Chemo Chicks - Update .. Milestones, or treatments for December 2009
Hospitalized, blood clot and upper chest infection added to my 4th TCH/Herceptin/Herceptin - chemo cycle. Not a happy time for me or my family, but we all survived.
I am happy to report that I am getting daily calls from my oncologist or his PA, I guess they are scared for my safety, and reported that I am on the 'High End of Bell Scale', UCLA Clinical trials. I don't know if any of this means, but I am riding out my last 6 weeks - and as of this morning at 9:00 a.m. my oncologist has changed my medication for the balance of my 6 weeks with him.
12 weeks down ... TCH/Herceptin/Herceptin .. no breaks, no weeks to recover.
Week 13 this morning .. Taxol and Herceptin ... every week for the remaining 6 weeks, no more taxotere, carbo, and Herceptin. Just 6 straight weeks of Taxol and Herceptin. Piece of cake, I'm told.
Reasoning: My blood pressure is 163 over 113 (can we all say 'ready for a stroke, all together now) .. last 7 weeks .. and I'm on atentol (sp) it's 4:08 a.m. CA time, sorry.
I've lost 29 lbs, I have gained any weight .. no explaination from Dr. M .. however, I know it's from the poision dripped into my body every week ...
My finger nail beds are bruised and dark blue, now turning black -
Fatigue is overwhelming, and my Oncologist does not want me to continue seeing my newly found Holistic Doctor is Carlsbed for deep tissue massages.
I know nothing about Taxol, however Barbara - onc/RN states it's 50% lesser in punch and side efforts than Taxotere. Only time will tell. I did throw up twice tonight, and I do have a headache - . No more Emend, or hormones or Neulasta shots .. Happy, Happy Happy about no more Neulasta shots and hormones.
Enough about me ...
Bella Luna ... 4 treatments - TCH down, 5th on coming up soon, right ?
Liz Pitt .. How you doing ? Again, I am so sorry about your Mom.
Sam726 .. Still riding your Harley? I truly hope so ..
Natly ... Staying Strong ?
Lovely Lola .. How you doing, Girl??? How's the weather in Hawaii?
Laurissa ... Still fighting ??
Lizmair .. when is your first chemo treatment? We are all praying and sending good thoughts your way ..
Mizcadwell .. 2nd chemo down .. when's your third? Need any help with side efforts ?
Newbiefrom Canada ... doing well from your posting, I am so happy for you
Shortcakes .. you are right there with our warrior sister from Canada .. Keep up the good work ..!!
Cat64 .. how did your surgery go ?? We are here for you, our friend and fellow chemo chick.
Marlene K .. How many down, and how many to go ? Thinking about you ...
Carkris .. How you doing, Girl ?
Mama G .. I love your wig .. such a sense of style .. You go ..l
Rague .. How many down .. Taxol ? and how many to go ..
Jenny Twist .. My sister with side efforts - unlike any experienced before .. How you doing ?
I am sorry if I miss any 'chemo chick' ...
VickiSam
Comments
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Vicki you are by far thee
Vicki you are by far thee ultimate BC Warrior--My God girl you are hanging in there with more side efforts than anyone should ever have to endure. What happened to that blood clot? What does your doc say about those black fingernails? Kudos, all my scarfs, one wig, and hats are off to salute you. A salute I hope I never have to offer ever again!
Did you know black fingernails are IN. Have you noticed all that dark nail polish on the glam girls of December? I thought black was for Halloween but its not, its anytime now so you girl are in style. I'll just bet you love hearing that.
My last A/C this coming Tuesday 12/8. Then on to I think taxetore. I'm speaking to my onc about a reprieve in February so I can hopefuly fly to NC to help celebrate my beautiful Brooke's first birthday.
I'm staying strong in spite of all the nausea and low blood counts, both red and white. I'm also staying strong in prayer for you.
Thank you for your update. Blessings and Hugs.0 -
VickiSam, first of all, I'm
VickiSam, first of all, I'm so glad to see you posting again. You have had one hell of a hard time with your treatments but still manage to keep your spirits up. I'm very proud of you and also very sorry for all the bad side effects you have had!! That's good news that your treatments are changing and I only hope they are tolerable for you now. You are one strong warrior chick!! Hang in there and just look at the fact that daily you are inching a little closer to the finish line. I'll continue to send positive vibes your way. Sending a gentle hug and take care!!0 -
Welcome Back!
VickiSam, I am so happy to see you posting again. I was thinking about you and hoping that you would come back to the boards. I am doing okay. Thanks about my mom. Here's my latest news...
I will have my chemo treatment tomorrow! I just returned from my oncologist and she gave me the information to set up the appointments with the Radiation Onc dept. I already called and will have the initial consult in two weeks. Just setting that up made me feel like I was moving in the right direction. I'm looking forward to the next phase...
After rads, she wants to put me into a clinical trial. Instead of going the Tamoxifen route, she wants to put me into menopause and start me on an AI therapy. I'm seriously considering it. I just buried my mom due to a rare uterine cancer; I'd prefer not to risk it with the Tamoxifen which can cause uterine cancers in rare cases. Yes, I just happen to believe I would be that 1 out of ???
Anyway, I'll do the chemo tomorrow and get the clinical trial info then. I'll be sure to post and see what you all think about it. Anyway, wish me luck for tomorrow and that dreaded Neulasta shot and the fever, mouth sores, D that go with it...
Glad you're back, Pitt0 -
VickiSam
How awfully SWEET of you in such diar straits with all that you are going through and you are able to name all the active pink sisters and want updates! WOW! You are amazing! Hopefully your next phase will treat you better and give you some healing time. I can't imagine being bombarded with side effects. It truly is odd how we all react differently. I can say that I really feel blessed and I thank God every day that so far I haven't had much to complain about. I go tomorrow for my third of six sessions. Yes... halfway through. I could do without that Neulasta shot as that always sends me for a loop, but getting chemo on a Thursday is a good thing. I get my shot on Friday after work and then I pretty much know I'm down for the weekend, up & down from the couch all weekend and by Monday morning, I'm ok. Yea, I'm tired a bit more than usual but it's all doable stuff so far. Will have to see what the 2nd half brings me. However, the Neulasta seems to do me very good as my blood counts have been excellent!
Glad you're back to posting and hope you'll keep us informed of how the new treatment is coming along.
Stay well, stay positive & focussed!
Love ~ Mar0 -
WOWMarlene_K said:VickiSam
How awfully SWEET of you in such diar straits with all that you are going through and you are able to name all the active pink sisters and want updates! WOW! You are amazing! Hopefully your next phase will treat you better and give you some healing time. I can't imagine being bombarded with side effects. It truly is odd how we all react differently. I can say that I really feel blessed and I thank God every day that so far I haven't had much to complain about. I go tomorrow for my third of six sessions. Yes... halfway through. I could do without that Neulasta shot as that always sends me for a loop, but getting chemo on a Thursday is a good thing. I get my shot on Friday after work and then I pretty much know I'm down for the weekend, up & down from the couch all weekend and by Monday morning, I'm ok. Yea, I'm tired a bit more than usual but it's all doable stuff so far. Will have to see what the 2nd half brings me. However, the Neulasta seems to do me very good as my blood counts have been excellent!
Glad you're back to posting and hope you'll keep us informed of how the new treatment is coming along.
Stay well, stay positive & focussed!
Love ~ Mar
VickiSam, that is all I can say to you is WOW! You are one strong, amazing warrior! You are an inspiration to all of us, even if we didn't have chemo! My prayers are with you to get you thru this! WE will all be waiting with our flashlights to guide you thru the tunnel! Stay strong!
Kristin ♥0 -
So good to hear from you
You have had such a difficult time but move through it so gracefully. I had my second chemo Mon, so I'm half way through!!! It went well. better than the first. Mainly just the nausea. No pains yet from neulasta, halleleujah. My blood counts have been good, and my appetite is returning some. I've lost 28 lbs since mid-Sept when I found the lump. Needed and wanted to lose weight but this sure isn't the diet I would have picked!
I asked my onc about the balance problem I posted about last week. She was puzzled but did not think it indicated anything bad. But if it happens again I am to call her and she said she'd probably have to do a brain scan just to be sure.
So good to hear how everyone's doing, that we are mostly doing well in these extraordinary circumstances, and when we falter there are lots of ways back up.
Angela0 -
updateWhoknowz said:So good to hear from you
You have had such a difficult time but move through it so gracefully. I had my second chemo Mon, so I'm half way through!!! It went well. better than the first. Mainly just the nausea. No pains yet from neulasta, halleleujah. My blood counts have been good, and my appetite is returning some. I've lost 28 lbs since mid-Sept when I found the lump. Needed and wanted to lose weight but this sure isn't the diet I would have picked!
I asked my onc about the balance problem I posted about last week. She was puzzled but did not think it indicated anything bad. But if it happens again I am to call her and she said she'd probably have to do a brain scan just to be sure.
So good to hear how everyone's doing, that we are mostly doing well in these extraordinary circumstances, and when we falter there are lots of ways back up.
Angela
Good to hear your updates.
I am halfway between chemo 1(Nov.23) and 2 (Dec. 14). Taxotere, carboplatin (sp?) and Herceptin with a Neulasta chaser. Has kicked my butt so far. Not near as tough as I thought I was! I can hold my head up for about 3 hours which is an improvement, but the idea of teaching full time during the 2nd and 3rd weeks is unbelievable to me that some people can do that. My hat is off to anyone working during chemo! I hope it is really true that it affects people differently - I'd hate to think I'm just a big ole baby. Chemo 6 seems a l-o-n-g way off.0 -
Vickiesam I cannot believeLT said:update
Good to hear your updates.
I am halfway between chemo 1(Nov.23) and 2 (Dec. 14). Taxotere, carboplatin (sp?) and Herceptin with a Neulasta chaser. Has kicked my butt so far. Not near as tough as I thought I was! I can hold my head up for about 3 hours which is an improvement, but the idea of teaching full time during the 2nd and 3rd weeks is unbelievable to me that some people can do that. My hat is off to anyone working during chemo! I hope it is really true that it affects people differently - I'd hate to think I'm just a big ole baby. Chemo 6 seems a l-o-n-g way off.
Vickiesam I cannot believe you are keeping track of all of us after everyting you have and are going through, I had/have a tough time with Gi issues still, but find taxol is much better. So hopefully you have that to look forward to. I am reciving 12 taxol so no Neulasta Yay! My fevers have not appeared around this fourth cycle.yAY tomorrow is 5. When Ithink this goes on forever, I count the 4 AC's and realize I am 1/2 way done with chemO. I have read that chemo affects the nails but am finding I cant remember the reason, I have to write everything down. I have lost 50 pounds since diagnosis. I was overweight. not so much now. I keep thinking how impressed I am with you and your strength, and the strength of all you survivors, how even in your suffering you reach out. You ROCK!0 -
awww you poor thing You are
awww you poor thing You are not just a cancer survivor your like superwoman!!!! my thoughts are with you , sending my hugs (((()))) I hope everything is up hill for you know ....until we chat again xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Lisa0 -
LT You are not alone. ThereLT said:update
Good to hear your updates.
I am halfway between chemo 1(Nov.23) and 2 (Dec. 14). Taxotere, carboplatin (sp?) and Herceptin with a Neulasta chaser. Has kicked my butt so far. Not near as tough as I thought I was! I can hold my head up for about 3 hours which is an improvement, but the idea of teaching full time during the 2nd and 3rd weeks is unbelievable to me that some people can do that. My hat is off to anyone working during chemo! I hope it is really true that it affects people differently - I'd hate to think I'm just a big ole baby. Chemo 6 seems a l-o-n-g way off.
LT You are not alone. There is no way I could work with this chemo. My blood counts tank, nausea, and fatigue. I'm lucky to get a load of laundry done and some bills paid. I pace myself daily. I usually plan one activity like cook dinner or do laundry and that is it for me for the day.0 -
VickiSam amazingnewbiefromcananda said:awww you poor thing You are
awww you poor thing You are not just a cancer survivor your like superwoman!!!! my thoughts are with you , sending my hugs (((()))) I hope everything is up hill for you know ....until we chat again xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Lisa
How amazing that you keep track of so many so well. You truly are so caring to look out for everyone in the midst of all you are trying to deal with. I hope the changes will make things a bit easier for you. My thoughts are prayers will be with you. I am halfway thru chemo, #3 coming up next Wednesday then on to radiation.
Best Wishes...stay strong
always becky0 -
Vicki
I am glad that you are back.
I was thinking of you. Good luck with new medication.Hopefully they will be easy for your body than Taxotere.
I had 6 Taxotere/Cytoxan awful staff, especially treatments #5 & 6.
As you get closer to UCLA clinical trial write me PM I will provide you with tips and inside on UCLA oncology/breast cancer specialists.
HUgs0 -
Unbelievable!
You are amazing, VickiSam! May God bless you to have strength through this last stretch!
I have my next chemo in December - the 18th - so I hope to be feeling back to better by Christmas! It seems the last two times I am rocky until Wednesday after the Friday infusion. I took less nausea meds this time - and have recovered faster. I think they were stopping up my system!
Good luck to you - and thanks for keeping track of all of us!
Lori0 -
Thank you Chemo Chicks for the updates .. I am glad we aremizcaldwell said:Unbelievable!
You are amazing, VickiSam! May God bless you to have strength through this last stretch!
I have my next chemo in December - the 18th - so I hope to be feeling back to better by Christmas! It seems the last two times I am rocky until Wednesday after the Friday infusion. I took less nausea meds this time - and have recovered faster. I think they were stopping up my system!
Good luck to you - and thanks for keeping track of all of us!
Lori
all connected and blessed to have family like you, Girls!!! yes, we are family.
LT .. I am concerned, from what I can tell from your posting .. You are on the same program - I was on ..
TCH .. week 1
Herceptin .. week 2
Herceptin .. week 3 ..
week 4 .. you start with TCH again ... and so on ...
no breaks from chemo .. right, ?? If so .. YES, you are correct, it has a butt kicker chemo treatment program, and zapper of energy -- aggressive chemo program .. No, question about it. This is the strongest chemo treatment out there in the USA, right now.
Please keep me posted on your progress ... I hope I will have some wisdom for you.
VickiSam0 -
I only have the herceptinVickiSam said:Thank you Chemo Chicks for the updates .. I am glad we are
all connected and blessed to have family like you, Girls!!! yes, we are family.
LT .. I am concerned, from what I can tell from your posting .. You are on the same program - I was on ..
TCH .. week 1
Herceptin .. week 2
Herceptin .. week 3 ..
week 4 .. you start with TCH again ... and so on ...
no breaks from chemo .. right, ?? If so .. YES, you are correct, it has a butt kicker chemo treatment program, and zapper of energy -- aggressive chemo program .. No, question about it. This is the strongest chemo treatment out there in the USA, right now.
Please keep me posted on your progress ... I hope I will have some wisdom for you.
VickiSam
I only have the herceptin with my chemo -not on weeks 2 and 3 so that should not be as bad right? I can't imagine having it more than that! You must be one tough cookie! I hope your new treatment is going better.
Mostly what I hear is that weeks 2 and 3 should be a breeze and maybe it should be without the herceptin? I know everyone is different but it's taken me 2 weeks to even feel human again. I feel like such a slacker. Today has been better though - I cleaned out 2 bathroom drawers so I feel somewhat productive again! Thanks for caring, LT0 -
Dearest Chemo Queen
So glad to see you up & posting! You are one tough lady I must say. I would have probably given up by now. I admire your strength & courage throughout all the h**l you have been through! I'm very happy to hear they are FINALLY keeping watch on you & changed your treatment plan. I pray that it will be easier for you! My surgeon said the Taxotere & Carboplatin are pretty STRONG meds!
As for my surgery-went well. No Lymph Involvement, thank God! My surgeon was very impressed with the outcome of the Chemo and there is "MINIMAL" damage as he didn't go in where I thought he would.(or even where he said he was)Tomorrow it will be a week since surgery and I am feeling pretty good, not as much pain meds. Only complaint is the constant itching all over my body, which Benadryl has NOT helped with! Thank you so much for asking.
You hang in there Sister Vicki! Before you know it, Chemo will finally be over and you will be posting that you are now the "Fellow" Chemo Queen & it will be time to pass on your crown!
My thoughts & prayers are with you!
♥ Cathy0
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