one of the glassed in cubicles with a bed instead of the curtain fronted cubicles with lounge chair I'd had during A/C. The RN's would also bring in heated blankets for me and turn the thermostat up in my cubicle. The Center I went to had all sorts of stuff to feed you - fruit, crackers, fruit juice, tea, soup, etc.
Again - every one is different - my choice was to take myself to all my chemos as there was n9 way I wanted Hubby or Son sitting there watching poison be put into my body, They both had gotten permission from the companies they worked for which disallowed cell phones durin work hours to have there phones on on days I did Chemo just in case.
I am on oxygen and my chest in the cancer area is swollen. I can see it change every day. I hope this chemo works, they said this was my last chance to prolong the cancer for a while. They say Angiosarcoma takes your life because there is no treatment that works against it, and because it is rare and not enough is known about it. I have had the four surgery's and a mastectomy and still comes back. Thank you again so much for your help. May God Bless you
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Thanks for the adviceRague said:I did 12 weekly Taxol
I did 12 weekly Taxol (Paclitaxel) from early Nov '09 and late Jan '10. My port had been put in the day before my first neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C. No one can tell you what your experiences will be - we are each unique. We can only give you OUR experiences which may or not be what you experience.
For ME - Taxol was much worse than A/C was (though it often the reverse for those who do both). Other than the usual hair loss, loss of appetite, taste and sense of smell, A/C did not really slow me down at all - a bit tired on days 3 & 4, but a few short naps took care on those days. With Taxol, I was basically 'one my back' the entire time, completely and utterly EXHAUSTED. Never had any issues with nausea or pain.
I started my journey along the IBC highway as a 'healthy', very active woman at 63 - only health issues were arthritis in upper back, ADD and SAD.
For me the actual infusion of Taxol was easy and seemed to take no time at all - as soon as they started the IV Benadryl I'd go "nighty night" and wake up about 20 mins. before infusion was over. My body temperature dropped and stayed low for quite a while after chemo was over - it's always been a bit low and still is but it was really bad during that time so I was given one of the glassed in cubicles with a bed instead of the curtain fronted cubicles with lounge chair I'd had during A/C. The RN's would also bring in heated blankets for me and turn the thermostat up in my cubicle. The Center I went to had all sorts of stuff to feed you - fruit, crackers, fruit juice, tea, soup, etc.
Again - every one is different - my choice was to take myself to all my chemos as there was n9 way I wanted Hubby or Son sitting there watching poison be put into my body, They both had gotten permission from the companies they worked for which disallowed cell phones durin work hours to have there phones on on days I did Chemo just in case.
Thank you very much, for the advice. I am on oxygen and my chest in the cancer area is swollen. I can see it change and become worse every day. I hope this chemo goes okay, they said this was my last chance to prolong the cancer for a while. They say Angiosarcoma takes your life because there is no treatment that works against it, and because it is rare and not enough is known about it. I have had the four surgery's and a mastectomy and still comes back. Thank you again so much for your help. May God Bless you...
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Thank youNew Flower said:Good luck on Tuesday
Good luck on Tuesday , I hope you will tolerate the port procedure well. E veryone is different as far as Chemo side effects. I did feel very tired. I also had constipation and was taking a stool softener medication Colace. In Chemo clinic the nurse should give instructions. Please drink a lot of water and rest after Chemo session. I hope you already asked somebody to drive you on Tuesday. you need relative or friend to drive you to and from on your first infusion, much better if the person can stay with you a whole day.
I really hope that Chemo will be effective and stop your cancer. Sending positive thoughts your way.
New Flower
I did go to my Tuesday morning around seven AM then came home at six thirty PM a long day. At first they put the port in and brought me back from the recovery room at noon. Then they gave me lunch afterwards they took me and started the chemo part of it, That was from one o'clock till six o'clock that evening, I felt fine until last night the cancer area hurts very bad and the port area is swollen and hurts even up in my neck, so I am not sure about if that should be that way. He sent me a picture of the cancer so I could watch for changes, I sent copies to my sister and a friend and told them I would send a copy in two weeks they could help me see if there is any changes, because I see it every day and its hard for me to see a difference.. They wanted to see what Angiosarcoma looked like being a rare cancer. My doctors said this was my last hope the chemo. It is spreading fast and nothing is slowing it down. I really want to be feeling okay around Christmas time. I just wonder if the pain and swelling in those areas are normal after putting in the port and first chemo treatment? Thank you so much it really helps for someone to talk to when your scared. Thank you again so much. I respect anything anyone has to say. Thank you again so much
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My first port and chemoRague said:I did 12 weekly Taxol
I did 12 weekly Taxol (Paclitaxel) from early Nov '09 and late Jan '10. My port had been put in the day before my first neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C. No one can tell you what your experiences will be - we are each unique. We can only give you OUR experiences which may or not be what you experience.
For ME - Taxol was much worse than A/C was (though it often the reverse for those who do both). Other than the usual hair loss, loss of appetite, taste and sense of smell, A/C did not really slow me down at all - a bit tired on days 3 & 4, but a few short naps took care on those days. With Taxol, I was basically 'one my back' the entire time, completely and utterly EXHAUSTED. Never had any issues with nausea or pain.
I started my journey along the IBC highway as a 'healthy', very active woman at 63 - only health issues were arthritis in upper back, ADD and SAD.
For me the actual infusion of Taxol was easy and seemed to take no time at all - as soon as they started the IV Benadryl I'd go "nighty night" and wake up about 20 mins. before infusion was over. My body temperature dropped and stayed low for quite a while after chemo was over - it's always been a bit low and still is but it was really bad during that time so I was given one of the glassed in cubicles with a bed instead of the curtain fronted cubicles with lounge chair I'd had during A/C. The RN's would also bring in heated blankets for me and turn the thermostat up in my cubicle. The Center I went to had all sorts of stuff to feed you - fruit, crackers, fruit juice, tea, soup, etc.
Again - every one is different - my choice was to take myself to all my chemos as there was n9 way I wanted Hubby or Son sitting there watching poison be put into my body, They both had gotten permission from the companies they worked for which disallowed cell phones durin work hours to have there phones on on days I did Chemo just in case.
I am not sure of what some things are you mentioned A\C what is this. I had cancer six years ago and had radiation treatments after my lumpectomy and done fine. In August 2012 I seen like a bruise on my breast that didn't heal. The doctor seen it and said it was Angiosarcoma cancer. I had five surgery's and a mastectomy, radiation and still comes back and spreading . My doctor said this was the only option I had left. He sent me a picture of the cancer, so we could both see if there was any changes. I sent a copy to a friend and my sister so they could help me I see it every day so I can't judge it that well for changes. I will send them a picture in a couple of weeks. I went about seven AM Tuesday morning they put the port in about noon they brought me back to the room, fed me lunch and took me for the starting of the chemo. They started at one o'clock PM till six o'clock PM I have a lot more treatments to go. not sure how they will go. My problem is Wednesday night I started hurting really bad in the cancer area on my left side and up toward my neck, and in the port area on the right side it is swollen and sore up into my neck and to touch it. I can't see it because of the bandages. I don't know if this is normal. He said if this didn't work there was no more they could do I pray I can be doing okay for Christmas and my family . Thank you so much. May God bless you, and if you don't believe in God . I truly respect any information you give me. Thank you again
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chemo treatmentRague said:I did 12 weekly Taxol
I did 12 weekly Taxol (Paclitaxel) from early Nov '09 and late Jan '10. My port had been put in the day before my first neoadjuvant 4 DD A/C. No one can tell you what your experiences will be - we are each unique. We can only give you OUR experiences which may or not be what you experience.
For ME - Taxol was much worse than A/C was (though it often the reverse for those who do both). Other than the usual hair loss, loss of appetite, taste and sense of smell, A/C did not really slow me down at all - a bit tired on days 3 & 4, but a few short naps took care on those days. With Taxol, I was basically 'one my back' the entire time, completely and utterly EXHAUSTED. Never had any issues with nausea or pain.
I started my journey along the IBC highway as a 'healthy', very active woman at 63 - only health issues were arthritis in upper back, ADD and SAD.
For me the actual infusion of Taxol was easy and seemed to take no time at all - as soon as they started the IV Benadryl I'd go "nighty night" and wake up about 20 mins. before infusion was over. My body temperature dropped and stayed low for quite a while after chemo was over - it's always been a bit low and still is but it was really bad during that time so I was given one of the glassed in cubicles with a bed instead of the curtain fronted cubicles with lounge chair I'd had during A/C. The RN's would also bring in heated blankets for me and turn the thermostat up in my cubicle. The Center I went to had all sorts of stuff to feed you - fruit, crackers, fruit juice, tea, soup, etc.
Again - every one is different - my choice was to take myself to all my chemos as there was n9 way I wanted Hubby or Son sitting there watching poison be put into my body, They both had gotten permission from the companies they worked for which disallowed cell phones durin work hours to have there phones on on days I did Chemo just in case.
I am not sure of what some things are you mentioned A\C what is this. I had cancer six years ago and had radiation treatments after my lumpectomy and done fine. In August 2012 I seen like a bruise on my breast that didn't heal. The doctor seen it and said it was Angiosarcoma cancer. I had five surgery's and a mastectomy, radiation and still comes back and spreading . My doctor said this was the only option I had left. He sent me a picture of the cancer, so we could both see if there was any changes. I sent a copy to a friend and my sister so they could help me I see it every day so I can't judge it that well for changes. I will send them a picture in a couple of weeks. I went about seven AM Tuesday morning they put the port in about noon they brought me back to the room, fed me lunch and took me for the starting of the chemo. They started at one o'clock PM till six o'clock PM I have a lot more treatments to go. not sure how they will go. My problem is Wednesday night I started hurting really bad in the cancer area on my left side and up toward my neck, and in the port area on the right side it is swollen and sore up into my neck and to touch it. I can't see it because of the bandages. I don't know if this is normal. He said if this didn't work there was no more they could do I pray I can be doing okay for Christmas and my family . Thank you so much. May God bless you, and if you don't believe in God . I truly respect any information you give me. Thank you again
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A/C is Adriamycin (aka themuffingranma said:My first port and chemo
I am not sure of what some things are you mentioned A\C what is this. I had cancer six years ago and had radiation treatments after my lumpectomy and done fine. In August 2012 I seen like a bruise on my breast that didn't heal. The doctor seen it and said it was Angiosarcoma cancer. I had five surgery's and a mastectomy, radiation and still comes back and spreading . My doctor said this was the only option I had left. He sent me a picture of the cancer, so we could both see if there was any changes. I sent a copy to a friend and my sister so they could help me I see it every day so I can't judge it that well for changes. I will send them a picture in a couple of weeks. I went about seven AM Tuesday morning they put the port in about noon they brought me back to the room, fed me lunch and took me for the starting of the chemo. They started at one o'clock PM till six o'clock PM I have a lot more treatments to go. not sure how they will go. My problem is Wednesday night I started hurting really bad in the cancer area on my left side and up toward my neck, and in the port area on the right side it is swollen and sore up into my neck and to touch it. I can't see it because of the bandages. I don't know if this is normal. He said if this didn't work there was no more they could do I pray I can be doing okay for Christmas and my family . Thank you so much. May God bless you, and if you don't believe in God . I truly respect any information you give me. Thank you again
A/C is Adriamycin (aka the 'red devil') and Cytoxan. They are 2 different chemos that are often used in conjunction with each other. They are not mixed together but are given one following immediately after the other - in my case the Adriamycin was always first and followed immediately by the Cytoxan.
Being sore up into your neck would probably be normal as often the tubing from the port is inserted in the neck. I have heard that some Surgeons will make 2 incisions , 1 for the port itself and 1where the tube is actually put in the vein. My Surgeon only made 1incision about 1 - 1 1/2 inch long and worked through that 1site. Some swelling could possibly be expected as after all it is a surgery. But keep an eye on it as it could also be something more than just 'usual'. I had no bandage per se on implant site - just a bandaid and that was only for 24 hrs. There were no external sutures but there were 3 steri-strips. My Surgeon told me that it's easier for him to put in ports on 'larger' women than 'smaller' women as he has more area to work in/with. He also said it is harder on 'larger' women than 'smaller' women also because the amount of area that is involved with the surgery. Don't know for sure but that's whathe said and I guess he was right (at least about me), I am one of the 'smaller' according to him and i was back working horses and giving lessons 2 days after implant (I did get out of barn chores for 2 weeks as Dr told Hubby I shouldn't lift anything heavier than 5 lbs for 2 weks so Hubby and Son took over all chores so I had a great 2 week 'vacation'.) (Sorry for rambling - I do that sometimes - LOL!)
I am a bit surprised that your Dr would say that Taxol was the only option - there are many different chemos that can be used. I was told we would start with the A/C and if it didn't show signs of working - it did - we'd go to adifferent one
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Taxolmuffingranma said:chemo treatment
I am not sure of what some things are you mentioned A\C what is this. I had cancer six years ago and had radiation treatments after my lumpectomy and done fine. In August 2012 I seen like a bruise on my breast that didn't heal. The doctor seen it and said it was Angiosarcoma cancer. I had five surgery's and a mastectomy, radiation and still comes back and spreading . My doctor said this was the only option I had left. He sent me a picture of the cancer, so we could both see if there was any changes. I sent a copy to a friend and my sister so they could help me I see it every day so I can't judge it that well for changes. I will send them a picture in a couple of weeks. I went about seven AM Tuesday morning they put the port in about noon they brought me back to the room, fed me lunch and took me for the starting of the chemo. They started at one o'clock PM till six o'clock PM I have a lot more treatments to go. not sure how they will go. My problem is Wednesday night I started hurting really bad in the cancer area on my left side and up toward my neck, and in the port area on the right side it is swollen and sore up into my neck and to touch it. I can't see it because of the bandages. I don't know if this is normal. He said if this didn't work there was no more they could do I pray I can be doing okay for Christmas and my family . Thank you so much. May God bless you, and if you don't believe in God . I truly respect any information you give me. Thank you again
I am also doing the same treatents you are. I take mine weekly. I had a mastectomy in May 2013 and started chemo on June 27. I had 4 of the red devil and cytoxin, then waited 3 weeks and started the taxol. The red devil was not so kind to me, loss of hair, taste, ect. The taxol is not too very bad, I do stay tired ALL the time and have some bone pain and swelling in my feet. I have taken 7 so far and have 5 to go. With the red devil, I got tired gradually for a few days, with the taxol, it builds up each time and I stay constantly tired. I spend a lot of couch time. Just hang in there and stay positive, it is not easy but is doable! Pray and believe for a total healing! I pray daily for all my pink sisters. God Bless you my pink sister.
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We are all so different!Doe1504 said:Taxol
I am also doing the same treatents you are. I take mine weekly. I had a mastectomy in May 2013 and started chemo on June 27. I had 4 of the red devil and cytoxin, then waited 3 weeks and started the taxol. The red devil was not so kind to me, loss of hair, taste, ect. The taxol is not too very bad, I do stay tired ALL the time and have some bone pain and swelling in my feet. I have taken 7 so far and have 5 to go. With the red devil, I got tired gradually for a few days, with the taxol, it builds up each time and I stay constantly tired. I spend a lot of couch time. Just hang in there and stay positive, it is not easy but is doable! Pray and believe for a total healing! I pray daily for all my pink sisters. God Bless you my pink sister.
We are all so different! Being IBC, I had to do neo-adjuvant (pre surgery) A/C and had UMX 2 weeks after last A/C. 3 weeks after surgery I started my 12 weekly Taxol. Many/Most IBCers do both neoadjuvant but my Drs want neo-adjuvant and adjuvant - for me the right 'call' as as far as I know I am still NED 4 yrs out.
A/C did not slow me down much at all - I was tired for a couple of day a couple of days after each infusion but naps handled it. (I ran my first Powder Puff Mud Bog 2 days after 2nd infusion with my stock IH Scout II I'd give to Son for a bogger and got 2nd behind a huge bogger.)
I lost head hair (about 1/2 of brows an lashes), appetite, sense of smell and taste. On Taxol - ALL remaining hair left, and complete and utter EXHAUSTION. I existed on the couch or in bed. That Thanksgiving wwe took Son, his GF, her kids, her Mom and Gmom to Deadwood for Dinner, I had prime rib which I love and asked for reg. horseraddish not sauce. I was slathering it on an they were looking at me like I was crazy. Called the waiter over and told him I wanted horseraddish not the sauce and Hubby and Son both informed me I had the 'real' stuff'. OOPS! It's amazing how different we all react to 'whatever'! Winyan - The Power Within
Susan
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