Miserable on chemo--just want to quit!

jane38 · December 2000

cekramer said:
Hi all,

This is my first message to the group. I am 34 and undergoing my first Taxol treatment. It has not been easier than the AC, as the docs all said it would be. I'm hoping it gets better since I have three more rounds to go.
I'm lucky in that I only had one positive lymph node following a lumpectomy. But my grade was a 3 so I am scared of a recurrence. My family and friends have all been supportive and so I thank God for that too.
Last week, my surgeon gave my name to a 31 year old who was just diagnosed, so that I could talk to her re. her options and treatment. It helps to have others to talk to.
I hope everyone's doing ok this week.
CK

Hello CK. Jane here. I am 62, diagnosed with stage 3A infiltrating ductal cell carcinoma of the left breast in March 1999. Try not to worry too much. I survived the treatments and in spite of all the misery they cause it is well worth it to hear "YOU ARE CANCER-FREE, GO OUT AND LIVE YOUR LIFE." I received a modified radical mastectomy and lymph node dissection with five of ten lymph nodes positive. I had two separate sites of cancer in my breast. I also had Paget's disease of the nipple. I underwent chemo with Cytoxan, Adriamycin and 5-FU for four cycles and then four cycles of Taxotere, a relative of Taxol. The Adriamycin made me sicker than a dog and I really had my doubts that I would complete my treatment with it. The last two treatments I had to force myself, but I did it. Taxotere, on the other hand, did not make me nauseated, but it hurt like a son of a gun. After the second treatment, I told my onco I could not tolerate the bone pain and discomfort this drug was producing, so she then prescribed Medrol Dose-Paks for the following two cycles. This helped tremendously. Following chemo I had six weeks of five days a week of radiation therapy with a boost to the scar. Radiation was a breeze compared to the chemo. I had an elective mastectomy on the right with concurrent bilateral free TRAM flap reconstruction in February of this year. A very difficult operation, but I am glad I had it and would do it again in a heartbeat. In October I had revision of the right breast reconstruction and nipple-areolar reconstruction on the left. I still have the nipple-areolar reconstruction on the right to go which will probably be in February or March. I have had a lot of health problems since my bout with cancer which I attribute to the chemo; however, it could just be age-related. As I refuse to believe I am getting in that "old" group I find blaming it on chemo and radiation is appropriate. I have had a problem with hypothyroidism which I have finally gotten under control, hypertension which is controlled and GERD (difficulty with digesting my food, just getting it to my stomach) which is now controlled. I have had a lot of bone problems which x-rays and MRIs have shown to be DJD which is degenerative (again that old thing) joint disease and arthritis. Still working on fixing that. All-in-all, I consider myself very fortunate. I have survived breast cancer. But then, I am WOMAN. I can do anything. My life has changed, for the better I think. I don't spend so much time thinking about me. I volunteer with the ACS as a speaker, I work their health fairs and I drive patients to and from their appointments. These things give me so much pleasure and enjoyment and contentment. I believe that this is why I have been spared and is my destiny, to reach out to other people and to be helpful. I have learned how to forgive (a biggee for me) and how to ask for and accept help, another biggee. I have made many new friends throughout this ordeal, most of them are right here on this site. We are a group of ladies who have conquered or are in the process of conquering this nasty beast of a disease. We will help you in any and every way possible. Please visit us often and don't be afraid to say or ask anything. Again, WELCOME! Jane

pamtriggs · December 2000

jane38 said:
Hello CK. Jane here. I am 62, diagnosed with stage 3A infiltrating ductal cell carcinoma of the left breast in March 1999. Try not to worry too much. I survived the treatments and in spite of all the misery they cause it is well worth it to hear "YOU ARE CANCER-FREE, GO OUT AND LIVE YOUR LIFE." I received a modified radical mastectomy and lymph node dissection with five of ten lymph nodes positive. I had two separate sites of cancer in my breast. I also had Paget's disease of the nipple. I underwent chemo with Cytoxan, Adriamycin and 5-FU for four cycles and then four cycles of Taxotere, a relative of Taxol. The Adriamycin made me sicker than a dog and I really had my doubts that I would complete my treatment with it. The last two treatments I had to force myself, but I did it. Taxotere, on the other hand, did not make me nauseated, but it hurt like a son of a gun. After the second treatment, I told my onco I could not tolerate the bone pain and discomfort this drug was producing, so she then prescribed Medrol Dose-Paks for the following two cycles. This helped tremendously. Following chemo I had six weeks of five days a week of radiation therapy with a boost to the scar. Radiation was a breeze compared to the chemo. I had an elective mastectomy on the right with concurrent bilateral free TRAM flap reconstruction in February of this year. A very difficult operation, but I am glad I had it and would do it again in a heartbeat. In October I had revision of the right breast reconstruction and nipple-areolar reconstruction on the left. I still have the nipple-areolar reconstruction on the right to go which will probably be in February or March. I have had a lot of health problems since my bout with cancer which I attribute to the chemo; however, it could just be age-related. As I refuse to believe I am getting in that "old" group I find blaming it on chemo and radiation is appropriate. I have had a problem with hypothyroidism which I have finally gotten under control, hypertension which is controlled and GERD (difficulty with digesting my food, just getting it to my stomach) which is now controlled. I have had a lot of bone problems which x-rays and MRIs have shown to be DJD which is degenerative (again that old thing) joint disease and arthritis. Still working on fixing that. All-in-all, I consider myself very fortunate. I have survived breast cancer. But then, I am WOMAN. I can do anything. My life has changed, for the better I think. I don't spend so much time thinking about me. I volunteer with the ACS as a speaker, I work their health fairs and I drive patients to and from their appointments. These things give me so much pleasure and enjoyment and contentment. I believe that this is why I have been spared and is my destiny, to reach out to other people and to be helpful. I have learned how to forgive (a biggee for me) and how to ask for and accept help, another biggee. I have made many new friends throughout this ordeal, most of them are right here on this site. We are a group of ladies who have conquered or are in the process of conquering this nasty beast of a disease. We will help you in any and every way possible. Please visit us often and don't be afraid to say or ask anything. Again, WELCOME! Jane

Dear Jane

Read your reply to CK. Just a thought about your bone pain. If it is arthritis have you tried any form of Glucosamine Sulfate. This is a natural supplement well known for helping with this - especialy in hip & knee area. I have taken it for years. All my MRI show no cancer in the head of my femur but did show a healing osteoarthritis so it must be working. Just a thought. Keep up the good work and say a prayer for Pat Sharkey who is very down at the moment.Love & hugs
Pam

jane38 · December 2000

pamtriggs said:
Dear Jane

Read your reply to CK. Just a thought about your bone pain. If it is arthritis have you tried any form of Glucosamine Sulfate. This is a natural supplement well known for helping with this - especialy in hip & knee area. I have taken it for years. All my MRI show no cancer in the head of my femur but did show a healing osteoarthritis so it must be working. Just a thought. Keep up the good work and say a prayer for Pat Sharkey who is very down at the moment.Love & hugs
Pam

I have not tried the glucosamine or the chondroitin. Guess I really need to do it. I'm really tired of pain meds. And Pat is in my thoughts and my prayers. We really do have to do something about this beast. Jane

Unknown · December 2000

jane38 said:
I have not tried the glucosamine or the chondroitin. Guess I really need to do it. I'm really tired of pain meds. And Pat is in my thoughts and my prayers. We really do have to do something about this beast. Jane

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

jackies · December 2000

cekramer said:
Hi all,

This is my first message to the group. I am 34 and undergoing my first Taxol treatment. It has not been easier than the AC, as the docs all said it would be. I'm hoping it gets better since I have three more rounds to go.
I'm lucky in that I only had one positive lymph node following a lumpectomy. But my grade was a 3 so I am scared of a recurrence. My family and friends have all been supportive and so I thank God for that too.
Last week, my surgeon gave my name to a 31 year old who was just diagnosed, so that I could talk to her re. her options and treatment. It helps to have others to talk to.
I hope everyone's doing ok this week.
CK

Hi CK. Welcome to the family. You'll find alot of support and encouragement here. I'm Jackie and I'm 42. I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in July. (By the way, I'm the one who wrote the message "Miserable on chemo-Just want to quit!) I'm in a clinical trial where I get all my chemo (8 courses) first, then surgery (probably lumpectomy), then radiation. Also Tamoxifen for 5 years. I finished my 4 courses of A/C, now I'm halfway thru 4 courses of Taxotere (cousin to Taxol). Yep, these 2 drugs are miserable to deal with, but I understand they are extremely effective. THe worst side effects for me have been severe musculoskeletal pain, and extremely low white count. I've been hospitalized after both my 1st two Taxotere treatments for severe neutropenia. This 2nd round caused my ANC (absolute neutrophil count to go to "0"!) What kinds of side effects have you had? My Dr. gave my Vioxx (a new arthritis drug) for the general pain. It definitely helped. I also had to have my Taxotere dosage decreased due to the severe white count. Are you married? Do you have any kids? I'm married and have a 17 year old son and a 13 year old daughter. I live in SW Penna. Do keep in touch. Tell us more about yourself. And don't hesitate to share how we can best support you. We take turns encouraging each other and we pray for one another too. So Long. Jackie

cherdaetwyler · December 2000

patsharkey said:
Hi Jackie

I am sorry to hear you are feeling so low, and hope you are now feeling brighter. I have had two rounds of epirubicin and taxotere, and both times I felt suicidal. After 2 days I felt pain all through my back, and in my weak spots. I felt as if I wanted to die. I had not realised that the pain might be a side-effect of my drugs. I have not yet recovered from this bout, but last time I know I woke up one morning feeling better, and I was sure I wanted to live. Maybe when it gets better we should write a list of the good things we have to live for, and keep it in front of us for next time.

We have so much rain and floods here in England that I feel the weather is in mourning with me. But the rain will eventually stop, and life will get better. Please don't give up, and remember how much you are loved, by your family, your friends, and by God.

Love from PAT

Hello,
I have been reading this series of messages today because I am sitting here bitching about my 19 inches of stitches.
I had a bilateral rmasectomy on Dec. 8 and am recovering from that nicely. I begin series of Adriamycin/Cytoxan on January 9 if my
port is in, which hopefully it will be.

However I still heal very quickly (this is my first ever major surgery) and went from Percoset to regular Tylenol at bedtime on the
day after surgery. But these stitches feel as if they are cutting my chest in two parts. (actually they look like they are since the
flesh bulges up on both sides..

I am in an awkward position this weekend having fired the surgeon who did the masectomy and switching to a new one/
(my return visit after surgery was a real horror story)

I see the new surgeon on 12/28 when he is supposed to schedule my surgery for a port implant and hopefully remove the stitches.

The other surgeon refused to do the port and scheduled my next followup in a month.

I have had stitches embedded in skin after cuts healed so I know what I would be like in a month.
These are two rows of blanket stitch more than 2/3 way around my chest.

i jumped into the chemo discussion and quickly realized that with no experience in dealing with cheno, I have a great deal of
experience in dealing with two of the side effects you are talking about...body pain and depression.

I am a life time chronic depressive who rarely ever used medical intervention. At this time I am on zoloft and buspar,
but most of my life I have used journals and diaries, herbs and eating paterns to keep my brain chemicals under control.
I went to my full prescribed dosage of both medications when I received the diagnosis, but have backed off some to closer
what I consider my maintenance level.

Lists of good things help.

Writing down the bad (if you can type or hold a pen) when you feel bad
will help on those times when you can read it feeling somewhat bad and say
I felt worse before.

I hope to hear from some of you soon.
I will let you know how things are going.

Praying for you all
Cher

Unknown · December 2000

cherdaetwyler said:
Hello,
I have been reading this series of messages today because I am sitting here bitching about my 19 inches of stitches.
I had a bilateral rmasectomy on Dec. 8 and am recovering from that nicely. I begin series of Adriamycin/Cytoxan on January 9 if my
port is in, which hopefully it will be.

However I still heal very quickly (this is my first ever major surgery) and went from Percoset to regular Tylenol at bedtime on the
day after surgery. But these stitches feel as if they are cutting my chest in two parts. (actually they look like they are since the
flesh bulges up on both sides..

I am in an awkward position this weekend having fired the surgeon who did the masectomy and switching to a new one/
(my return visit after surgery was a real horror story)

I see the new surgeon on 12/28 when he is supposed to schedule my surgery for a port implant and hopefully remove the stitches.

The other surgeon refused to do the port and scheduled my next followup in a month.

I have had stitches embedded in skin after cuts healed so I know what I would be like in a month.
These are two rows of blanket stitch more than 2/3 way around my chest.

i jumped into the chemo discussion and quickly realized that with no experience in dealing with cheno, I have a great deal of
experience in dealing with two of the side effects you are talking about...body pain and depression.

I am a life time chronic depressive who rarely ever used medical intervention. At this time I am on zoloft and buspar,
but most of my life I have used journals and diaries, herbs and eating paterns to keep my brain chemicals under control.
I went to my full prescribed dosage of both medications when I received the diagnosis, but have backed off some to closer
what I consider my maintenance level.

Lists of good things help.

Writing down the bad (if you can type or hold a pen) when you feel bad
will help on those times when you can read it feeling somewhat bad and say
I felt worse before.

I hope to hear from some of you soon.
I will let you know how things are going.

Praying for you all
Cher

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

cherdaetwyler · December 2000

unknown said:
This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Hi all,

Especially ellen, for your quick answer.
I onlu hope I am strong enough. I go for bone scan and liver ultrasound on Tues, 12-26.
Based on the path report from my surgery (got a copy just by asking the onco. dr.) there may
be extensive metastasis. Or there may be none, other than the eerie suggestion that my
adipose tissue in the underarm upperchest is laden with tumor wannabes.

Stitches are screaming to be out. I don't seebthe new surgeon until 12-28, but somehow that
sounds better than in a month. Any one out there who can tell me how long it takes for the fluid
swellings and muscle cramps to go away. those cute little triangular muscles in front of my shoulders
turn into big knots at least three or four times a day. Takes intensive meditation to make them ease.
I know they are only insulted that somebody took away their job (holding up my bitty bosom) but
their response seems mighty severe.

you are all im my prayers.
If you aren't on my friends list yet, it is only because I keep goofing up when I try to add.

This from a woman who has taught people how to use this stupid machine for years.

joyous greetings for whatever you celebrate this season.
cher

sueholm · December 2000

cherdaetwyler said:
Hi all,

Especially ellen, for your quick answer.
I onlu hope I am strong enough. I go for bone scan and liver ultrasound on Tues, 12-26.
Based on the path report from my surgery (got a copy just by asking the onco. dr.) there may
be extensive metastasis. Or there may be none, other than the eerie suggestion that my
adipose tissue in the underarm upperchest is laden with tumor wannabes.

Stitches are screaming to be out. I don't seebthe new surgeon until 12-28, but somehow that
sounds better than in a month. Any one out there who can tell me how long it takes for the fluid
swellings and muscle cramps to go away. those cute little triangular muscles in front of my shoulders
turn into big knots at least three or four times a day. Takes intensive meditation to make them ease.
I know they are only insulted that somebody took away their job (holding up my bitty bosom) but
their response seems mighty severe.

you are all im my prayers.
If you aren't on my friends list yet, it is only because I keep goofing up when I try to add.

This from a woman who has taught people how to use this stupid machine for years.

joyous greetings for whatever you celebrate this season.
cher

Cher, good to hear you are in fighting spirit! I too used to suffer from a lot of depression, but finally got to the root of it 12 years ago, and am now more balanced and happy than i have ever been. sounds ridiculous doesnt it, to be happy when grappling with breast cancer, but there it is, and I'm not fighting it! Just so grateful to be coping with it well. I am sorry you have had trouble with docs. I am very fortunate. surgery was done by lady doc, who had presence of mind to take sample from other suspicious area she saw, hence another op to come, but far better than it not being found.! I have two wondeful oncologists, who I know, are doing their best for me, so I have placed my confidence in them. they may screw up, because I know this cancer business is so tricky, but so be it, if they do. I hope you can find docs whom you trust, because, apparently, according to some research, confidence in docs correlates with survivability rates for breast cancer. you didnt say why doc refused to do port. I would be interested to know. I dont think you have said yet where you are, or i forget. I am in bc canada, where we are defintiely having a white christmas! take care, and let us know the results of your scans. beware! the moment they put you on that scan machine, every part of your body that you cant reach will itch! and drive you nuts! oh, let me tell you one thing i decided very early on with this, that has been a tremendous help. i decided that i was never, ever, going to let a simple needle bother me. decided that with the very first one, as i knew there would be many to come.I'm glad i did, now i find out how many there are! I sail through them. no time to sweat the small stuff! take care, keep in touch. love susan

cherdaetwyler · December 2000

sueholm said:
Cher, good to hear you are in fighting spirit! I too used to suffer from a lot of depression, but finally got to the root of it 12 years ago, and am now more balanced and happy than i have ever been. sounds ridiculous doesnt it, to be happy when grappling with breast cancer, but there it is, and I'm not fighting it! Just so grateful to be coping with it well. I am sorry you have had trouble with docs. I am very fortunate. surgery was done by lady doc, who had presence of mind to take sample from other suspicious area she saw, hence another op to come, but far better than it not being found.! I have two wondeful oncologists, who I know, are doing their best for me, so I have placed my confidence in them. they may screw up, because I know this cancer business is so tricky, but so be it, if they do. I hope you can find docs whom you trust, because, apparently, according to some research, confidence in docs correlates with survivability rates for breast cancer. you didnt say why doc refused to do port. I would be interested to know. I dont think you have said yet where you are, or i forget. I am in bc canada, where we are defintiely having a white christmas! take care, and let us know the results of your scans. beware! the moment they put you on that scan machine, every part of your body that you cant reach will itch! and drive you nuts! oh, let me tell you one thing i decided very early on with this, that has been a tremendous help. i decided that i was never, ever, going to let a simple needle bother me. decided that with the very first one, as i knew there would be many to come.I'm glad i did, now i find out how many there are! I sail through them. no time to sweat the small stuff! take care, keep in touch. love susan

Hi everyone,

I know what you mean about confidence.

However the surgeon I fired was a "lady", but she seemsed to consider
me disposable once the surgery was over and the path report came back.

I haven't seen the new surgeon yet, so don't even know it male or female.
Just one who was willing to do as my chemo oncologist asked.

All of the chemo nurses that I have talked to say I made the right decision.
I am not afraid of needles, but do object to losing extra parts like arms if it
is unnecessary.

The reasons the lady doc gave for not doing the port were 2:
1 my body cleanliness did not meet her standards (however I never had a chance to tell her thatt
much of what she perceived as BO was a side effect of eating eastern NA's humble RAMP,
an onion family member so notorious that some of my firends refuse to sleep in the same room with
their husbands when hubby eats ramps. The other part was coming from inside the drains which
she neglected for 11 days before removing them. Every time I opened on to empty the flask,it was
disgusting.

2 I have good veins.

I'm glad I have good veins but when there is a way to keep them that way, and the doctor suggests we
use it, I jump on the suggestion.

My whole oncology team seems to be on top of things.

I really think the surgeon could not handle well having a patient who refused to be patient,
but was always in a hurry, knew too much about effects and side effects, and told her I would
want the pathology report prior to surgery.

My mouth is always too big.
thanks for your input.
most of the time my chems stay reasonable, but there are some times that they just go off.
I was only hospitalized one, I checked myself in after walking out into a snowstorm
in a state of hyper-anxiety. I will probably never need that again because I discovered
they could not do much that I couldn't do on my own.

love to all,
Cher

i

cekramer · December 2000

jackies said:
Hi CK. Welcome to the family. You'll find alot of support and encouragement here. I'm Jackie and I'm 42. I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in July. (By the way, I'm the one who wrote the message "Miserable on chemo-Just want to quit!) I'm in a clinical trial where I get all my chemo (8 courses) first, then surgery (probably lumpectomy), then radiation. Also Tamoxifen for 5 years. I finished my 4 courses of A/C, now I'm halfway thru 4 courses of Taxotere (cousin to Taxol). Yep, these 2 drugs are miserable to deal with, but I understand they are extremely effective. THe worst side effects for me have been severe musculoskeletal pain, and extremely low white count. I've been hospitalized after both my 1st two Taxotere treatments for severe neutropenia. This 2nd round caused my ANC (absolute neutrophil count to go to "0"!) What kinds of side effects have you had? My Dr. gave my Vioxx (a new arthritis drug) for the general pain. It definitely helped. I also had to have my Taxotere dosage decreased due to the severe white count. Are you married? Do you have any kids? I'm married and have a 17 year old son and a 13 year old daughter. I live in SW Penna. Do keep in touch. Tell us more about yourself. And don't hesitate to share how we can best support you. We take turns encouraging each other and we pray for one another too. So Long. Jackie

Hi Jackie,

The worst so far from taxol has been the joint pain for two days. My white and red blood cell counts have been ok so far.
Had my second treatment yesterday. What causes the neutropenia I wonder?
I am single and have no children. My family has come out to visit LA where I live for each treatment, taking care of me cooking and
cleaning. Two things I hate to do! I can't wait til this is all over. Two more chemos and then six weeks of radiation.
I am working from home at least although that has been difficult. I have a demanding job. I have considered going on disability. I'm sure once
I go back I won't be able to take vacation for a long time. Last year during my vacation I was in the hospital for an appendectomy. I've had a bad
two year's healthwise.

Well, take care and I'll say a prayer for you. I had the option to do chemo first but didn't want to take the chance that it
wouldn't help.

cherdaetwyler · December 2000

cekramer said:
Hi Jackie,

The worst so far from taxol has been the joint pain for two days. My white and red blood cell counts have been ok so far.
Had my second treatment yesterday. What causes the neutropenia I wonder?
I am single and have no children. My family has come out to visit LA where I live for each treatment, taking care of me cooking and
cleaning. Two things I hate to do! I can't wait til this is all over. Two more chemos and then six weeks of radiation.
I am working from home at least although that has been difficult. I have a demanding job. I have considered going on disability. I'm sure once
I go back I won't be able to take vacation for a long time. Last year during my vacation I was in the hospital for an appendectomy. I've had a bad
two year's healthwise.

Well, take care and I'll say a prayer for you. I had the option to do chemo first but didn't want to take the chance that it
wouldn't help.

Hi, cher here,

Neutropenia is caused by the bodies inability to make new cells faster that taxol or whatever
other chemical kills them. you have to walk a fine line between keeping cell reproduction
high enough to keep you healthy and low enough to destroy the cancer.

I am glad you are doing well on the taxol because I get taxotere stating in April after
4 cycles of AC. the first cycle of AC is on 1/9/01...it seems like such a long time to wait
when they scheduled it but now its almost here. Basically went fast because they kept me running for this test and that.

prayers, hugs, to all,
cher

Unknown · January 2001

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

attypay · March 2001

tiger said:
Hey Jackie, Tiger here, how are you doing today? I am going on Wed for my Taxol,so I am gearing myself up for the pain. My onco first told me that most women tolerate this chemo very well and left it at that, well when my pain hit I could have killed him for not preparing me better, but then I realized that he did not want to put me in the frame of mind that this is bad stuff and maybe scare me off it. It does work,we just have to fight our way through it together. I am going to ask for a prescription for Paxcil, the antidepressant, I find myself thinking nasty thoughts when I first have taxol,usually about a week I am ready to kill myself, and sooooo tired, but the paxcil is apparently very good, relieves the depression and gives you a boost of energy too. Keep in touch and we can moan and whine to each other about the pain,at least we all know where you are coming from!! Just remember, Dont give up, this stuff really WORKS!!!! We have gone this far, so lets keep going, and it will be easier because we have each other. Love and a big hug. Tiger xoxo

I am on Paxil and have been for five years. I haven't started my chemo yet but my dr. said to keep on taking the paxil. I have to tell you it is a great drug, I couldn't cope with alot of things if I wasn't on it.

K2 · February 2011

Suggestions to Alleviate Chemo Symptoms
Hi Jackie,

I am so sorry to hear that your body aches and I do have some suggestions that helped me tremendously when I went through chemo (finished 4 weeks ago -yea!). Don't laugh - I used a wonderful acupuncturist 1x/week for the entire time I went through chemo and I loved it - it was completely relaxing and helped alleviate any anxiety I had about doing the chemo (FYI - the needles are very thin, small and not scary - it doesn't hurt). I also went vegan for the entire treatment period (animal fats are linked to cancer) and upped my super green vegetables (at least 5 servings a day - always organic kale, spinach, blueberries, tumeric - super spice known for shrinking tumors, garlic, etc.), especially just before during and after the chemo treatment. I also did everything I could to get outside every day and at least walk. It helped to move my muscles and even if I felt a bit sluggish, it started to wear off by the time my walk ended. Now that chemo is over, I still have some sluggishness in my muscles, but it always goes away after I get a walk in.

Before you throw in the towel, try seeing if some adjustments to your diet and/or any alternative treatments might work for you (P-T, acupuncture, chirorpractor or massage therapy). I truly feel for you and hope this gets better soon!! I am routing for you!!!

BTW ladies - I KEPT MY HAIR. Penguin Cold Caps DO WORK. I can send you pix from my CaringBridge blog if you'd like.

Best of luck to you Jackie!! Please post again with how things are going!!

Kristine

kacee999 · October 2012

pain during and after chemo - an Rx suggestion
Been there, done that. I too had TAC chemo (all three at once though). Ask your doctor if there is a possibility of getting on Lyrica. It's for Fibromyalgia. I suffered from February through this past week (October) during and after chemo with excruciating body pains. It's caused by Levoquin (muscular pain), Neulasta (bone pain), and I think the Adriamycin and Cytoxin and Taxotere too. My oncologist shrugged his shoulders and threw pain pills at me. I was living on Norco and Vicodin. I finally went to a rheumatologist last week who put me on the Lyrica. For the first time in months I have relief. It would be a shame not to be able to start that until after chemo, but go ahead and ask. It worked better than all the pain pills (and I've been taking a LOT). It's down to a "dull roar" now and I can deal with it with one of two pain pills a day.

StrawSpinner · February 2014

Local Recurrence - prescribed with AC

I am 48. I was diagnosed with IDC in 08/2011. 2cm tumor, ER+ PR+ HER2+. I went through 6 * (Abbraxane + carboplatin + herceptin), 1/3wks. Then I finished 12 * Herceptin. 1/3wks. and Tamoxifen.

12/2013, I found a 1cm local recurrence ER+ PR - HER 2+. My oncologist plans to give me Adriamycin + Cytoxan, and Lapatinib and pertuzumab for HER2.

I read information on AC on the web and found information on side effects on heart several years after treatment, on the mouth, etc. Could Someone that have gone through AC long time ago, please let me know whether the medication have long term side effects on heart years afterwards?

Another oncologist suggest that I use Abbraxane again for 6 treatments, and also use herceptin + peyeta for HER2. He is also planning to put me menapause.

I am wondering which course I should go about. Any suggestions?

SIROD · February 2014

StrawSpinner said:
Local Recurrence - prescribed with AC
I am 48. I was diagnosed with IDC in 08/2011. 2cm tumor, ER+ PR+ HER2+. I went through 6 * (Abbraxane + carboplatin + herceptin), 1/3wks. Then I finished 12 * Herceptin. 1/3wks. and Tamoxifen.

12/2013, I found a 1cm local recurrence ER+ PR - HER 2+. My oncologist plans to give me Adriamycin + Cytoxan, and Lapatinib and pertuzumab for HER2.

I read information on AC on the web and found information on side effects on heart several years after treatment, on the mouth, etc. Could Someone that have gone through AC long time ago, please let me know whether the medication have long term side effects on heart years afterwards?

Another oncologist suggest that I use Abbraxane again for 6 treatments, and also use herceptin + peyeta for HER2. He is also planning to put me menapause.

I am wondering which course I should go about. Any suggestions?

Bump Up

Bump Up

SDickerson · February 2014

StrawSpinner said:
Local Recurrence - prescribed with AC
I am 48. I was diagnosed with IDC in 08/2011. 2cm tumor, ER+ PR+ HER2+. I went through 6 * (Abbraxane + carboplatin + herceptin), 1/3wks. Then I finished 12 * Herceptin. 1/3wks. and Tamoxifen.

12/2013, I found a 1cm local recurrence ER+ PR - HER 2+. My oncologist plans to give me Adriamycin + Cytoxan, and Lapatinib and pertuzumab for HER2.

I read information on AC on the web and found information on side effects on heart several years after treatment, on the mouth, etc. Could Someone that have gone through AC long time ago, please let me know whether the medication have long term side effects on heart years afterwards?

Another oncologist suggest that I use Abbraxane again for 6 treatments, and also use herceptin + peyeta for HER2. He is also planning to put me menapause.

I am wondering which course I should go about. Any suggestions?

I was on Abbraxane for over a

I was on Abbraxane for over a year. It is very easy to tolarate. The only side was hair loss.

Best wishes,

Shannon

Rsaguir · May 2016

Bone pain to miserable.

I am on third taxol after 4 ac's. By any chance are you taking neulasta after chemos? I understand that's where the bone pain comes from. I didnt have it with ac but I think it's due to drug is more aggressive at killing white cells so quick that when neulasta does its job of creating white cells., old and new are are not squeezed inside bones. I'm just guessing. With to, I've had most excruciating pain ever. 5 days first couple times and 3 days last time. Oncologist said to take Claritin before chemo and for some reason it works to improve the pain although they don't know why it does. I also got Percocet but refuse to take it. Rather, I went without sleep due to pain for several day. Walking really helps.

Miserable on chemo--just want to quit!

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