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Maria333's avatar
Maria333
Member
15 years ago

Another one

As I slowly heal and come back to feeling more like myself I am now faced with the anxiety of chemo number 5. I am really over it.

Last taxotere knocked me out like 'a mack truck' had run me down (just as Tonya said). The bone pain was so intense - I could not walk as I felt I would crush all the bones in my feet. (How many bones in our feet - 26 bones gees!) So that was day 4 which lasted for 7 days. The panadol wasn't enough so on day 5 I phoned the hospital where I was asked many questions to work out what I need - I did not want to go to hospital (no I did not have tingling in my feet - so hence no neuropathy) so hubby picked up a script for Endone. I lounged about rattling with meds and naturopath boosters. The usual ailments of nausea and pain in my arm (I'm sure my vein is dead) seemed to not bother me anywhere as much as the bone pain from the taxotere.  

So here I am moaning - thinking I should be thankful I have got this far.

My oncologist has likened my chemo as a boxing match. The first opponent was FEC I took the punches but by round 3 became use to what was to come next. So for round 4,5 & 6 the new opponent would be Taxotere much tougher - yes I was warned just as I went into battle - the nurse sat with me for the first 15 minutes but my chest gave in and I need a cortisone hit, then the boxing gloves (frozen mits) went on. I could not leave them on for the whole time (what a woos- I hate the cold). Trapped and attached with the the IV I had no choice but to battle it through.

Now I am heading back into that ring again - I am going to take backup - much healing and meditation before hand and an offer of a relaxant med. will be accepted. Will have to grin and bear it with the frozen mits. But I suppose I'd rather that for an hour or so that not feeling my fingers and intense bone pain in my hands.  On the up side my taxotere dosage will be lowered, and I am on my second last hit.

I wonder who I will be when I come out of this. We cannot go back we must move forward. ;-)

 

7 Replies

  • Maria333's avatar
    Maria333
    Member
    15 years ago

    Yes I hear you - you are spot on a cruel endurance.

    I am going to make me one of those t-shirts; ' I SURVIVED EXTREME CHEMO' in hot pink print.

    Next round will be a lower dosage at least only 2 more matches in the ring.

    Thank you Tonya.

     

  • Maria333's avatar
    Maria333
    Member
    15 years ago

    Thank you Leonie,

    I only ever get one set of frozen mitts - hubby encourages me to perserve. I will this time round as i dont want no feeling in my fingers like I have had on my feet.

    Yes i will just keep going - thank you. Hanging by a bare thread.

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    15 years ago

    You will get through this i had 4 rounds of AC then 12 of docetaxol.It seemed to build up in my system and i really thought i was going to die from the treatment.But you wont try not to look to far ahead,take it one day at a time.Then when you do have a good day enjoy it doing the things you enjoy.

    I had to have endont too.That does not make you a woose.Take it regurlary so the pain doesnt creap up on you.I found a hot bath was my friend i could zone out and relieve the pain.

    You will come out of it a bit sore and battled but im slowly coming good.As you will too.We all know what you are going through and you are strong and tough like the rest of us...take care anniexxx

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    15 years ago

    You will get through this i had 4 rounds of AC then 12 of docetaxol.It seemed to build up in my system and i really thought i was going to die from the treatment.But you wont try not to look to far ahead,take it one day at a time.Then when you do have a good day enjoy it doing the things you enjoy.

    I had to have endont too.That does not make you a woose.Take it regurlary so the pain doesnt creap up on you.I found a hot bath was my friend i could zone out and relieve the pain.

    You will come out of it a bit sore and battled but im slowly coming good.As you will too.We all know what you are going through and you are strong and tough like the rest of us...take care anniexxx

  • Ann-Marie_AK's avatar
    Ann-Marie_AK
    Member
    15 years ago

     

    Hi Maria

    I had my 2nd round of tax on Monday so day 4 now and not too bad pain wise - but I shouldn't speak too soon.  I too am sooo tired of all this and was very hesitant about Monday's treatment - but I got through the day and I will get through the next few days with a little help from my friends (panadol and nurofen). Hopefully like Loretta your 2nd hit won't be as bad.  It sounds like it hit you a bit harder than it did me.

    Then there will be only one more round and we can look forward to feeling better and staying better.  I don't know either who I will be when I come out of this - but I look forward to blossoming.

    Speaking of pain relief, I think I need some now!

    Take care and stay strong

    Ann-Marie xx

  • Loretta_d's avatar
    Loretta_d
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Maria, I found my second dose of docetaxel was much better than my first so maybe it will be the same with you. My onc said that it is often the case. The last one was pretty similar too. Just think  two more rounds to go & the last will be a knockout so keep those gloves on. All the best, Loretta xxx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    Chemo  is such a cruel endurance,especially Taxotere.I doubt if I could ever go through it again.Maybe time will dull the vivid memories of how bad I felt.  You are not a woos but then you don't have to be brave either.No bravery medals are handed out in that chemo unit.Maybe they should issue t-shirts like  "I survived extreme chemo".I hope the next round is easier on you, Not long till spring now and you can put it all behind you-start getting your life back bit by bit.Take care.

                                                     Tonya xx